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Stuart Brown
Stuart Brown
01:38

Stuart Brown

Inspire Brands Foundation

New Orleans, LA USA

"There’s this false idea that you’re better off somehow if you say, ‘I did it all on my own.’ No one does it on their own."

Career Roadmap

Stuart's work combines: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

Executive Director

I lead a foundation that builds partnerships to help kids access support, mentorship, and real opportunity.

My Day to Day

Most days I’m in meetings, emails, and spreadsheets—but what I’m really doing is clearing roadblocks so my team can move fast and make impact. I connect with nonprofits, build partnerships, and help get resources where they’re needed most. Whether it’s a “job day” or a “mission day,” I stay focused on the big picture of changing lives and helping kids succeed.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

Build your network. Most people want to help the next generation. I recommend reaching out to someone and starting the conversation by telling them something you admire about them first. Then share your idea and ask for guidance. Be specific and be prepared, and you'll find that people will lean in.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Industrial Engineering

    Auburn University

  • Graduate Degree

    Finance & Strategy

    Northwestern University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I didn’t have a clear plan out of college, but I kept trying things—consulting, retail, even building a cashew factory in West Africa.

  • 2.

    My dad’s midlife career change showed me that it’s never too late to start over, which stuck with me.

  • 3.

    I went back to school for my MBA, still unsure of my path, but trusting that I'd find my fit through trial and error.

  • 4.

    I discovered that leadership is about removing roadblocks and helping your team thrive, and I fell in love with that role.

  • 5.

    I joined Inspire Brands and found purpose in turning “what ifs” into “when” moments for kids facing uncertainty.

  • 6.

    I built partnerships with schools like the Ron Clark Academy to inspire teachers and multiply impact in communities.

  • 7.

    My purpose became clear when I realized I could grow great organizations while building up people and communities along the way.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    You need to know what you want to be right out of high school.

  • How I responded:

    I wasn't comfortable with the pressure to know what you want to do right away. I had no idea what I wanted to do. Two things helped ease the anxiety for me. I saw my dad make a mid-life career change and realized we have time. And I did my own research and learned that most of the world is emergent when it comes to career—we don't know what we want to do. If that's you, you have to go out there and explore. Bump into a lot of different things and eventually one of them will be the right thing.

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