An Inspired Chat with Katie Brinkley of Englewood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Katie Brinkley. Check out our conversation below.

Katie , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is that social media success is about posting more often. A lot of entrepreneurs assume the key is volume — being everywhere, all the time. But what I’ve learned over the years, and what I teach through my 4-post strategy, is that it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing the right things with intention.

When I started Next Step Social, I saw how many business owners were burning themselves out trying to keep up with unrealistic expectations, especially after the pandemic shifted how people used social platforms. I built my business to show them that a clear, strategic system not only saves time, but actually drives more meaningful results.

The truth is, my team and I aren’t just “posting for clients.” We’re building thought leaders. We help entrepreneurs simplify their content, leverage podcasting, and show up as the spokesperson for their brand. That’s the shift most people don’t realize until they work with us — it’s not about adding noise, it’s about creating influence.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Katie Brinkley, CEO of Next Step Social and a podcast host who’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs stop spinning their wheels with social media and actually see results. I built my business around a simple idea: you don’t need to post more, you need a strategy. That’s where my 4-post framework comes in — it’s helped countless business owners show up with purpose, attract the right audience, and turn visibility into revenue.

My journey started eight years ago when I was laid off from my career in sports broadcasting. It was scary, but it pushed me to take a chance on myself and build something from the ground up. Since then, I’ve grown a team, written a book, spoken on stages across the country, and built two podcasts that rank in the top 1%. But at the heart of everything I do is helping other entrepreneurs become the spokesperson for their own business, without burning out trying to keep up with trends.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
he person who taught me the most about work was actually my former boss at ROOT SPORTS, right before I was laid off. When my position was eliminated, I felt scared and unsure of what was next. But before I walked out the door, she told me, “Katie, I know you’re going to do something in social media.” At the time, I didn’t see it as a gift — I saw it as a huge unknown.

That simple statement gave me the confidence I didn’t yet have in myself. It taught me that sometimes other people see your potential before you do. And it showed me that work isn’t just about the tasks in front of you, it’s about the opportunities you create from unexpected turns. That lesson pushed me to build Next Step Social, to bet on myself, and to lean into hard work even when the path isn’t clear.

Now, whenever I mentor entrepreneurs, I carry that lesson with me. I remind them that setbacks aren’t the end — they’re often the start of something better

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. A few years into building Next Step Social, there was a season where I felt completely stretched thin. I was wearing every hat — sales, client delivery, admin, strategy — and I remember thinking, maybe I should just go back and get a job with a steady paycheck. Entrepreneurship can feel really lonely when you’re in that space.

But instead of walking away, I asked myself a different question: What would it look like to build this business in a way that works for me instead of against me? That’s when I started putting systems in place, bringing on the right people, and leaning into the 4-post strategy that became the foundation of our client work.

That turning point showed me that “giving up” usually isn’t about quitting entirely — it’s about letting go of the way you’ve been doing things and building something better. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t quit in that moment, because it led to the team, the book, and the business I have today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief I’ll never waver on is that entrepreneurs don’t need to be everywhere, all the time, to grow a successful business. I’m committed to showing people that posting less — but with a strategy — is far more powerful than chasing trends and burning out. That’s why I’ve built my 4-post strategy into everything I do. It’s not just a framework; it’s a way to help business owners reclaim their time while still growing their influence.

The project I’ll always stay committed to is amplifying voices through podcasting. I believe every entrepreneur has a story worth telling, and a podcast gives them a platform to share it in a way that builds trust, authority, and connection. Whether it takes years or decades, I’ll keep working to change how business owners think about showing up online — moving them from “just posting” to truly leading.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, and it was such an eye-opener. Early in my business, I thought the ultimate goal was signing as many clients as possible. I hustled hard, landed the contracts, and on paper it looked like I had “made it.” But behind the scenes, I was exhausted and frustrated because not all of those clients were the right fit. Some didn’t value strategy, some resisted change, and it made me realize that growth for the sake of growth isn’t the win I thought it would be.

That experience taught me an important lesson: what you want has to align with how you want to work and live. Now I measure success differently. It’s not about filling the roster — it’s about working with clients who trust us, value the process, and are ready to grow in a smarter way. That shift has been far more satisfying than any revenue milestone ever was.

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