Brady hahn

Growth Strategist & Content Curator

Santa Monica, California

gaininsight.co
Instagram @beholdentothejourney
Twitter

WHAT DO YOU DO?

“As a growth strategist and content curator, I specialize in working with people who have a desire to help others connect and learn. It’s strategy, mixed with writing, and experience design. ”

I work with organizations and individuals to harness internal knowledge and talents to generate sustainable ideas and craft meaningful content, products and services. I also host “Out of Office” gatherings to help leaders connect to the ideas, people, and tools they need to better serve their communities - so I’ll likely also teach you personal wellness techniques like how to meditate too.

Crafting content is the core of my work. I’m interested in how stories are structured, shared, and the type of experiences we have when we encounter great storytelling. I also look at the big picture to position brands and their offerings to create a healthy ecosystem for revenue.

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

About 9 years ago, A beautiful being named Alexa Brandt reached out to me through a site called asmallworld. She was traveling to Boston, where I lived at the time and asked to meet for coffee. We became fast friends. Three months later, she told me I should apply for her job in LA. I thought that was crazy, but why not. Needless to say, I got the job which was focused on creating programs and networking events for professional women across LA. I got to do moderated interviews with incredibly talented female executives in front of live audiences, and work with some amazing corporate partners to create events. Being from the charity sector, I'm used to having to do a lot of different things at once, and through this job, I found this strange little niche in the world that I never could have imagined existed. From there, I started my own company.

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

I have a holistic approach to consulting. Even if it's not initially obvious, there are always ways to collaborate and help one another. I have a deep background in business development and sponsorships in addition to content development and experience design, which is unique. So when I think of "growth" I mean that both literally and figuratively. I think about how to grow leaders through great content, and how that can build the bottomline for my clients and their partners. Also, to me, "selling" is about authentically connecting with another person. We do that through our shared stories.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

I typically have my hands on a few projects at a time. I just finished curating an awesome event focused on "aging in public" for a national campaign. I'm also focused on developing a women's retreat for early next year.

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

I've always been curious - being raised in the midwest, where people tend to be really friendly, might have something to do with that. My style is to listen first and ask lots of questions. I always aim to understand where someone else is coming from and ideate from there. I love the fact that there isn't a "one-size fits all" solution for every problem (if there were, we'd all be using it). Problem solving has always felt like art to me. It's definitely one of the ways I creatively express myself in the world.

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

I'm trying to carve out more time for my own writing. That would include developing some articles and workbooks. In addition, I'm playing with doing an interview series with some exceptionally talented and fun friends.

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

I wish I had more hands. Being a solopreneur is a delicate dance of having to be out doing business development, while focusing on client work (which is the fun part).

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

I would love to have someone who is seasoned in pitching press and speakers to add to the team.

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

I would love to go back to 2011 when I went out on my own. My inner critic was pretty intense at that time, making me a terrible boss, co-worker and friend to myself. If I could, I would say, "Chill out, there is no need to beat yourself up. Remember to celebrate the little wins, and ask for help from people."

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

That's a tie between Iris Apfel and Iris Von Arnim. I would love to hear more about their travels, careers, the pursuit of their passions as designers, and what it means to age with grace.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

I work with people who create and host conferences, networking events, trainings and workshops, run corporate L&D programs, or create digital content like workbooks, and e-courses.

I also work one-on-one with individuals who are public speakers (or have the desire to be one). I help them package themselves, craft their stories, secure speaking opportunities, and press.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

An ideal client has been at it for at least a year and has a sense of how they want to grow their business. They need / want an outside pair of eyes to help them clarify and layout the steps needed to get to the next level.

WHAT IS YOUR RATE?

I work on a retainer / project basis. I have a questionnaire that helps us establish the scope of the project (timeframe, elements to develop, and number of people on the team) the price is determined from there.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

Email is the best way to start. Direct email, or though my site. Include a little bit about you + relevant link(s), where you need help, and when you are free to chat. I like to jump on the phone early so we can workout how/if it makes sense to collaborate.

bradyhahn@mac.com

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

Travel, cooking, photography, reading, interior decorating

Brady Hahn