Lauren McClintic is a dynamic professional with a strong background in psychology and corporate operations. She grew up in Montgomery Township, NJ, was a high school soccer athlete, and later played at the collegiate level. She has worked in various roles, including Director of Operations at Genoa Telepsychiatry and Sales Associate at Zimmer Biomet. Lauren is passionate about healthcare startups and is committed to balancing her high-pressure career with her family life, which includes her husband and their daughter.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early. I wake up around 5:30 AM to have some quiet time before the household wakes up. I use this time for a quick workout and to plan my day. After getting my daughter ready and off to school, I dive into work. My day is a mix of meetings, strategic planning, and checking in with my team. I make my day productive by setting clear priorities and using time-blocking to ensure that I’m focused on the most important tasks without constant interruptions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life through collaboration and strategic planning. When I have a new idea, I first discuss it with my team to get their input and feedback. From there, we develop a detailed plan that outlines the steps needed to bring the idea to fruition. I believe in setting clear goals and milestones to track our progress and making adjustments as needed. Engaging with different perspectives helps refine the idea and ensures it’s feasible and impactful.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on mental health in the workplace. More companies are recognizing the importance of supporting their employees’ mental well-being, which is something I’m passionate about. It’s exciting to see how this trend is leading to the development of innovative wellness programs and creating more supportive work environments.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is maintaining a daily planner. I use it to outline my tasks and priorities for the day. This helps me stay organized and focused, ensuring that I tackle the most critical tasks first. Additionally, I make a point to review my progress at the end of each day, which helps me plan effectively for the n
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace change and not be afraid to take risks. Every change, whether it’s a new job, a different career path, or a move, brings valuable experiences and opportunities for growth. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; that’s where the real growth happens.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that work-life balance doesn’t mean giving equal time to both work and personal life every day. It’s more about integrating the two in a way that allows you to be fully present in each aspect when needed. This might mean longer work hours on some days and more family time on others, and that’s okay as long as it balances out over time.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I highly recommend setting aside time for self-care every day, no matter how busy you are. Even if it’s just 15 minutes of quiet time, a walk, or reading a book, taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining your mental and physical health. It’s a small investment that pays off significantly in your overall productivity and well-being.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a break and step away from my work. A quick walk outside, some deep breathing exercises, or even just a few minutes of silence can help clear my mind. This break allows me to return to my tasks with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking has been a key strategy for me. Building and maintaining professional relationships have opened up numerous opportunities for career advancement and business growth. Attending industry events, participating in professional groups, and staying connected with former colleagues have all contributed to my success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One notable failure in my career was when I mismanaged a project timeline early in my career, leading to missed deadlines and a disappointed client. I overcame it by taking full responsibility, learning from my mistakes, and improving my project management skills. The key lesson I took away was the importance of clear communication and realistic planning.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A business idea I’m willing to share is developing a comprehensive mental health app tailored for corporate employees. This app could offer resources like counseling services, stress management techniques, and wellness tracking, integrated with the company’s wellness programs. It’s a way to support employees’ mental health proactively and conveniently.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana is a piece of software that helps me stay productive. I use it to manage projects, track tasks, and collaborate with my team. The visual boards and lists make it easy to see what needs to be done and by whom, helping keep everyone on the same page and ensuring we stay on track.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is “No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention” by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer. It offers incredible insights into leadership, innovation, and the importance of fostering a culture of flexibility and transparency. The book emphasizes the value of high levels of employee freedom and responsibility, candid feedback, and leading with empathy. These lessons have been particularly valuable in my professional life, helping me understand the power of reinventing organizational culture for sustained growth and competitiveness.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Queen’s Gambit.” The series is captivating not just because of the chess but also because of the character development and the underlying themes of resilience and overcoming personal challenges. It’s an inspiring story that showcases the importance of determination and strategic thinking.
Key learnings
- Effective Time Management and Flexibility: Lauren emphasizes the importance of setting clear priorities and maintaining flexibility in balancing work and family responsibilities. Time-blocking and using shared family calendars are practical strategies she recommends.
- Support Systems and Self-Care: Leveraging support systems and dedicating time to self-care are crucial for sustaining productivity and well-being. Lauren highlights the value of having a reliable network and taking regular breaks to recharge.
- Embracing Change and Learning from Failures: Embracing change and learning from past failures are essential for personal and professional growth. Lauren’s experiences underscore the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in achieving success.