Stephanie Brown - Shifting Careers and Growing Leaders

In today’s episode I interview the remarkable Stephanie Brown, a trailblazer in the creative marketing and tech industries, and the brains behind Creative Career Level Up. With roles that include a tenure at Nike and Apple, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to the table. We explore the power of self-reflection, the art of strategic planning, and the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to catapult your career to the next level. Stephanie shares her personal story of her own transitions in her career, both the highs and the lows. Culminating in her development of an innovative career coaching programme designed to elevate professionals in the marketing, branding, creative, and tech sectors. We'll uncover how Stephanie turned the challenge of being let go from a job into a remarkable opportunity for growth and self-discovery, resulting in not only a successful coaching business but also a property portfolio and a book. We also discuss why it's important not to settle for less in our professional lives, finding joy in our work, and break free from the constraints that hold us back.  Whether you're feeling stuck in a rut or on the brink of your next big leap, this episode is full of actionable advice to help you find your path.     Episode Timeline:    06:50 Finding income streams to work in London. 13:11 Admiration for flexibility in work-life balance. 26:36 Appreciating job opportunities and the decision-making process. 31:43 Podcasts connect entrepreneurs, expand networks, and foster relationships. 37:43 Seeking advice, networking, and planning a new path. 45:45 Overcoming job boredom and boosting confidence at work. 48:20 Embrace growth, use evidence to reframe narratives. 54:00 Finding purpose in work beyond grand gestures. 1:01:53 Programme framework emphasises self-awareness and exploration. 1:08:11 Reflect on time, prioritise, challenge your narrative. Key Takeaways:  Stephanie Brown's experience showcases the importance of self-reflection and having a strategic plan when advancing one's career. The three-stage program (reflect, refine, result) she discusses serves as a guideline for individuals to discover their true career desires, understand the industry landscape, and implement strategies for securing positions that align with their personal and professional goals. The notion of changing one’s mindset from passive job seeker to proactive career architect is a focal point in the conversation, as exemplified by Steph Brown's entrepreneurial approach to job hunting and career development. Her success in securing a role at Apple and eventually starting her own coaching business underscores the value of networking, self-belief, and taking an entrepreneurial approach to crafting one's career path. Both Stephanie and Cathleen emphasise the significance of adaptability and learning from personal experiences, whether it is transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, dealing with job loss, or reshaping career objectives. Stephanie’s journey, from working at renowned companies like Nike and Apple to leveraging her experiences to write a book and create a coaching program, highlights how personal and professional growth intertwines with the ability to adapt and the pursuit of a fulfilling and flexible lifestyle.   ABOUT Stephanie Brown   Steph Brown is a seasoned professional with a rich 15-year career in Marketing, Creative, and Tech industries. With an impressive 13-year tenure in senior positions at renowned companies like Nike and Apple. In 2019 she established Creative Career Level Up, a pioneering coaching and training initiative. This flagship programme is meticulously designed to empower individuals within the Marketing, Creative, and Tech sectors, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to elevate their careers to new heights. Steph is also an Angel Investor for early-stage startups and property investor across the UK. Connect with Stephanie: Website:  Website: www.creativecareerlab.com  Book: Fired: Why losing your job is the best thing that can happen to you https://amzn.eu/d/d3TSaam   Social Media Links: Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwilondongirl   Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebrowncareercoach/   Connect: 
  Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan  Business: cathleenmerkel.com   Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151  Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel  Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7      FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.