Q: What did you want to be when you were small? A: When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a cashier and a teacher. Talk about ambition, right? I thought cashiers were the coolest because they got to push all the buttons, scan things with the satisfying beep, and hand out receipts like candy. And teachers? They had the magic power of knowing everything and writing in perfect cursive. Honestly, I wanted to run the world with a barcode scanner in one hand and a red pen in the other!
Q: What’s your favorite family tradition? A: My favorite family tradition is celebrating Christmas, especially Christmas Eve. When I was little, my parents always made the holiday feel magical. On Christmas Eve, we would make ornaments together, which eventually turned into a fun ornament-making competition that now includes our friends as we’ve gotten older. On Christmas Day, when we were younger, my mom had us leave out cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer. We’d go to midnight Mass, and when we got home, there would always be a letter from Santa saying, ‘Please unlock the chimney.’ In the morning, we’d wake up to trails of glitter leading to each of our rooms, Santa’s way of checking if we were sleeping, and as soon as the sun started to rise, my siblings and I would rush to see the toys he had left us. It’s those traditions and the joy my parents put into every detail that makes the season still feel so magical.
Q: What was a moment from your childhood that made you feel especially proud of yourself? A: I’m going to go to my sophomore year of high school. That’s still considered childhood, right? I actually completely forgot this happened until recently when I ran into a girl from my high school who I hadn’t seen in years. As we were catching up, she turned to one of my friends and said, ‘Lauren was always so sweet. She let me sit at her lunch table when I didn’t have anyone to sit with my freshman year.’ This was so crazy to me, because I completely forgot that happened, but it clearly made a big impact on her. It acted as a powerful reminder of how even small acts of kindness can stay with someone for years. That moment definitely made me proud of younger Lauren.
Q: Who was a leader you admired growing up, and what’s one thing you learned from them? A: I’m biased, but my mom. She is awesome, and is oddly always right…something I have to credit her with now that I am older. Younger me is kind of shook.
Q: What is the best gift you have been given? A: Hmmmm, this is a good question. I would probably say a personalized journal I received in college. It was such a thoughtful gift that sparked my entire journaling journey. Ever since then, journaling has become my favorite way to clear my mind, reflect and reset. It helps me process everything and show up fresh and focused for the next day!
Q: If you had a warning label, what would yours say? A: “Warning: Always Needs a Sweet Treat After Dinner”
Q: What’s a skill or habit you’ve picked up recently that you’re proud of? A: I recently picked up the habit of being a 10,000 steps a day person. The rumors are true; it is life changing.
Q: What’s one piece of leadership advice you would give to your younger self? A: To really enjoy the journey. I’ve always been someone who is extremely goal oriented, which led to frustration when certain milestones weren’t being reached as quickly as I hoped. However, with age, I’ve realized there’s so much truth in the saying, ‘It’s about the journey, not the destination.’ There’s so much growth and learning in those in between moments.
Q: What’s your secret talent or something you’re good at that people might not know? A: I’m actually Bob the Builder. When I bought my condo a couple of years ago, I really discovered my love for DIY projects. Need to install new wallpaper? I’ve got you. Want to redo your bathroom? Give me a call. I genuinely enjoy transforming a space and making it feel brand new. That being said, I do have my limits. Plumbing and electrical work are where I will happily call in the professionals.
Q: What’s a small win you’re celebrating this week? A: Just making it to Friday. What a week!!