279: Conquering Fear with Devon Brooks

On today’s episode, I chat with Devon Brooks. Named 1 of the 30 most fabulous entrepreneurs by PROFIT Magazine, Brooks has also been dubbed an 'elder stateswoman' by The New York Times, is one of the 2018 Inspiring Fifty women in STEM in Canada, and was awarded Business in Vancouver’s, Top Forty Under 40. Prior to Devon’s success as an entrepreneur, she experienced some very dark and life changing events. At the age of 18, Brooks was sexually assaulted by someone she had considered to be a close friend. As she continued to work through that trauma, she again, was attacked by a loved one in her apartment only a couple of years later. Brooks believed she was going to die the night she was attacked but clearly remembers a feeling that ran through her causing her to think to herself, “Okay, don’t give up. Don’t give up, yet.” And that’s exactly what Brooks continues to do. She not only refuses to give up in life, she continues to push herself by constantly stepping into courage! This is a great listen, warriors! On this episode we dive into: Conquering various traumas and sexual assault Using past traumas to pave the way for a better futureCreating community instead of living in fearStepping into leadershipHow to use fear as a tool for decision makingThe take-home: Although Devon’s experience was one she would never wish upon anyone, she humbly states that, “Hurt people, hurt people” and believes that her experience helped lead her to many of the successes in her life. Through her journey of overcoming trauma, Devon defined a new market category; co-founding Blo, the world’s first and largest franchise chain of Blow Dry Bars. The company now spans four countries, with 130+ locations, and has collaborated with international mega-brands like Mattel, Guess, Topshop, and Gwyneth Paltrow. True to her knack for shaking-up industries, Devon is growing her second venture, Sphere, a full-service marketplace platform designed to make personal & professional coaching more accessible with a gym-like membership experience for individuals and teams. Sphere’s mission to support consciousness in the world by democratizing coaching has attracted backing from leaders at Lululemon, Thinx, Headspace, and Viacom.Brooks is not only a successful business woman and visionary, she is a leader like none other. So warriors, is it time to stop giving up on something in your life and go for it? Get in touch with Devon BrooksInsta: @devsdevelopment