Caring about people is a superpower, and Brandyn Campbell encourages leaders to use that power to care for themselves and others. As a Founder, consultant, coach, and speaker, Brandyn uses her CARE-ful Connection Framework to empower leaders to harness strategies to prioritize self-care to create sustainable, empathetic communities and cultures.
With 20 years of experience in the DEI and cultural competence space, Brandyn has worked with clients worldwide to deliver education, strategy, inspiration, and cultures of belonging. Combining her passions for diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion with communications, Brandyn works with leaders who understand that transformation requires collective care, commitment, and action.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
At Brandyn Campbell Communications, my mission is to put kindness and belonging at the heart of our interactions and organizations. I focus on centering the humanity of every person we engage with. Through coaching and training, I strive to transform individuals, communities, and cultures to foster genuine care and connection.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
I worked in a toxic, discriminatory environment during my pregnancy with my second child. I knew that I wanted better for myself and my children, and I wanted the flexibility to spend time with them on my terms.
There were many challenges, including launching a business with a newborn and toddler and COVID, to name just two. I had to teach myself how to run a business, which meant finally embracing that my style would be very different from the “typical” entrepreneurship and leadership advice. Through it all, belief in myself and the importance of my work has continued to inspire me to move forward.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
The biggest obstacle was launching into work I had never done before! DEI work was at the core of all of my previous positions, but done in a very different way. I had to build my business, market myself, design my services, and then find my style through simply doing the work. You have to have a willingness to constantly learn and grow, and the humility to realize when you need to make a change.
Would you like to share any remarkable achievement?
I don’t define achievement by awards, big-name clients, or scoring big contracts. To me, the ability to touch people’s hearts and make them understand why learning to treat people better is always the way forward is an achievement in itself. It’s a simple idea, but there is often resistance. And then, sometimes, you get to see the moment when the light comes on for a person—when it clicks for them. When the learning becomes internalized and changes their way of living and thinking. I can’t think of anything more remarkable than getting to impact someone’s life in such a positive and powerful way.
Women are a growing force in workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
Women are natural leaders, and it’s natural that we are increasingly rising to our rightful place in organizations and societies around the world. I encourage women to silence their self-doubt, embrace what makes them unique, and in so doing, see themselves shine in their lives and careers.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
You have to care for yourself in order to care for others. Self-care is not an option. It’s how we can survive and thrive. I hit rock bottom and had to claw myself back up because I was attending to everyone’s needs but my own. We matter, and we must include ways to nourish ourselves in our lives, leadership styles, and routines.
Please insert website or social media links (if any):
Website: www.brandyncampbell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyncampbell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyncampbellcomms
