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

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, my dad was a Sears store manager, so every time he got promoted, we moved. Before high school I had moved 7 times, so starting a new school my freshman year was terrifying for me. I was very shy and had no friends. I would read a book in the corner of the lunch room during school and watch Hard Copy and do homework at night. Finally my dad told me that I need to do something for the rest of high school. I could either get a job or join a sport. I ended up making the decision that would change the trajectory of my life, I joined the cross country team. That decision led me to a full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh for cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

Running has been part of the foundation of my life since then. After Pitt I begrudgingly ran my first marathon after a colleague talked me into running the Marine Corps marathon. After that first marathon, I ran Boston at the urging of that same friend. Running has been a stress relief and so much more.

The greatest lesson my father taught me was whatever I want to do, to do it the best. He’d say that even if you wanted to be a garbage man (woman) do it to the best of your ability.

My mother cultivated my love of animals. She’d quote her father and say that he always told her that you wouldn’t want to be hungry or thirsty so refill your pets water and food bowls. She encouraged us to bring home an interesting array of animals over the years.

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 know I’ve had a very eclectic history. While I was at Pitt, I decided that I enjoyed Political Science, Psychology and History, so that’s what I majored in, with a double degree: BA/BS. After graduation I had NO idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. So I got a job as a teller at a local bank. I eventually applied to a position in operations and then moved to operations at a financial institute. I was still searching for my true calling. At this point, I wanted to try my hand at technology, so I took a position as an implementor of proprietary financial software – I was terrible at this. But at this time, the project manager was sick so I took over managing one of my projects and I was actually good at it (and enjoyed it). I applied and was accepted as a project manager at a healthcare institution – where I learned everything about project management. I had a great team to teach me.

As for yoga instructor, I had hip surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, so I was unable to run for a few years. My hip ached. I started taking some yoga classes to stretch it out and eventually got my 200 YTT certification from Bend Yoga, which unfortunately doesn’t exist any more. Obtaining my 500 YTT was always on my bucket list, so this year I pulled the bandaid off and started that journey as well.

I started run coaching after I ran a Turkey Trot with a friend. The guys that were coaching her were looking for a woman distance coach and reached out to me. I am nearing 2 years at Victory Multi-sport, a very successful triathlon, road and trail running club.

Finally, one of my greatest loves is my dog Emma. When I got her, I didn’t really train her, because I was worried about ‘breaking her spirit.’ Well, she ended up crashing through my parents fence to go after their neighbors dog, and that obviously scared me on many many levels, I thought she was going to be put down, I thought I was going to lose her, I thought they’d sue me. All the worst fears. Thankfully none of that happened, but I hired a trainer immediately.. I didn’t know anything about dog trainers at that point and everything they were saying sounded like she wasn’t going to be the dog I was looking for. They gave me rules and used an aversive tool on her… On chance, I talked to a colleague at my current company and he told me that his wife was trying to become a trainer, so I realized I could do that. I could become a trainer. I enrolled in a Behavior Mentorship by FreedbyTraining right away, signed for the Kim Brophey LEGS class and signed up for a certificate program at University of Washington. I also started volunteering at the Cross Your Paws Spay and Neuter team and eventually talked my boyfriend into foster a puppy through CYP. I’m currently shadowing trainers at Animal Friends.

I have so much joy from all the activities that I do. I am so fulfilled.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been working closely with a local rescue. I approached them as a volunteer and did the best job I could as a volunteer on the Spay/Neuter team, which has nothing to do with training. I made some connections to some of the women involved in the day to day operations, including the adoptions and then mentioned I was a trainer. I’m started to get some referrals from some of these ladies who trust me now and know that I will do right be the dogs.

Any advice for managing a team?

Manage to each person on your team. I’ve been on teams in various capacities, as a co-captain on the cross country team, as a contributor and most recently in my professional career as a manager. As a project manager, I’ve had team members that will take their assigned work and run with it. I’ve had other people that I needed to perform a daily progress check on. Set expectations and then help your team members achieve them. One of my favorite quotes is a candle doesn’t lose it’s flame by lighting another candle.

Too many managers believe that they look good by making others look bad. Which isn’t the case. Each member has different talents and strengths, play to them and find people to compliment the strengths and weaknesses of the team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.choosewiselytraining.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choose_wisely_training/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-shaffer05/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTIK6j-iBvTHEw8wuFJwNBQ