Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Ledbetter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
The marketing industry (along with most business industries) promotes climbing the ladder, racking up accolades, and making as much money as possible as quickly as possible. In fact, our entire world buys into the narrative of more, better, and faster — just look at how consumerism, technology, and infrastructure have skyrocketed and transformed life as we know it over the last few decades alone. As humans, we are programmed with an insatiable need for more. The ego is never satisfied. For many people, it doesn’t matter the time, integrity, or relationships you sacrifice to get to the top — just as long as you get there. I spent the first five years of my business career in corporate environments, drinking the same Kool-Aid. Over the course of three jobs in five years, I negotiated myself up $25,000 pay raise, was handpicked by upper management for a year-long leadership training course as prep for company management, and even started a podcast side hustle I managed to monetize within its first year. All great achievements no doubt — you’d think I’d feel on top of the world. Instead, I felt burnt out, insecure and egotistical, and unable to truly be grateful, present, and at peace. I came to this realization slowly, over time, until I realized I had totally lost myself in the rat race. After a year of producing weekly podcast episodes, I pushed pause for several months. I stayed off social media, reconnected with God, and completely reevaluated what the heck I was doing. After much time spent in deep prayer, reading many books written by very wise people, and having lots of conversations with my closest friends — I emerged a different person. I scrapped 60+ podcast episodes and started over. I started talking about God instead of self-help. I kicked weekly episodes to the curb and switched to a series format — AKA, now I drop episodes whenever I feel compelled to create instead of forcing it. I decided to get my ego in check, choosing my community over competition. I got plugged in with a local church as well as a local charity group that serves the unhoused population in my city. A few months later, I decided to say goodbye to corporate America forever and go out on my own. For the last four months, I’ve been slowly cocreating a freelance marketing business with God at the center. I wholeheartedly believe in moving slowly, intentionally, and aligned with God — in both my business and in my everyday life. And it’s working out for me — AKA God is moving. I’ve served six total clients in the last three months and have secured two on a retainer basis. My bills are paid, I have a roof over my head, and more opportunities are coming in every single day. God has provided for my every need and showed me that I don’t have to force, chase, or beg to make things happen. I don’t feel compelled to sacrifice my precious time or chase money anymore because I know my worth does not come from what I achieve, how fast I go, or how I stack up to my competition. Love, slowness, community, and presence are filling my cup — which is something “success” never did.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Wrestling With Life Podcast — I am in my late twenties and spent the last few years in my “healing era” – going to therapy, reading tons of self-help books, and pouring myself into my career ambitions. This is what the modern mental health movement tells us will fix our problems, right? But my obsession with self-improvement slowly morphed into a pursuit of perfection, outperforming my competition, and total self-absorption. Funny enough, all the time I spent “finding myself” left me feeling more isolated, more insecure, and more sad than ever before. Then God brought me to my knees and opened my eyes – I can’t do life without Him. Wrestling With Life is for anyone like me who is tired of trying to play God and rely on themselves to find peace. Together, we’ll look to Jesus for inspiration on how to live and love and give and feel. We’ll kick perfection and control and pride to the curb and intentionally seek how God may use our pain for good. We’ll explore how we can build community and lift others up and embrace humility. And above all else, we will strive to accept our beautifully messy, limited human nature and remember that the point of life is learning to unconditionally love one another – not rise above each other. Whatever you’re wrestling with, you are not alone – let’s Wrestle With Life together.
Marketing Content Creation Services (freelance) — I help small businesses create authentic & data-driven social media, podcast, blog, and website content to skyrocket digital engagement and brand awareness. Busy entrepreneurs have zero free time to think about creating content to promote their business, let alone keep up with trends and show up during relevant moments. That’s where I step in. With a corporate background spanning industries like retail, supply chain, and healthcare, I bring the depth of corporate marketing expertise to the small business world. My mission is simple: to deliver high-impact, strategically aligned content that boosts visibility, builds trust, and grows brands.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
John Mark Comer is an incredible author, thought leader, and pastor. His books “Practicing The Way” and “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” have deeply impacted the way I show up in my business and in life — slowly, mindfully, and in alignment with God,
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Choosing to go out on my own has given me the freedom and flexibility to set my own schedule, say no to projects and/or clients that feel “off,” go at my own pace, and truly put my heart and soul into every piece of content I touch. Not being tied to a corporate entity gives you wings to truly step into the creative were always meant to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ledbettermarketing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ledbettermarketing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eledbetter/
