From Corporate to Conscience: Laura Sauter Talks Brand, Leadership & Growth on Access Your Leadership
After more than two decades of building Agency Bel from the ground up, I had the chance to sit down with Access Your Leadership for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to run a values-driven branding agency—and why ROI in professional services is more nuanced (and more human) than most people think.
We kicked things off with a big client win that highlights how the right investment in branding can unlock more than just visibility—it can open doors to growth, confidence, and clarity of direction.
But we didn’t stop there.
In the episode, I reflected on:
Why I left the corporate world 23 years ago
What it means to grow a boutique agency rooted in conscience and creativity
How branding is like panning for gold—you have to sift, dig, and trust the process
The moment when saying, “We’ve always done it this way” becomes a red flag
How to navigate early client conversations to build trust and set real expectations
When to not sell someone a service, and how that decision can be the most strategic move of all
We also explored questions that don’t often get asked in business podcasts:
When is a self-audit helpful in your career?
What does it mean to “let it breathe” or “create space between the notes”?
How do you know if it’s time to partner up—or go solo?
Whether you’re a fellow founder, a curious client, or someone at a career crossroads, this episode is full of stories, lessons, and a few unexpected nuggets I’ve picked up along the way.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Access Your Leadership right here
👉 Interested to book Laura as a speaker?
Check out some of her last engagements and set up time to talk.