Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren McKinnon.
Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
According to my parents, I’ve been involved in civic issues since I could talk. But it was during my work in the Texas Legislature that I began to see firsthand the power of communications in affecting change in society. Well-written talking points and coordinated press and social media coverage can be the difference between a bill passing or failing. And when that bill or issue affects lives, it is just too important to leave to chance.
After working in Washington D.C. with political campaigns and nonprofits, I moved home to Dallas to join one of the largest public relations firms in the world where my clients included Fortune 100 companies. I then served as director of corporate communications for Children’s Health (the country’s 8th largest pediatric health system) before launching my company, Project Mockingbird, earlier this summer.
Project Mockingbird is a strategic communications agency championing brands and causes that are changing the world. We are not your average PR agency. Instead, we’ve formed a collaborative community of women-owned businesses and freelancers to partner with us to bring our clients the best of our collective skills and strengths.
My personal mission in life is to further the economic advancement of women. Economic advancement for women and girls ultimately means a more equal society where all (men and women) can thrive. So, at the age of 36, I decided to go for it with the skills that I have in PR and communications.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe without a struggle, there can be no strength.
There have been many struggles throughout my life and career. Currently, as a working mother of three and four-year-old daughters, a routine is hard to come by. I struggle with mental and physical exhaustion like all parents, but I gave up the notion that I needed this unachievable “balance” a long time ago. Whether I am presenting in a boardroom or at home playing tea party, I try to be totally present and that makes me happy.
I’ve also struggled to find time to connect with other women like me in Dallas. This is why I wanted to create a workplace that values community over competition and allows working women to be unapologetically ambitious in a supportive environment.
My advice for younger women is to ditch the societal “mom guilt.” Mothers should feel zero guilt for working and zero guilt for staying home. If you are providing for and nurturing your children, being true to yourself and kind to others along the way, you’re doing a great job.
What should we know about Project Mockingbird? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We just launched a few months ago and are fortunate to already have amazing clients – some of the country’s largest companies and nonprofit organizations. Today, Project Mockingbird is a strategic communications agency championing brands and causes that are improving our world.
The vision for the future is for Project Mockingbird to become a company where hundreds of woman-owned businesses and freelancers are all working together to make a collective impact in our global community. Through a new collaborative model, we will partner together and share our resources – from paid leave to health insurance to design and print services (just to name a few) – to bring our clients the very best of our collective skills and strengths.
Like the mockingbird, we are better together.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I listen to podcasts every morning and afternoon while in the car. Lewis Howes’ The School of Greatness and Millions by Forbes (about self-made women) are always great. I believe it’s important to be constantly learning while also being thoughtful about filling our minds with positivity. My mother (and Oprah!) are right – our thoughts become our reality.
Another thing that helps with work productivity and team alignment is the expression of gratitude. Several years ago, I implemented a meeting practice where the team expresses gratitude for one thing (personal or professional) and their intention for the week. I’ve found this practice keeps everyone focused on what really matters while increasing productivity and engagement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.projectmockingbird.com
- Phone: 214-263-8092
- Email: lauren@projectmockingbird.com
- Instagram: @projectmockingbird
- Facebook: @projectmockingbird
Image Credit:
Social Media Club of Dallas, SocialMedia.org in Walt Disney World, team members and professional colleagues, Dallas Mavericks, Zach McKinnon
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