Beyond Success: Kerrie Lee Brown on Authentic Self-Leadership
As the Vice President of Publishing & Editor-in-Chief of SUCCESS® Enterprises and SUCCESS® magazine, Kerrie Lee Brown has spent three decades amplifying voices and sharing stories that matter. In a recent interview, she opened up about her journey from aspiring lawyer to media executive, and how a personal health crisis reshaped her perspective on life and business.
"I actually was going to go to law school," Brown reveals, reflecting on her early career aspirations. "But I soon learned that you can write about people's journeys or stories and be able to share them through different forms of media." This realization led her to pursue a master's in journalism, launching a career that would see her contribute to over 150 publications worldwide. Now, at SUCCESS®, she is leading the newly established publishing division, overseeing all initiatives to expand its reach and impact.
Known for her ability to uncover compelling narratives, Brown brings a unique approach to storytelling. "I like to get those nuggets out of people that are not really in the mainstream, tug at their heartstrings a little bit," she explains. "Even these big stars have a personal branding journey. They all have setbacks. They all have challenges."
A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
At age 39, while serving as executive editor at Today's Parent magazine in Toronto, Brown experienced a life-altering event: a heart attack. "I was at the top of my media career," she recalls. "I didn't realize how much pressure I was putting on myself as a new mom, with a two-hour commute each way, and the expectations of leading editorial strategies."
This health crisis became what she now calls "the best wake-up call I ever had." The experience led her to write "My Heart, Myself," a self-care guide for women, and inspired the creation of RedLily (redlilylife.com), a platform where people can share their personal stories of transformation and healing.
"When I finally came forward with my story, it was different because as a journalist, I always shared everybody else's stories," Brown reflects. "Now I know there's a reason why I went through what I did, so I could share my message and give awareness about why it's so important for leaders and executives to take time to slow down."
The Power of Authentic Storytelling
Brown emphasizes that in today's digital age, authentic storytelling has become more crucial than ever. "Everyone's on social media, everyone's a business owner in some way," she notes. "Your unique attribute is your own personal story."
This philosophy carries through to her work at Success Magazine, where she's expanded coverage beyond established CEOs to include startups and entrepreneurs transitioning from corporate life. "I really wanted to bring that idea that we're all in this together," she explains. "I'm an entrepreneur myself and I'm still growing and learning."
Through RedLily, which has published over 1,500 stories, Brown continues to provide a platform for others to share their journeys. "These are real stories from real people," she says. "It can be about any challenge you've gone through that has a lesson learned at the end. It can help you heal, and it can help others heal."
Looking ahead, Brown plans to expand her speaking engagements and continue evolving Success Magazine's coverage to reflect the changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Her message remains consistent: whether in business or life, authenticity and personal connection are the keys to making a lasting impact.
Interview by Tricia Love Trujillo
