We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Rigau recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
A few years back, I took a risk by challenging myself to 30 new experiences for my 30th year of life. I called it my 30 for 30! It was exhilarating because it enabled me to stride past my comfort zone in so many ways. I went in blind, with no action plan; as unique opportunities presented themselves, I took them on as chances to thrive. I journaled my experience from challenge to challenge, never forgetting the why. I kept a detailed account of each adventure, from getting a tattoo to writing a children’s book, milking a goat and apple picking to creating my custom scent at a West Village perfumery, tarot card readings, and even learning to belly dance.
You see, the risks we take today are also the chances that will build the foundation for our tomorrow. So whether you are on a journey to find yourself at 30 or looking to feed your soul at 60, take risks in the form of challenges- I promise you won’t regret it!
Lauren, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a child and young adult, I was drawn to pursue acting and television hosting ambitions, which molded the producing, public speaking, and writing skills I use to this day. So it became evident that my career would culminate in my love for all things communication. From uncovering news to curating exclusive content for international wellness companies and professional sports teams to building socially friendly content for non-profit foundations, I found my niche in using my voice to tell stories.
After graduating with a degree in U.S. History and Political Science, I honed my talents in a CBS News newsroom. This assignment led to an opportunity at Thirty Rock, where I worked alongside some of the most talented news whizzes on a LIVE show for MSNBC. In breaking international news stories as a multi-network liaison, I realized how vital the role of communications is to our daily lives.
In the Summer of 2019, I published my first children’s book, ‘The Adventures of Lala and her Papa,’ a true passion project about a little girl living vicariously through her father’s adventures as a journalist. Are you craving a cute read? It’s available exclusively on Amazon.
Today, when I’m not working, you can find me studying for my Master’s in Communication at one of my favorite coffee shops, White Rose Coffee, or enjoying an afternoon stroll with my lovable pup, Truett.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The moment I hear the word pivot, all I think about is that FRIEND’s episode where Ross, Rachel, and Chandler move the couch up the stairs. Am I right? There isn’t a more truthful account of life- because it seems every turn of the journey includes perfecting the ability “PIVOT, PIVOT, PIVOT!”
There was a time when I didn’t think it would be possible to make peace with one dream and fall in love with another, but with a bit of guidance, I learned to pivot and accept that adapting to new dreams is quite a powerful form of love.
We can never underestimate the power of dreams or forget that they are living entities. They grow when we grow, adapt to change, and evolve under the circumstances. Like we love a soulmate, we love a “dream-mate.” So often, we can’t imagine what it would be like not to love the same love or dream the same dream. So take it from me, there is a lesson in self-love like none other, in having treasured the joys and challenges of how one dream prepares you for the next.
The idea of pivoting in our dreams couldn’t come at a more poignant moment. According to The World Economic Forum, Millennials now make up 23% of the global population, the largest adult cohort worldwide. With their grand intellect and socially connected lives, it could be said no other generation has wielded the power of influence quite like them. Yet, the reevaluation of purpose seems to be trending as of late. But in reality, by removing obstacles to happiness and pivoting, we’ve realized it’s okay to dream another dream!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growth in your career is knowing that YOU are your #1 brand. Step one is knowing it is your responsibility to represent yourself as the best version of your brand. Your demeanor, energy, passion, ambition, and work ethic define your brand. Step two is understanding that there will be valuable and flawed lessons to learn from each company you work with throughout your career- and they will be invaluable to your brand development. Now more than ever, it is critical to recognize that operating in a gig economy means that you should never take a role for granted and simultaneously understand that no one position is forever. So instead, take the nuggets of wisdom from each step of the journey to improve your brand. Learn your voice, establish personalized trademarks, and reinforce your character regardless of the company you may be working for; when these ingredients come together, they will shape your brand. You are more than the brand you work for; you are a part of the machine that makes that brand function but don’t forget, you are your best investment and a priceless acquisition because you are YOU!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.laurenrigau.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenrigau
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.rigau
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenrigau
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenrigau
- Other: http://www.theadventuresoflalaandherpapa.com/
Image Credits
Leonardo Holanda