In this episode, I chat with Global Brand Manager, Simone Jackson, whose career spans Spotify, Wieden & Kennedy, Kamp Grizzly, and major global campaigns like the Adidas x Ivy Park launch with Beyoncé. From crafting handmade cards as a child to leading high-impact brand strategies, Simone’s journey shows what it really takes to turn creativity and ambition into a global career.

We dive into how her education in strategic communications at Elon University helped her blend creative vision with business strategy, and how lessons from sports shaped her leadership style. Simone shares a behind-the-scenes look at creating campaigns that resonate globally while staying culturally relevant, and how to thrive in a fast-paced, digital-first marketing world.

This conversation is packed with practical advice on navigating career growth, building authentic relationships, asking for what you want, owning your confidence, and knowing when to pivot — all essential for anyone pursuing a creative career.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How early creativity sparked Simone’s career in brand marketing
• The value of a strategic communications education
• Lessons from sports: grit, teamwork, and perseverance
• Crafting campaigns with global impact and local relevance
• Behind-the-scenes insights from the Adidas x Ivy Park launch with Beyoncé
• The real value of marketing awards, networking, and authentic connections
• How to recognize when it’s time to pivot professionally
• Advice for aspiring marketers: confidence, clarity, and courage

If you’re passionate about marketing, branding, or creative leadership, this episode is full of inspiration, mentorship, and actionable lessons from someone making waves on a global stage.

Connect with Simone Jackson on Linkedin.

In this episode, I sit down with New York Knicks Senior Manager, Digital Content, Lakeyia Brown, MMC, to uncover what it really takes to grow a career in sports marketing. Lakeyia shares her journey from a social media specialist at the University of South Carolina to leading digital content for one of the world’s most iconic sports teams.

We explore how sports social media has evolved since 2016, the key differences between college athletics and the NBA, and why building online communities is more important than ever. Lakeyia also shares practical guidance for navigating career transitions, developing soft skills like communication and adaptability, and finding mentorship and support along the way.

She opens up about the challenges of balancing full-time work while pursuing a master’s degree — a reminder that growth often comes from juggling multiple responsibilities and learning from each experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How Lakeyia launched her career in sports media and digital content marketing
• The evolution of digital and social media strategy in sports
• Differences between working in college athletics vs. the NBA
• Why community-building online matters in sports
• Strategies for career growth, professional development, and boundary-setting
• Advice for aspiring sports marketers and creatives

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into sports marketing or thrive behind the scenes at top-tier organizations like the New York Knicks, this episode is packed with guidance, inspiration, and real-world lessons.

Connect with Lakeyia on Linkedin

In this special introduction episode, I share the story behind What It Really Takes and why I started this podcast. Growing up in upstate South Carolina, I saw very few career options and had limited access to guidance or resources. I had big dreams but wasn’t always sure how to make them happen — and I know so many people feel the same way.

This podcast is my way of opening doors, sharing real stories, and giving you the kind of mentorship I wish I had along the way. We’ll explore what it really takes to navigate life, uncover opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally — all through honest conversations with people who’ve carved their own paths.

Whether you’re early in your career, exploring new possibilities, or figuring out your next steps, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that’s all about learning, reflecting, and seeing what’s possible when you have guidance, insight, and encouragement.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why What It Really Takes exists and who it’s for
• How limited access to resources shaped my own journey
• What mentorship, guidance, and storytelling can do for your growth
• The kind of conversations and lessons you can expect in future episodes