Leadership Secrets to Navigating Nonstop Change with Laura Molen

Heather Holst-Knudsen is a distinguished figure and expert in the events, media, marketing and technology sectors. Using her extensive experience, she guides clients in adapting to structural economic and market changes, seizing the chance to innovate and evolve. She specializes in digital and data disruption and opportunity, exploring how these overarching factors can impact revenue growth,customer-centricity, operational efficiency, profit margins, and the overall valuation of companies in both public and private markets. Her journey began at her family business, Thomas Publishing Company, where she honed her skills. She further expanded her expertise by holding positions at early industry giants Miller Freeman, Reed Elsevier, and IDG. Returning to Thomas Publishing, Heather founded and spearheaded Manufacturing Enterprise Communications, an integrated media portfolio connecting buyers and sellers in the manufacturing and technology sectors. Starting in 2015 and spanning the next seven years, she leveraged her expertise as a revenue and business leader in various SaaS businesses, including Feathr, Gleanin, Brella and Edflex. Heather is deeply passionate about digital innovation, data monetization, and AI and how these strategies fuel revenue growth, profitability, and company valuation. To serve and create value for clients in these areas, she launched H2K Labs, dedicated to generating and leveraging value through data for media, business information, events, and adjacent technology and service markets.

Laura Molen is a visionary marketing and advertising executive with decades of experience driving innovation, revenue growth, and transformation across media, streaming, and advertising. She is widely recognized for her ability to develop innovative growth strategies, build high-performing teams, and forge transformative partnerships with global brands, agencies, and technology leaders. At NBCUniversal, Laura spearheaded the launch of One Platform, the company’s groundbreaking cross-channel advertising strategy, and played a pivotal role in scaling Peacock’s ad-supported streaming business, helping it surpass $1 billion in revenue. Her leadership has consistently combined commercial impact with a human-centered approach, emphasizing equality, empowerment, and DEI, while guiding teams through change and crisis to achieve professional success and personal fulfillment. Previously, Laura held executive roles including President of NBCUniversal Global Advertising Sales and Partnerships , EVP of NBCU Lifestyle & Hispanic Ad Sales, EVP of Cable Advertising Sales at NBCU, EVP of Network Sales & Marketing at Univision, and SVP of Advertising Sales at Paramount, VH1 and MTV Networks. Her extensive experience spans strategic planning, business development, streaming, digital content, ad technology, partnerships, operations, and team development across multiple platforms.

Laura brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and purpose-driven leadership, making her a highly respected voice in the media and advertising industries.