This story highlights the journey of Karen Brown, who has embraced a wide range of roles throughout her career, weaving them together with a common thread of learning, growth, and a commitment to driving positive change. From being a poet and educator to a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert and entrepreneur, her experiences have shaped her unique perspective on leadership and business.
Now the founder of Bridge Arrow, a DEI consulting firm, she continues to use her diverse skills to empower others and create more inclusive, dynamic workplaces. Her journey reflects a deep passion for personal development, resilience in the face of challenges, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Can you tell us a little about your journey and the diverse roles you’ve held in your career?
My journey has been quite multifaceted. I’ve worn many hats, including being a poet, citizen diplomat, educator, knowledge seeker, operations professional, and DEI expert. Each of these roles has been interconnected, driven by my passion for learning and creating positive change in the world.
What inspired you to transition into entrepreneurship and start your DEI consulting firm, Bridge Arrow?
The shift happened in 2017 after a personal health scare that made me reevaluate my priorities and work-life integration behaviors. My previous roles in academia as a professor, and in operations and diversity at large companies, provided a strong foundation. As a DEI expert, I get up every day doing what makes my heart sing: helping others excel. Wanting to continue this work but in a radically different way—such as working less than 80 hours a week—I launched my firm.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Starting a business came with its share of challenges: navigating legal and administrative requirements, determining pricing and services, and figuring out how to leverage my network effectively. It was a steep learning curve, but I leaned on my resourcefulness, sought guidance from business mentors, and stayed persistent in building Bridge Arrow step by step.
Who are your primary clients, and how does your work help them?
My target audience includes board members, C-suite leaders, middle managers, and individual contributors in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. My work revolves around helping clients deepen their understanding of DEI and applying it to drive business and people performance.
You mentioned that “imposter syndrome” is an unhelpful construct. Can you elaborate on your perspective?
No one is perfect, and no one has all the answers. With that in mind, I believe the “imposter syndrome” mindset undermines individuals by causing them to doubt their unique talents, skills, and worldviews. Instead, I encourage people to embrace confidence in who they are, what they know—and don’t know—and to seek help when necessary. Remember, someone saw potential in you and entrusted you with your role, which is a testament to your abilities. So, be authentic, embrace your strengths, and continue to learn and grow.
How do you stay ahead of trends in the ever-evolving DEI landscape?
Lifelong learning is at the heart of everything I do. I have voracious reading habits and actively participate in various professional organizations. This helps me stay informed about business, cultural, and policy trends so I can offer the best advice and solutions to my clients.
What exciting projects are you currently working on, and what are your plans for the future?
I’m currently involved in several initiatives, including promoting my book, The Leaders You Need: How to Create Diverse Leadership Teams for a More Dynamic, Resilient Future, which was recently published by MIT Press; patient advocacy; leading a women’s group; serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations; and working on publishing books of poetry and photography. I’m also open to new speaking opportunities. I see the future as a canvas for exploring more ways to create meaningful impact through my work and passions.
