GigSesh Expert Profile: Laura Ramirez

One of GigSesh’s newest experts is Laura Ramirez de Arellano, a Marketing Director at SiriusXM. With over 17 years of strategic, multi-channel marketing experience, Ramirez has run programs everywhere from financial services to Six Flags and now SiriusXM. With so many recognizable names on her resume, it’s no wonder Ramirez is one of GigSesh’s most highly sought-after Experts. We had a chat with Ramirez about her career start, influential mentors and what defines her outside of work.

GS: When you first joined the workforce, what career did you see for yourself?

LR: I wanted to be a big cheese in advertising. My dream was to create award-winning creative campaigns that were staples in popular culture, that shaped and contributed intellectually and artistically. Having lived through much volatility, including revolving doors of clients and recessions, I quickly learned that advertising was a results-based business and that the moments where a team could create new and/or popular culture were fortunate ones. I craved more structure and knowledge and ended up going to larger, more established agencies to work on package goods and pharmaceutical clients which gave me a solid foundation in research and strategic development to get stronger in my path.

GS: And how has that changed over the past decade?

LR: What’s changed in the past decade is that I’ve managed to go back to more of my passions. I’m now on the client side and market entertainment, but what differs is I firmly apply business models, strategy, research and planning in everything I do. Creative Method -vs- Creative Chaos!

GS: Who is the professional mentor in your life who has left the biggest impression on you? How have they shaped your career?

LR: One of my first mentors when I entered the workforce was Darlene Cipriani, the New Business EVPs at my first ad agency, Lowe and Partners. She taught me to be fearless and to learn as much as possible from every client assignment. I was curious and she gave me unlimited exposure and opportunity.

GS: What are some activities or routines outside of work that contribute to your professional success?

LR: What’s really redefined my life as well as my leadership style has been participating in the Burning Man festival. Outside of work, I have spent a lot of my free time developing community events and projects in NYC and at the festival with large groups including artists, builders, dreamers and doers. Those projects and interactions have taught me how to approach challenges differently and to leverage the power of community. Some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done has been for the Burning Man community. As I grow older and my responsibilities become greater at work, I’m unable to participate as fully in this community as I once did but I exercise that creative part of me in smaller events that I produce year-round for friends and family (sometimes friends and family being a cast of over 250 people).

As a GigSesh Expert, Laura Ramirez de Arellano is connecting with professionals looking for career advice and networking opportunities. Want to be compensated for giving career advice and maybe even get a feature like this one? Sign up to be a GigSesh Expert today!