We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaitlynne Burns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaitlynne below.

Kaitlynne, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

During my time in college, I had the opportunity to complete three internships that shaped both my career path and leadership style in unique ways. The summer of my junior year was particularly memorable because I worked two internships simultaneously for sister companies—an event company and a Northwoods baseball team. For the event company, I served as the marketing intern, managing digital marketing needs and helping execute event day logistics. On the baseball side, I was the Entertainment and Sponsorship Activation Intern, where I was dubbed “the face of the team.” My days were spent dancing on dugouts, engaging with fans, and running on-field games between innings.

Balancing both roles was intense. I often worked 12-14 hour days for up to two weeks straight, with only the occasional “day off.” This experience taught me the importance of time management and multitasking. I learned to use every spare moment effectively, completing tasks for one internship during downtime at the other. Despite the challenges, it was an incredible summer that solidified my love for being out in the community and creating moments of joy for others.

In my senior year, I took on a new role as an Athletic Marketing Intern at my university. This led to an unexpected and life-changing opportunity: becoming the official mascot. Initially, it was meant to be a one-time thing, but I ended up doing it full-time for the entire year. Being the mascot was transformative—it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace creativity, and connect with people in an entirely new way. That experience not only became one of the highlights of my life but also opened doors to future opportunities and shaped the way I approach leadership and public engagement.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the marketing industry through a journey of discovery during my college years. Initially, I started as a journalism major, driven by my childhood love of storytelling and dreams of being a freelance journalist. However, I quickly realized the challenges of that path and pivoted to Public Relations with a minor in Digital Marketing. This shift opened the door to a new way of storytelling—through marketing. I found joy in connecting with audiences, sharing stories through social media, and building bridges between brands and their communities.

To explore different facets of marketing, I pursued a variety of internships. These included roles in event marketing and sports entertainment, which fostered my love for engaging directly with people and creating unforgettable experiences. While I eventually moved on from event marketing, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and passion for bringing people joy—whether through a live event, a baseball game, or even behind the scenes in the digital space.

Now, as a Marketing Solutionist at a locally owned digital agency, I focus on helping businesses grow by enhancing their online presence. At Brod Solutions, we specialize in creating innovative and high-performing eCommerce experiences. Whether it’s boosting SEO, improving website design, or crafting tailored digital strategies, we empower businesses to thrive in competitive markets. What sets us apart is our commitment to building lasting partnerships and delivering solutions that drive long-term success.

For me, what truly sets my work apart is my deep-seated passion for making people happy. In my previous roles, I could see happiness in the faces of event attendees or hear it in their voices. While my current work might not involve live events, I know that by helping businesses succeed—whether through better website design or higher visibility online—I’m still bringing joy in a different form. That sense of purpose fuels everything I do.

I’m most proud of never giving up on myself, even during difficult times. Life has its challenges, and there were moments when it felt easier to give up. But by pushing through the hard times, I’ve reached a place where I’m surrounded by love, support, and opportunities. I have an incredible family, a wonderful relationship, and a job that truly fulfills me. Through pain and struggle, I’ve learned to create something beautiful out of life, and I’m grateful to share that passion with the clients I work with every day. My hope is to inspire others to see that even in the hardest moments, joy and success are possible.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a time in my career when I worked for a company that I initially loved—it felt like the perfect start to my professional journey after years of internships and waiting tables. I came in excited, bursting with ideas, and eager to make an impact. At first, it felt like I had found my place. We did incredible things: rewarding and impactful community events, some of which were the coolest projects I’ve ever been a part of.

But behind the scenes, things were different. As much as I tried to contribute, I quickly realized that my ideas weren’t going anywhere. I held a director-level position, but I constantly felt like I didn’t belong there. No matter how hard I worked, I always felt like my efforts weren’t good enough. On top of that, the sheer volume of work was overwhelming—we did so many events, sometimes up to five in a single week. It was impossible to make each one special, and I was completely drained.

Waking up each day became a struggle. I never knew what challenges I’d face at work, and the weight of it all made me dread even stepping through the door. It was slowly killing my passion and my confidence.

Eventually, I made the difficult decision to leave, and it was the best thing I could have done for myself. Looking back, I’m entirely grateful for that experience—because even though it was hard, it shaped me in ways I didn’t realize at the time. It taught me resilience, self-worth, and what I truly need in a workplace to thrive.

That period of my life reminded me of my strength and helped me become a better coworker and leader. I learned to prioritize my well-being and recognize the importance of a healthy work environment. Today, I’m in a much better place, both personally and professionally, and I know I wouldn’t be here without having gone through that tough experience. It’s proof that even in our darkest moments, there are lessons that can help us grow and move forward.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level and make a positive impact through storytelling. Whether it’s crafting a social media post, designing a campaign, or strategizing ways to help a brand grow, I see it as a way to tell a story—one that resonates, inspires, and sometimes even brings joy.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching an idea transform from a simple concept into something that sparks emotion or creates change. It’s even more rewarding when I see the results of my work, like a small business gaining traction through improved visibility, or people engaging with content that makes their day a little brighter.

I’ve always been passionate about making people happy, and creativity gives me the ability to do just that, whether it’s through a public event that brings the community together, a campaign that helps someone’s business thrive, or a quirky post that puts a smile on someone’s face. At the end of the day, knowing that I’ve contributed to someone’s success or happiness is the greatest reward of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://burnskaitlynne.wixsite.com/kaitlynneburns
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynneburns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.burns.3110?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynne-burns-0b6a84228/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/kaitlynneburns?si=3c277d9a54154f6c