Meet Brenda Freeman | Management consultant and public board director.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factors that propelled my success are my resilience and out-sized helping of optimism. In my earlier years, I always felt that if I was able to get the intro that I could close the deal, whatever that might be. Almost all of the jobs that I have held were a result of networking.

People are attracted to optimistic people, my “resting face” is a smile, and I am joyful and passionate about many things. I believe I have been successful in communicating “high will, even if there was “low skill” that needed to be learned on the job. My resilience and optimism allow me to pivot incredibly well. I have done that in my personal as well as professional life many times, its a part of my brand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I come from a family of left-brain-right-brainers. My family of six was comprised of engineers that were as analytical as they were creative. Poetry, songwriting, fashion, and home decorating were all around me as a kid. It influenced the choices I have made in life. As a little girl, I was described as stubborn. That trait evolved into grittiness and resiliency. If I set my sights on a goal, I remained very focused on that goal until it was met. As a result, I assumed roles of leadership in the C-suite for the last 15 years until I decided to venture out on my own and started my advisory practice. The biggest lesson that I learned along the way is about “setbacks”. Reframing setbacks as learning experiences helps to tone muscle memory behaviors so those setbacks are avoided in the future. I named my advisory practice, Joyeux for a reason, it is French for joyous, and cheerful. Whatever journey that you are on, you must be joyful and enjoy the ride!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friends to visit PAMM. The architecture is amazing and the latest exhibits are always on point. As an Ambassador that supports the annual Black Art Fund, I am proud to stay connected and will always suggest it to be added to anyone’s itinerary. I would grab lunch at the museum to take in the views and breeze off the Bay. I would also suggest walking Wynwood to see the amazing art and building scapes. It is a totally different vibe from the pristine gallery of PAMM, but just as much Miami. After that, I would make sure that my friends stop by the Design District to shop or just take IG photos and grab a drink at Genuine Michaels. At night, I would take them to Milos or Bad Bunny’s new hot spot, Gekko. The next day I would soak up the sun on the beach as host them as a guest of mine at Soho Beach House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will always be thankful for my roots growing up in a loving family of six. My family and my parents in particular were (and remain) incredible forces of inspiration and modeling in my life. Its the foundation upon which I was able to grow and flourish. Thanks fam! 🙂

Website: www.joyeuxmarketing.com

Instagram: @bcfree002

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-freeman-she-her-64696a9/

Twitter: @bcfree002

Image Credits
not applicable