Hunter YoungGun | Lauren Armstrong

Hunter YoungGun | Lauren Armstrong

Lauren Armstrong is a Certified Practising Marketer who is passionate about bringing people together, sharing unique experiences and contributing to the growth of individuals and organisations.

She is happiest when building brands or collaborating with stakeholders in the community and is skilled at analysing data and developing creative campaigns to achieve strategic outcomes.

Lauren is the Marketing Manager of Belmont 16s and President of Hunter Young Professionals, a local not-for-profit organisation with more than 1,500 members that engages young people in the local business environment through unique professional development and social networking opportunities.

  • What career path led you to where you are now?  

So ,it wasn’t a deliberate career path, I’ve just taken opportunities as they’ve come.

I started doing Bachelor of Business at University of Newcastle, and whilst I was working in pubs, I moved into a marketing position while I was there. When graduation came around there wasn’t really a lot of job opportunities so I did some agency work and freelancing.

And then I was just working in venues as well, managing some of these, until the position at 16’s came around. So that’s really a big part of why I’m a part of the Hunter Young Professionals, because I wanted to give other young people the opportunity to remain in Newcastle if they wanted to by connecting them to opportunities to develop themselves professionally if that’s what they wanted to do.

  • What has been your biggest learning curve in your career?

Moving from a small business into the corporate world there’s definitely a bit of an adjustment. I’ve definitely become a bit more considered, I plan a bit more thoroughly, and that sort of thing.

Another challenge would be taking on a team of eleven volunteers has definitely had some of its challenges. So, between the two of them, that would definitely be a challenge that I’ve experienced.

  • What has being the President of HYP meant for your career?

It’s definitely given me the opportunity to apply my skills in a different environment, to lead a team through a strategic planning process, to define our purpose, mission, vision and values.

Aside from that it has really given me the opportunity to meet a lot of business leaders throughout the community, of all different ages and all different industries.

  • Where would you like to be in 10 years?

In Newcastle. I’d still like to be in a position where I can give back to the community and help build the economy.

Aside from that I think ultimately I want to have financial freedom, so that I can enjoy life and travel as much as I can.

  • Have you had any significant Hunter-based mentors during your career that inspire you?

I’d love to say that I had just one person throughout my career, but I think being a part of Hunter Young Professionals I have had the opportunity to meet lots of inspiring people, and I always try to share that with members by bringing them along to events to speak.

Particularly, Alexandria Joy is really inspiring with her values-based approach to business and life. And James Hunt is another one, from the university, who really just champions other people’s achievements. And it’s because of him that we’ll have an international speaker at the end of the year.

Belmont 16s

Belmont 16s is a nationally recognised sailing club and the leading provider of membership, dining and entertainment in the heart of Lake Macquarie. Originally established in 1922 as the ‘Belmont Sailing Club’, Belmont 16s has iconic status in Lake Macquarie. In present day, Belmont 16s is one of the largest clubs in the Hunter Region as well as the leading 16ft Skiff sailing club in Australia.

Featuring 3 walk-up bars and 6 dining outlets on ground level with a range of cocktail areas and alfresco lounges, a tucked away play area for children and a sweeping deck boasting 180 degree views of Lake Macquarie. Upstairs at Belmont 16s you will find a large auditorium and 3 function rooms catering to weddings, corporate events, celebrations and fundraisers.

Belmont 16s is open 7 days a week, 365 days of the year from 9am on weekdays and 8am, for breakfast, on weekends.

Trending Articles

Advertise with us

Affordable and engaging advertising to a business community

Submit an article

Tell your story to the Hunter business community

Does your business need a little help with its marketing?

Marketing strategies