We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Dabb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
When I first thought about this question, I immediately recognized that I am resilient, but it made me wonder—where does that resilience actually come from? To get some perspective, I asked my husband, who knows me better than anyone. Without hesitation, he said, “Your parents!”
At first, I was skeptical of that answer. But as I reflected, I realized he was absolutely right. My parents didn’t endure any catastrophic events while I was growing up, but they certainly faced their share of life’s challenges. Through those experiences, they instilled in me the value of resilience. Their approach was simple yet profound in the sense that it always proved true: they always believed that “everything will work out.” And somehow, it always did. Not always in the way we expected or hoped, but things found a way of falling into place.
That mindset became my foundation. Whenever I’ve faced challenges or uncertain opportunities, I’ve returned to that simple belief. I make it a point to spend time reflecting on challenges after I’ve moved past them, questioning whether everything truly worked out. Nine times out of ten, it did. In fact, about half of those times, things worked out in ways I couldn’t have anticipated in the moment.
A pivotal moment that tested and reinforced my resilience occurred about four weeks postpartum with my second child—a particularly dramatic birthing experience. Around the same time, my husband lost his job. Recognizing that I was the one who could bring in a paycheck, I decided to return to work four weeks earlier than originally planned. It was a tough decision for many reasons, and convincing myself that everything would work out was equally challenging.
Now, eight years later, I can clearly see how that decision led me to where I am today. Returning to work early opened the door for me to find my home at LeftField Media, a place that has been transformative for my career and personal growth.
Even when situations feel daunting or impossible, trusting that everything would work out as it should has consistently guided me through. Time and time again, that faith has proven true, and I owe that resilience to the example my parents set.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have the incredible privilege of creating unforgettable experiences that often become the best day of someone’s life—over and over again!
As part of LeftField Media, a division of Clarion Events, I oversee the Comics Portfolio, which includes Awesome Con in Washington, DC, and Rose City Comic Con in Portland, OR. These vibrant, experiential events bring together 60,000–70,000 fans over three days to celebrate the shared passions that unite fandoms of all kinds.
At our events, fans are immersed in a welcoming and inclusive community where they can freely express their love for the things that bring them joy. From meeting their favorite celebrity who played a character that helped them through tough times, to wedding proposals in full cosplay with an audience of cheering fans, to something as simple as joining a sing-along on their way to a panel that sparks lifelong friendships—these moments are transformative. And I get to help make them happen.
What makes this work even more special is collaborating with an amazing, creative team. No two days are the same, and I’m constantly challenged to innovate and bring fresh ideas to life. The result? Events that celebrate passion, connection, and the magic of fandom in ways that truly matter.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been pivotal in my journey are empathy, humility, and confidence—a combination that might seem unconventional at first glance.
Empathy is essential not just professionally but in all aspects of life. It allows us to see the world through others’ perspectives, fostering understanding and connection. Even when we don’t agree, showing empathy demonstrates respect for others’ viewpoints, which can strengthen relationships and build trust.
Humility is equally important, especially when it comes to personal growth. Seeking feedback is not always easy or comfortable, but it’s invaluable for learning from mistakes and continuously improving. Embracing humility ensures that you remain open to growth and new opportunities to learn.
Finally, while humility keeps us grounded, confidence helps us move forward. Knowing your worth and celebrating your accomplishments are key to making an impact. Confidence allows you to embrace your strengths and advocate for yourself without hesitation.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
What works for me may not work for everyone, but my go-to strategy when I feel overwhelmed is creating a to-do list. When I’m juggling a lot at once, I pause, step back from the tasks, and write everything down. Sometimes, I go a step further and organize the list by priority or due date to clearly see what needs attention first. I usually start by tackling a few simple tasks to build momentum and gain focus, then move on to a larger task that, once completed, will bring significant relief.
Another approach I use when I’m feeling anxious about an outcome is visualizing different scenarios and their potential effects. I start with the worst-case scenario, then the best, and finally, the most likely. Thinking through how I would handle and move forward from the worst-case outcome gives me a sense of preparedness and control. Visualizing the best-case scenario, on the other hand, can provide a boost of optimism and relief.
Everyone is different and these strategies won’t work for everyone, but I believe it’s very impactful to identify the strategies that help when you are feeling overwhelmed so you know what to do to put yourself back in control.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leftfieldmedia.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendabb/
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