Valerie Brown, a former attorney and now a leadership coach, shares her inspiring journey from adversity to clarity. Growing up in poverty and facing early loss, she realized success didn’t equate to happiness. Discovering mindfulness and meditation transformed her life, helping her embrace the present. Valerie discusses the importance of self-compassion and interconnectedness, particularly for marginalized communities, and how these practices foster personal growth and compassionate leadership.
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Valerie Brown's Difficult Childhood
Valerie Brown grew up in poverty and violence in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
After her mother's death and father's abandonment, she worked at Burger King and attended free college.
insights INSIGHT
Running from Trauma
Valerie Brown describes her younger self's tendency to constantly run from her past trauma.
She escaped through achievements like becoming a lawyer and lobbyist but still felt a persistent inner critic.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Milk Realization
Valerie Brown recounts a pivotal moment during meditation where she realized her life was driven by fear and inadequacy.
This realization stemmed from a simple thought about buying milk, highlighting her ingrained need to be prepared and self-reliant.
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This book delves into the transformative power of travel, exploring some of the world's great pilgrimages and destinations. Valerie Brown shares her personal journey, reflecting on how travel can heal, grow, and bring peace by aligning the head and heart. The book offers insights into mindfulness, spiritual growth, and the lessons learned from her travels.
Valerie Brown grew up in poverty in Brooklyn, New York. When she was a teenager, her mother passed away and her father left her to fend for herself. Valerie was forced to become an adult before anyone should have to. She put herself through school, becoming a successful lawyer and lobbyist before realizing that she had been running away from something her whole life. She had been trying to escape her past. Even with all of her success and overcoming hardships, Valerie still found herself unhappy and unfulfilled. That’s when she found mindfulness and meditation. With a new clarity in life, she no longer felt the need to run away because she could now happily live in the present. Valerie is now a leadership coach, educator and retreat leader, helping those in need of clarity in their lives. Though she loves to help everyone, Valerie focuses on people of color who face adversity. Plug Zone Website: www.leadsmartcoaching.com Books: www.amazon.com/Valerie-Brown/e/B00MDBD72M El Camino de Santiago in Spain Pilgrimage: https://www.leadsmartcoaching.com/services/pilgrimage-art-sacred-travel/ Ten Percent Happier Plugs Podcast show-notes: www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/valerie-brown-228 Podcast Survey: www.tenpercent.com/survey Event with Dan at New York Press Club: https://www.nypressclub.org/in-conversation-with-10-happiers-dan-harris-on-march-4-2020/ Ten Percent Happier Podcast Insiders Feedback Group: https://10percenthappier.typeform.com/to/vHz4q4 Have a question for Dan? Leave us a voicemail: 646-883-8326
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