Our Consultant Spotlight series lets us tell the stories of the people who make up the Lions & Tigers community. This week we get to know Laura Stanton. An L&T Consultant and marketing professional with an extensive background in the tech industry, Laura took advantage of the ability to work remotely by moving to Hawaii to be closer to family. When she’s not outside enjoying her island surroundings, you can find her cooking, listening to podcasts, doing puzzles and spending time with loved ones.

ABOUT LAURA

I was born in Ohio, spent my middle school years in Connecticut and moved to Florida my sophomore year in high school.  I was recruited to Microsoft in 1999 and moved to the Pacific Northwest.  In 2020, just as the pandemic started raging in the Seattle area, my husband and I moved to beautiful Maui, not only to enjoy the wonderful culture and weather, but also to be nearer to my in-laws who have lived here for 20 years.  We couldn’t have picked a better time– we moved in with the family and it made for a great “bubble” where we played a lot of Pinochle, cooked meals together and stayed safe.  And with work going remote across Microsoft, it made for a good opportunity for me to come back as a consultant – something I wasn’t sure would work given the time difference.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

I have been in the technology industry since 1987 (yikes!), working in all areas of the computer business including our family-owned dealership, a large international distributor (Tech Data Corporation) and 17+ years in marketing at Microsoft.  After retiring from full-time work, I took a year off to focus on myself and give back to some non-profits in the Seattle area (Farestart, Friends of Youth & The Kind Fest), but I found that I missed the camaraderie and the business so decided to try my hand at consulting.

CURRENT ROLE

I am supporting Microsoft’s Device Partner Solution Sales team, working with a community of OEM device sellers from across the globe.

DREAM JOB AS A CHILD

I always had a curiosity for television advertising but really didn’t think much about marketing until after college.  I studied communication at University of Florida and have found it gave me a great foundation for working and communicating with others in business.  I sort of fell into technology by working with my family’s computer store and ended up being in technical support at a national distributor, Tech Data.  I earned my Novell CNE and Microsoft MCSE certifications and worked closely with the product marketing team.  One day, the lead of that team asked me if I knew of anyone who would want to lead the marketing efforts on BackOffice Server, I said “me”!

WHY LIONS & TIGERS

I love being at Lions & Tigers and am truly thankful for the community I’ve found here. I was looking for a place that embraced flexible scheduling and still had a sense of team, something I hadn’t experienced with other agencies.

AREAS OF INTEREST & PASSIONS

In my free time, I enjoy cooking and cooking shows (British Baking Show, Girl Meets Farm and Delicious Miss Brown are my current favs), putting together jigsaw puzzles, getting outside (of course!), watching the Seahawks, taking care of my in-laws’ adorable dog Aikane while they golf, spending time with friends, reading and listening to podcasts.  My husband and I are settling into our new condo in Kaanapali where we have an amazing view of our glorious sunsets here.  I am feeling very blessed and so lucky to have a life I love and that I am able to stay connected with friends in the Northwest through virtual happy hours and FaceTime… but am ready to see people in person, travel and get hugs back into my everyday life.

FAVORITE SEAHAWK PLAYER

I have loved watching DK Metcalf this year – he’s really an amazing talent!

INSIDER TIPS FOR THOSE VISITING MAUI

I have a whole list of things I send to people who are coming!  I personally just love the friendly and laid-back atmosphere.  The people are so welcoming and loving – it’s paradise!  One of my favorite things to recommend to people is to go to the Surfing Goat Farm – they have baby goats you can feed or milk and offer a “flight” of goat cheeses to try.  It’s in the beautiful slopes of Maui’s Haleakala Crater in lower Kula.  Surfing Goat Dairy | Maui Goat Farm Tours & Products

FAVORITE PODCAST

My favorite is Brene Brown Unlocking Us

BEST DISH CREATED IN THE KITCHEN

Recently I found a recipe for Pork Verde that I love – fresh tomatillos, onions, poblano peppers, cinnamon, cloves, cumin and pork – all roasted in the oven until it falls apart.  It’s great on tortillas or with a side of cornbread.  Green Chili with Pork (Chile Verde Con Cerdo) | America’s Test Kitchen

ADVICE TO OTHERS NAVIGATING CAREER TRANSITIONS

If I could offer advice to anyone, I’d use Brene Brown’s words “stay awkward, brave and kind.” – figure out what YOU want in life, no matter how awkward (not what others want or expect for you), take risks to make it happen, but in all things, be kind.

PLACE YOU PLAN TO VISIT ONCE THE PANDEMIC IS OVER

The first place I’ll visit is Seattle – I’m really missing my best friend & her family who I haven’t seen since last July.  I would love to get back to Europe and my beloved Barcelona but those are more long range plans.

Interested in joining Lions & Tigers?  Check out our open roles here.