Coral Laski: From Classroom to Community Builder

Early Foundations and Work Ethic
Coral Laski's entrepreneurial journey began at age 14 with a simple desire for Herbal Essences shampoo. When her father told her she'd have to earn money for "fancy things," she took her first job bussing tables at a restaurant. This early lesson in work ethic was reinforced through summers spent in Iowa's cornfields, where she learned the value of teamwork and perseverance. "From the age of 10 to 22, I went to Iowa and worked in the cornfields doing what we call de-tasseling," Coral recalls. "It was a miserable, awful experience, but it helped me really get to spend time with and know my family, and it taught me amazing work ethic."

Educational Journey and Early Career
Coral's academic path was shaped by both opportunity and curiosity. After receiving a full-ride scholarship from the Larry H. Miller Foundation, she embraced the chance to explore diverse subjects. This exploration led her to complete dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and communication studies, followed by a master's degree in communication.

A pivotal moment came when she became the first graduate student hired as an adjunct professor at her university. "He basically said, 'Well, you've been a student for six years, you know how a classroom runs,'" she remembers. Rather than being intimidated by this sink-or-swim situation, Coral used it as motivation to create a comprehensive training program for future graduate students, ensuring no one else would face the same challenges unprepared.

Professional Evolution
Coral's career path has been anything but linear. From teaching university courses to working in career services, and even obtaining a bail bonding license, each experience contributed uniquely to her professional development. What might have seemed like detours actually provided valuable insights into human nature and communication across diverse backgrounds. "I feel like I learned how to communicate with a wide variety of people, you know, regardless of their education background or age or anything of that nature," she reflects on her time as a bail bondsperson. "It's funny because that was something that I kind of thought was bad in a way... but now I see the value in every skill."

The Turning Point
A significant shift came when Coral faced the challenges of single motherhood. The rigid structure of traditional employment seemed incompatible with her needs, leading her to explore entrepreneurship. "Honestly, as a single mom, I was petrified to go back to full-time work because I thought, who's going to hire me and give me the flexibility I need?" This fear led her to start her own business focusing on communication skills for small business owners. While building her business, she discovered her affinity for the entrepreneurial community, eventually leading her to her current role at Exponential Impact.

Leadership Philosophy and Impact
Coral's approach to leadership is deeply influenced by her teaching background and personal experiences. She emphasizes the importance of autonomy, trust, and creating supportive environments where people can thrive. Her current role at Exponential Impact allows her to practice what she previously taught in leadership courses. "What I feel the exponential impact that we're making is in the humans themselves and creating a community where people don't feel alone and overwhelmed in entrepreneurship," she explains. "I think that's why most - they say 93 percent of small businesses fail in the first five years. Why is that? I think because it's hard and lonely."

Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
One of Coral's most significant personal lessons was learning to value herself independently of others' expectations. "I put way too much emphasis on what I thought they were supposed to think of me," she reflects. This realization has shaped how she approaches both her personal life and professional relationships. Her definition of success has evolved from traditional metrics to focus more on impact and personal fulfillment. "I care much more about the impact I'm making on my creative level. I would never care about the quantity kind of piece of it," she explains.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Coral emphasizes the importance of self-trust and discernment when starting an entrepreneurial journey. "You're going to get ideas from everybody. Some people are going to discourage you. Some are going to encourage you... But at the end of the day, you have to trust that you have inside you everything that you need to make your dream happen." She also stresses the importance of community and finding the right support system. "Find the people who push you up, because there's lots of those pullers out there," she advises. Her experience has shown that even well-meaning family members might discourage entrepreneurial aspirations out of concern, but true entrepreneurs persist despite these challenges.

Future Vision
Looking ahead, Coral continues to focus on building and strengthening entrepreneurial communities. Her vision extends beyond just business success to creating environments where entrepreneurs can find both practical support and emotional connection. She sees her role as part of a larger movement to restore the sense of community and interdependence that she believes is crucial for both business and personal success.

"Modern society emphasizes independence, but entrepreneurs need community to thrive," she observes. "At Exponential Impact, we're rebuilding those essential support networks that help business owners succeed. No one can do it alone - we need each other's knowledge, experience, and encouragement to create lasting impact." Through her work at Exponential Impact and her personal approach to mentorship,

Coral continues to embody her childhood dreams of teaching and nurturing, albeit in ways she never imagined as a young girl. Her story demonstrates how entrepreneurial success isn't always about starting a business – sometimes it's about creating the conditions that allow others to succeed.