Employee Spotlight – Lauren Carter

September 12, 2024

Get to know Lauren Carter! Lauren is a Lead Consultant on a Department of Defense contract providing strategic communications. She is heavily involved in providing graphics and written deliverables, SharePoint migrations, and completing ad hoc communications requests for the client.

What three skills do you think are essential to fulfil your role?

The ability to stay collected under pressure is so important, because the role entails helping the client with [communications] deliverables and events that are imperative to leadership executing the agency’s mission and vision. Getting flustered under tight deadlines and highly visible deliverables could be a hindrance to best assisting the client.
A constructive-facing mindset is also important, because you should always be looking for ways to better assist the client. I can do a great job on something, but I will also always be spotting areas for improvement.
Teamwork is also so essential to this role – I work with three other teammates, who are all wonderful consultants and great people. They’re a big reason I enjoy my job.

How do you think the current state of teleworking will impact the future of work?

Looking at this question purely from the consulting industry, I think clients will continue to incorporate more flexible work locations. I think COVID-19 showed everyone that people can achieve great work from home, and that work model is here to stay.

Share an example of when you saw a WBD core value embodied or which value resonates with you most and why? (Core values: Collaborative Approach, Relentless Spirit, Entrepreneurial Spirit)

Collaborative approach resonates most with me, because I value teamwork and it is imperative to the daily life of a consultant. If you’re sitting at a table, you have to remember that everyone does something better than you, and you do something better than everyone else. You bring your own unique perspective to the table, and so does everyone else. And a second set of eyes on any type of work is crucial to delivering the best product

How do you see your career path developing in the future?

I see myself further developing my strategic communications skills. Specifically, I want to expand upon my photoshop knowledge. This year, I started using photoshop and I really enjoy it as a tool. Additionally, I will continue to work on speech writeups and formulating communication plans.

What advice do you have for new WBD employees?

Always ask your teammates where you can help – everyone always appreciates help, and it will allow you opportunities to grow your skillset!

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have really gotten into physical fitness – so, I do at least 75 minutes of cardio and two strength training sessions a week. Additionally, acting inspires me. I have been acting in my free time since I was a kid, and I am always trying to improve my acting skills. I attend Actors Club – a meetup of actors in the DMV area, and I record weekly monologues and post them on Instagram! If there is union work in the area, I will also submit for roles. The latest role I had was a costar role playing a nurse on Apple TV’s Lady in the Lake. That was a truly transformative experience. Natalie Portman, Moses Ingram, and Pruitt Taylor Vince were a dream to work with, and Alma Har’el is an amazing director and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her.