We recently connected with Katie Burrell and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
As someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I understand the challenges that come with it, both in the classroom and in daily life. I have struggled with focus and attention in school, and I’ve faced difficulties in relationships, my career, and my mental health. Growing up, mental health was not widely accepted or understood, and it was extremely difficult for neurodivergent individuals like myself to get the help we needed. This has resulted in self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy in adulthood.
I believe that the traditional educational system is not designed for neurodivergent individuals, like myself, and places too much pressure on us to conform to a neurotypical standard. This disregards the potential of neurodivergent individuals and limits our education to old ways of thinking.
In my opinion, it is essential to embrace and celebrate neurodivergent individuals and their unique perspectives. By incorporating personalized and adaptive learning strategies into the educational system, students with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders can succeed and reach their full potential.
I believe that the world is changing and that we are beginning to understand the importance of mental health and neurodivergent thinking. It’s important to embrace new ideas and perspectives and be open to alternative ways of thinking and living to create a more inclusive and supportive society. Celebrating diversity and encouraging individuals to reach their full potential will lead to a brighter future for all.
Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the co-founder of PufCreativ, a full-service cannabis digital marketing agency. With 7+ years of experience in the cannabis industry and a deep knowledge of social media marketing, I’ve earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the field. My innovative approach to marketing won me AdCann’s Marketer of the Year award in 2022, and I’m proud to be a part of a community that promotes diversity and positivity in the cannabis space.
At PufCreativ, our team provides custom solutions and advertising strategies for each of our clients, covering everything from branding to website development. We’re passionate about helping our clients bring their visions to life and establishing a positive reputation in the industry.
One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was our Pride Guide, a comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between sex, intersex, and gender. The guide was created in partnership with Cannabis Creative Movement and 9th Block, and won the Adman Awards Marketing Campaign of the Year in 2022. Through the research and design process, I learned a lot about myself and gained a deeper understanding of gender and sexuality.
As a mental health advocate and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I see my role in the cannabis industry as one of inclusivity and support. The cannabis industry has been incredibly supportive of me as a neurodivergent and LGBTQAI+ individual, and I believe the industry can take steps to lift up and support diverse communities. Whether it’s through understanding the unique struggles faced by LGBTQAI+ individuals or by promoting better mental health and well-being, I believe the cannabis industry has a lot of potential to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I believe that our most effective strategy for growing our clientele is by only working with those who are committed to incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their marketing efforts. We are a community-focused agency and prioritize partnering with companies, brands, and individuals in the industry who have a genuine passion for the cause and can be trusted. Our approach to community engagement and networking also plays a crucial role in attracting the right clients and building mutually supportive relationships with them. By focusing on the right values, we are able to attract the right partners who share our commitment to making a positive impact in the cannabis industry.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story from my journey that truly illustrates my resilience is when I first started my career in the cannabis industry. As a queer and neurodivergent individual, I faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and stigma, in both my personal and professional life. However, I never let these obstacles defeat me. Instead, I channeled my energy and passion into my work, and through hard work, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to my clients, I was able to overcome these challenges and establish myself as a successful entrepreneur and marketer in the cannabis industry. To this day, I continue to use my experiences to inspire others and make a positive impact in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pufcreativ.com
- Instagram: @ktokes_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pufcreativ
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieburrell1/
- Twitter: @ktokes_