I'm resourceful, driven, inventive, analytical and detail-oriented. I'm also a total tech-junkie. I'm that person everyone calls when their devices and IT systems are on the fritz. Technology is passion of mine--an obsession really-- because I'm also that person...you know, the one that can be found streaming stuff on a computer connected to the TV while working on a laptop on the couch and browsing social media on a cell phone!  In my spare time I enjoy a good YA scifi novel or crime thriller, traveling, tinkering with gadgets (especially ones that aren't working), making Halloween costumes, and teaching myself how to do new things. Right now, I'm focused on advancing my InDesign skills.

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'LAUREN': A HISTORY

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After high school, I earned my Associates degree in Business Management with a minor in Computer Information Systems from Edmonds Community College. After spending a number of years searching for the good career fit, I decided to re-energize my professional life by pursuing a bachelor's degree in tech. In 2008, I started taking part-time classes at Washington State University's Global Campus while working full time. Sadly, the bulk of my community college credits could not be applied to my new degree so it took many years (and a whole lot of grit!) to finish what I started. However,  there is a happy ending! My drive and dedication paid off when I earned my BA in Management Information Systems (Magna Cum Laude, no less!).

 

Going back to school as a well-established, working adult was one of the most difficult things I have ever done; it required dedication, resourcefulness and an innovative spirit. The limited engagement and human interaction of online courses can make concepts much more difficult to grasp (like calculus, for example), and virtual team projects are always more challenging than face-to-face projects! Looking back, however, that time in my life is a great example of my focus, drive and tenacity. I can proudly to say that I designed and programmed a functioning multi-window IS prototype completely on my own. I also don't know of many people that can say they designed an Access database and wrote a data model/interface specification report without ever meeting their teammates in-person or even speaking to them over the phone. ​

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I've often joked that my true calling is 'professional student' but, in truth, I've had many careers in search for 'the one'. Currently, I manage an architectural firm where I am responsible from everything from day-to-day operations and marketing to long-term financial planning and IT strategy development. I've also had jobs in banking, law and business productivity consulting; I've been a project manager at a training company, a professional organizer, a daytime companion to an Alzheimer's patient, a bookkeeper, and run my own small business.

 

'LAUREN': A PHILOSOPHY

 

What I discovered over the years is that I have a real knack for helping people use technology to increase their productivity. I love to help people organize their digital/physical lives and design/implement information systems to help them efficiently manage their time, increase the speed and accuracy of information access, and control the consistency and efficiency of communication. I enjoy revamping processes and coaching people on the principles of time, email, file, and clutter management. My guiding belief is that productivity and efficiency are dictated by our workflow methods; in turn, my mission is to help people work smarter, not harder! By leveraging technology and tailoring systems and processes to meet their needs, I can reduce stress and make their jobs (and lives) easier.