Gina Brown
Owner, Brainstorm Communications
Gina Brown is a marketing professional who has worked for more than 30 years in film, music, museums, advertising, education, communications and special events. An avid traveler, she’s hopscotched to 35 countries from Baffin Island and Russia, to Asia, the Middle East and New Zealand. In her spare time, she loves reading, swimming, cycling, walking and skating.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
As a curious person interested in many things, I’m proud of taking calculated risks throughout my career. I’ve worked in many industries and cities that led to work experiences such as a music festival in England, the film industry and projects in the Arctic.
I’ve mentored many students and emerging PR professionals over the years (mostly women). They say they’d love to take the risks but are ‘afraid’, and that’s a shame. To me, it’s part of the adventure.
Although it may appear that my career unfolded seamlessly, I’ve had many highs and lows. And after each setback, I had to dust myself off and start over. I’m proud of myself for not imploding when things got rough. And guess what? Every career setback evolved into something better. Seriously!
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now? I think Atlantic Canada is becoming a real hotspot for innovation, inventions, small business start-ups and so much more. It’s growing for several reasons: it’s a great place to set up a business; it’s got endless natural beauty; and it is more affordable than many places in Canada. What’s not to love about this place?
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
When I graduated from university and got my first real job and salary offer, I was over the moon. When I told my friend (and mentor), he asked, “what’s your counteroffer?”. I was thrilled with the salary, so I asked, ‘why would I counteroffer’? He said, “because that’s what a man would do.” I was shocked – it hadn’t even occurred to me. I was also very intimidated to ask for more.
The next day, I summoned the courage to call back and ask for a higher salary (with my crib notes highlighting my skills, awards and knowledge). The manager listened, then said, ‘good point’ and offered me an extra $10,000 per year. I nearly fell over. From then on, I did that with every job offer, and mostly (but not always) negotiated a better salary, or more vacation and better benefits (I’m flexible!). Over my career, it has really added up.
Since then, I’ve encouraged young professional women in my field to do the same, with a few tips. Keep in mind you aren’t entitled to it – you need to show why you deserve it (and deliver on your promise!). Be open and respectful – every party should win something in a negotiation. Finally, know when to hold out or walk away.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
I read 40-60 books a year and listen to as many webinars and podcasts, so it’s hard to state a favourite. However, I would encourage people to read, listen and watch as much as possible - all the info comes in handy somewhere.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
I was shocked to turn 60 this year (how and when did that happen?). When I thought about how I want to spend the next chapter of my life, I decided to focus on creative writing.
I started by offering a creative writing workshop and continued working on a novel. I now have the first draft completed (with many more drafts to go!) and hope to get it in market by 2020. I researched the Indie publishing industry, so I can manage it myself (my marketing background is helpful!). I'm in the process of setting up a publishing company and I may expand my services to help others.
My deep learning? Visualize what you want to achieve, then be courageous in chasing that dream. It won’t chase you!
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I’ve been moved by the work of many community, social, spiritual leaders globally – there are so many who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place.
Closer to home, my parents were great role models. When I was growing up, I watched them volunteer extensively, helping to make our community a better place to live.
Although my mother trained as a mental health nurse, she worked at home to raise four kids. She always showed kindness toward people who were poor, ill, or struggling with mental health issues. She never judged them and taught us that they deserve our respect and love too, long before anyone talked about mental health issues.
My parents’ behaviour inspired me to volunteer in the community that includes mentoring students and long-term commitments with organizations like the Red Cross.
What would you have done differently?
I wouldn’t trade a single experience, including the tough ones – each taught me a valuable lesson. I had many high-stress jobs, so in hindsight, I probably worked too many hours for other people and organizations, but that was my choice.
I’d tell my younger self: pace yourself; don’t take yourself so seriously; and remember, it will all work out. I wasted a lot of energy fretting about things that weren’t even a problem.
What motivated you to make the choices you’ve made?
I’ve always preferred new experiences over steady and predictable jobs. When I was working for organizations, I aimed to work for the best in the business and learned so much from those experiences.
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
When I was downsized years ago, I felt very hurt as I had given the organization my full dedication for many years. I was surprised to learn how much my self-confidence was associated with my senior leadership role. However, I learned that life goes on, things improve and wonderful new opportunities arrive when you are open to possibilities. So it was a great learning experience for me (I just didn’t know it at the time).
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Creative writer, travel nut, cyclist, skater, ocean swimmer, part-time mermaid