Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Brown
Hi Jamila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career journey began in 2000 when I stepped into the retail world as a manager. Over the next two decades, I had the privilege of working with some of the largest and most influential retailers in the world, including Champs Sports, Walmart, Ross Dress for Less, and Dollar General. During this time, I had the incredible opportunity to manage and lead thousands of talented individuals. I found myself taking on fascinating and challenging assignments that pushed me to grow, both professionally and personally. At one point, I was responsible for managing over a billion dollars in revenue—a milestone that I never imagined reaching in my late 20s and early 30s.
However, despite these achievements, I started feeling a sense of burnout. At the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but in hindsight, I realized that the relentless pace and constant demands had taken a toll on me. This realization led me to embark on a quest to understand what I could have done differently and how I could have maintained a healthier balance.
During my period of reflection, a former co-worker reached out with an intriguing proposition: to start a career consulting company. This idea resonated deeply with me. We decided to channel our collective experiences and insights into something meaningful, and that’s how 5 Minute Career Hack was born. Our mission is to help individuals pivot confidence, careers, and compensation.
Three years ago, we launched our podcast, which has since grown to feature over 150 episodes designed to provide on-the-go development and alignment for personal and professional aspirations. As a speaker, career strategist, and podcaster, I am passionate about helping people navigate their journeys with intention. Sharing my experiences—the triumphs and the missteps—brings me immense joy. It’s a deep passion, and I never tire of discussing it. My journey has come full circle, and I am grateful to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on others’ lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth, and it has been shaped by numerous challenges and obstacles. One of the most significant issues I faced was the disparity in compensation. Despite my dedication and performance, I often found myself not being paid what I was worth, and this gap was even more pronounced when compared to my male counterparts in the same roles. Promotions also seemed elusive, forcing me to make strategic decisions to advance my career. One such decision was moving to Bentonville, Arkansas, to join Walmart’s corporate office. For someone from New Orleans, this was a major leap, but it was necessary to escape the cycle of discrimination and overwork I experienced in retail stores.
Being a double minority—as a woman and as a black person—added layers of complexity to my career. In many situations, I was the only black woman in the room, which often led to feelings of isolation and the added pressure of constantly having to prove my worth. I frequently encountered skepticism about my presence and capabilities, which, coupled with the demanding nature of the work, created a challenging environment. The reality of being a “triple minority”—young, black, and female—meant that I had to navigate these spaces with confidence and gravitas, all while being acutely aware of the biases against me.
Authenticity has always been my guiding principle, even before it became a buzzword in workplace culture. Many of my co-workers found my straightforwardness surprising, sometimes mistaking it for rudeness. In truth, I was simply being honest and factual. However, as a young black woman, this directness was often seen as audacious. The constant need to balance being true to myself with the expectations and prejudices of others was exhausting.
These challenges inevitably led to workplace fatigue. No matter how strong and resilient you are, enduring continuous discrimination, skepticism, and overwork takes a toll. It was this accumulation of experiences that ultimately made me realize the need for a significant change, leading me to co-found 5 Minute Career Hack and pursue a path where I could help others navigate their careers with intention and confidence.
As you know, we’re big fans of 5 Minute Career Hack. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At 5 Minute Career Hack, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to navigate their career paths with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Our services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, whether they are individuals seeking personal career advancement or organizations aiming to foster growth and development within their teams.
Our core offerings include comprehensive resume and LinkedIn services tailored to highlight each individual’s unique strengths and achievements. We also provide workshops and development programs for small and large organizations, focusing on enhancing leadership skills, team dynamics, and overall productivity. Additionally, our keynote speaking engagements and on-demand courses offer valuable insights and practical strategies for career growth.
One of the unique aspects of 5 Minute Career Hack is our thriving Facebook community. This space offers support and connection for like-minded individuals who seek a community that understands and shares their professional aspirations and challenges.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to career development. We don’t just focus on the practical aspects of job searching and career advancement; we also emphasize the importance of aligning one’s career with their passion and purpose. Our content, whether delivered through our popular podcast or through our interactive workshops, is designed to inspire and equip our clients to make intentional career decisions.
Brand-wise, we take immense pride in our authenticity and our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives. Our brand stands for empowerment, practical wisdom, and community support. We want readers to know that at 5 Minute Career Hack, they will find not just services, but a partner in their career journey. We are here to help them pivot in their confidence, career, and compensation, providing the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your resume, develop your team, or simply need a bit of inspiration and guidance, 5 Minute Career Hack is here to support you every step of the way.
How do you define success?
As human beings, two things are universally true: we are born, and we will die. Everything in between is a continuum of learning, making mistakes, getting back up, experiencing triumphs, love, hurt, pain, joy, and so much more. For me, success in life is defined by how well you understand the assignment of everything that rests between the day you are born and the day you die.
It’s not about whether you do or don’t do something, or whether you accomplish or fail to accomplish something. It’s about understanding that life is a continuous journey of learning and development. If you grasp that fundamental concept, you have succeeded. This understanding will naturally lead you to take every moment, every situation, every relationship, and every job as an opportunity to learn and grow.
No matter what phase of life you are in, if you are learning and evolving, you are winning. You are successful because you are engaging in the lifelong process of development. Every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth. By staying on the path of continuous learning, you are equipping yourself with the wisdom and resilience to navigate the complexities of life. This mindset allows you to apply your experiences meaningfully across the continuum of your existence.
Ultimately, success is about embracing this journey and recognizing the value in every step, every stumble, and every stride. It’s about understanding that the true measure of success is your commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
Pricing:
- Entry Level Resume Hacking Service – $250
- LinkedIn Hacking Service – $300
- Career Hacks Masters Course – $97
- Career Strategy Session – $49
- Advertise on our podcast starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://5minutecareerhack.com
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/5mchinstagram
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/5mchfacebook
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/5mchtwitter
- Youtube: https://bit.ly/yt5mch
