In this motivational self-help book, keynote speaker and Passion Collective founder Laura Best illuminates how to make your passions a priority in your life—not an afterthought!
A Passion-First Life gives us the energy and fulfillment we deserve—yet as we navigate careers, relationships, and life's unexpected turns, we often lose sight of what lights us up along the way.
The result? A nagging sense that something is missing and we have more to give and so much more life to live.
Drawing on her experience guiding thousands of "Passion Seekers," Laura introduces twelve transformative "Sparks" that show you how to pursue your passions without upending your life—while continuing to show up for those you love and lead.
This happiness self-help book isn't about quitting your job or abandoning responsibilities. It's about discovering practical ways to weave what you love into your everyday life. Packed with relatable stories, science-backed insights, and actionable tools, Born to Buzz will help you:
- Rediscover or find your passion in your work or leisure time,
- Do what you love while managing the responsibilities of modern life,
- Journal for self-development through proven, practical exercises,
- Increase your confidence, self-belief, and drive, and
- Improve the lives around you by putting yourself first.
This reclaim-your-life self-improvement book for professionals, parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking greater life purpose is perfect for fans of Undistracted, What's Your Dream?, and Grit.
You have one life—it's time to truly live it!
"Laura Best is authentic and shines in every way—the world needs more of her light!"
—Jessica Cain, finance leader and consultant
Laura Best is a keynote speaker, coach, and consultant who has helped thousands of people to discover their passions and rethink their approach to work and life.
Originally from England, Laura built an accomplished marketing career partnering with many world-class brands. In 2014, she created Passion Collective with a clear mission: to create space for us all to explore what it means to truly love our lives again.
Laura has grown Passion Collective into a global community, offering events, courses, and grants that provide funding and coaching to "Passion Seekers" all over the world. Laura's "practical inspiration" approach weaves together science, humor, and actionable advice, all centered on her core belief that if we have one life to live, we should truly live it.
Laura lives in Minneapolis with her family and hundred-pound Pyredoodle, Millie-Rose.
"In a world where routine too often dulls our spark, Laura dares us to reignite it. Through a compelling blend of storytelling and practical wisdom, she takes readers on a journey to rediscover their passion—not just as a fleeting feeling, but as a force that fuels a life well-lived. She masterfully sets the stage for a powerful exploration of what truly drives us, challenging us to embrace the one life we have, lean into what excites us, and keep their passion alive. With thought-provoking insights and actionable tools, this book is a guide to turning passion into a driving force for life." — Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton, author, speaker, executive coach, and CEO/Founder of Sequel Consulting Group
"Born to Buzz simply states what we somehow forgot along the way: Passion is LIFE. Through her stories and humorous anecdotes, Laura expertly hits you right between the eyes and compels you to prioritize your passions. . .Because you deserve it. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to get back to a passion-first life!" — Teresa Sande, CEO of Mirror Mirror Strategies and award-winning author of Find Your Fierce
"Laura Best's inspiring book helps us refocus our purpose on our passions. Her life stories and practical suggestions spark us alive in our work and personal lives. If you are looking out the window of your life wondering if there is something more, it's time for your passions to prevail!" — Peter H. Bailey, President, The Prouty Project
"Having made a similar journey as Laura I intuitively arrived at the same conclusions. Sadly it took me forty years!! Born to Buzz is a must-read guide for everything you need to know about believing that you are enough, with lots of Sparks to inspire you on your own journey." — Val Stones, Great British Bake Off contestant and author of The Cake Whisperer
"Born to Buzz speaks to what I value most as a leader: genuine curiosity and passion for making real change happen. I've always believed 'culture is everything,' and Laura shows how when we create space for ourselves and our teams to bring their passions to work, we all benefit. Most of all, it reminds us that pursuing what lights us up isn't just for weekends—it belongs at the center of every workplace worth building." — Jamie Candee, CEO, Edmentum
"Born to Buzz is a beautiful encouragement to allow your life to transcend work from a friend you didn't know you had. Laura writes as if she knows your restlessness personally and shares her philosophy and tangible activities toward awakening your passions. This book is for you if you've ever asked yourself, 'Is this it?'" — Caitlin Saenz, Chief Operating Officer, CoverHound Insurance Solutions
"If you're in a slump and need to get your mojo back, set up a coffee date with Laura Best's Born to Buzz—a great resource for those who lead with passion and inspire others, and are looking to jump start what's already in your DNA." — Jayne Haugen Olson, Editor in Chief, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
"If you've ever been told to 'follow your passion' but weren't quite sure what that meant - this book is for you. Born to Buzz dives deep into what passion really is, how it's cultivated and why it's essential for a fulfilling life. This book does a beautiful job of bridging the gap between what excites you and what truly matters. Whether you're searching for clarity or just need a nudge to pursue what lights you up, I highly recommend it." — Amanda Brinkman, keynote speaker and creator of The Purpose Pursuit Course
"Born to Buzz is the rallying cry so many of us didn't know we needed. With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Laura Best beautifully captures the universal tension between showing up for our responsibilities and showing up for ourselves. Her words remind us that we are allowed—and equipped—to live lives fueled by purpose, joy, and authenticity.Whether you're standing at a career crossroads or simply feeling the weight of 'fine,' this book is a practical, powerful guide to reigniting your spark without burning everything down. Laura doesn't just offer inspiration—she delivers a roadmap grounded in relatable stories, and bite-sized actions anyone can take." — Jamie J. Rudolph, Chief Administrative Officer, U.S. Bank
"We deserve life experiences that truly fulfill us, yet we all know that feeling that something is missing as we juggle careers, marriages, caring for our families and the myriad responsibilities in life. We try to do it all so well that we neglect ourselves and find ourselves in cruise control - this realization can hit you like a truck or slowly dawn on you. Born to Buzz guides you to quit that cruise control and find your passion, taking you on a wonderful journey that explains why it matters, how you'll benefit, and the practical steps to get there. Every woman needs to read this!" — Loretta Ahmed, CEO/founder of Houbara Communications, Dubai, UAE
