Meet Jenn Hurless

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

Jenn, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I think my optimism was shaped early on by watching my mom navigate a job she didn’t love. As a kid, I remember feeling frustrated—not with her, but with the idea of feeling stuck. I’d ask, “If you don’t like it, why don’t you find something else?” and she’d say, “Because we need the money.” Even though I didn’t fully understand the complexities of adult responsibilities back then, that experience stuck with me. It taught me something powerful: I never wanted to live in a state of dissatisfaction without at least trying to change it.

That mindset shaped the way I see challenges. Instead of feeling defeated or complaining, I’ve always leaned into action. Optimism, for me, isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about believing that change is possible and that we always have agency, even in difficult situations.

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 and creative soul behind Go Be Social Media, a boutique agency that blends strategy with personality to help brands stand out online. We’ve been around since 2012, and while the platforms may change, our mission stays the same: make social media work—smartly, creatively, and with heart.

What makes what I do exciting is the mix of creativity and impact. One day I’m crafting a content strategy for a national brand, the next I’m mentoring a new social media manager or brainstorming a viral TikTok concept. I’ve always believed that marketing should feel real—and that you can be both ROI-driven and wildly creative at the same time. That’s the secret sauce we bring to every client.

Lately, I’ve been really focused on giving back to the social media community, especially to the next generation of digital marketers. I’m so excited to be launching a new initiative to help aspiring and current social media managers land their dream roles, build their skill sets, and stay inspired. We’re creating practical tools, trainings, and even a full course for people who want to break into the industry—or level up in it.

Also on the horizon: the launch of my podcast, Viral(ish), co-hosted with Gabby Harrison, my senior strategist. It’s where Gen X meets Gen Z for honest, hilarious, and insightful conversations about what it really takes to grow on social media today. From behind-the-scenes of viral campaigns to no-fluff advice for building a personal brand, it’s going to be the podcast I wish existed when I was starting out.

At the end of the day, I’m passionate about helping people and brands be seen in the right way, by the right people, for the right reasons. And if we can have fun doing it? Even better.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey the most were optimism, creativity, and knowing when to pivot.

Optimism kept me moving even when things didn’t go as planned (and trust me, they won’t always go as planned). It’s not about pretending everything’s great—it’s about believing you can figure it out, no matter what.

Creativity has been everything. In this industry, the ability to think differently, take risks, and bring ideas to life is what sets you apart. You don’t need to follow every rule—sometimes the best thing you can do is break a few.

And honestly, the ability to pivot is a must. The digital world changes fast. Platforms evolve, clients shift, and your own goals will too. Being flexible, open to change, and not afraid to start over? That’s a superpower.

If you’re just getting started, my advice is: set small, doable goals—and celebrate them. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just focus on what you can control, show up consistently, and stay curious. Every expert you look up to? They started right where you are—taking one small step at a time.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed—which definitely happens more than people might think—I do something that might surprise you: I post about it. I’ve found that showing up with vulnerability, especially online, is one of the most powerful things you can do. Every time I’ve shared that I’m struggling or feeling stuck, I’ve been met with this incredible wave of support—and almost every time, someone messages me saying, “Same. I needed to hear this.”

It’s a reminder that we’re not alone, even when it feels like it.

I also call a friend for a hype session—everyone needs that one person who reminds you who you are when you forget. Sometimes you just need to say it out loud to shift the energy.

If I had to give advice, it’s this: Don’t bottle it up or pretend you’ve got it all together. Talk about it. Share it. Ask for help. You’ll be amazed at how many people are walking through the same thing—and how freeing it is to stop pretending you’re fine when you’re not.

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