White text on black background reading 'Laura Oliver' in a bold, playful font.

The Decider

Confidence. Connection. Direction.

A high-energy motivational keynote that tackles what every teen cares about most — how they see themselves, how they connect, and how to create the kind of life they actually want.

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A woman with long red hair sitting on a high black chair, wearing a white suit with a peach-colored blouse, black strappy heels, and a smart watch, smiling against a beige background.

Meet Laura Ollinger

The speaker students actually listen to.

You know that moment when a teen finally gets it — when they laugh, lean in, and realize they have a say in who they become?

That’s what happens when Laura takes the stage.

Through her signature keynote “The Decider,” Laura helps teens stop chasing approval and start leading their own lives — with confidence, connection, and direction.

She’s not another “motivational talk.”

She holds a Master’s in Health and Wellness Education, is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a mom of four teens who blends laugh-out-loud stories with real neuroscience.

The result?

Students walk away knowing:

“I’m already good enough — and I get to decide my worth.”

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Why Schools Bring in “The Decider”

Because every student wrestles with the same hidden question:

“Am I enough?” “Do I matter?” “Do I belong?”

And when that question goes unanswered, fear starts making the choices — leading to anxiety, perfectionism, and disconnection.
Laura gives them something stronger than approval: ownership, empowerment, self-efficacy.

In this interactive, story-driven program, students learn to:

Orange heart shape on a white background.

Recognize Self-Worth

Understand true value comes from within — not from peers, performance, or social media.

Two overlapping orange hearts with white outlines on a white background.

Foster Positive Connections

See how confidence and compassion build real belonging.

Outline illustration of a brain in orange color on a white background.

Link Mindset to Outcomes

Connect thoughts to feelings, which drive behaviors and results.

Make Intentional Choices

Notice how small daily decisions shape safety, well-being, and opportunity.

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An orange icon of a mountain with a small peak on the left and a larger peak on the right, featuring a diamond-shaped opening near the top.

Build Resilience

Develop healthier ways to handle stress, setbacks, and peer pressure.

Students leave laughing, thinking, and quietly saying to themselves,

“I am The Decider.”

The Message
That Lasts…

“Think differently.
Feel deeply.
Do bravely.
Have fully.”

Laura’s approach blends humor, storytelling, and science into something simple and memorable:

She doesn’t just tell stories; she invites students into them.
Through audience participation, practical tools, and relatable honesty, she helps teens:

Replace fear-based thoughts with empowering meanings
Build real confidence that lasts beyond the moment
Strengthen empathy and connection across campus
Take ownership of their choices and their direction

It’s motivational — with depth, laughter, and heart.

What people are saying.

I already try to practice what Laura shared in her Mind the Gap talk, and it was still such a powerful reminder—especially for those in the room who had never stopped to think about it. Laura’s insights hit home. Most people don’t realize how addictive the phone really is. When she compared it to a baby’s pacifier, it hit everyone super hard, including me. I’ve started turning off even more notifications, deleting distracting apps I have been too lazy to delete, and definitely continue setting phone-free blocks in my day. Just one habit shift is already making me feel more present, focused, and connected—with myself and the people around me. Thank you Laura for this amazing presentation/speech. You are an amazing speaker and presenter and certainly change lives.
Christina Aigner
https://www.christinaaigner.com
So thankful I got to come see Laura speak. She did an amazing job!! So many good practical take aways!! I was just telling my husband about her presentation!
Catherine H.
Mom of 3 teen daughters and 2 sons
We had the best time at Laura's conference and really learned a lot. We enjoyed that there was interaction with my spouse and others around us. I look forward to listening to her podcast for added learning and more advice on how to not freak out!
Mei-Li
Mom of 2 teen sons
When you sit in the audience and learn, laugh, and feel inspired, you know you have encountered a professional speaker. Her talk on phone addiction was just that. Laura's presence and elegance on stage, light humor, and well-organized information made this talk memorable, actionable, and inspiring. I have spoken on many stages and seen hundreds of speakers, and with full conviction, I recommend Laura to speak on your stage, especially if you are in the realm of teens, education, or parenting. You can't afford to miss the value she will bring to your audience.
Dominika Staniewicz, M.S.
Elite Brain Coach, Speaker
https://dominikastaniewicz.com
Yesterday was FABULOUS!!! I am so grateful to Laura!!!! She did an INCREDIBLE job!!! Her talk was fabulous.
Marty Chapman
Video Testimonial
Parent Ministry | Church of St. Michael and St. George,
St. Louis, MO