Hi, I’m Lauren
Product Manager, with background in content strategy, operations,
& analytical storytelling.
I have spent over a decade working alongside some of the greatest entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators in the digital video, streaming, and influencer space on exciting projects that live at the intersection of entertainment and technology. I've built my career at groundbreaking start-ups and international media corporations bridging my experience in online entertainment with a love of creating and storytelling through Product.
In the early days of the internet, I spent hours learning HTML/CSS and Photoshop so I could build my own websites and online communities -- before terms like “UX” and “product design” where commonplace. I didn't realize while I was creating a place to house my "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fan fiction that I was already creating and designing around solutions like a Product Manager.
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My career so far has brought me so many experiences and opportunities that shaped and prepared me for this career path.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE >
FROM START TO FINISH WITH STRUUM
Dec 2020 - March 2022
Joining Struum was one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career and with my first official Product Manager role, I accomplished more than I could have imagined.
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I came on board as the only product manager when the company was in it's early start-up phases. Within six months, we launched on iOS and web; within a year we were on seven different platforms including Roku, FireTV and tvOS. It was an amazing crash course in everything Product -- from creating roadmaps, feature design, backlog management and prioritization, leading ceremonies and planning meetings, and working with stakeholders across all the parts of the business to continually evolve the product. And I am so proud of what we built.
CREATING APPLE PRODUCTS
Early into my PM career transition, I was landed a role working for the Product team at Apple. I learned first hand about the PM role from one of the top companies in the world. My experience was wide ranging as I was assisting the team in the product roadmap development of a new line of products from Beats by Dr. Dre. I conducted focus groups and created user personas that aided in clarifying target markets. My research focusing on the competitive landscape and potential users was incorporated into a presentation to Apple's CEO. I also had the opportunity to interface and create collaborative documents with teams outside of Product, such as Engineering and Packaging Design.
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Unfortunately because of delays in manufacturing and shipping due to coronavirus, my project was put on hold indefinitely.
Oct 2019 - Sept 2020
POCKET.WATCH
The best part about working kids' entertainment is the job is all about how to act and think like a kid! I joined the pocket.watch in the early months with the mission of being everywhere kids are watching, which included Youtube, linear, streaming, and any screen in between.
With this goal at the forefront, I worked on an array of projects that tapped into my love of Product - including designing and creating the UX for the first pocket.watch mobile app, leading the strategy concept, layout development, and programming for OTT services, and launching a top 10 children's show on HULU.
Aug 2017 - May 2019
MAKER STUDIOS
Life at Maker was a tale of two worlds - housed inside a massive corporation at Disney, but still operating in small, nimble groups within the company. Because of the diverse roster of talent and IP, Maker's missions within Disney was to create a cohesive voice across different formats and verticals -- from gaming to beauty, from PewDiePie to Mickey Mouse.
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Maker allowed me to create and strategize for the most iconic brands within Disney. I worked with divisions such as LucasFilms , Disney Channel, and ABC to launch new IP and revamp their YouTube channels.
Sept 2014 - April 2017
ATLAS WORKSHOPS
Unrelated to Product or content, I've have role that indulges my other passion: travel! For the past five years, I've worked as Program Manager with Atlas Workshops - a company that creates immersive, international learning adventures for students. I have led groups around the world to study history, landmarks, and lessons of other cultures. Travel is my favorite thing to do and with Atlas, I get to experience the world in a completely wonderful and unique way.
Greece, June 2019
STUDIO 71
May 2013 - Sept 2014
After spending two years with YouTube data, it was finally time for me to combine my audience knowledge with work behind the camera. When launching a branded makeup channel for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, I worked with Development and Production to research and create content, pitching shows to the brand and working with creators and partnerships to create content.
< with Mamrie Hart in "Picture Day" - a show in which I developed and also appeared in. You can watch my episode here.
DISNEY
What a dream! My first job out of graduate school, and it’s for the House of Mouse! This is where I got my first dive into Product when I supported the redesign of Disney.com. It was also my first step into data and analytics reporting and working with YouTube on behalf of Disney. This role was truly transformative for me, as it sent me on my path of content strategy.
Aug 2011 - May 2013
EDUCATION >
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Getting into the University of Southern California changed the course of my life. When I moved cross country to attend the graduate program at USC, the Annenberg School gave me a new center. Since graduating, I give back to the community that helped me by serving as a peer-to-peer mentor and have been a guest speaker for former professors. Go Trojans!
Info@mysite.com, 123-456-7890
SETON HALL
Seton Hall was my first chance to lead a team, and what it meant to be accountable to those who felt passionately as I did. Back in my college days, I thought my career path was in was radio broadcasting. I served as News Director at my college station, WSOU, and DJ'd two shifts a week, including my own indie rock show. Though a career in radio was not for me, I still rock my WSOU merch and still enjoy the occassional heavy metal show.
AND THAT'S ME. >
THANKS FOR VISITING.
HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.