In this episode, I'm joined by Adrienne Wilkerson—co-founder and CEO of Beacon Media + Marketing—to unpack how she transformed a humble graphic design startup into an award-winning, Inc. 5000-recognized digital marketing agency. From realizing early on that she’d make a better boss than an employee to pioneering digital marketing services in Alaska and beyond, Adrienne shares the mindset, grit, and strategic pivots that shaped Beacon’s journey. Beacon Media + MarketingDigital Web Solutions

We dive deep into:

• Finding and owning your niche: Why Adrienne focused on serving healthcare professionals and how that clarity has driven Beacon’s success Beacon Media + Marketing.

• Building a purpose-driven brand: How staying “people-first” grounded Beacon’s culture and fueled its growth—from flexible work practices to “whole person” support systems that have redefined workplace culture in a meaningful way Digital Web Solutions.

• Embracing adaptability: How being early adopters of social media and digital marketing shaped the agency—and why the willingness to pivot remains Beacon’s superpower Digital Web Solutions.

• Turning AI into an ally: Adrienne’s framework for leveraging AI as a “copilot”—enhancing, not replacing, human creativity and strategy Digital Web Solutions.

If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or brand-builder navigating growth, leadership, or the evolving digital landscape, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and a side of inspiration.