Meet Laura Weiner Kiser | Stress & Mindset Coach, CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Weiner Kiser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, the most important factor behind my success/the success of my brand is curiosity.

I’m very aware of both my strengths and my blind spots, and instead of feeling insecure about what I don’t know, I treat it as an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and connect. Curiosity keeps me asking, “What would work best for me, my clients, and the world we’re living in right now?” rather than chasing some imaginary “right way” to build a business. That mindset has taken a lot of pressure off, allowed me to genuinely enjoy the process, and helped me stay adaptive and responsive to client feedback and cultural shifts. In practice, curiosity is what drives me to keep refining, innovating, and creating updated, relevant solutions to the real problems people are facing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career started in the health and fitness world as a personal trainer and nutrition specialist. Given my own history with body image and self-worth, helping people with their bodies felt like a natural place to start. But over time, I noticed something important: even when the physical results were great, the internal struggles—stress, self-doubt, burnout, people-pleasing—were still running the show. That realization is what ultimately led me to the work I do now.

Today, I’m a stress and mindset coach and the founder of Change By Challenge. What sets my work apart is that I don’t just focus on behavior change or productivity, I focus on helping high achievers lead their *inner* world: their mind, emotions, nervous system, and sense of agency. We zoom out and look at the whole system of their life, so their success is actually sustainable and aligned, not just impressive on paper.

Getting here was not easy. My own “rock bottom” came when I was so overwhelmed and disconnected from myself that I questioned whether I wanted to keep going. The thing that stopped me was knowing how much it would hurt the people I love. That moment forced me to stop abandoning myself and start doing the inner work I’d been helping others with: understanding my beliefs, regulating my nervous system, setting boundaries, and redefining success on my own terms.

I’m most proud that I’ve built a career and brand that are rooted in integrity, I live the work I teach. The biggest lessons I’ve learned are: challenge is not a punishment, it’s a portal; you can’t outperform a dysregulated nervous system; and you don’t have to choose between ambition and well-being.

What I want the world to know about me and about Change By Challenge is simple: your stress, your patterns, and your past don’t disqualify you. They can become the raw material for a more aligned, empowered, values-led life…if you’re willing to let challenge change you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, the itinerary would really be tailored to *who they are*—but the theme would be the same: a mix of adventure, time outdoors, great food, and even better people.

I’d probably start with some slower-paced days exploring the area, finding spots where we can be outside, walk, talk, and actually connect. From there, we’d layer in experiences that feel a bit more special—like dinner at the Tampa Club for stunning views and a more elevated night out, or a more intimate, curated evening at a Supper Club–style gathering where the focus is good food and real conversation.

Because I love blending fun with a little adrenaline, there would absolutely be at least one adventure day—something like ziplining or an outing on the water. A dolphin-watching cruise is one of my favorite ways to remind people that life can still feel a little magical.

Overall, the “best week ever” for me isn’t about cramming in a million activities; it’s about crafting a rhythm of experiences—adventurous, meaningful, and delicious—that let my friend really *feel* the place, the community, and the season of life I’m in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, there’s no way I could take full credit for where I am today. I’ve been surrounded by powerful, generous leaders and mentors throughout my life and business, and to name them all would be impossible. At this stage in my growth, the people who have had the biggest impact include my parents and several of my aunts and uncles, who shaped my values and work ethic from the very beginning. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to key mentors like Julie Watts, Cole Robinson, and Michelle Kilkeney, who have challenged me, believed in me, and walked alongside me through some of the most pivotal decisions in my business.

On the thought leadership side, voices like Brené Brown, Adam Grant, Susan David, and Michael Singer have deeply influenced how I think about courage, leadership, emotional agility, and inner alignment. And in terms of organizations, The Tampa Bay Chamber and WOBI (World of Business Ideas) have been game-changers—expanding my perspective, connecting me with incredible people, and pushing me to keep evolving how I serve. My story is very much a collective effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the village that’s helped build it.

Website: https://www.changebychallenge.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/change.by.challenge/?igshid=1f0iumxp496br

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/change-by-challenge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Change.By.Challenge#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@changebychallenge

Image Credits
Fodor Fotos