Lauren Goldsmith

LITTLE BOWL OF LOUISIANA GUMBO
I like to think of myself as a "Little Bowl of Louisiana Gumbo." I'll explain why.

Gumbo is often used as a metaphor for the mix of cultures that exist in southern Louisiana – over time, these cultures influenced each other and melded together to create a hybrid blend of traditions, music, and cuisine. Beyond my New Orleans roots, I am a mixed bag of tricks with a little bit of everything, along with a vast range of experiences that have influenced the creative I am today. Plus, I'm also a little spicy.

With over eighteen years of experience in the industry…chances are I’ve doneit at some point in my career. Traditional, Non-traditional, Outdoor, Print, Publications, Large Format Print (POP), Packaging, Video/Broadcast, Branding, Motion Graphics/Animation, Web/Multimedia design & development (including code), Experiential… Who knows what is next? I'm ready for the wave of new AI and AR/VR challenges that are on the horizon, and to explore a world of new possibilities.

I never stop prioritizing education and learning new things – I continuously strive for professional/personal growth. The world keeps changing rapidly, especially in terms of technology but also in terms of cultural and overdue social initiatives that (rightfully) change the landscape that we have been accustomed to. I lovethe challenge of keeping up, finding strategic ways to reach our audiences, and making an impact in meaningful ways.

I’m fun, genuine, transparent, lead with empathy and humility, and truly just want to be a mentor/teacher. My goal is to build, develop, and lead teams that can run circles around me. The quote “If I’m the smartest person in the room, I’m in the wrong room,” very much resonates with me. I have a servant leadership style, and lead from within. I find it more fulfilling to watch my team hit it out of the park than anything else I could have done solo in my career.

ENFP, The Persuader, Visionary, depending on which Personality Test is your cup of tea. Speaking of beverages...I'm also always up for a glass of wine.