Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Baldwin, PhD.
Hi Brandi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I gave birth to my oldest child who was born with a minor health defect that required her to have special care for the first year of her life. When I asked my employer to allow me to extend my maternity leave or come back with an adjusted schedule, they denied me. I went from being one of the top employees in my department to pushed out due to insensitive leaders who didn’t accommodate my need for additional support as a new mom.
It was at that moment that I had no other choice but to quit and start my own company. I was in the 1st year of my PhD program at the time and the only experience I had was doing professional development workshops. I started there, and the rest has been history!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely NOT been smooth. The biggest thing that hindered my entrepreneurial success early on was that I was applying what made me successful as a student to my entrepreneurial ventures. I focused on doing research, writing fancy business plans, and designing a polished website. I struggled with perfection and wanting everything to be perfect— much like students do on their homework assignments.
This pattern kept me broke and minimized my opportunities. With no money, investors, or mentors, I learned the hard way that what made me successful as a student wouldn’t make me successful as an entrepreneur. Once that clicked, I changed my methods, stepped out of my comfort zone and became a real entrepreneur.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What started off as a small consulting firm has now turned into a social impact company that launches tech and service-based brands in the educational and workforce innovation space. We are all about creating relevant educational and employment experiences for all.
I’m proud of the fact that we can have a bigger impact by creating brands that can live on after we are gone. At Millennial Ventures, we’re always launchin’ something to push the envelope on what’s already out there. Our latest achievement is growing the first DEI Innovation firm in America. We’ve grown so fast and are becoming a leader in the diversity and inclusion space.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Many people ask me how I’m able to juggle running multiple businesses, raising two kids, and having time for myself. It’s definitely a challenge, however, when you understand the importance of your time and that you have to schedule time for yourself, for your kids, and for things that are important, it makes it easier.
I also incorporate my children into what I’m doing so that they can be a part of the business too. Whether they’re helping me ship books or setting up my podcast lighting in the studio, they love being a part of my work life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.millennialventures.co
Image Credits
Kelly Klemmenson Photography
