We were lucky to catch up with Brooklyn Simone recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brooklyn Simone, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My perception of generosity has evolved over the years. I’ve come to realize that giving alone doesn’t necessarily make someone generous. True generosity is a matter of the heart—it’s about the intention behind the act. What motivates your willingness to give?
For me, supporting others comes from a genuine belief in what they’re doing and the simple fact that I can. Being in a position to offer support—whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise—is a gift. I’m reminded of Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Even during jam-packed weeks of work and filming, there are times when the days leading up to an episode have been long, challenging, or just exhausting. Yet, before each recording, I push myself to be fully present—to offer a meaningful and impactful conversation for Pushing the Pen’s audience. Midway through, any lingering fatigue disappears, and by the end of the episode, I feel refueled.
This, to me, is the essence of that passage. In the midst of giving, I, too, am replenished. Pushing the Pen isn’t about me—it’s about the community I’m building and the people I’m here to support.
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?
Pushing the Pen’s ethos is to bridge the gap between idea and execution—one of the biggest challenges people face. Through conversations with my guests, we explore their journeys and defining moments, uncovering how they’ve navigated obstacles and pursued their goals. I firmly believe that our purpose isn’t just for us alone—it’s connected to others in ways we may not always see.
What excites me most about this work is creating a platform where people feel seen, heard, and understood. In my own experiences—whether through deep conversations with friends or unexpected connections at networking events—I’ve found that so many of us share the same struggles. Yet, life can make us feel isolated. Those who dare to be seen trying, especially when stepping outside the norm, are often the first or only ones in their circles doing so. The truth is, the people closest to us aren’t always our first supporters. My hope is that Pushing the Pen fosters a sense of community and encouragement, reminding people that they, too, are capable of bringing their ideas to life.
At the heart of my work are my values—honesty, transparency, and faith. I strive to create a space where my guests and team feel safe to share their truth. Pushing the Pen was a vision God placed on my heart, and I ensure He leads the way in every step. Before each episode, we pray with our guests, asking that the right people find and receive exactly what they need from the conversation. This platform is a vessel to remind people that they can keep trying, pivot when needed, and still arrive exactly where they’re meant to be.
What sets Pushing the Pen apart is its understanding that each person’s journey is deeply personal. We often curate playlists that reflect our current season of life—even when we struggle to put our emotions into words. That’s why, at the end of each episode, I ask my guests to share three songs that represent their current season. It adds another layer to their story—one that transcends words. We also share these songs with our online community and compile an end-of-season playlist, making the experience interactive and immersive.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity and initiative have been two of the most defining traits in my journey. I’ve always been eager to ask questions, dig deeper, and take action—even when I don’t have all the answers. That willingness to figure things out along the way has shaped how I approach opportunities and challenges alike.
Networking has also been one of the most valuable skills in my growth. The relationships I’ve built have opened doors, sparked collaborations, and introduced me to new opportunities. Learning from others and fostering genuine connections has been just as important as the work itself.
For those just starting out, my biggest advice is this: Don’t overlook the practical skills and lessons available to you right now. It’s easy to focus so much on where you want to go that you miss the value of where you currently are. But the lessons you’re learning today—no matter how small they seem—will serve you in ways you may not realize yet.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that has had a profound impact on me is More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth.
When I first read More Than Enough, I was juggling a full-time job while stepping into freelancing—knowing I wanted more but unsure of what that looked like. Elaine’s story resonated deeply because, while it’s a memoir, it’s also filled with powerful lessons on trusting yourself, knowing your worth, and making bold decisions.
One quote that has stayed with me is:
“When your dreams are bigger than the places you find yourself in, sometimes you need to seek out your own reminders that there is more. And there is always more waiting for you on the other side of fear.”
That quote perfectly captures so much of my experience—the moments of uncertainty, the hesitation that comes with stepping into something unfamiliar. There will be times when your environment or the people around you don’t affirm your path. In those moments, I’ve found my greatest reassurance in God—through subtle confirmations, unexpected opportunities, and an inner knowing that there’s more ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brooklynsimone.substack.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyn.simone/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brooklynsimone8
Image Credits
The first two images are by @contentbestiez /@reaulex (instagram)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
