Media Maven: In Conversation With Laura Hensley
If you work in storytelling today, or if you're a fan of reality TV, you've likely come across Laura Hensley's work. An award-winning journalist, editor, and instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Laura has built a career defined by passion, curiosity, transparency, and an ability to translate complex ideas into stories people genuinely want to read.
From national newsrooms to magazine leadership to bank-side branded journalism, Laura has moved across mediums and industries without ever losing the throughline of what makes her voice distinct: honesty, intention, and a deep respect for the craft. She's also the kind of creator who reminds us that inspiration doesn't just live online — sometimes it shows up in a museum, a neighbourhood walk, or a Real Housewives rewatch (which she now covers in her newsletter, That's My Opinion! — more on that later).
We sat down with Laura to talk about her early "aha" moment, the realities of creating in an always-on world, and the joy of embracing different creative outlets for the fun of it — not for professional gain. Here's our conversation.
Cleo: Did you have a defining 'aha' moment when you realized that the media was the right space for you?
Laura: I loved magazines growing up. Pre-internet and social media, magazines and newspapers were the way I got all my pop culture and lifestyle news. I knew I wanted to work in media as a kid, but I just didn’t know what a career looked like.
My ‘aha’ moment came in university. I studied fashion communication at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), and took a fashion journalism course. A lightbulb went off: I loved interviewing people about their work and conducting research to weave together compelling narratives. From there, I decided I would pursue journalism. After earning my undergraduate degree, I enrolled in the university’s master of journalism program.
Cleo: Is there a project you're most proud of from over the course of your career?
Laura: There are a few projects that stand out. While working as a national lifestyle reporter at Global News, I helped launch our first lifestyle newsletter. Now, newsletters are table stakes, but back then we were mostly sharing our stories via social media. I saw huge potential in leveraging our content in a weekly email to drive more engagement and reach an audience that may have missed important pieces within the news cycle. It proved to be a big success and went on to have one of the highest open rates.
Another project I am proud of is working on the rebranded Canadian Business magazine. As the digital director of the brand, I had the privilege of overseeing new online series and handling feature stories for print. We were a small but mighty team, but the passion we put into every issue was evident. I am really proud of what we accomplished in a short period of time.
Cleo: We're curious about whether there's a common thread in how you approach your work. How do you adapt your style and strategy when moving between industries, and are there core principles that guide your work no matter the subject matter?
Laura: I always approach my work with transparency and honesty. If I’m interviewing a source for a reported piece, or I’m pitching an idea to my boss, I am upfront about my objectives. I find people respect you if you are direct with them. I value those traits in others, too, so I maintain those core principles in all my work. I don’t believe in misleading people. Your reputation is huge, and it will follow you into any industry. It’s important to be aware of how you represent yourself.
Cleo: As fellow Cleonites with journalism backgrounds, we know firsthand the stigma that can come with expanding into PR and marketing while still identifying as a journalist. But it's totally possible to do both! How would you describe your work in the banking industry, and what was that transition like for you?
Laura: People will engage with good storytelling — period. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5,000-word feature in a magazine or a 15-second Instagram reel. If you are someone who knows how to effectively communicate and make people care about what’s in front of them, you have a skill set that is highly transferable across industries.
The transition from journalism to banking wasn’t that difficult. I work as a senior writer and editor for the news site of a major bank, so I still interview experts, conduct research, report stories and refine other people’s work. The difference is, it is branded journalism. There are topics we focus on and others that are off-brand. When I worked in newsrooms or at magazines, I often explored any topic I liked.
Cleo: How has the rise of social media reshaped your approach to storytelling and the way you connect with readers?
Laura: Social media has been huge in terms of getting my journalism work out there. When I was working in a newsroom, I would often rely on Twitter (or X) to share my stories and find sources. Nowadays, I use LinkedIn and Instagram to connect with readers and post my work.
Today, our attention spans are so short and there’s content everywhere. Social media forces me to write copy that is grabby and effective. I think hooking a reader right away is key to having them engage with your work, so I keep that mindset when I go to post on any platform. Also: humour is huge. If you can be funny on social media, I find people are more likely to engage with you.
Cleo: There's so much pressure always to be creating in the industry we work in. How do you stay inspired or avoid burnout?
Laura: Taking breaks is super important; we don’t need to be “on” all the time. I also find it helpful to turn off my phone and do things — in the real world — that inspire me. This includes visiting museums, travelling to new places, walking around various neighbourhoods in Toronto, sitting in a cafe and reading a book, or visiting with a friend. It’s so easy to forget that we can find joy and inspiration in simple everyday moments.
Cleo: We know how important it is to have a creative outlet outside of everyday work that's not measured by success—even when your work is highly creative! You recently started a Substack newsletter called That's My Opinion!, all about The Real Housewives. What inspired you to dive into the world of reality TV commentary?
Laura: I love reality TV. It’s so silly, absurd, entertaining and enjoyable. It’s total escapism. Friends always come to me when they want to discuss the latest Housewives episode or VPR scandal, so I thought, “Why not make this a thing?” I decided it would be fun to create a more formal space to voice my opinions, so I started my newsletter. It’s an outlet for me to express my less serious side while bonding with like-minded people. Importantly, it’s fun for me! I laugh to myself all the time when I’m writing. My next goal is to launch a Housewives rewatch event, so stay tuned.
Cleo: Lastly, what's your favourite way to take a break from work?
Laura: Watch reality TV!