Giant Steps In June
Halfway through 2025—can you believe it?
At Giant Steps, the first half of this year has been full. We’ve tried new things, stretched into unfamiliar territory, and deepened the work we know best. Some experiments stuck. Others are still taking shape. But we’re proud of the momentum, the learning, and the impact.
Now, we’re taking a breath. Summer invites a different kind of productivity—the kind rooted in joy, restoration, movement, conversation, and music in the background.
Before we pause for a few weeks, here’s a look at what we’ve been up to:
⸻
🎙️ Your First Job, the Podcast
Mz. Cracker: Delusion, Drag & Direction
Don’t miss this unforgettable episode featuring the multi-hyphenate Mz. Cracker—drag performer, fundraiser, and career shapeshifter. We talk about finding purpose in unexpected places, building a career across nonprofit arts and entertainment, and how being “just a little delusional” can help you get started.
Listeners are tuning in and seeing themselves in the conversation. Two messages that made me smile:
• “People see me as outgoing, bubbly, and bright—but that’s my drag. Deep down, I’m shy. This episode made me feel so seen.”
• “His comment about the reflection in the mirror? A gem. Sometimes we just need to be aware of what’s looking back at us.”
Brenda Mallory: Live at Westover School
This live episode features Brenda Mallory, nationally respected environmental lawyer and former Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. We recorded it during her 50th reunion at Westover School—surrounded by classmates who once knew her as a quiet, focused student and now celebrate her as a trailblazing public servant.
Brenda spoke candidly about growing up in a family that believed deeply in education, navigating elite institutions as one of the first, and what it means to “rewire” a career during seasons of transition.
One moment that stayed with me: she recalled visiting a school as a federal leader and hearing a fourth-grade girl whisper, “She looks like me.” Brenda said she carried that little girl with her through every tough day on the job.
(Yes, the fourth grader in me shed a little tear.)
🎧 Catch up on Your First Job
Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Audible, and iHeart Radio.
Watch full episodes on YouTube.com/@giantstepsllc.
Thanks in advance for liking, sharing, and subscribing!
⸻
The Elevate Program at Amazon
We recently delivered a three-part workshop series—The Elevate Program—for a cohort of legal professionals at Amazon preparing for their next career chapter.
Each session tackled real challenges faced by high performers in fast-paced environments. This wasn’t off-the-shelf content—it was customized guidance aligned with Amazon’s unique culture and goals.
The Sessions:
Executive Presence: Clarifying leadership style, refining elevator pitches, and learning to communicate with confidence.
Imposter Phenomenon: Identifying imposter “types,” reframing internal narratives, and cultivating resilience.
Strategic Relationship Building: Mapping networks, distinguishing mentors from sponsors, and building relationship capital that opens doors.
At Giant Steps, we continue to evolve—delivering tailored, high-impact learning experiences for early-career talent, mid-level professionals, and senior leaders. We also offer executive coaching and leadership assessments with LPI-certified coaches to ensure sustained growth.
Interested in bringing a Giant Steps Career workshop to your team?
Contact: Danielle@giantstepsllc.com
⸻
Your Next Giant Reset: A Career Comeback Guide
Last week, I hosted a webinar for alumni of Middlebury College—my alma mater—and I’m still buzzing from the energy.
More than 500 alumni joined from over 40 cities and 15 countries to explore Your Next Giant Reset, a four-part framework I created to help professionals navigate layoffs, transitions, and reinvention with clarity and confidence.
Some participants were anticipating change. Others were mid-transition. A few had just received layoff notices. It wasn’t just a webinar—it was a moment of solidarity and shared purpose.
What people are navigating now:
• Facing job loss with dignity
• Reframing their story in their 40s and 50s
• Confronting burnout and embracing reinvention
• Standing out in a shifting job market—with strategy and a little help from AI
We’re planning a DC-based MiddKidd gathering and a broader Giant Steps event in the fall. Stay subscribed for more info!
Start your own reset journey:
Download the free guide: ResetGuide.GiantStepsLLC.com
⸻
FEELS LIKE SUMMER
This summer, I'm planning to travel, rest, and recharge—with plenty of books and music in rotation.
(You'll find some of my favorites on the Giant Steps Playlist on Spotify.)
My reading list includes titles from brilliant voices—many featured at this year's Charleston Literary Festival:
Here Comes the Sun by Bill McKibben
Gather Me from the Ground by Glory Edim
Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church by Kevin Sack
Uncommon Favor by Dawn Staley
The Matriarch of the House of Knowles by Tina Knowles
Talk to Me Nice by Minda Harts (releasing July 22)
Of My Own Making: A Memoir by Daria Burke
And yes—I proudly defend audiobooks. If the words move you, they count. Especially memoirs read by the author—their voice becomes part of the story.
(The links above contain affiliate links and Giant Steps, LLC may earn revenue from purchases.)
⸻
See You in September!
Both Your First Job and this newsletter are taking a short summer break. We’ll be back in September—rested, recharged, and ready to celebrate four years of Giant Steps.
Until then, may your summer be filled with good books, new ideas, cold drinks, cotton candy sunsets, long hugs, and joyful reminders of how far you’ve come.
With gratitude,
Leilani
Founder & CEO, Giant Steps, LLC
#GiantSteps #GiantStepsLLC #DoWellDoGood #Onward
⸻
💌 Stay Connected
Social media algorithms come and go—but we’d love to stay in touch. Here’s how:
• 📬 Newsletter: Stay subscribed and share it with a friend.
• 📺 YouTube: YouTube.com/@giantstepsllc
• 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leilanimbrown
#GiantSteps #GiantStepsLLC #DoWellDoGood #Onward
#YourFirstJobPodcast #MzCracker #LeadershipVoices #CareerConversations #PodcastHighlights
#CareerReset #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutivePresence #CareerTransition #ReinventYourCareer #ImposterSyndrome #MidCareerMomentum #WorkforceWellbeing #NextChapterLeadership #FutureOfWork
#LifelongLearning #ProfessionalGrowth #CoachingMatters #LeadershipMatters #PurposeDrivenWork
#SummerReads #AudiobookLove #BlackAuthors #CharlestonVoices #CultureAndCareer #RestAsResistance #MusicAndMomentum #RootedAndRising #InspiredLeadership #PurposeAndPower #RepresentationMatters #ReclaimingRest