Meet Dr. Lauren Catenacci | Business Psychologist & Leadership Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Lauren Catenacci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lauren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business because I saw firsthand how vital small businesses are to our economy and to the American dream. These local enterprises are the heart of our communities, yet many of them don’t have the same access to resources and support that larger companies enjoy. I wanted to help by providing practical, straightforward guidance that gives small business owners what they need to succeed.

It’s not just about leveling the playing field—it’s about recognizing that every small business owner deserves the chance to thrive. By sharing real-world strategies for building strong teams, improving communication, and fostering effective leadership, I aim to empower those who are working hard to build something meaningful. Ultimately, my goal is to support the backbone of our community, ensuring that these businesses continue to drive our local economy and embody the spirit of the American dream.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Maple Grove Advisory, is all about helping small business owners become better leaders and build teams that truly work together. Even though the ideas behind what makes people work well can be pretty complex, we take that advanced knowledge and turn it into practical, everyday steps you can actually use. I’ve been doing this for almost 15 years—starting out in large global companies and now focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of small businesses like yours.

I began my career in New York City, where my training involved learning all the theories and models for great organizations through my Masters and doctoral degrees—paired with invaluable experience working with some of the best companies and leaders the NYC grind has to offer. I was known as a hustler, always juggling multiple jobs, opportunities, and projects. At one point, I even craved the predictability of a regular 9-to-5—a guaranteed paycheck and routine. But once I got that stability, I quickly found myself feeling unfulfilled—I missed the variety, the energy, and the non-stop grind. That was the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur. While I’ve been privileged to work with exceptional leaders and prestigious companies, some of my favorite experiences come from working with people who haven’t yet discovered how understanding what makes people tick can transform their business. Imagine engineers, who usually see things in black and white, realizing that developing their leadership skills can create an outstanding company culture—what is more inspiring and motivating than that?

One of my biggest learnings is a bit cliché, but let me explain. Forget about what you’re supposed to find inspiring (you know, like working for some huge company or chasing the next big thing). Just figure out what actually gets you going. For me, it’s been about the clients I work with, the projects I take on, and building a life I love outside of work. Try to see beyond the ‘prescribed’ path; it’s harder than it sounds, but it’s worth uncovering as soon as you can. Once I figured out that my real drive was to bring this deep understanding of how people work to unconventional places like small businesses, everything started to fall into place. Overcoming the challenges of explaining what this field is, proving its value for smaller operations, and adapting ideas from big companies to fit the needs of small businesses wasn’t easy. Once I locked in on the value I wanted to create, the opportunities and people started to find me. It then felt less like forcing a square peg into a round hole and more like a passion worth pouring my energy into (and trust me, my energy is limited these days with two young boys!).

I also always say that owning your own business is not for the faint of heart. In the early days, you’re working both in and on the business, and sometimes things slow down. I’ve learned that those lulls are just as important as the highs; they’re opportunities to recalibrate, tackle the projects you can’t when the paid work is coming in, and stay focused on your long-term vision. It’s not a time to question your value or self-worth, but a time to double down on why you got into this in the first place.

At Maple Grove Advisory, we help small business owners create thriving workplaces by guiding them through everything from hiring the right people and developing strong leaders to transforming company culture into one where success—and genuine satisfaction—is the norm. Our goal is to take powerful, research-backed ideas and make them accessible so your business can grow and succeed over the long haul. Whether you’re looking to improve your hiring process, build leadership skills, or completely reshape your company culture, there’s something in this approach for every business. Think it doesn’t apply to your business? Let’s chat—I promise you, it does.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1:
We’d start our journey at Bread & Breakfast NoHo. I can’t recommend their Armenian-Mexican burritos enough—they come with this incredible crema that really sets the tone for a fun culinary adventure. After a satisfying breakfast, we’d take a stroll along the Chandler Bike Path, soaking in the fresh air.

Day 2:
I’d dedicate today to exploring the heart of Burbank. Our morning would begin with a cup of coffee at either Ugly Mug or 3 Sisters Coffee—both spots have that friendly, neighborhood vibe that makes you feel right at home. For lunch, we’d hit up World Empanadas. I’m a big fan of their Argentinian-style empanadas, especially the chili con carne with chimichurri. In the afternoon, we’d head over to Studio City and wander down Ventura, taking in the eclectic mix of shops and local culture.

Day 3:
Today calls for a little indulgence. I’d plan an unforgettable dinner at H&H Brazilian Steakhouse. Imagine an all-you-can-eat feast with some seriously decadent flavors—it’s a real treat. We’d spend the day exploring local attractions and getting a taste of that behind-the-scenes magic that makes LA so unique.

Day 4:
We’d keep it relaxed and charming by taking a stroll down Magnolia Avenue in Burbank. This street is a treasure trove of quirky, quaint shops that showcase the best of our community’s character. We’d spend time browsing local boutiques, chatting with the shop owners, and uncovering hidden gems along the way. Later, we’d pause for a soothing afternoon tea at a nearby café, soaking in the laid-back vibe.

Day 5:
I’d save this day for pure spontaneity. Whether it’s checking out a local art exhibit, finding another unique boutique, or simply enjoying the outdoors at one of our favorite parks, the Valley is full of surprises. I love sharing those off-the-beaten-path spots that make you feel like a local.

Day 6:
The weekend deserves a special celebration. I’d take my friend to Castaway in the hills for a memorable brunch. With delicious food and a breathtaking view of the city, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, snap a few photos, and soak up those weekend vibes.

Day 7:
On our final day, we’ll keep it relaxed and local. We’d start with a classic, hearty breakfast at Hank’s Bagels in Burbank. Then, we’d spend some quality time at one of our nearby parks, enjoying the beautiful weather and soaking up the sunshine. It’s the ideal way to round out our week before my best friend heads back home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful to the many friends, family, and colleagues—from Florida to NYC, Toronto to California, and everywhere in between—whose encouragement and collaboration help me keep pushing forward.

I’d like to give a heartfelt shout-out to several people and groups who have been key to my journey. First, I want to thank my husband, Alex Francois, for his steady support and commitment to helping me grow my business. Alex is always finding ways to streamline our operations and boost our impact, which lets me serve small businesses and our community even better.

I also want to recognize the Burbank League of Legends—a remarkable group of local small business owners here in LA. Their insights, energy, and dedication keep me motivated and deepen my understanding of the real challenges and opportunities out there for small (but growing!) businesses.

And finally, a special thank you to my dear sons, Malakai and Elijah. Their vibrant spirit has reenergized my passion in ways I never expected, reminding me every day why I set out on this journey—to build something meaningful that will inspire them and generations to come.

Website: https://www.maplegroveadvisory.io

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.laurencatenacci/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencatenacci/