Welcome back to “6 Questions For A…”! Each week, we’ll ask someone 6 career-centric questions about themselves.
This week we’re chatting with Intern Queen and Career Queen’s very own CEO and founder, Lauren Berger! When Lauren isn’t busy running two successful businesses, she can be found traveling to a new country, watching the Bachelor, taking a hip hop class, or spending time with her husband Mike.
Tell us about the kind of tasks are in a typical day in your role.
As the CEO of the company (and the voice of the brand), my days are always a little bit different and always a little bit the same! Today, for example, I started the day by sending out some pitch emails to business that I’d love to work with. I actually do a lot of the sales for the business (we also have a biz dev manager our of Chicago!) Afterward, I had a meeting with a former Intern Queen ambassador who wanted some career advice and actually had a lot of great information for me on how I can continue to grow the business. I try to do a few of these types of “mentor” meetings each month and I’m always surprised by how much I take away from the opportunities. After my coffee meeting, I went into my office, met with my team for a few minutes, gave my final approval on a few reports that had to go out to our clients, and did an interview (I handle most of the hiring for the business). Then, I drove to my audio book recording session (yes! My book is becoming an audiobook soon) and did another phone call with a school about an event we’re hosting in a few weeks. I try to make the most of my time in the car. I finished my audio book recording session, checked in with a few team members, and then went home to get in the zone and answer some emails. Did I overshare?
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is twofold. One, I love working with the students – that’s the reason we do this – I’m inspired by them, their energy, and their ambition. The other part is the challenge of it all. It’s hard to run a business (and growing it) I love trying different ways to figure it out each day.
What are some challenges you face?
Everything!!! AHHHH! But seriously, it can all feel challenging sometimes. It’s hard to manage a team, to hire the right people (you try to go with your gut and your head!) It’s a challenge to deal with tough clients, manage expectations, and ensure that you are always putting your best foot forward. Communication is a challenge as everyone communicates differently – and trying to support everyone (and not disappoint them) on a daily basis is always a challenge too!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by women (and men) who aren’t afraid of going for it, failing, and then getting up to try again.
Share some advice to someone aspiring to be a CEO + business owner!
My advice of the week (HA – it seems to change weekly) is do everything you can to stay balanced. It’s really easy (as a business owner) to have high-highs and low-lows. Find the balance in every day – good things happen, bad things happen, everything happens – keep your mood, mindset, and body feeling balanced. Its’ all about that balance (and it’s easier to find on some days rather than others)
What did you want to be when you grew up? How did that change over the years?
I wanted to be a speaker, a writer, at one point an actor! At another time in my life I wanted to be a producer, a manager, an agent, and then a writer again. I do a bit of it all today.
Lauren Berger is CEO & Founder of both CareerQueen.com and InternQueen.com, reaching over 6 million people and connecting them with their dream careers.
