We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bess Hagans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bess, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents, like all of us, were not perfect. They divorced when I was two, after several years of marriage and raising three children. Although they did their best, navigating life post-divorce with kids proved complicated and messy. This background significantly shaped my resilience.

As a child, I struggled academically. I was creative, social, and had big dreams, which made it hard for me to focus in a traditional school setting. My report cards typically showed a mix of C’s, B’s, and the occasional A. I was smart but often too distracted to apply myself fully.

Recognizing my potential, my parents decided to transition me from a religious private school to an experiential one: The Graham School. This school allowed me to explore my interests, gain real-world experience, and get a head start on my career goals while still in high school. I aspired to enter the fashion industry, so I took classes at a local art school and college courses at the community college in Columbus.

The support and understanding I received from my parents in making this kind of decision as a child transformed my academic performance. I went from being an average student to excelling and becoming one of the top members of my class. I even finished my credits early and spent the latter half of my senior year interning for a fashion house in NYC.

This invaluable experience helped build the confidence I needed for college and beyond. I enjoyed a successful fashion career in NYC for a decade before having my first child and being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I attribute a lot of this success to my parents being willing to follow my direction instead of theirs.

Bess, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into this industry is deeply personal, as I am a 35-year-old stage 3 breast cancer survivor. I didn’t want to simply observe the challenges faced by so many—I wanted to create a platform that provides tangible support to help people thrive beyond the disease. This mission led me to start Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer (TBBC), where we focus on offering real, impactful programs for those affected by breast cancer.

At TBBC, we provide free $1,000 stipends to help ease the financial burden of breast cancer treatment. We also offer mental health support groups, creating a safe space for people to share their experiences and receive emotional support. These resources are designed to address not only the physical but also the emotional and financial toll that breast cancer takes on individuals and their families.

What sets us apart is our dedication to supporting younger generations. While many organizations focus on older women, we aim to shift the conversation by empowering young adults through programs that enhance their well-being and quality of life during and after their diagnosis.

TBBC is here to provide real support that helps people thrive. We’re not just another breast cancer nonprofit—we’re a movement, offering practical resources and a compassionate community. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’re making, and we’re committed to continuing this work far and wide.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Leading a team requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and remain flexible, and it’s not for everyone. For me, living with ADHD has shaped my leadership journey in many ways. I was formally diagnosed with ADHD, and over the course of my life, I’ve faced challenges as I’ve learned to navigate a brain that moves incredibly fast—sometimes to the point of forgetfulness and juggling multiple projects at once. It took time, but I’ve learned to harness this as a superpower. Now, I’m proud to say it has made me a more self-aware and empathetic leader, particularly toward others who may be struggling.

As both a leader and someone with ADHD, I understand my strengths. I thrive on connecting with people and ideas, and I’m energized by nurturing those around me who have incredible talents. My goal is to provide them with the courage and tools they need to feel both successful and fulfilled in their work with TBBC. In my opinion, positive morale and company culture thrive on this idea of fulfillment. I don’t dwell on weaknesses—whether my own or others’—because I see it as an unproductive use of time. Instead, I focus on recognizing where I need support and surround myself with people whose strengths complement mine. Ultimately, addressing weaknesses is a personal responsibility; it’s an inside job, and while I can offer guidance, true growth comes from within.

For me, authenticity and humility are essential. I love guiding others, bringing a team together, and empowering people to lead in ways that make them feel comfortable. There’s nothing more fulfilling for me than seeing those around me genuinely love the work they’re doing. I’m proud of the internal work I’ve done to become emotionally available and extend empathy to my team, both within and outside the organization. Authenticity, transparency, and kindness go a long way. It’s really quite simple, so when you set that precedent for your business or organization, success will naturally follow.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I pursued fashion design and merchandising in university, knowing it was exactly what I wanted to do after graduation. Soon after, I moved to NYC, determined to carve out a place for myself in the fashion industry. Fashion wasn’t just a career for me—it was a core part of my identity, fueling my creativity and sense of purpose. For a decade, I thrived, working for three different companies and loving every moment of it.

Then, life shifted. The pandemic hit, I became pregnant, left my career, and moved across the country. Amidst this whirlwind, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when my daughter was just 10 months old. In an instant, everything changed. My entire life was upended—where I lived, what I did for work, and how I spent my time.

During treatment, the idea for TBBC was born. I followed my instincts, trusting my intuition and being honest with myself, taking one step at a time until I turned the idea into reality. The identity of the “NYC fashion girl” faded, but in its place, a new passion emerged—supporting the cancer community. Today, I get to embrace both worlds; fashion, which remains a hobby, and my mission with TBBC, which fills my heart in ways I never expected.

Through it all, I’ve learned a lot about resilience, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve discovered that it’s okay to evolve, to try on different identities, until something truly fits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org
• Instagram: thrivingbeyondbreastcancer
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ bess-hagans-tbbc

Image Credits

Ashley West Photography
Ashley Wallace Photography