Senior Director of Finance & Operations at DVF, Lauren O’Meara!
She invented the wrap dress and architected her namesake fashion house into the legendary household name it is today, the iconic Diane Von Furstenberg! We met Lauren O’Meara, DVF’s Senior Director of Finance and Operations during an entrepreneurship panel Lindsay was apart of with DVF x InCharge late last year. We had the pleasure of connecting with her to learn more about her career journey along with the lessons learned and a few things you may find surprising! PS. We might just be working on a little somethin’ somethin’ together that will be launching later on this year..more to come on that soon!
If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to change career paths – Lauren is here to tell you otherwise as she went from working in finance to fashion for one of the biggest designers we know and love.
“Learning to prioritize and to say no is super important and asking for help is not a sign of weakness!”
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: What is one interesting thing that people may not know about your career?
Lauren O’Meara: I’ve done quite a 180 in my career- I started in Finance as an actuary and I’m now in Fashion. It’s a little unusual to go from a very mathematical/corporate career to one in fashion! I still deal with numbers every day, but the environment is very different.
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: During your professional journey, what is one mistake you made that you learned the most from?
Lauren O’Meara: I’m probably not the only person who has made this mistake but earlier in my career I took too much on and never wanted to ask for help. However, I learned that it only causes a lot of stress and doesn’t necessarily get you any credit! Learning to prioritize and to say no is super important and asking for help is not a sign of weakness!
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: One thing you wish people would stop doing in business?
Lauren O’Meara: Endless meetings! So many meetings could so easily be replaced with a quick email.
Question:
Lindsay Albanese: Your go-to beverage after a long week (specifics please!)
Lauren O’Meara: Easy! I love a Negroni (particularly at Dante’s NYC!) or a glass of Sancerre!
