Lauren Smithie
Marketing & Communications Manager
"From plug-in's to automation, springboks, to sushi, Lauren's a joy to work with. She's incredibly talented and diligent when it comes to unpicking challenges and finding innovative solutions to take our marketing to the next level" — Danielle Le Toullec
overview
Lauren grew up in Cape Town, South Africa before traveling to Thailand after her studies to teach English for a year. She arrived in the UK in 2019 and worked her way up the marketing department at an M&A firm before joining True. Lauren is excited to assist in building the True brand and developing marketing strategies that drive business growth.
meet Lauren
Why did you choose True?
For many reasons, one being that True has a really unique business model in that it specialises in both investment and innovation, each beneficial to the other. Another reason being that True focuses on consumer, retail & tech, which are interesting, exciting and relatable sectors. True's brand and culture also really stood out for me and as a marketer, I think branding is key. I love the world of entrepreneurship and when it's coupled with a sense of purpose, it makes you truly excited about contributing to the growth of a business.
How would you describe your job to a five-year old?
I create content and experiences that make people want to use a service or buy a product.
What do you love most and least about your job?
I love that I am around people that are constantly innovating to reshape the consumer industry. I love that I play a part in getting the True name out there so that we can continually attract the best businesses in this space. To be honest, I can't think of anything I don't enjoy.
Name an idea or company that reimagined a business or industry — one you wish you’d thought of.
Generative AI – it has the potential to revolutionise most industries and is an extremely useful tool.
Which person or people helped shape and inspire who you are today?
My parents – they have always been my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance. I have also met some inspiring people along the way that have all had a role in shaping my career trajectory.
true cv
Lauren’s expertise at True:
Lauren is involved in all aspects of the Marketing mix, with a special focus on user journey customisation & automation, content creation & brand design, social media management, email marketing, CRM, and business development.
True stories featuring Lauren
Events
Elevating Retail: Advancing Connected Stores through Collaboration and Technology
As a future-focused partner for the consumer industry, we’re constantly navigating the intersection of consumer behaviour shifts and emerging technology. That’s why we partnered with TheIndustry.fashion to host an event centred around the topic of ‘The Connected Store’, bringing together key decision-makers from brands and retailers to gain practical advice on how to deliver a true, seamless omnichannel retail experience.
Insight
Preventing Customer Abandonment Online: The Path to Success
There are countless factors currently affecting online retailers. From trying to navigate the post-Covid decline in ecommerce penetration to the wider retail landscape facing a storm of downward-demand and supply-side pressures. Innovation Analyst, Molly Walsh, has delved into the world of online customer retention. She has identified five key aspects of the customer journey and how retailers can utilise technology to prevent customer abandonment online.
News
Q&A with Ribble's Gravel World Championship rider, Maddy Nutt
Ahead of the UCI Gravel World Championships in October in Veneto, Ribble, launches its new Stone Collection Gravel Bikes which will debut at the competition by four Ribble Collective Riders. One of these riders is Maddy Nutt who shares her journey from working in finance to the podiuming at the Earth Series and being selected for team GB for the Gravel Worlds.