Meet Brianna Greenspan

We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Greenspan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Absolutely. My confidence wasn’t built in a day, it was forged over years of living with chronic illness and learning to show up for myself in small, consistent ways, even when no one was watching. I didn’t always feel strong or capable. But I learned that confidence isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about being courageous enough to take the next step forward, even when the path is uncertain.
A big part of developing my self-confidence came from embracing micro-massive actions: small, meaningful steps I could take each day to support my physical and emotional well-being. Over time, those tiny steps became a foundation of self-trust. I learned to celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection, and that changed everything.

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’m the founder of Brianna Greenspan International (BGI)—an educational consulting firm dedicated to embedding resilience and well-being into the fabric of school communities, companies, and organizations. I’m also an author, speaker, wellness strategist, and chronic illness advocate.
What excites me most about this work is witnessing real transformation—in individuals, in school cultures, and in leadership teams. Whether it’s guiding a student to recognize their inner strength or helping an educator reimagine how they care for themselves and their students, every piece of this work lights me up.
At BGI, we believe the environment can be a powerful third teacher. That’s why one of our most unique offerings is transforming high-traffic, often-overlooked school spaces—like stairwells, hallways, and bathrooms—into empowering wellness environments. These are the places where students often feel isolated or overwhelmed, and we intentionally use those areas as daily reminders of support, hope, and self-worth.
Our bilingual growth mindset book series is now available exclusively through Lightswitch Learning, expanding access to empowering resources for students, families, and educators across the country. These titles help reinforce emotional literacy, positive identity, and resilience in both English and Spanish-speaking households and classrooms.
I’m also especially proud of my recent co-authored book, The Book of Questions: Living with Chronic Illness, written alongside Dr. Gregory Stock, PhD. It’s a powerful reflective tool designed to help people living with health challenges find strength, clarity, and hope through intentional questioning. Whether someone is navigating invisible illness, burnout, or personal growth, this book meets them exactly where they are.

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?

Resilience – Life will throw you curveballs. Chronic illness, career detours, personal loss—it’s all part of the ride. But what matters most isn’t avoiding the hard moments, it’s how you meet them. I learned to stop asking “Why me?” and started asking “What now?” Cultivating resilience means showing up again and again—even when it’s messy, even when it’s slow. And it starts with micro-habits: breathwork, hydration, movement, and surrounding yourself with people who hold you to your highest.

Self-Compassion – If I could give every person one superpower, it would be the ability to speak to themselves the way they speak to someone they love. For years, I thought pushing harder was the only way forward. But real confidence came when I softened—with myself, with my story, and with the timeline of my growth. If you’re new on your path, practice catching the inner critic and gently replacing it with curiosity. That voice matters. Let it be kind.

Intentionality – Purpose doesn’t show up like a lightning bolt—it’s revealed in the quiet choices you make every day. When I began living and leading with intention, things began to align. Whether it’s how I eat, who I collaborate with, or the way I design my days, every decision is anchored in impact. My advice? Start asking yourself: “Is this moving me toward who I want to become?” If it’s not, give yourself permission to pivot.

The journey isn’t linear. But with resilience, self-compassion, and intentionality, it is transformational. Keep showing up. You’re not behind—you’re becoming.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One of the most transformative books in my journey has been The Book of Questions by Dr. Gregory Stock. It did not offer advice or steps. It offered questions. The kind that stir your soul, challenge your beliefs, and invite deep reflection. For me, those questions became a mirror. They helped me navigate the complexity of living with a chronic illness, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
That is why coauthoring The Book of Questions Chronic Illness Edition was such a meaningful full circle moment. I know firsthand how isolating and invisible chronic illness can feel. This edition was created to bring voice, visibility, and connection to those on that path. It is a tool for personal inquiry and meaningful conversations with yourself, your loved ones, your care team, and your community.
Some of the most powerful questions we included are deceptively simple. What does support look like for you today. What do you wish people understood about your experience. If your body could speak, what would it say. These questions do not just unlock answers. They unlock healing.
To me, this book is not just a collection of questions. It is a lifeline. A way to reconnect with your own power and humanity in the midst of uncertainty. And being part of bringing that to the world is one of the most purpose aligned things I have ever done.
Explore the book here → thebookofquestions.com/chronicillness

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