Here is advice from an old friend and former colleague, Laura Brounstein, a fierce advocate for women’s reproductive freedom and now working with the Biden/Harris campaign as a strategic advisor. After holding senior positions in the media and entertainment industries, she now has her own consulting company. She is a great source for advice on how to succeed while doing meaningful work that aligns with values you care passionately about.
Laura has held many great jobs in magazines such as Self and Cosmo, but more recently went out on her own to start her own consulting business and has been successful in the realms of public policy, women’s issues, media, entertainment and more. She is a dynamic speaker and an inspiration at speaking engagements. But her friendships are her not-so-secret super power, along with her ability to cook up a delicious feast in a flash. We love her and her helpful advice. Here is what she has to share.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would ask more questions, ask for more advice and ask for more help when I needed it! The first time a millennial who reported to me came to ask me about their “career pathing,” I blinked in response, shocked that this was something they were asking for help with. I thought, how should I know??
I think Gen Xers learned to muddle through and figure things out for themselves more and I’m not sure it always served us well!
We love your message to women and admire your leadership and fearlessness. Where did that come from? Who was your inspiration?
So many people and things! I was very, very lucky to have parents who not only encouraged and affirmed me from day one, but made sure I realized being smart wasn’t enough, you also have to work hard! And my friends!
While mentors can be important, I’ve always found the most helpful support comes from peers, from the friends that get you, root for you, give honest advice and expect the same.
Also, I spent most of my career working in media and entertainment, so there are a handful of TV bosses who inspire me- Olivia Pope from Scandal, CJ Cregg from The West Wing and Captain Kathryn Janeway from Star Trek Voyager. Those women knew how to command a room, motivate a team and look phenomenal. Yes, please.
What advice do you give to someone who says, “I could never do that?” How do you help others get started on their journey and achieve success?
“First, I think it is important to realize that you can’t do everything. I could never be a brilliant accountant. But I did know I could put in the time and excel at the things I do have an aptitude for.”
When you zero in on what you want to do, the amazing thing about now is that you can probably just jump in and do some aspect of that. For example, “getting published,” was the be all, end all for writers. It was what gave them legitimacy– and income! Now? Just start writing! On social, on your own Substack, whatever! The faster you jump in, the less scaries build.
How do you stay motivated to not sit back and say: “ I did it. I’m done!” Since you Have achieved so much! Your energy is contagious. We want to bottle that!
Well, I think rest is an important part of the equation! Finding ways and times to refuel keeps you going! And, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve shifted more to mission-driven work and that really helps motivate you.
When I was working with the Center for Reproductive Rights, right after Roe fell, everything felt so urgent, you had to jump back in every morning! And now I’m working on the Biden/Harris campaign and it feels the same way!
Do you have a mantra or words you live by that have helped you through tough times, to keep going, and not give up? Or that you use today?
“Well, I won’t make that mistake again!” is a great thing to remind yourself whenever you screw up. It’s okayjust learn from it!! I’ve also adopted theme songs for different tough moments and projects.
When I was working on Cosmo’s first big New York City event around 10 years ago, Taylor’s “Welcome to New York” and Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” were both big and I listened to them non-stop.
Anything else we should have asked you about? Your secrets to success or advice you love to give others? Anything you want to share?
“Define success for yourself. It does not need to look like what you thought it would! I wanted to be an editor in chief! Then the magazine industry totally changed. Now having my own business and doing good work feels like success!”
Define success for yourself. It does not need to look like what you thought it would! I wanted to be an editor in chief! Then the magazine industry totally changed. Now having my own business and doing good work feels like success!
Laura Brounstein is a dynamic women’s reproductive rights advocate who sstarted her own consulting and media business after a successful career in magazines including at Self, Cosmo and other well-known titles. She is also an old friend of ours, an accomplished cook, and we adore her amazing dinner parties.
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