2.08 | Leaning Into Leadership with Erin Brown

Meg McKeen, Founder, Adjunct Advisors, welcomes Erin Brown, Founder & CEO, Lead Connext, to Bound & Determined. In this episode, we'll talk about Erin's decision to pursue an immersive work experience abroad, and how that shaped her future career plans. Erin shares the ins and outs - and ups and downs - of starting her business and more about the lessons she's learned about imposter syndrome and making it work. 

00:00 - 3:44 | Meg welcomes Erin to the show; Meg and Erin have a lot in common as they both have flexibility in their work in the current environment.

3:45 - 5:14 | Let's get to know Lead Connext; Erin is building a community for first-time and middle managers, offering knowledge and support to support individuals on their leadership journey. 

5:15 - 6:00 | Erin's work focuses on supporting the community members as a whole person, a journey she's been on as well.

6:01 - 8:24 | Erin spent her corporate insurance years working on the agency side of the business and grew into a variety of leadership roles. She's passionate about travel and knew that she was ready for a change - and the chance to marry the two through her experience with Unsettled. 

8:25 - 10:34 | How do you tell - not ask - your boss that you'll be working abroad for a month? Lots of interesting conversation, to say the least! 

10:35 - 12:14 | 30 days living abroad with 30 people you've never met will change you, no matter how you look at it. Erin felt all the emotions as she embarked on this adventure.

12:15 - 18:14 | If you've ever felt you've not been able to be your whole self in the workplace, or your values aren't in alignment, you'll relate as Erin shares her experience. 

18:15 - 19:44 | Change doesn't happen overnight; Erin returned to work following her travel and 

19:45 - 20:44 | Quitting your job without a job isn't something that everyone can do,  but we can all ponder what else is available to us.

20:45 - 25:09 | Entrepreneurship is hard! Erin shares the biggest challenges - and surprises - she's learned along the way. Planning for change is key - both emotionally and financially - and there's so much learning to do.

25:10 - 26:59 | Your support system changes when you change course - it has to.

27:00 - 30:44 | There's no right way to start a business - and you can't eliminate all the challenges. Erin and Meg chat the ways they've created sustainability during uncertain economic times, so they can stay committed to their individual missions.

30:45 - 38:33 | Imposter syndrome is a topic that comes up often on the podcast and in the work both Meg and Erin do. They share more about their collaboration on the subject, as well as Erin's experience with imposter syndrome and how she has learned to work with it as she grows her business. Having an accountability partner can be key!

38:34 - 40:46 | How to learn more about Erin and the Lead Connext community - Meg is a member! Thank you for your friendship and your support, Erin!

To learn more about Erin Brown and Lead Connext:

To learn more about Meg McKeen and Adjunct Advisors: