Name: Louise Vallejos
Position: Business Development and Competitive Intelligence Coordinator
Hometown: Metairie, Louisiana
Education: MBA, University of New Orleans; BSM, Tulane University
What was your very first job, how old were you, and what was the biggest takeaway from the experience?I was 18 years old when I started my first job as a front desk associate at Kidsports, an Ochsner Fitness Center facility that offers a variety of programs for kids. I had to interact with members and guests, process reservations and payments, and provide information about the programs and services. My biggest takeaway was the importance of interpersonal skills and being a proactive problem solver. I had to communicate effectively to meet all the guests’ needs and work efficiently with my colleagues. I developed more confidence and became a better listener through my interactions with a wide variety of personalities. These are all skills that I’ve continued to develop and use in my personal and professional relationships.
At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to pursue a legal career and why are you passionate about your profession?Like many others, I did not intentionally set out to pursue a career in legal marketing. I started at Jones Walker in 2010 as a file clerk intern during my senior year of undergrad. I stayed on after graduation and eventually moved into the Loss Prevention and Records and Conflicts teams. While I enjoyed my role on those teams, I decided to go back to school to get an MBA with a concentration in marketing. In the spring of 2015, I had the opportunity to work with the senior BD manager on various projects. When a position became available within the marketing department, I was able to move into a full-time business development role. I enjoy collaborating with the attorneys and my colleagues on initiatives that directly impact the firm’s overall strategy.
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 typically wake up around 6:00 a.m. and get ready for work. Then, I’ll grab a cup of coffee (or two) and a small breakfast if I have time. On my commute to work, I’ll listen to a podcast, usually "The Daily" to catch up on recent news or "Smartless" to start my day off with a laugh.
What are your best productivity hacks?I like to use the Pomodoro technique. With this method, I break up a project or series of tasks into 25-minute intervals separated by five-minute breaks. There are many Pomodoro timers available online, but you can easily use the timer on your phone. This technique helps me focus for set periods and make clear progress on projects. I also use Microsoft OneNote to take and organize all my notes and create project and daily tasks lists.
What are some of your hobbies or favorite things to do in your free time?In my free time, I like to workout, spend time with family and friends, attend music festivals, read, and watch a good Netflix show. I also love traveling and hope to be able to do more of it soon!
You’re taking me out to a business lunch in New Orleans. Where are we going and what do you recommend I order?Vincent’s, an Italian restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. All of the dishes that I’ve ordered have been fantastic. I recommend starting with the corn & crab bisque which is served in a toasted bread bowl - it’s delicious!
What’s one of the smartest purchases you’ve ever made? What’s one of the dumbest?The smartest purchase I’ve ever made is a tie between my first house and my MBA. These were both personal goals that I’d set for myself at an early age. It was incredibly rewarding knowing all of the hard work I’d put into achieving these goals. My dumbest purchase has been any pair of shoes that looked great when I tried them on at the store but ended up being uncomfortable to wear.
Can you name someone who has had a great impact on you as a leader or someone who has been a mentor to you in your life or career? How have they changed your outlook?I’ve been very fortunate to work with many driven women who have inspired me. Each person brings varied skills and experiences from which I’ve been able to learn. I’m a big advocate for teamwork and collaboration, and I know that I would not be able to do my job successfully without my colleagues.
What is something you are absolutely determined to do in life?I want to take some time to travel throughout Europe and South America.