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In this episode, I sit down with Brandie Smith—senior UX researcher at 5Tran, mother, and young breast cancer survivor—for a deeply personal conversation about navigating identity through unexpected life transitions. Brandie brings vulnerability, strength, and candor as she shares her journey through cancer, layoff, motherhood, and divorce—all in the span of a few years.

We talk about the emotional and physical toll of treatment, what it means to ask for help, and how her definition of success and self has shifted. Brandie also opens up about becoming an advocate for aesthetic flat closure and how she’s using her research mindset to support and educate others.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• The life-changing diagnosis that followed her 40th birthday and a routine checkup
• How being laid off the day after her diagnosis became an unexpected turning point
• The mental and physical toll of treatment—and what she’s still healing from
• Choosing to be public about her journey and advocating for other women
• Redefining success and boundaries in her return to work

Links & Resources:

• LinkedIn: Brandie Ward-Smith
• https://askellyn.ai/the-day-after-i-turned-forty-i-was-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer
• Considering going flat after mastectomy? Not Putting on a Shirt is the go-to source. It includes support, education, and a directory of surgeons experienced in aesthetic flat closure.
• Want to understand your breast cancer risk? Use one of these tools to start a personalized conversation with your doctor:
  • IBIS Risk Calculator — Based on data from white women.
  • BWHS Risk Calculator — Designed using data from Black women.

If this episode sparked new insight, please consider rating, following, or reviewing the show. It’s the best way to help more people find and benefit from these vital conversations. Thanks for listening!