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With 10 years of experience in marketing and digital media, Lauren is a passionate and strategic storyteller who creates high-impact and engaging content for global brands. Currently a social media manager at Canva, Lauren develops and executes social media content that supports Canva’s brand campaigns, product launches, BAU/evergreen content, and Canva for Education content to drive awareness and adoption of Canva’s innovative design platform.
Prior to Canva, Lauren worked at Shutterfly Inc. under their Growth Innovation team focusing on growth strategies using paid social. Before that, Lauren worked at Taco Bell under their Social Media team where she helped develop their social media strategy, executed social campaigns, orchestrated influencer partnerships, and pioneered the first social media analytics process at the company.
Connect with Lauren to learn more.
Listen to the Podcast Here, or Find it Wherever You Get Your Podcasts:
Here are Five Things We Cover:
- Strategic Thinking is Essential: Whether you’re presenting a project at Canva or engaging with millions of followers, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the brand are key to success in a social media role.
- Understand the Nuances of Engagement: It’s not just about likes and comments; understanding silent engagers who save or share content is just as important for measuring the success and relevance of your content.
- Networking and Referrals are Powerful: Career opportunities often come from connections. Lauren’s own journey highlights the significance of building a network and sharing your passion for a brand.
- Content Must Align with Company Objectives: The content created for social media should resonate with the company’s goals. The guiding principle of “why share? Why care?” is essential for ensuring posts are engaging and relevant to the audience.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: One should always seek out opportunities for broadening their experience, be flexible in their roles, and embrace continuous learning, which Lauren believes is crucial even after acquiring expertise in specific areas.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- The Importance of Strategic Thinking in Tech and Social Media Role: If you’re working in tech or social media, it’s not enough to just ‘do’ – you have to think strategically. This means considering the ‘why’ behind your actions and campaigns. Sharpen your strategic skills by immersing yourself in various aspects of the business and understanding how your work aligns with broader company objectives. Reflect on your projects and consider the outcomes, analyzing what worked, what didn’t, and why.
- The Value of Connections in Landing Opportunities: Start building your network now. Engage with professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about sharing your passions and interests. Be an active listener and show genuine curiosity about others’ work. Remember, networking isn’t just about what others can do for you but also about what you can do for them. Keep your connections informed about your career progression and take the time to support their endeavors whenever possible.
- Continuous Learning and Flexibility in Career Growth: Always be on the lookout for learning opportunities, whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or cross-team projects. Foster a growth mindset and be willing to take on diverse roles or projects. This not only enhances your skill set but also your capacity to adapt to the evolving landscape. Look for employers that support internal mobility and prioritize professional development. This nurturing environment will enable you to find your niche while equipping you with a broad spectrum of skills for future challenges.