Poised, confident, and self-assured were my first impressions of Brittany Berger, who I met in March at the International Women's Day Dinner hosted by Sarah Akiba. She instantly captivated all thirty women at the table when she stood up to introduce herself, not only with her inspiring career and life experiences, but also with her relatability. Her candor made everyone feel understood and valued, a foreign feeling when it comes to listening to someone speak about themself.
A mentor, published author, and public speaker, Berger’s vivacious energy and authenticity are what has propelled her career at each step of the way as she empowers women everyday to be their best selves.
This is Brittany Berger’s journey to twenty-seven. This is twenty:
Who were you at twenty?
I was modern with a driven force to achieve anything I wanted personally, scholastically, and professionally, with a nothing to lose mentality. I made sure I had my fun in moments where I’d rather stay in, I pushed myself out because I wanted to live fully in this time we refer to as “youth”. I didn’t take many risks in love in fear of feeling stuck in an unwanted commitment... I think that is the only thing I look back on and would change. I definitely was self-ish then too, and lived for me, so that I never would look back at twenty and say, I wish I did that. I made sure that I did.
How have you evolved since?
Back then I always took the safe route and looked both ways before crossing every street. I never took risks without certainty, and now those risks with uncertainty have led me here to self fulfilled success. Sometimes I wonder, if I took more risks and didn’t overthink, what more experiences would I have lived? Now instead of justifying, I just do them, because the worst that can happen is it doesn’t work out and at least I tried which is better than not knowing at all. The end result of every risk is that no matter what, you will grow and you will move on with greater wisdom. I want to live the most full life while being passionate, carefree and remind myself to lead with love and a tablespoon of fun. It is said, we are only young once, but I choose to never claim my age as my identity.
What advice would you give yourself at twenty?
Twenties are purely for learning and growing. Nothing is impossible or permanent. Don’t take things too seriously for being serious should be delayed for another twenty years. Smile more. Laugh more. Stay up until the sunrise, more. Worry less. All the stresses that led parts of my life then don’t matter at all now. I can’t even remember them. So, don’t worry. People come and go so fated soulmates can walk into your life. Walk your path, don’t compare yourself to others or compete. Do not care what anyone thinks about you if your presence, choices, and goals make you feel your best. Be your best for you, not anyone else, that will happen naturally. If you want to do something, take that risk, think twice, but go with the uncomfortable decision. It will always lead you to a place beyond your highest expectation. Never fear growth. It is always our end destination, so have a good time on the way there!
learn more about Brittany and her work here!