Name: Lisa Martin-Louro
Job Title and Description: Dell Brand Experience and Cultural Engineer
College/Major: University of Texas at San Antonio / Communications
Twitter Handle: @lisamartinlouro
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Lisa Martin- Louro: My current job is anything but typical. After packing lunches and sending the kids off to school, I get right to work from wherever I have a good Wi-Fi signal. When I’m not traveling, I prefer to work from my home office, otherwise known as the kitchen table. Most of my day is filled with conference calls [to plan] events and brand experiences with creative agencies, following notable influencers in social media, and working with other brands and partners to develop new ways to engage customers.
What is the best part of your job?
LML: The best part of my job is watching our customers interact with the experiences I have created. Everything I do is an expression of the brand. These special moments bring our brand closer to our customers. I get so much enjoyment from their genuine surprise and delight.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
LML: My first entry-level creative job was as a graphic design intern. I had a friend in college who introduced me to the owner of a small creative agency. He was looking for fresh creative talent and my friend thought I would be a perfect fit. Sure enough, I started interning and learned a ton! The owner ended up being a very critical mentor in [my] career.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
LML: The creative industry is tough because your boss and/or your clients expect you to be a bottomless pool of amazing, cutting-edge, and innovative ideas that they can dip into as often as they need to. Thanks to technology, new tools are being developed every day that take my ideas to the next level. I think back and wonder what I could have done better, smarter, and louder if I had those tools years ago!
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
LML: I have been lucky enough to meet brilliant people along the way [who] have pushed me to new heights. There isn’t one person – but many – [who] have shaped my professional life.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
LML: “When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen” – Harley Davidson. Always stay in control and believe in yourself.
You’re a devoted mother and wife as well as a career woman—what tips do you have for juggling so many priorities?
LML: I really have to focus on balancing my life. It’s not always easy, but finding time to disconnect from electronics and do things as a family is very important.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
LML: I truly believe that everything I have done in my life has brought me [to] where I am today, [and] I wouldn’t change a thing. No regrets.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
LML: Someone that tells me what they are going to do, not what they have done.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
LML: Stay inspired [and] strive make a difference in your work. Network, network, network…