Lori G. Brown

I found my calling in payroll at 19—or perhaps it found me. The industry became the foundation that helped me grow into a confident wife, mother, and CEO, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Today, my passion lies in connecting with people, sparking innovation, and making life easier for others. While I’ve traded calculators for conversations that drive change, I’ll never lose sight of my purpose: lifting others up and leading with intent. What I’m All About: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, sharing ideas, and growing together. That’s why I started my blog, Leading with Lori, to explore challenges, celebrate successes, and spark meaningful dialogue. It’s a space to reflect, grow, and inspire—both personally and professionally.

3 min read

I Thought I Needed More Hours

It was the fall of 2021 and, by most standards, I had taken on a ridiculous amount.

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2 min read

Why We Created a Sabbatical Program

In 2017, I was driving home from work across Lake Washington when I had a realization that completely changed how I think about time away from work.

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2 min read

If You Walked Around With a Warning Sign, What Would It Say?

Every two weeks at PayNW, during our all-hands meetings, we do breakout rooms.

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4 min read

Committing To The Mistake: Why Recovery Matters More Than Perfection

I am fairly certain my 12-year-old daughter, Sydney, made Little League history last week. She stole home. By walking.

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2 min read

Getting More Than You Paid For: What Conferences Are Actually For

It is conference season. And like most years, I have been on the road. Two in the last three weeks. Three in the last two months. Which has me...

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