We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Humans in general tend to forget that there are real people on the opposite side of those Social Media pieces they’re digesting. Corporate America is of no difference; often showcasing perfectly polished humans, products, and activity spaces. There’s almost a “hushed code” that lingers around the social media world, only allowing space for content that is “real” or “raw” to be valid if it’s been rung through the lifestyle section of a media guide (I, myself, can be held culpable of this). This isn’t always bad- it certainly often has its reasons. Other times, it can accidentally cross into an unrealistic portrayal.

Sometimes it’s bold and easy to spot; other times it’s unintentional and insidiously minimal. I think that Corporate America forgets that those of us who contribute to the operation of the social media world play a strong role in the messaging that’s already hitting future generations. We must be more careful with our online presences. This matters because we (all people- not just digital creators) aren’t perfect. I, myself, felt nervous submitting a couple of the photos for this interview because they didn’t feel “perfect” enough- how ironic is that?

It’s not all corporate America’s fault, however. Every single thing that each of us consume becomes one more piece of the ever-evolving cycle. We all collectively have our own roles in this matter whether we realize it or not. We all have the power to morph social media into a gentler place by what we create, what we consume, and what we market through hushed “standards.”

Brittany, 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?

Of course! When I was little, I had the dream of wanting to grow up to design book covers, magazine pages, or billboards. I remember staring at “Seventeen Magazine” and being far more enamored with the design of the magazine than with anything it said. It seemed so glamorous, and I wanted to do it all- take the photos, create the text graphics, and create an overall “vision.” I didn’t have the verbiage back then that I have today; “producer,” “designer,” “director,” but I knew I belonged somewhere in that ballpark.

Fast forward- I had a small business for photography and graphic design, as well as over a decade of self-taught freelance experience, but it didn’t feel like enough. At the age of 27, I was tired of bartending all night and trying to figure out how to market myself during the day. I wanted to do more than take senior portraits and design birthday cards (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). I then had the realization that I needed to learn the “ins” and “outs” of business to help my creative career thrive. I decided to go back to school and obtained a degree in business and marketing after hurdling through 22-hour semesters. I was finally dedicated to the dream.

I have since worked with nearly every industry in several locations across the country: service, apparel, high-end jewelry, CBD, skincare products, smart home automation, nonprofit advertising, and more. I have carried titles such as Social Media Manager, Social Media Director, President of Print and Digital Advertisement Production, and Print and Digital Advertising Director. I currently oversee the social media efforts of over 100 offices nationwide for one company, as well as one local Kansas City hotspot on W. 39th St. I collaborate with businesses or creators when I’m able- I just love helping everyone I can create the things that make them feel motivated and happy.

Over the years I’ve noticed some patterns that are deeply embedded into how social media operates, and I’ve realized that I am so passionate about this industry because I’m passionate about combating the negative sides of it. Which is funny, considering the glitter and glamour that attracted me to this end of the media world as a young girl. Social media is inevitable in today’s world. We can’t stop that. But what we can do is work to bring the human touches of compassion and acceptance back to the top focus of our interactions online.

That’s the main thing that I hope anyone who watches my videos can absorb from them. Compassion has got to make a grand re-entrance into our lives through our social media interactions. Teenagers out there are suffering. They’re just kids- and they’re suffering at the expense of the negative side of the internet. But that doesn’t have to mean that social media is the bad guy- we just need to fight the bad by fighting directly through the beautiful parts of it.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I truly believe in treating everyone with genuine grace. There are positively appropriate reasons for most management styles, but keeping that human element of compassion and grace when a rough day arises is very important. We want to reach as high as we can for perfection- but we aren’t perfect. I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful assistant (Courtney Adams). I don’t micro-manage her- she completes her tasks in whatever order works for her that day (with the exception of production deadlines, of course). Because of this built-in system of trust, she feels supported and motivated. She always has the tasks that I need done and ready on time, and we both take pride in the work we have to show each other. Your team mates need your humanness to thrive. Just as you need the humanness of others to thrive.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being honest has gotten me in trouble a few times in my career, but it’s also helped me reach places that I always dreamt of. I’m not afraid to say if I’ve messed up- even if it means I’ll face scrutiny. I’m not afraid to be human, and I’m not afraid to give grace and help fix the mistakes of other humans in the workplace. This has fortunately attracted a few of my larger collaborations/media assignments that I’ve been granted a place in. We’re all learning; every minute of every day. Working WITH people in their times of struggling or thriving (business or personal) is the only way to reinforce the backbone of any company, campaign, or work family. Maintaining those types of relationships within the media industry really helped me not only flourish, but helped me access a deeper education within all of those different industries. I’m very grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earth.to.brittany
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earth.to.brittany
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyelainethompson/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@earth.to.brittany