Meet Brandi Verdine

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandi Verdine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brandi, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout is a real challenge for me, given my busy schedule. I juggle a full-time job at a university, manage the Beaumont Farmers Market, and chair the “Empowering Youth” committee for the Junior League of Beaumont, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for kids in foster care in our community.

To combat burnout, I prioritize self-care and make sure I stay connected with others who fill my cup. It’s easy to become isolated when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, so I make a conscious effort to connect with those in my life who uplift me. I like to get outside and feel the sun on my face to recharge. Spending time outdoors, recharging in nature, laughing, and simply enjoying the sunshine is essential for my well-being personally. While I’m passionate about staying busy, I’m learning to set boundaries and say “no” to commitments that don’t align with my priorities. Making time for rest and relaxation without guilt is crucial to me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I work full-time as a Payroll Coordinator at a local university, and I love it. The job keeps me busy throughout the week, and working on campus is both fun and challenging. There’s always something going on, and I get the opportunity to be involved in a variety of new events with students and staff each semester.

I also manage the Beaumont Farmers Market, which means working every Saturday along with handling everything that comes with running the market—social media, accounting, board meetings, graphic design, training, conferences, and being the main point of contact for our growing community. While giving up my Saturday mornings can be tough, this role has taught me so much and helped me grow into a more well-rounded person.

I joined the Junior League of Beaumont 4 years ago and now chair a committee there. We have done so much this year in “Empowering Youth” from holding a resource fair for foster families to also hosting a community-wide Thanksgiving dinner for them. This month, we are hosting a self-care night for a young girl’s group home and gifting each of them with baskets full of self-care items they might not have access to. Last July we were gifted $3000 by the American Legion Post 33 to clear our Amazon list we had created to hold a school supply drive for them!

I joined the Junior League of Beaumont in 2021 and now chair a committee. A few of our “Empowering Youth” initiatives include a resource fair for foster families, a community-wide Thanksgiving meal for foster youth, and a “self-care” night for a girls’ group home where we provided each young girl a basket full of self-care items. Last July, we received a generous $3,000 donation from the American Legion Post 33 to fulfill our Amazon wish list for a school supply drive! Our committee has done such great things in the last year and has received many donations from the community!

Last year, I was honored with a “40 Under 40” award, which felt like a full-circle moment, recognizing my hard work and accomplishments. I’m passionate about being involved with non-profits and am excited to continue learning and contributing to my community in the years ahead!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The number one thing I think was most impactful in my journey was the willingness to keep learning. I just graduated with my MBA last May, and I believe continuous learning is not just about formal education, but a mindset. It’s about embracing every experience as a learning opportunity – reading books, attending workshops, taking online courses, and engaging in meaningful conversations. This approach has been invaluable in my personal and professional development.

Building strong relationships is another critical skill. These connections are invaluable, both professionally and personally. Having strong relationships in place ensures you have a solid support network, which is so important for navigating life’s challenges, including mental health.

Another crucial skill is the ability to receive and learn from constructive criticism. This can be challenging, especially for those who are naturally more sensitive. However, with practice and time, it becomes easier to use it effectively. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to understand that my reaction to criticism is a choice. I can either allow it to discourage me, or I can view it as an opportunity for growth.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth in the last 12 months has been stepping outside my comfort zone. When I first joined the Junior League, I was quite shy and lacked confidence in my leadership abilities. The League has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Through my involvement, I’ve learned invaluable skills like team leadership, effective communication, and how to be a more engaged member of my community.

Most importantly, the League has helped me cultivate a newfound confidence that extends beyond my volunteer work. I am now more assertive in my personal and professional life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dandybrandi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiverdine
• Other: Virtual Business Cards:

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