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The image features a woman with blonde hair and a warm smile on the cover of the Toastmaster magazine, with the title "Jennifer Moss 91传媒' 2026 Golden Gavel Honoree" prominently displayed.
The image features a woman with blonde hair and a warm smile on the cover of the Toastmaster magazine, with the title "Jennifer Moss 91传媒' 2026 Golden Gavel Honoree" prominently displayed.
May 2026

5 Questions With Lauren Parsons

Monthly advice from an expert.

By The Toastmaster magazine staff


The image shows a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a blue denim shirt against a blue background.

This month we鈥檙e talking to Lauren Parsons, DTM, AS, an award-winning well-being specialist, leadership speaker, and author. Lauren helps busy leaders ditch the overwhelm by mastering self-leadership, and equips organizations to create a positive, energized team culture where people thrive.

Here are some of her insights on how to reset for the new year.

What is your favorite way to mark a new year?

Hosting friends for a dinner party, cooking outdoors over an open fire, then settling in for some board games. I delight in the laughter and connection that board games create!

What is a tradition in your family?

Every night, we share a highlight of the day at dinner. It鈥檚 a non-negotiable. No one leaves the table without asking and answering, 鈥淲hat was the best thing about your day?鈥 It鈥檚 a simple gratitude ritual that sparks joy and builds optimism.

What are your thoughts on New Year鈥檚 goals and/or resolutions?

I鈥檓 not a fan of the typical New Year鈥檚 resolutions like 鈥淚 should get fit鈥 or 鈥淚 must eat better.鈥 (1) They鈥檙e based in a sense of guilt, (2) They鈥檙e so non-specific that they don鈥檛 create meaning or motivation, and (3) They often backfire, due to the lack of a specific plan. A different approach? Focus on how you want to feel鈥攖hen find sustainable, enjoyable ways to make that a reality. Things like my 鈥渟nack on exercise鈥 approach, which I shared in my .

What is the best way to avoid overwhelm and set yourself up for success in the coming year?

Get crystal clear on what truly matters鈥攜our 鈥渞ock鈥 priorities rather than the pebbles and sand. Once you know what is most important, set strong boundaries. Be prepared to say no. Overwhelm often stems from too many yeses. One of my rocks is staying fit and strong, so I prioritize early morning runs with a friend鈥攁nd say no to other things so that can happen.

What鈥檚 one small habit that鈥檚 made a big difference for you?

Definitely my morning routine. The way you start your day determines the outcome of your entire day. Mine starts with four minutes of uplifting music, diaphragmatic breathing while stretching, and focusing on what I鈥檓 grateful for and what I鈥檓 looking forward to each day.

More about Lauren

  • 馃搷 Hometown:
    Palmerston North, New Zealand

  • 馃帐 Number of Years in 91传媒:
    11

  • 馃捈 Profession:
    Keynote Speaker

  • 馃幉 Hobbies:
    Reading historical fiction, running, hiking, gardening, theater, time with friends and family, and board games (especially Articulate)


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