How This Senior Product Marketing Manager Embraced Discomfort to Level Up

This interview featuring LaShaun Williams was originally posted here via Abstract. 

What personal passions bring you to Abstract?

I really love solving problems with design and technology, and that’s exactly what I get to do at Abstract. I’m also passionate about equal opportunity for underrepresented communities, and Abstract’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, willingness to have uncomfortable conversations and actually walk that talk is a refreshing rarity.

What’s one childhood lesson that you still carry with you to this day?

When you’re most uncomfortable, when you feel most challenged — that’s where the growth happens. And, it’s not to be feared but embraced.

Tell us about where you grew up and what makes it unique.

My father was advancing in his career for most of my childhood, so I moved around quite a bit — from Northern California to Arizona, to Ohio, to Southern California, to Michigan, then to Georgia. Adapting to the cultural nuances of different parts of the country was probably more unique than any particular place itself.

What are you most proud of in your life/career?

I’m most proud of my family and the team spirit that has been instrumental in my continued growth personally and professionally. I made the decision early on to be intentional about my priorities and work/life blending. And, today I can proudly say I really feel like I “have it all” — on my own terms.

What’s your favorite hype song and why?

“It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. It brings back warm memories of car rides with just my dad and I listening to old school hip-hop.

You get to have dinner with one famous person. Who do you choose and what would you ask them?

Dave Chappelle. I’d ask about the first time he bombed a show, how he felt, and what he did next.