Name: Rainatu Conteh
Position: Regional Marketing Manager
Family: Husband and Son (6 years old)
Hometown: Missouri City, Texas
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
What was your very first job, how old were you and what was the biggest takeaway from the experience?
My first job was a hostess at an Italian restaurant. I was 15 years old and ecstatic to finally start working and getting my own money! My biggest takeaway was learning the importance of adaptability. As a hostess, sometimes my responsibilities included wiping tables or taking drink orders for customers. It was helping the team and not just focusing on my role individually. Starting out, you quickly realize how valuable it is to embrace new challenges, adjust to different work environments, and develop practical skills that can be applied throughout your career. These experiences not only build your confidence but also set the foundation for future growth and success.
What areas do you focus on in your role as a legal marketer? Why are you passionate about your profession?
As a Regional Marketing Manager, I focus on profile raising for attorneys and business development locally for Texas. I enjoy learning about my attorney’s individual practices and their goals for developing their book of business. I am passionate about my business development profession because it allows me to continuously learn and grow by engaging with new markets, industries, and people. The nature of business development means that I am always facing fresh challenges, which keep my work exciting and motivate me to innovate and find creative solutions. Building relationships and helping organizations expand their reach gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Furthermore, I enjoy seeing tangible results from my efforts, whether it is establishing new partnerships, driving revenue growth, or contributing to the overall success of the company. This combination of personal growth, problem-solving, and making a meaningful impact is what fuels my enthusiasm for business development.
What time do you typically get up on a workday, and what’s your ideal morning routine to get it off to a great start?
I start my day at 5 am during the week. When I get up early it almost guarantees that I set the tone for a productive and positive day. I typically exercise for about 30 minutes and then pack lunches for my son and me. I observe my morning prayers and then wake up my son for school. I make breakfast and then we are out the door for school drop off and I continue to the office. Once I get in my office, I review my goals and tasks for the day, put together a to-do list, and jump right in with my meetings.
What are your best productivity hacks?
I swear by To Do Lists! It is something about writing down your tasks AND crossing them off as you complete them that gives me the greatest feeling of accomplishment. It also helps me to stay organized and prioritize tasks. I also “time-block” regularly on my calendars to dedicate time to tasks and appointments. These are for appointments that are personal and professional.
What’s a leadership skill you’ve learned the hard way?
I’ve had to learn how to release control and allow others to complete tasks and projects. As an organized and detailed person, it was difficult for me to effectively delegate tasks to others without worrying if they would get it done. I eventually learned that if I empowered my team and built up their confidence within their role it would benefit me as well.
Leading others is challenging but also rewarding to see their growth professionally. I never desired to be a micromanager, so it was always important to me to pour into others and allow them to do the same for me. Everyone has so much to contribute and it is important to encourage fellow colleagues to communicate and work through challenges.
You’re taking me out to a business lunch in your city. Where are we going and what do you recommend I order?
I consider myself to be a BIG foodie! If you are eating with me, we are most likely going to a seafood restaurant. Pappadeaux’s is a local seafood restaurant that always has fresh seafood with the best flavor. I would recommend the stuffed shrimp for starters. If we are at any other seafood restaurant, we are trying the crab cakes. This is a non-negotiable!