Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Perna

Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I was never one of those people who knew exactly what they wanted to do growing up. Having severe childhood anxiety made thinking about the future a real challenge. I enjoyed writing, reading, and communications but also liked science, so I was never quite sure of my direction. One thing I did know was that I would eventually run my own business, having come from a long line of entrepreneurs.
I went to college at Fordham University, where I did an interdisciplinary major and took a deep interest in giving back and nonprofit work. I excelled in school and did several internships, but when I graduated, I struggled to find a job I was passionate about. So, I spent the first five years of my career in customer service roles that did not play into my creativity, independence, or desire to “change the world.”
That all shifted in 2010 when I landed what became my dream job–a multi-faceted role in a nonprofit for the life sciences industry. I didn’t realize it when I got the job, but it truly allowed me to combine everything I was good at and passionate about. It was mission-driven work where I was talking to people, writing, presenting, planning events, learning about life-saving science, and being able to work autonomously and with a close-knit team.
However, nothing lasts forever—not even a dream job. The issue was that after working in that job for nearly a decade, I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to do. I was the job. So, when the job was no longer making me happy, I became deeply depressed. I ended up leaving to work on my mental health and determine my next steps.
I spent a year freelancing in various communications and marketing roles and realized how much I enjoyed writing social media and digital content. However, in my mind, I wanted to do one more full-time role before going out on my own, but COVID-19 changed those plans. So, in June 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and officially open Lauren Perna Communications.
When I started the business, I focused on helping small businesses like mine raise their visibility on digital platforms. After a few months in business, I realized there was a gap in the market for writers in the industry where I had spent the last decade–life sciences. I began to lean into that niche, telling the stories of companies working on improving human health. Since then, I’ve grown my team, and we’ve solidified our expertise as content strategists and copywriters for life sciences companies, healthcare institutions, and other game-changers.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Starting and growing my communications business hasn’t been easy, but it has been the best decision ever. I often refer to my career path as my “Wizard of Oz” journey because the answer was there all along; I just had to go through the journey to figure it out for myself. (And I have a little dog who looks like Toto.)
Just like Dorothy, I ended up on the yellow brick road by no fault of my own, except my road was not tucked into a cheerful village of friendly faces. It was the world of work, filled with grouchy customers, jaded coworkers, and trivial tasks.
When I finally found my dream job at the life sciences nonprofit, I felt like I figured it out and enjoyed the merry old land of Oz for a long time. But, just like Dorothy, I eventually realized something was still missing. Even though I loved the people and the things I was doing, I was no longer happy. I spent so much time contemplating what to do with my life. I felt like the only thing I was good at was that job. That lack of confidence translated into every job interview, and I could not find a way out. I began to feel disillusioned and more depressed than ever.
When I decided to leave my longtime dream job, I felt like Dorothy did when Toto took off in the hot air balloon without her–like my world was crumbling down, and I had no idea how I could ever be happy again. I thought I would need to find a whole new career.
After taking a year off to reset, I eventually came to the decision to start my own business because the corporate world was not designed for me. I was only making myself more miserable, from enduring grueling interview processes to suffering through a failed attempt at returning to the workforce. I knew I already had the skills and the passion—it was just a matter of figuring out how to share those with the world.
So, I closed my eyes, clicked my heels three times, and Lauren Perna Communications was born (kidding, of course). After lots of support and encouragement, I launched my business as a solopreneurship. The company has since evolved into a high-touch communications firm for life sciences and healthcare companies.
From the beginning of my young adulthood, I knew I loved writing and science, and I eventually wanted to be my own boss. I just never knew if all those things could fit together. Now that I have combined all those things into a thriving business, I realize I always had the power to do it–I just had to figure it out myself, just like Dorothy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

At Lauren Perna Communications, we believe that when your company is making an impact, you need words that make an impact. Our mission is to save clients time, money, and stress by helping them create standout content that shares their compelling message with the world.
We partner with life sciences companies, healthcare organizations, and game-changing executives. I like to say that we have a unique ability to turn complex concepts into compelling content. For each project, I tap into my network of writers who have extensive experience creating content and improving communications in our areas of specialty.
It’s important to me to avoid plug-and-play solutions, so I pride myself on offering a high-touch experience. We go into every project as a partner and a self-sufficient extension of the team. Our vision is to become a communications powerhouse and the preferred choice for companies that need help telling the story of how they are improving lives and inspiring others.
We are also known as LinkedIn experts. LinkedIn is the life sciences industry platform of choice, so I’ve always been pretty active on it. As the platform began to take off in 2021, clients and fellow business owners began asking me for advice. From that experience, our LinkedIn service offerings and trainings were born. I have a few writers who specifically help me with LinkedIn content creation, profile optimization, and strategy.
In addition to telling the stories of companies making an impact, I tell my own story of thriving as an entrepreneur with mental illness. I am a passionate mental health advocate, and I share my experiences through my LinkedIn Newsletter (The Mentally Fit Founder), featured articles, and speaking engagements.

What matters most to you? Why?

I’ve never been a person who can just do a job to make money. I’ve always been motivated by mission-driven work and the desire to “be the change.”
Today, everything I do—from my business to my mental health advocacy work—is based on my deep belief that everyone deserves to live their healthiest life. That is why I tell the stories of companies discovering life-saving drugs for patients in need, and that is why I tell my story of overcoming challenges with lifelong mental illnesses.
The more visibility we can give to companies working hard to save lives, the more patients can receive the care they need. When we bring awareness to companies working to improve human health, we give everyone a chance at a healthy life. Of course, it doesn’t happen instantaneously, but we have to start somewhere, and if my company can be part of that “somewhere,” I’ll feel like I’ve done my job. Small changes lead to a big impact.
On a personal level, I want to make a difference by touching people just like me, trying to thrive with mental health challenges. I tell my story of overcoming a lack of self-confidence and self-sabotaging behaviors because I know it helps others see they aren’t alone in their struggles. I think of my younger self, suffering from anxiety and depression; maybe I would’ve felt less alone if I had heard someone else’s story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurenperna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in/mentallyfitfounder
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenpernacomms
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurenpernacomms
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurenpernacomms

Image Credits

Mariah Gale Creative