How Identity Has Influenced a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento's Career
Lauren's success as a gym owner stems from strong networking, cultivated through a sorority and academic connections, emphasizing the importance of "meeting people and making connections." Further, overcoming initial fear to actively engage with professors and advisors, asking questions and fostering relationships, proved invaluable in developing collaborative leadership skills essential to their current role.
Networking, Communication, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Wright
Gym Owner
Tricks Sacramento LLC
Sacramento State University
N/A
Ethnic & Related Studies
Education, Sports & Fitness
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Network extensively: Lauren emphasizes the importance of networking, highlighting her sorority experience and its role in connecting her with professionals who assisted with various aspects of her gym business. She advises students to network within their majors and maintain those relationships after graduation.
2. Meet with professors and advisors frequently: Lauren's experience in pursuing a second degree in Deaf Studies taught her the value of actively engaging with professors and advisors, asking questions, and seeking guidance. She notes that this practice significantly improved her ability to collaborate and problem-solve.
3. Embrace collaboration and overcome the fear of asking questions: Lauren highlights the significance of asking questions and collaborating with others. This skill, developed through her college experiences, is now an integral part of her management style, emphasizing that no one possesses all the answers and teamwork is key to success.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I networked and met people, making connections. Sometimes people might laugh at the phrase "you gotta network," but I realize now how important that is. I was in a sorority for four years at Sac State, and the people I met there have helped me make so many connections.
They've helped me find people to design our website and assist with our HR and safety business partner. I met our current HR and safety business partner through my sorority. She then introduced me to someone else, so I think networking is a really big part of this.
This can be done by joining clubs, meeting people in your major, and developing those relationships. I also maintained relationships with people from internships, making sure I had great references as I progressed in my career.
I did my undergrad for four years and then took a little pause before returning to get a degree in deaf studies. I have an AA in deaf studies and was going to school to become a sign language interpreter. While that doesn't specifically apply to gymnastics, I did something at American River College that made a big difference compared to Sac State.
I met with my professors and advisors often and asked questions. I think that really prepared me for this position now because when I was younger, I was afraid to ask questions or speak up. I've realized how important asking questions is because no one has all the answers.
I tell my staff that all the time. I don't have all the answers, and neither does anyone else, but we can figure things out together. I want to hear from everyone, and I want us to collaborate on ideas.
So, I think overcoming that initial nervousness or fear and meeting with your advisors and teachers to ask questions is important. Developing those relationships can also provide you with great references or networking opportunities after college.
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