Deborah Spring Laurel is a highly accomplished workplace learning and performance improvement trainer, management consultant, and curriculum designer.
With over 50 years of experience, she has built a reputation for enhancing organizational dynamics. This has been done by developing essential skills for employees, managers, and trainers. As the President of Laurel and Associates, Ltd., a certified woman-owned small business, Deborah has dedicated her career to helping organizations thrive through effective learning and development.
For over four decades, Deborah has designed and delivered hundreds of participatory training programs, both in the classroom and virtually. Her work spans a wide range of industries, including government, nonprofits, manufacturing, energy, banking, and transportation. Deborah excels in creating technical curriculum design. Her curriculum ensures practical and effective learning experiences tailored to the specific needs of her clients.
Her training programs focus on engaging learners through interactive activities and real-world applications. Whether it’s for new hires or seasoned professionals, Deborah’s programs foster learning that leads to measurable results.
Deborah is also the Co-Founder of The Peer Learning Institute. She has been instrumental in creating peer learning groups for managers and entrepreneurs. These groups encourage collaboration, promote teamwork, and provide professionals with a support system. Participants share expertise and strategies for overcoming common workplace challenges, making these groups invaluable for professional growth.
Deborah has taught management and supervisory topics for over 30 years at the Executive Management Institute as well as the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Business. She has also taught in adult education programs at Cardinal Stritch University and Madison Area Technical College. Furthermore, she facilitated the national Trainer Certificate Program for the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). Her purpose is to help professionals across the country enhance their training capabilities.
Deborah’s expertise extends into consulting, with over 25 years as a Certified Professional Consultant to Management. She specializes in human resource management, organizational development, executive coaching, and performance consulting. Deborah has a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Deborah is also a published author, contributing to numerous prestigious journals and anthologies. Her chapter, “User-Friendly Performance Evaluation,” is published in a monograph by the University of Minnesota and National ASTD and is widely recognized.
Deborah’s contributions have been acknowledged with multiple accolades, including the Wisconsin Governor’s Trailblazer Award in 2014. Her commitment to learning and development remains evident through her weekly Laurel Learning Tips newsletter. This newsletter was first published in 2004 and continues to provide valuable insights for professionals worldwide.
Deborah Spring Laurel’s lifetime dedication to education, training, and consulting has made her a leader in the field. She continuously shapes the future of workplace learning.
