In this episode of Successful AF, host Jess West interviews Lauren Brighton, a London-based change manager whose non-linear career journey embraces being a generalist over a specialist. From creating legacy films to navigating the male-dominated property world, Lauren's story showcases career confidence building and authentic leadership.

Lauren's career evolution transformed from prioritising appearance over intellect in early corporate environments to showing up authentically confident. She redefines success as "perma happiness" - where family, friends, career fulfilment, and work-life balance exist in harmony. With candid honesty, she discusses overcoming self-doubt, working in unsupportive environments, and making space for fun in adult life.

Perfect for listeners seeking career change inspiration, professional confidence strategies, and guidance on building a portfolio career outside traditional paths.
About Lauren Brighton

Lauren started her career at Bucket List Film, creating documentary films about people's legacies, before moving through various roles in marketing, communications, and property. She's passionate about women's networks in corporate environments and brings her creative background to change management, applying her "jazz hands" approach to transformation projects. Based in London, she prioritises relationships, wellbeing, and joy alongside professional growth.

Connect with Lauren
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brighton-49a00257/ Instagram: @llbrighton
Key Episode Themes

Career Confidence and Self-Advocacy

• Moving from self-doubt to authentic professional confidence
• Authentic leadership in male-dominated industries
• Building career self-advocacy skills

Non-Linear Career Success

• Embracing a generalist career path over specialization
• Career pivots from creative fields to corporate roles
• The value of diverse career experience

Redefining Professional Success

• Work-life harmony as the ultimate success metric
• Career happiness beyond salary and job titles
• Creating sustainable career success with joy and relationships

Reflection Questions

• Where are you experiencing unnecessary career self-doubt?
• How do you define success beyond traditional markers?
• What would it look like to prioritize fun alongside professional development?
• How can you embrace being a career generalist in a specialist-focused world?

Key Takeaways
Lauren's story reminds us that career paths don't have to be linear, and success is individually defined. Her journey from self-doubt to self-advocacy shows that professional confidence isn't about having all the answers - it's about trusting yourself to lean into opportunities with passion and commitment. Sometimes the most authentic version of ourselves emerges when we stop fitting into others' definitions of career success.
Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! Nominate someone redefining success at [email protected].
Connect with Jess: Instagram: @compasscoaching.co Website: www.compasscoachingandyoga.com

Love this episode? Hit subscribe and leave us a review! And if you know someone who's redefining success on their own terms, nominate them at [email protected] - we're always looking for incredible people to feature.

Connect with Jess:

Instagram: @kalicoaching.co

Website: www.kalicoaching.co.uk