Lauren King

I attribute my success to never getting too comfortable and never settling. I've always been driven to reach for more, challenge myself, and expect more from myself. My desire to keep learning and growing has played a significant role in my career journey. The more knowledge you gain, the more you're able to help others—and that's what makes a great leader.

Believing in myself has been just as important. Life can bring challenges that make you want to step back, slow down, or put your goals on hold. For me, losing my husband at a young age and raising two young children on my own could have easily become reasons to stop pursuing my goals. Instead, those experiences strengthened my determination and pushed me to keep moving forward. I remained focused on growing both personally and professionally, and those challenges helped shape the resilience and work ethic that have contributed to my success.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to never settle, never get too comfortable, and always keep reaching for more. Growth happens when you're willing to embrace new opportunities, continue learning, and challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday.

Most importantly, no one will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. Be your own biggest cheerleader, invest in your growth, and trust your ability to overcome obstacles. When you combine determination, continuous learning, and self-belief, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

The best career advice I ever received came from my mother when I stepped into a leadership role. She told me, "What I want you to remember is that leadership is not about the title—it's about the impact. It's about the impact you make on other people."

That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. Leadership isn't defined by a position or a title; it's defined by how you influence, inspire, and support those around you. As a leader, your responsibility is to help others grow, encourage them to believe in themselves, and create opportunities for them to succeed.

True leadership is about making a difference. It's about serving others, leading by example, and leaving a positive impact that extends far beyond your role. When you focus on the impact you make rather than the title you hold, that's when you become the kind of leader people remember.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in yourself and never be afraid to take up space. Don't let self-doubt keep you from pursuing opportunities or stepping into roles that challenge you. Often, you're more capable than you realize.

Be willing to learn, ask questions, and continue growing. The more knowledge you gain, the more confident you'll become and the more value you'll bring to your team and organization. Don't be afraid to seek out mentors, build relationships, and learn from those who have walked the path before you.

Most importantly, never settle and don't get too comfortable. Keep reaching for new opportunities, continue setting goals for yourself, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when you're willing to challenge yourself.

There may be obstacles along the way, but don't let them define you. Let them motivate you. Stay focused, work hard, and trust in your abilities. Your voice, your perspective, and your contributions matter, and this industry needs strong women who are willing to lead, innovate, and make a difference.

One of the biggest opportunities in our industry right now is the rapid pace of technology and innovation. The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, creating new ways to connect people, improve customer experiences, and deliver services more efficiently. For those who are willing to learn and adapt, there are endless opportunities for growth and career development.

At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with that change. Technology continues to advance quickly, and it requires us to continuously learn, develop new skills, and embrace new ways of working. What worked yesterday may not be enough tomorrow.

I see this challenge as an opportunity. I've always believed that growth comes from being willing to learn and step outside your comfort zone. The people who continue to invest in themselves, stay curious, and remain adaptable will be the ones who thrive. That's true for individuals, teams, and organizations alike.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to help others navigate change, encourage continuous learning, and create an environment where people feel empowered to grow. When we embrace change instead of fearing it, we can turn challenges into opportunities and continue making a meaningful impact.

Professionally, I am passionate about helping others grow and reach their full potential. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is seeing someone develop new skills, gain confidence, and achieve goals they may not have thought possible. I never want my team to settle. I want to help them find opportunities to learn, create a path for growth, and support them as they work toward their goals. That mindset comes from my own experience—I was fortunate to have a leader who invested in me, encouraged me to grow, and helped me see what was possible. I strive to do the same for others.

Personally, my values are centered around my family. While I am driven, career-focused, and deeply committed to my work, my family will always come first. They are my foundation, my motivation, and my greatest source of support. No matter how busy life becomes or how many professional goals I am pursuing, I make it a priority to ensure my family knows they are always at the top of my list.

I also value loyalty and dedication. Whether it's my family, my team, or my organization, I believe in showing up, supporting others, and giving my best every day. For me, success isn't just about personal achievement—it's about helping others succeed while staying true to the people and values that matter most.