WOMEN TO WATCH

Lauren Murisa

Software Product Manager
Apptegy

I work as a software product manager with the incredible, Arkansas-based SAAS company, Apptegy. I stumbled into the role with the help of CEO, Jeston George, and found it to be a perfect fit. My team and I essentially design, develop and deliver marketing and community engagement software that helps K-12 schools build better relationships with their respective communities. Having a robust virtual presence is a true necessity and it’s been awesome working to create tools that make this easy for school administrators and teachers.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best advice I ever received

Control your thoughts! Your thoughts largely dictate your reality - you must therefore be very careful what descriptors you attach to your situation and circumstances. Your situation is only what you've already decided it is. Decide wisely!

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

You don't have to be highly technical to work in technology.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Reflect on my thinking. If I'm truly hitting a wall, there is likely either a limiting belief or a lack of creativity that is my only obstacle.

Biggest challenges in my career

Right now, the biggest challenge is definitely distinguishing work time from family time. With notifications constantly coming to my phone and my Macbook always nearby, it sometimes feels hard to disconnect and be genuinely present after work hours.

My first job and what it taught me

I started my first job as a summer staff member for the Boys & Girls Club at 15 years old. Club kids ranged from age 5-17, so I very quickly learned: 1) stand tall and 2) NEVER share my age!

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Call a friend to rant! There is nothing like explaining your frustrations out loud to make you realize how wrong you are. I go into a rant feeling so justified, and by the end, I'm ready to go apologize!

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Acts4Rwanda. It's an Arkansas-based-NPO that helps kids from the poorest families in Rwanda afford education and meals. I visited their children's center in Rwanda and found they were making an incredible impact in the lives and homes of these children.

Best career moment so far

This! Being featured alongside this selection of women is truly remarkable. I could not be more excited.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

My role requires that I constantly critique - critique scope, designs, timelines, agile ceremonies, everything - to help us continually improve. The skill, however, is not in the critique; but delivering it in a way that builds the team up.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Easy! The people I work with. They truly care about creating something we can all be proud of and it makes me want to show up every day.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Conway

I can't start my day until

I make my hour-by-hour to-do list

Hobbies

Work and sleep

Binge watch

“Altered Carbon”

Last good read

“As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen

Favorite meal in town

Santo Coyote's molcajete

Best recent local discovery

Cypress Social

Latest splurge

Adjustable base bed

Most-used app

Notes

Dream vacation

U.S. National Parks Tour

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