Building a Life (and Career) That’s Yours: Lessons from Brianna Doe

One of the things I love most about hosting Work in Progress is the chance to sit down with women who are willing to get real about what success actually looks like — not just the polished LinkedIn version, but the behind-the-scenes, messy, beautiful work it takes to build a career and a life you love.

My conversation with Brianna Doe was exactly that. Brianna is a marketing leader and entrepreneur who left corporate to build her own agency, Verbatim, and she was refreshingly honest about the highs, lows, and lessons of carving out her own path.

Walking Away from the “Shoulds”

Brianna started her career in corporate, following the traditional path many of us are told we should take. But eventually, the “shoulds” became too heavy. She knew she wanted something different — something she could shape herself.

So she took the leap. She built Verbatim, learned (sometimes the hard way) about partnerships, and started defining success on her own terms. Her story reminded me that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is admit when the old playbook doesn’t work for us anymore.

De-Corporatizing Your Life

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when we laughed about “de-corporatizing” our lives. In corporate, everything is urgent, every meeting is critical, and every hour is accounted for.

But as Brianna put it, entrepreneurship gives you back control — control over your time, your schedule, and your energy. For her, that means time blocking and building structure into her day. For me? Well, let’s just say my assistant Dana keeps me alive and organized, and I’m learning (slowly!) that it’s okay to start my workday at 9:30 instead of 7.

The point is this: you get to decide what works for you.

Entrepreneurship Isn’t the Only Answer

Brianna and I also agreed on something really important: not everyone needs to go out on their own. Corporate isn’t the enemy. For some people, it’s exactly the right fit.

The key is knowing yourself — where you thrive, what kind of environment fuels you, and what success really means to you. Whether that’s running a business, climbing the ladder, or doing meaningful work in a 9–5 role, all paths are valid.

Choosing the Right People

One of Brianna’s most powerful insights was about the company you keep. She talked about creating a “personal board of directors” — a group of people you trust to lift you up, challenge you, and guide you. Not everyone deserves access to your plans or your energy.

And when it comes to outside opinions? As Brianna reminded us: if they don’t pay your bills, their opinion doesn’t get a vote.

A Work in Progress

Our conversation was such a good reminder that no matter what path you choose, it’s yours to design. It won’t always be glamorous, and it won’t always be easy. But when you stop chasing “shoulds” and start chasing what feels true to you, that’s where the real success happens.

Much love,

Gayle