Redefining True Beauty, with former model Bridgett Brown

For 25 years Bridgett Brown embodied what it meant to be beautiful according to society’s standards. A former Ford model, Bridgett appeared perfect, but in reality she was struggling with everything from eating disorders to suicidal ideation. On today’s powerful episode of The Seismic Shift, Michelle sits down with Bridgett to talk about how this former “it” girl went from the top of the beauty industry to redefining what it actually means to be beautiful through her organization The Beyond Beauty Project. 

As a model, Bridgett was told she had to be perfect, and it turned her life upside down (and not in a good way). Together Michelle and Bridgett unpack what that drive for perfectionism looked like in Bridgett’s life and career, how to let go of unrealistic expectations, and why true connection is only found when we let people see the real version of us, flaws and all. Toward the end of the episode Bridgett shares how each of us can redefine the ideals of beauty and perfectionism in our own lives, plus her best advice on how to connect with ourselves in a kinder way. 

Learn more about Bridgett and The Beyond Beauty Project on their website: https://www.beyondbeautyproject.com/. 

Follow Bridgett on Instagram at @beyond.beauty.project. 


CHAPTERS 

00:00 The Importance of Connection
01:50 Bridgett's Journey: From Model to Advocate
10:08 Perfectionism and Disconnection
15:47 Redefining Beauty and Self-Compassion
21:21 The Power of Kindness and Authenticity


Special thanks to our friend Brian Wayy for the theme music this season!
Track Title: My Hearts On Fire 

What is The Seismic Shift with Michelle K. Johnston?

Welcome to Seismic Shift - a leadership podcast that focuses on connection. I’m your host, Michelle K. Johnston: management professor, executive coach, and leadership expert. I believe that today’s leaders need more than power and control to get the best from their teams; they need connection. Through interviews with some of today’s top business leaders, we are going to explore how leaders' ability to connect with themselves, their teams, and their organizations defines their ultimate success or failure. This podcast runs in close parallel to my new book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, where you can find even more insights from me and the brilliant leaders I interviewed this season. So let's set our sights on connection and get ready to take on the daunting, yet exciting, challenge of this Seismic Shift.