We recently connected with DeAndra Brown and have shared our conversation below.
DeAndra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
In 2023, I found myself in a place I never expected to be—laid off for the eighth time in just three years. Each layoff had been a blow, not just financially but emotionally. I was navigating a world that felt increasingly uncertain, with bills piling up and a family to support. I had always been driven, resourceful, and passionate about helping others find fulfilling careers, but after eight setbacks, I began questioning if I was on the right path. Yet, it was during this lowest point that I took the biggest risk of my life: I decided to stop relying on others to define my career and build something of my own.
I founded Global Wheelhouse, a Recruitment and HR consulting business, from a place of purposeful intention and resilience. I wanted to create more than just a business—I wanted to build a bridge for the unemployed, the underemployed, and the business community struggling to find the right talent. My motto is “Passions to Paychecks,” a philosophy rooted in aligning individuals with roles they’re passionate about while empowering companies to discover talent that transforms their teams.
Starting a business with no safety net was terrifying. With a small startup loan from my Father, I began building a website, investing in tools, and learning the intricacies of running a company. I tapped into my 20+ years of recruiting and HR experience, using every lesson I’d learned to craft a business model that focused on connecting niche talent with opportunities. I also leaned into my strengths—Discernment and Tenacity, measured by my Working Genius profile—to guide every decision I made.
The first year was grueling. I took on every role in the company—marketer, recruiter, admin—working long nights and weekends while juggling family responsibilities. But something incredible happened. My story of resilience began to resonate with others. Clients who had experienced similar struggles were drawn to my authenticity and mission. Candidates appreciated my commitment to matching their skills and passions with meaningful opportunities.
Now, Global Wheelhouse is thriving. In the past two years, we’ve helped over 530 candidates transition into roles that align with their purpose and passions. We’ve partnered with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and mission-driven organizations to streamline recruitment processes and build high-performing teams. The risk I took, while daunting, allowed me to turn my pain into purpose.
This journey taught me that risk is often the first step toward growth. Had I stayed in my comfort zone, I might still be waiting for someone else to take a chance on me. Instead, I bet on myself, and in doing so, I’ve been able to give back to the community that inspired me in the first place. My story is proof that even in the face of financial instability and uncertainty, the greatest rewards come when you step into the unknown with faith, resilience, discipline, and a clear vision.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m DeAndra Brown, the CEO and Visionary of Global Wheelhouse, a recruitment and HR consulting firm specializing in Workforce Transformation, Talent Attraction, and Leadership Development. My journey into this industry wasn’t a straight path—it was born out of resilience, faith, and a determination to create solutions for people and businesses navigating the complexities of hiring and career growth.
For over 20 years, I worked in recruiting, helping startups and Fortune 500 companies build high-performing teams. I’ve placed talent in industries ranging from retail and tech to real estate and sports, often focusing on niche roles where finding the right fit is a challenge. But in 2020, my career faced a turning point when I experienced eight layoffs in three years. Each layoff shook my confidence and created financial stress, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of what candidates and companies face during times of uncertainty.
After my eighth layoff, I chose to turn my setbacks into a platform for impact. I founded Global Wheelhouse to not only help businesses find top talent but also to give candidates the tools, guidance, and confidence to align their skills with fulfilling opportunities. My work revolves around the mantra “Passions to Paychecks,” which captures my mission of connecting people to careers that blend their passions with their proficiency.
What We Do
Global Wheelhouse provides:
• Full-Cycle Recruiting: From sourcing and assessments to onboarding, we find the perfect talent for roles across industries.
• HR Consulting: We create EOS-based processes, SOPs, and tailored solutions to optimize teams and improve organizational efficiency.
• Leadership Development: Through coaching, training, and workshops, we empower leaders to elevate their teams.
• Career Development Services: Resume reviews, interview prep, and career alignment tools for job seekers.
We solve two key problems:
1. For businesses: We streamline hiring, reduce recruitment timelines, and ensure companies build teams aligned with their culture and goals.
2. For candidates: We help them break free from dead-end jobs, find roles they’re passionate about, and navigate complex hiring processes.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Global Wheelhouse unique is our human-centered approach. I leverage tools like Kolbe and Working Genius to identify not just candidates’ skills but how they work best. My background as a former Division 1 athlete gives me the tenacity and focus to excel under pressure, and my personal journey of overcoming career setbacks allows me to deeply empathize with clients and candidates alike.
We’ve partnered with startups and organizations like Amazon Ring, 30 Below LLC, and events like AfroTech and the Super Bowl. Whether it’s helping Pride Lending build a team of top-producing Mortgage Loan Officers or matching niche talent for tech startups, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had in just two years. We’ve helped over 500 candidates transform their careers and partnered with businesses to build efficient, diverse, and high-performing teams. Global Wheelhouse has become a trusted name because we genuinely care about the success of our clients and candidates.
What I Want You to Know
At its core, my brand is about empowerment and connection. I want potential clients and candidates to know that we’re not just a recruiting firm—we’re your partner in growth. Whether you’re a business owner struggling to find the right talent or a job seeker trying to align your passions with your career, we’re here to help you thrive.
Taking the leap to start Global Wheelhouse was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, but it was also the most rewarding. I’ve built this company to be a resource for those who, like me, know the power of resilience and are ready to turn challenges into opportunities.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media was never something I planned—it happened because I decided to be vulnerable and share my truth. In the span of one night, I went from 99 followers on TikTok to over 16.5k, all because I took a leap of faith and posted a raw, unfiltered 3-minute video.
That video came after my eighth layoff, a moment when I had hit rock bottom but knew I couldn’t stay there. I reintroduced myself—not as an employee seeking another job, but as the CEO and Visionary I was destined to be. I spoke candidly about my journey, the pain of layoffs, the financial strain, and the decision to start Global Wheelhouse. I also opened up about my personal struggles with IVF and how that experience shaped my perspective on resilience and perseverance. Sharing those deeply personal aspects of my life was terrifying, but it was also freeing.
To my surprise, that video resonated deeply. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t scripted. It was just me, being honest and speaking from the heart. By the next morning, the views had skyrocketed, and my inbox was flooded. Over 200 candidates reached out for personal and career support, and 20 businesses contacted me to help with their recruiting and HR needs. That moment not only transformed my social media presence but also showed me the power of authenticity and transparency.
Advice for Those Starting Out
1. Be Yourself: People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with honesty. Your story, with all its highs and lows, is what makes you unique. Don’t shy away from sharing the hard parts; that’s often what inspires others the most.
2. Know Your Why: Social media isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community. Define your purpose. For me, it was about empowering candidates and businesses through my experiences. Knowing your “why” will guide your content and keep you grounded.
3. Engage Authentically: Respond to comments, answer DMs, and connect with your audience as real people, not just followers. That engagement builds trust and loyalty.
4. Focus on Value: Your content should provide value, whether it’s advice, encouragement, or insight. My video worked because it gave people hope and showed them that transformation is possible.
5. Stay Consistent: You don’t need to post daily, but you do need to show up regularly. Consistency builds credibility and helps your audience know what to expect from you.
Social media can be intimidating, but it’s also a powerful tool when used intentionally. There’s only one you, and that’s your superpower. Don’t be afraid to tell your story—the good, the bad, the easy, and the hard. That’s what people will remember, and that’s how you’ll build an audience that supports and believes in you.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Thank you for catching that! Here’s the revised response with the correct information:
Books and resources have been pivotal in shaping my entrepreneurial journey and management style. Each one has offered unique insights that have transformed how I lead, grow, and build my business.
1. What the Heck is EOS?
This book introduced me to the Entrepreneurial Operating System, a framework I now use to run my business. It taught me how to create clear processes, align teams, and stay focused on my vision. EOS has been instrumental in scaling my business efficiently and empowering my team.
2. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
This book revolutionized how I approach my mornings. The concept of the Victory Hour—spending the first hour of the day in three 20-minute increments (meditation, exercise, and learning)—is something I practice daily. Whether it’s yoga, journaling, or reading, these habits give me clarity, energy, and a mindset primed for success.
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
James Clear’s approach to habit-building is about mastering the small, consistent actions that compound over time. This book reshaped how I view progress, teaching me that real growth is built on sustainable habits, both personally and professionally.
4. The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
This book helped me understand my own strengths—Discernment and Tenacity—and how to leverage them effectively. It’s also been an invaluable tool for building teams by aligning each member’s genius to their role. This alignment has created an environment of collaboration and high performance.
5. Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
Noah Kagan’s book challenges readers to think differently about entrepreneurship. It’s packed with practical strategies and actionable steps for growing a business in creative and scalable ways. It helped me rethink how I approach business growth and client engagement.
6. B.O.S.S. Moves by Myron Golden
Myron Golden, a business coach and consultant, has been a tremendous influence on my entrepreneurial mindset. His book Boss Moves taught me how to build systems that create lasting wealth and showed me the importance of aligning business practices with core values. His teachings on TikTok are also part of my daily learning routine, reinforcing lessons on mindset, leadership, and scaling.
7. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
This book flipped the script on how I view success. Achor’s research shows that happiness leads to success, not the other way around. By incorporating positivity into my daily routines and leadership style, I’ve created a more motivated and productive culture within my business.
Victory Hour is Non-Negotiable
Every morning, I dedicate my first hour to: 20 minutes meditating and prayer to center myself, 20 minutes exercising to energize my body, and 20 minutes learning to fuel my growth. Whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, or studying Myron Golden’s teachings, this practice sets the tone for my day and keeps me focused on my goals.
The Key Takeaway: These resources have taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset, habits, and intentional growth. They’ve not only made me a better leader and entrepreneur but also helped me create systems that empower others to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GlobalWheelhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalwheelhouse?igsh=MWYydHdrZnY4OGp6Zg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YBU2NeqLd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-deandra-brown?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deandrabrownglobal?_t=ZT-8szY0uDVV3W&_r=1
Image Credits
Victor Luis, CEO of The VLuis Project