A passionate community volunteer specializing in event planning and fundraising, Laura Niewold has co-chaired several high-end galas and balls in Nashville, Tennessee. The most recent, the 2025 Swan Ball, generated $1 million for Friends of Warner Parks and featured a performance by Patti LaBelle. Laura Niewold has been involved with the Swan Ball for a number of years, including co-chairing its 2013 auction.
Ms. Niewold has also worked with several other major charitable events in Nashville. She co-chaired the grand finale of the Conservancy Gala in 2023, and in 2017, filled a similar position for the Hermitage Gala, celebrating the 250th birthday of President Andrew Jackson. She also co-chaired the Symphony Ball and Symphony Fashion Show in 2012 and 2015.
Beyond her event-planning volunteer work, Laura Niewold is a longtime member of West End Methodist Church and has held positions on its wedding and communion committees. She also belongs to the Tennessee chapter of the Colonial Dames of America and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My perfect day consists of a quiet leisurely morning with a good breakfast. Then, I exercise, whether it’s Barre3 or yoga, which is like a reset button for my brain. The remaining part of my day is spent with my husband and grandchildren. It’s that balance that keeps me centered and productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am definitely a doer and like to research new opportunities. But for me, the real satisfaction comes from the follow-through, rolling up my sleeves and putting in the hard work to make sure an idea gets finished and feels right.
What’s one trend that excites you?
As someone who loves picking a random spot on the map to visit, the idea of space travel absolutely blows my mind. It feels like the last great adventure and just the thought of looking back at our planet from space is life changing. It is wild to think that could be a reality in our lifetime.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Being reliably on time and prepared isn’t just a courtesy for me—it’s a non-negotiable. It’s how I show respect for others’ time and my own. When I walk in ready, my mind is clear and we can just get the job done.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust that little voice inside you—your gut instinct is almost always right, even when it contradicts the “logical” choice. Don’t waste so much energy seeking validation or overexplaining yourself. That inner compass is your superpower; following it with confidence will save you from doubt and lead you where you’re meant to be.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Everyone tells me I move too fast and to slow down, but I genuinely believe there’s a certain magic in momentum. For me, powering through my chores or tasks with a sense of urgency clears my head and frees up mental space for the things I truly love. That energetic pace isn’t anxiety—it’s my way of creating calm and claiming back my time.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
It sounds simple, but I am a firm believer that you cannot pour from an empty cup. I make non-negotiable daily commitments to nourishing food and activity—not as a chore, but as the essential foundation for everything else. When I take care of myself, I show up as a better grandmother, mother, partner, and friend, and I genuinely recommend that same intentional foundation for everyone.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, my reset button is a two-step process. First, I exercise and then give myself full permission to take a nap. It is a reboot for my system that helps my mind put the pieces back together in a clearer way.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
For me, growth has always hinged on one simple, powerful strategy; doing exactly what you say you’ll do, every single time. Following through on commitments—big or small—is the most important aspect of building a strong business. It’s the foundation that turns a good idea into a lasting reputation, and it is reason people return and refer others, which is truly how a business grows from the ground up.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I was so eager to deliver that I moved too fast, and it led to some preventable mistakes. I learned to build in pauses, to slow down and double-check details before moving forward. It taught me that it is always more efficient to do something carefully the first time than to rush and have to correct errors later. That shift became a cornerstone of my professionalism.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One specific business idea that I will share is a “peer vetting service” for solo practitioners and small firms. It would be a formalized platform where you can present your new business concept to a prescreened panel of experienced peers. For a fee, you would receive structured, confidential feedback to identify potential pitfalls and gain actionable insights before you invest time and money. This turns the invaluable but informal advice into a business tool.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on my digital calendar; it’s the central command for my entire day. I block out time for everything, from exercise to personal commitments, and I check religiously to stay on track. This creates a balanced structure that makes me much more productive.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on annual memberships to the Children’s Science Museum for my grandchildren. It was worth every penny because we spent a whole day together immersed in the wonders of planets and space travel. Seeing their curiosity and excitement light up was a priceless experience that I get to relive with them all year long.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite resource isn’t a traditional book or podcast, but the deep dives into online travel journals and blogs when I am researching a future destination. I love getting lost in the firsthand stories and vivid details from travelers who have just returned from places I dream of visiting. This real-time, personal research fuels my inspiration far more than a standard guidebook, making the entire process part of the adventure.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I am currently watching Season 2 of The Landman with Demi Moore and Billy Bob Thornton, and it’s the perfect escapism right now. The series is so well written, with smart, complex characters that I’ve become truly invested in. It completely pulls me into its world, which is exactly what I look for in a great show.
Key learnings
- Slow down and get the task completed correctly the first time!
- An important ingredient for success is not only slowing down but being timely and following through with all your commitments.
- Taking care of yourself through proper eating habits and exercise will help you in your business and every aspect of your life.