After graduating into a lackluster job market,Lauren McGoodwinneeded some career guidance.
Career Contessais focused on bringing long-term career advice to young women through conversations and interviews.
They also offer mentorships with professionals that dont devolve into cheesy life advice.
We spoke with Lauren to learn a bit about her own career and how she works.
Location:Los Angeles, CA.
At least, thats what I strive for.
On any given day, Im moving from editorial to product development to social media strategy and more.
I just got it, and Im still amazed at how much lighter it is than my 2009 MacBook.
My shoulders appreciate it.
First of all, what was the impetus for Career Contessa?
I started Career Contessa as a passion project while I was working as a recruiter for Hulu.
The site featured informational interviews with successful career women from a variety of industries and job functions.
The problem is that the career mentorship space is fragmented.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
So obsessed that its the only social platform Ive refused to give over to my social media team.
Whats your workspace setup like?Coffee shop with laptop and headphones?
Home office with a standing desk?
Were in a cowork space in Downtown LAs Art District.
in desks scattered throughout.
Career Contessa works from a large table in the back corner.
Plus the Arts District is exploding.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Besides all the side streets I take to make my 60-minute commute shorter?
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Too much technology can be overwhelming and I like my to-do list easily available throughout my day to update.
Im religious about writing a to-do list each morning without any fancy apps.
Pen and paper all the way.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
Its a big effort to hit those 10,000 steps each day!
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
I make green smoothies that areactuallydeliciousand healthy.
What do you listen to while you work?
Got a favorite playlist?
Or do you prefer silence?
Silencebut theres plenty of cowork chatter happening throughout the day.
What are you currently reading?
Im currently reading Gretchen RubinsBetter Than Before.
I also loved her first book,The Happiness Projectanother game changer for me!
How do you recharge?
Ive recently gotten into boxing and I love it!
Im aware this sounds nuts, but theres something incredibly recharging about hitting something really hard.
I also reset by taking a walk and listening to a non-business advice podcast.
A walk and fresh air can be a real treat for your brain.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early-riser?
I get up at 5am each day and do my best focused work between 6am-9am.
I love waking up early so I have a part of my day that is quiet and uninterrupted.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Carly and Danielle fromThe Skimm.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
That clarity comes from engagement.
We all get stuck at some point in our lives, careers, health, etc.
But sitting on the couch and thinking really hard about the solution wont cut it.
Get out there and try new things, talk to new people, or just experience something new.
Believe me, by the end, I knew myself better than I ever had.
The more you engage, the more clarity youll gain.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
Photos byJoe + Kathrina.
