We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Newmark, MBA recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

My first internship I ever had was at the Better Business Bureau of Philadelphia, I was lucky enough to encountered a memorable situation that taught me an important lesson about the significance of ethical business practices and effective dispute resolution within businesses and organizations.

Through this internship experience, I learned firsthand why conducting business ethically is crucial. Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. The importance of honesty, transparency, and integrity became apparent to me as I navigated the dispute resolution process.

Furthermore, I gained insights into effective business resolution techniques that continue to guide my approach in today’s business world as an executive. I learned the importance of active listening, empathy, and diplomacy when mediating conflicts between stakeholders. By facilitating open communication and finding mutually beneficial solutions, I witnessed firsthand how disputes can be resolved amicably, preserving relationships.

This experience reinforced my belief that ethical business practices are not only morally imperative but also essential for long-term success and sustainability. Upholding integrity and fairness in all business dealings not only builds trust with customers but also cultivates a positive reputation that can withstand challenges and setbacks. As an executive, I strive to uphold these principles in every aspect of my leadership, knowing that ethical conduct is the cornerstone of a thriving business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I knew as a child that I wanted to go into psychology or the technology space. I grew up in the Northeast and I am originally from Philadelphia. I sought to bridge the gap between my love for technology and my keen interest in consumer psychology and social psychology. It was this quest that led me to the eCommerce space, a platform where digital innovation meets the art of consumer engagement.

I bring a wealth of expertise to drive strategic success across diverse industries including beauty & wellness, consumer electronics, and healthcare. I have a proven track record of driving quadruple digit growth, establishing innovative programs and building world-class marketing teams.

I have an extensive background in Neuromarketing and Consumer Psychology. I have cultivated a deep understanding of how consumers think, feel, and make decisions which has led me to driving significant growth for companies. This expertise enables me to develop highly effective marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences resulting in enhanced brand engagement, increased customer loyalty and significant bottom line growth.

Additionally, I am a Licensed Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP), which is among the highest regarded certifications in the digital marketing field. I have also successfully completed the Duke Digital Media & Marketing Program and have achieved this certification from Duke University (DMCA). I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Thomas Jefferson University. I have specialized expertise in Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing and have achieved a certification in Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing from University of Pennsylvania Wharton Executive Program, as well as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Certification. I am fascinated with the opportunities that technology provides to drive growth and improve the company bottom-line.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Maintaining high morale and effectively managing a team requires a combination of leadership skills, communication, and a positive work environment. Here is my advice for both small and large businesses:

1. Create a sense of Purpose for everyone at the company:
Creating a sense of purpose is a powerful way to boost morale and motivation. When you and your team can understand how your work contributes to a larger mission or goal, everyone is likely to feel more engaged and satisfied both personally and professionally.
2. Recognition and Appreciation:
I make sure to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and accomplishments of my team members. I regularly recognize both individual and team achievements. I make sure to personalized recognition and acknowledge each team member’s unique contributions and not just general statements but be very specific about their individual achievements.
3. Team Conflict Resolution:
I strive to address conflicts promptly and professionally. It is SO important to provide a platform for open discussion and resolution no matter the situation for everyone on the team.
4. Create a Positive Work Environment:
I think it’s important to create a space/environment where everyone feels valued and not to put other people down but to feel welcomed at the workplace. I try to create an environment where the team can freely share their opinions and ideas as well without judgment.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes! These three books below have significantly influenced my management approach and entrepreneurial thinking both personally and professionally:

1) “Team Work” by Natalie Dawson: This book dives into the dynamics of teamwork and collaboration, offering valuable insights into building and leading high-performing teams. The book explores how effective communication, trust-building, and conflict resolution strategies can profoundly impact your team in a positive way. 

2) “Extreme Ownership” by Willink & Babin: This book explores how extreme ownership is taking absolute responsibility for everything that impacts your or your team’s mission. This book demonstrates how to apply powerful leadership principles to both business and life. This is a must read! 

3) “The Champion’s Mind” by Jim Afremow: This book offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice for cultivating a winning mindset in both sports and business. I have found Afremow’s insights into mental toughness, goal setting, and visualization techniques to be immensely valuable. 

These three books have not only expanded my knowledge and skills but have also inspired me to continuously strive for personal and professional growth. They have shaped my philosophy of leadership, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a champion’s mindset in achieving success and fulfillment in business and beyond. I would highly recommend these books for anyone to read.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurendigital.com/about/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurennewmark/

Image Credits
Barna Photography, LLC