Brigitte Barrow is committed to helping youth prepare for their future because she has walked a very difficult road herself. Her journey has taken her from runaway to speaker and coach to youth-focused organizations - Brigitte’s story is itself inspirational, a demonstration of what is possible when a young person is properly taught and equipped. On this episode of Happy Black Woman, Rosetta and Brigitte talk about her story, unpack the most important areas of focus Brigitte emphasizes to organizations that are helping youth prepare for real life, and then turn a corner to dive into Brigitte’s business and the strategies she uses to be productive and on-track with her mission. You’ll enjoy this episode so be sure you listen.

4 steps to help youth prepare for the future.

It’s important for youth to become self-reliant - that’s the only way they can become truly beneficial, productive members of society and live a life of meaning. Brigitte Barrow is dedicated to helping youth learn the things necessary to be who they need to be in the world and she emphasizes 4 main things: mindset, education, income, and housing. You can hear how she defines those and why she believes them to be so important as she explains her approach to Rosetta - it’s all on this episode.

The things young people need to understand about their income.

One of the most liberating or debilitating things in life is the issue of income. You can have too little and become demoralized and depressed, not to mention poor - or you can have what you need and be set up for great opportunities and a more positive outlook on life. Brigitte Barrows is in the business of helping youth-focused organizations unpack the mysteries and intricacies of finances and income for youth, so they can not only understand it but also learn how to take control of it for their own benefit. This is a fascinating part of the conversation so be sure you don’t miss it.

Stay productive by creating a list of most important tasks and keeping it near you.

When Rosetta asked her guest, Brigitte Barrow, how she stays productive, Brigitte said she starts her workday by making a quick list of the most important tasks she must accomplish for the day. But that’s not all. She keeps the list next to her all the time, just in case she gets distracted or finds herself off track. Having the list nearby enables her to refocus and get back on track right away, which increases her productivity. We’re all going to get distracted from time to time - Brigitte’s tip helps us manage that reality to our advantage. You can hear more great tips like this from Brigitte on this episode.

Pray like it all depends on God, take action like it all depends on you.

There’s a strange combination of things that go into any success. Hard work, on the one hand, enables us to make the most of our opportunities. But the opportunities themselves are often far outside our personal control. We can’t make them happen. Brigitte Barrow says that’s why she has adopted the practice of doing something a minister once told her, “Pray like it all depends on God and take action like it all depends on you.” Faith in action - it’s vital that we not go too far in either direction at the expense of the other. Hear Brigitte’s tips by listening to this conversation. You’ll be so glad you did.

Outline of this great episode

• [0:29] Rosetta’s introduction of Brigitte Barrow.
• [2:28] Brigitte’s journey: from runaway to helping youth meet the real world.
• [6:05] The focus on Brigitte’s youth training and how she works with organizations.
• [8:44] 4 steps to help youth become self-reliant: Mindset, Education, Income, Housing.
• [16:20] How Brigitte’s work is applicable to adults who have had setbacks in life.
• [18:15] Strategies that keep Brigitte productive.
• [21:56] The #1 piece of advice Brigitte gives to women who want to move forward but are afraid.
• [25:11] Pray like it all depends on God, take action like it all depends on you.

Resources & Links mentioned in this episode

• www.BrigitteBarrow.com (get her free gift)
• 1-800-258-5268 (call Brigitte)
• www.Calendly.com/BrigitteBarrow - set a time to chat with Brigitte
• BOOK: Action Has No Season

About BRIGITTE BARROW

Brigitte Barrow is the “young-at-heart” workshop leader and creator of BJB Youth Training Services, providing life-skills training workshops in both personal and professional development and leadership, serving organizations who need help reaching their goals of educating, empowering and enhancing the lives of girls, young women and foster youth so that the organization’s youth members have the necessary information, tools and strategies to succeed in key areas of their lives. Brigitte has over 15 years of experience as a career Executive Administrative Assistant supporting C-Suite and other senior-level executives for high-profile corporations and businesses in the film and television entertainment, sports, rights-licensing-branded integration-advertising, broadcasting, music, banking, and real estate industries. During tenures with her employers she attended company-paid personal and professional development courses including “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (Stephen Covey), “Focus: Achieving Your Highest Priorities” (Frank Covey), “Situational Self-Leadership” (Ken Blanchard), “Owning Your Development”, “Priority & Time Management” and “DISC” (short and team versions). In addition, she received annual acknowledgments in certificates and financial awards for her Professionalism, Leadership, Teamwork, Initiative and overall performance for consistently exceeding expectations. She earned her Associate’s Degree with Honors in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus in Journalism from West Los Angeles College. Brigitte started this business after fully discovering that her passion, life’s purpose and first love is youth guidance and mentoring through teaching and training workshops helping girls, young women and foster youth to become self-reliant, establish a safe and secure lifestyle for themselves, follow a focused pathway to a successful life and realize their dreams. Brigitte was born and partially raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She resides in Inglewood, California (within the greater Los Angeles area).