Interview: Lauren Wesley Wilson on Building Meaningful Business Relationships
Lauren Wesley Wilson is a professional communicator, media spokesperson, and an acclaimed entrepreneur. She currently serves as President of ColorComm, Inc. ColorComm has a community of more than 40,000 professionals throughout the ColorComm Network (a national professional membership organization), an annual conference (C2), ColorComm Circle Awards, Jobs Board, ColorComm Fellows Program, and a Men of Color in Communications community for engaging powerful men in the business. Lauren recently sat down with Glitter to talk about ColorComm, Inc, her greatest achievements and how to make a difference politically. Read on to find out more about one of the most powerful people in PR.
GLITTER: Can you tell us a bit about what you do?
LAUREN: I’m the Founder of ColorComm, Inc., a national platform focused on advancing people of color in the communications industry. ColorComm encompasses a national professional membership organization, two national leadership conferences, a fellows program, a Men of Color community and more.
GLITTER: What have been some of your greatest achievements?
LAUREN: The Cannes Lions Festival naming me as a 2017 Glass Lions Jury Member and being recognized as PR Week’s 50 Most Powerful in PR.
GLITTER: What is some advice for women on networking and working together?
LAUREN: Focus on building relationships with a value exchange. Understand that you can’t do this alone, and you need to surround yourself with people who’ve done your work before.
GLITTER: What advice do you have to those wanting to make a difference politically?
LAUREN: Speak up on issues of importance. All politics start locally, so start by getting involved in your community.
GLITTER: What’s a day like for you from morning to night?
LAUREN: My morning routine consists of waking up at 6 a.m., at the gym by 7 a.m., and in the office by 9 a.m. I scan all the morning/mid-afternoon shows throughout the day (preferably CNN), read the trades, check all our social media platforms. I need to know what is going on in the world at all times. I typically bring my lunch to work and attend industry events afterwork. I try to read before bedtime and turn in early.
GLITTER: Favorite fashion indulgence?
LAUREN: Revolve.com and Fwd. I scan all the fashion and try to replicate outfits with my own style.
GLITTER: How do you stay healthy with such a high paced career?
LAUREN: The gym is my biggest motivator to stay healthy. Starting my day there helps me stay on track for the remainder of the day.
GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, what’s self-love mean to you?
LAUREN: For me, self-love means to take care of ourselves. We know our own limits and our own boundaries and we need to listen to our internal voice.
GLITTER: What’s on your playlist right now?
LAUREN: I love all music. From Kendrick Lamar to Ed Sheeran to Lenny Kravitz to Adele to Ace Hood. It’s all on there!
GLITTER: Favorite places to travel?
LAUREN: Cannes, France
GLITTER: What words of advice do you have for women wanting to follow in your footsteps?
LAUREN: Always have a reason why. Once you know the reason, you better have an idea on how to get there. Do your research, have a plan, be consistent and go for it.
You can find the ColorComm network on Instagram @colorcomm, Twitter @ColorCommntwk, and on her Facebook ColorComm.
