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Lauren Perkins
Author @INC | Entrepreneur, & CMO turned Venture Builder | Alum @Microsoft for Startups & Nike | Startup Founder
Professional Background
Lauren Perkins is an esteemed entrepreneur whose career trajectory is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and innovative mindset. With a passion for entrepreneurship that seems to be second nature to her, Lauren has successfully started and led multiple companies across diverse industries. More than just a businessperson, she has made significant contributions to the realms of corporate innovation and venture building, helping to shape the next generation of startups and established corporations alike.
Throughout her career, she has assumed various influential roles that highlight her breadth of knowledge and skillset. As a Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups, Lauren was instrumental in guiding fledgling enterprises through the complexities of the tech landscape. She utilized her extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy to inspire and support startup founders while driving innovation in established organizations. As a former Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Columbia Business School, Lauren offered invaluable mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her wealth of knowledge and insight.
In addition to her roles in corporate settings, Lauren has profoundly impacted the education sector as a founding instructor at General Assembly. Here, she shaped future leaders through her teachings on business and marketing strategies, empowering thousands of startup founders and corporate innovators to realize their dreams. Her innovative teaching methods and practical insights have positioned her as a sought-after educator in entrepreneurship, making her a pivotal figure in the community.
Lauren is the author of "The Community Manager's Playbook," which further reflects her commitment to helping businesses thrive through community building and effective engagement strategies. This publication serves as a resource for businesses seeking to optimize their community management efforts and foster meaningful connections with their clients and stakeholders.
Lauren's distinctive approach, encapsulated in her philosophy "Think Like a Brand. Act Like a Startup.™", has become a guiding principle for both startups and corporate innovators. Her strategy emphasizes blending best practices from established brands with the agility and creativity inherent in startups, enabling ventures to overcome challenges and accomplish remarkable growth. This thought leadership has made her a respected voice in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Education and Achievements
Lauren Perkins's educational background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Management, and Journalism from Northeastern University. This multifaceted education has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape and its dynamics.
Further enhancing her skills, Lauren pursued an Executive & Board Management Certificate through the prestigious W50 Program at UCLA Anderson School of Management. This program allowed her to hone her leadership abilities and gain insights into corporate governance, making her a strong candidate for high-level managerial roles.
Additionally, Lauren studied Experiential Marketing along with Event and Partnership Management at New York University, broadening her expertise in marketing and enhancing her ability to connect brands with consumers in meaningful and impactful ways. These qualifications lay the foundation for her success in marketing and entrepreneurship, showcasing her continuous commitment to learning and professional development.
Achievements
Lauren Perkins's career is marked by numerous notable achievements that illustrate her influence in the fields of entrepreneurship and corporate innovation. As a recognized leader and innovator, she has left an indelible mark on every organization she has been part of. Her tenure as Managing Director at Microsoft for Startups is a testament to her notable contributions, as she played a key role in leading initiatives that aided early-stage businesses in navigating the tech ecosystem.
Her role as an EIR at Columbia Business School not only reflects her standing in the entrepreneurial community but also underscores her commitment to nurturing new talent. By mentoring young entrepreneurs, she has helped foster the next generation of successful innovators.
Another significant milestone in her career was co-founding FlyFit Global, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer. Under her leadership, the company developed a robust marketing strategy that positioned it as a competitive player in the health and fitness space.
As a former community supervisor at Crunch Fitness and assistant fitness director at Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women, Lauren has also fostered community engagement and connection in the health and wellness sector, further showcasing her versatility across different industries. Her early career as a marketing assistant, copywriter, and freelance reporter at Boston Globe Media prepared her for the challenges of her later ventures by providing her with invaluable experience in multimedia communications.
Lauren's diverse experiences and achievements mark her as a significant thought leader in her field. Her work continues to inspire entrepreneurs and corporate innovators, as she remains dedicated to driving innovation and fostering growth wherever she goes.
