We were lucky to catch up with Brandy Drake recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandy, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
After dedicating five years of my career in the corporate realm to a huge telecommunications company, I found myself facing a layoff in the wake of the pandemic. This experience opened my eyes to the vulnerability of being dependent on someone else’s decisions and being categorized as an ‘acceptable loss.’ It was then that I made the conscious choice to no longer leave my family’s future in the hands of others. So, I educated myself and I took control of my destiny and haven’t regretted that decision since.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Certainly! I’m deeply dedicated to advancing financial literacy and am licensed in life and health insurance, complemented by my certification as a wealth coach. My professional endeavors are rooted in education, primarily with the Rotollo Agency of AIL/NILICO, where I emphasize the significance of having and using life insurance policies and distinguishing between term insurance and permanent insurance. I also engage in valuable partnerships with organizations like United Wealth Education and United Credit Education Services, extending services encompassing Identity Protection, Legal Counsel, and comprehensive document preparation, including living wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
My work extends to assisting individuals with various financial aspects, including debt management, credit restoration, budgeting, business funding, and savings goals. What truly inspires me is my collaboration with the YFL FAMILY MINT, a youth financial literacy program that educates students through high school and provides them with essential resources such as workbooks and scholarships.
My overarching mission is to promote wealth-building through straightforward processes while dispelling the misconception that life insurance is a financial burden. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of critical documentation to shield against legal complexities like probate and next of kin laws, all with the ultimate goal of ensuring that every family I assist is in a stronger financial position due to my efforts.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back at my journey, I’ve come to realize that the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have shaped my path are as follows:
Passion for the Mission: First and foremost, having a genuine love for what I do has been instrumental. My unwavering passion for educating others about the financial realities we weren’t taught in school stems from personal experiences. I’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences of being financially unprepared, and I’m driven by the desire to ensure my family and others aren’t left facing that same dilemma. Loving what you do can be a powerful motivator in any endeavor.
Resilience: Resilience is a skill that naturally accompanies my line of work. We often avoid discussing the unexpected because life is good, right? It’s a challenging conversation to initiate, but a vital one. I’ve come to understand that being prepared for life’s uncertainties is a responsibility we have to our loved ones and our communities. While finances and money management might not be the most comfortable topic for a casual dinner party, it’s an essential discussion.
Financial Education: My area of expertise lies in the educational aspect of why people lack the tools, services, and documents to protect themselves and their families. Our conventional education system often neglects the importance of building a strong financial profile. We’re taught to excel academically, secure a good job, and manage our bills – but there’s so much more to life than that. Financial stability is the foundation for living a life of freedom and security.
For those who are just beginning their journey, my advice is to find and nurture your passion, that often means delving into areas where you’ve personally felt the impact. Build your resilience to face challenges head-on, and when you’re afraid to address difficult topics, do it anyway. At the very least you’ll learn what not to do next time. Lastly, surround yourself with a positive and supportive team that not only provides encouragement during challenging times but also fosters an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive, enabling you to reach your goals with greater confidence and unwavering optimism.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
If you’re interested in working with me, whether it’s as a business partner or client, you can connect through my website or reach out via email as well as social media or by phone. I’m always open to discussing collaboration and how I can assist you in your professional and financial journey.
Facebook: @DrakeConsulting
Email: TheDrakeAgency101@gmail.com or
BBurton@ailjra.com
Phone: 405-706-8932
832-844-1290
Contact Info:
- Website: http://myuwe.net/default.aspx?rid=bburton14
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087574213499&mibextid=LQQJ4d
