Meet Lani Rosales, the woman connecting tech professionals within the Austin community – one Facebook meme, jello-shot-infused networking event, and thought-provoking article at a time.
What makes Lani a Change-maker?
Lani is changing the way local tech professionals, recruiters, and businesses interact to find talent within the Austin market and beyond. Her uncanny attitude, high knowledge of latest breaking news, and dedication to connecting the best in the business is unparalleled.
She is the COO of The American Genius, an online editorial with up to the minute coverage of emerging technologies. In her role as the COO, Rosales manages the news room and a nation-wide editorial staff.
The connecting doesn't stop there
Every month Lani hosts BIG ASS HAPPY HOUR (BASHH) where job seekers, recruiters, techies, and just rad people looking for new connections linger. It has been crowned the best casual happy hour in Austin by the 'Austinot' due to its lack of agenda or rigid schedule. At BASHH, the possibility of party hats is always on the table, 1 free drink of liquid courage is included, and you are bound to make new connections, what could be better?
Phoebe Nygren (PN): It seems like you'd be a woman running around with her hair on fire, how do you keep it all together?
Lani Rosales (LR): I have worked under various bosses, industries, managers, and something i've realized is I have to go my own direction. Yes, I have a million things to do, and a million more on the waiting list, but I'm in control, usually.
PN: What is the best part about what you do?
LR: The Unpredictability. In my line(s) of work, there is no such thing as the same thing, same day, same way. I am in a constant state of flux. I learn, trip, fall flat on my ass, get back up, and I couldn't imagine it any other way.
PN: What is your advice to content writers, creatives, and other professionals?
LR: Inject feeling into your projects, articles, content to create an emotional connection with your audience, customers, etc. You must give an emotive performance – tell a story – draw people into the conversation of your brand.
Impacting Piece of Advice:
LR: "Passion is so overused these days. If I would have done what I was 'passionate' about I'd have a cat cafe and make $10,000 a year. It's not realistic – take an honest look at your failures, reassess your strengths, and find what you're good at. The passion will come."
Connect with Lani: Try to keep up with her on twitter, or maybe spend 7 minutes in heaven with her at an upcoming mentor session at the 2016 SXSW Festival!
