Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
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Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
Mom: Ann Brooks on What They Don’t Teach You in Business School
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
1 hour 50 minutes
9 months ago
Mom: Ann Brooks on What They Don’t Teach You in Business School
This week, I sit down with someone who’s had an enormous impact on my life—my mom, Ann Brooks. She’s built an exceptional career spanning nearly 40 years in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, working for Xerox, Haworth, and Allstate before becoming a financial advisor. As the primary breadwinner for our family, she’s learned what it takes to manage high-performing teams, create scalable systems, and lead with integrity. Beyond business, this conversation is personal. My mom taught me some of the most valuable lessons I use every day—how to build teams, how to sell in a way that feels good for everyone, and how to lead with character. If you’ve ever wondered where my mindset on work and leadership comes from, this episode is a window into that foundation. Whether you call her Ann or Mom, I think you’ll learn something from her story. Let’s get to it!
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:29) - How Ann became a Georgia Bulldogs fan
(08:49) - Growing up in Georgia
(10:26) - Family dynamics and sports
(15:47) - Cultural heritage and identity
(22:25) - On working very early in life
(23:49) - Key learnings from Ann's early career
(25:11) - The value of hard work early in life
(28:46) - How Ann ended up working at Xerox
(32:46) - Cultural identity as an immigrant
(41:30) - The hard truth about sales
(43:13) - How Ann and her husband met and the importance of their partnership
(46:52) - The transition to Hayworth
(48:47) - Managing teams and building relationships
(52:58) - Balancing family and career
(57:44) - Navigating a male-dominated industry
(01:03:41) - Ann's philosophy on bringing a team together
(01:08:09) - On standards of excellence
(01:16:05) - Evaluating the real cost of opportunities
(01:19:48) - Embracing entrepreneurship
(01:21:56) - The first day at the new agency
(01:24:09) - How Ann changed the trajectory of her business
(01:27:47) - Selling the business
(01:35:55) - Working on a business vs working in the business
(01:38:46) - What drew Ann to the financial industry
(01:42:58) - Where excellence and joy meet
(01:44:55) - Ann's beautiful future
(01:46:28) - Who Ann is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
