We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Janelle Downey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura Janelle, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always heard, “No risk, no reward.” But even contemplating taking a risk can be nerve-racking. And if you let your mind run wild, it will tell you all sorts of things—and a majority of this stuff will be negative. Having a strong belief in yourself will help to push you past the fear of thinking you’ll fail if you take the risk. When it comes to my career, I am definitely a risk-taker. I remember early on in my career, I was asked to come up with an editorial calendar filled with story ideas for the upcoming year. I was given less than 24 hours to complete this task. As a junior editor at the time, I was nervous but confident that I could come up with creative concepts for the editor and publisher of the five community magazines I worked on. The next day, I presented my ideas to them. I had to explain each one and why they would be a great fit for each audience. They asked me questions and I was prepared with answers. My heart was pumping and my nerves were racing as I presented. One of my ideas was to put Grant Hill on the cover of one of the magazines since he had just been signed to the Phoenix Suns. At that time, this particular magazine never had an African-American person on the cover. It was a pivotal moment for the publisher, brand, and audience. When it was all said and done, my idea came to fruition, and as a matter of fact, the publisher ended up approving about 85% of my ideas. In addition, I was promoted in less than a year.

I encourage people to bet on themselves. Prayer and a positive mindset will carry you a long way.

 
So how do I think about risk now that I am more seasoned in my career? I still have the same outlook. I think about the consequences associated with risk, however, I don’t allow that to paralyze me with fear. Taking a calculated risk can be key to achieving success. Once I ask God for wisdom with any decision I am making, I move forward confidently and in His peace. I consider risk-taking a challenge to overcome as opposed to something I should avoid. And everyone who knows me, knows I don’t back down from a challenge. Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. … In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I did not know that being the editor of my high school yearbook would lead me to where I am today. But it definitely played a huge role in my becoming a journalist. I am currently the executive editor of WebMD Magazine and its point-of-care print products, which are condition-related posters, guides, and workbooks you might see at doctors offices. The majority of my career has been as a magazine journalist. I started my career at PEOPLE magazine as a celebrity reporter. But I’ve also been a fashion editor, travel journalist, magazine journalism professor at Florida A&M University, and more. To date, I’ve been focusing on ways to educate, encourage, and inspire early-career journalists. I am the first Black president of the Georgia Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. With only a few months into my new position as president, I created a high school scholarship for Georgia juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing journalism when they go to college. This idea came to fruition after receiving an email from a highschooler who told me they were interested in pursuing journalism but did not have a journalism program at their school.

In regard to my career and personal life, I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades. I’m a master at multitasking. I can work on 30-plus projects in one week, I am currently wrapping up a Master of Arts in Ministry (my first master’s degree is in Journalism), I play small forward as the only woman in a weekly men’s basketball league, I’ve been a national brand model for Weight Watchers, and so much more. At the end of the day, I hold myself and others to a higher standard. The qualities that have been most important to my success are my passion and drive. This drive to succeed has always been innate. It pushes me to excel beyond the average person. Other traits that play a major role in my career and personal life are excellence and the willingness to evolve. I strive for excellence in everything I do. Writer Elbert Hubbard once said, “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My schedule is too insane to entertain anybody for one week! I can do a 3-day weekend though.

Friday night: We will have dinner at Bar Margot inside Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. My boy, Chad “Sosa” Hester, is the sous chef there. After we eat, I’ll take my friend to The James Room, a speakeasy with curated cocktails and a chic Atlanta vibe.

Saturday morning/afternoon: We will do a Run X Lift arms and abs workout at Barry’s boot camp in Buckhead and then grab brunch at The Southern Gentleman. The Southern fried chicken and country skillet cake is fire! After that, we will hit the stores at Buckhead Village. One of our first stops will be at COS followed by Dior, Theory, and Atlanta fave, Abbey Glass.

Saturday night: I’ll take my friend to Atlas inside The St. Regis Atlanta. I’m in love with the bread cart (I can’t get enough of the pretzel bread!), stellar service, and the chef’s tasting menu. After dinner, I’ll be sure to swing by Tesserae at Thompson Buckhead so my friend can experience one of Atlanta’s rooftop hotspots.

Sunday morning/afternoon: I will take my friend to the 9 a.m. church service followed by some spa time at Exhale inside Loews Atlanta Hotel. I’ll be sure to schedule my girl Colleen for our massages. Then we will head to Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours for brunch. A side of mac and cheese here will change anyone’s life! When we leave, I’ll take my friend to Ponce City Market to shop local. We will take a pinch pot beginner ceramic class at The Mangata Experience and let our creative juices flow. Afterward, I’ll stop by SkyView Atlanta so my friend can soak up the city 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park. We will take a few silly selfies in the air before my friend has to pack and head back to the Big Apple.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give all praise and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would not be where I am today. I must also give a HUGE shoutout to my mom, Ursula, my dad, Charles, and my sister, Dawn. These three individuals are my safe space, sounding boards, and besties. All major decisions are made after I have spoken with them. I also consult former trusted colleagues and friends like Ericka Souter and Dorothy Bland. There are a lot of people who have supported me along the way but the list is too long to name. I will say, Kyla Robinson Battles, Enica Thompson III, Willie Booker III, Daniel Chatters, and Wendy Wilson have all played a special part in my journey. I am grateful to have them in my life.

Instagram: @laurakadowney

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-downey-509a0758

Twitter: @laurakadowney

Facebook: Laura Janelle Downey

Image Credits
Nisha Lagana, AKINS GRAPHICS

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