In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Bart sits down with Brittany Shoul, SVP of Revenue Strategy & Ops at MCI USA. Brittany shares her journey from being the first in her family to attend college, to discovering her leadership voice, to becoming a respected leader who champions authenticity, empathy, and integration over “balance.” She reveals how her upbringing, her grandmother’s influence, her early leadership experiences, and her work in sales shaped the leader she is today. Brittany opens up about drive, fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and why showing up like you belong—exactly as you are—is one of the most underrated skills in life and business.
💡 Major Takeaways / Learnings
Authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a strategy. Brittany insists that showing up as your true self is not only allowed, but powerful.
“You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” A core message she teaches her daughters, colleagues, and herself.
Balance is a myth; integration is real. Your life will never be perfectly even — but you can blend what matters in healthier ways.
Fulfillment fuels drive. Brittany isn’t trying to “prove” anything; she’s driven by the impact she can make on her team, her family, and her industry.
Leadership means giving people permission. Sometimes people just need to hear “It’s okay” — to leave early, to rest, to take space.
Show up like you belong. Even if you’re young, new, nervous, or different — the room is for you, too.
Find mentors everywhere. If your company doesn’t offer strong leadership, seek it through networking, LinkedIn, peers, or past relationships.
Kindness and connection matter. Whether talking to a housekeeper or meeting someone at an event, presence and authenticity build trust.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“You can do anything — you just can’t do everything.”
“Show up like you belong.”
“Fulfillment comes from the impact you make — at home, and at work.”
“Balance implies everything is equal. That’s not real. Integration is.”
“Be yourself. No one needs a business-professional robot.”
“It’s okay to be excited. It’s okay to be nervous. Just show up.”
✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode is a guide for anyone trying to grow in their career while staying true to themselves. Brittany’s journey shows listeners that success doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from authenticity, connection, and courage. Her practical insights help young professionals, leaders, and parents understand how to integrate ambition with life, how to care for themselves and their teams, and how to build confidence even when the room feels intimidating. Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or self-doubt will find grounding, encouragement, and permission to be human — while still striving for more.
