Beyond the Paycheck: Choosing Purpose Over Familiarity | Epi 60

OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW with Victoria Odekomaya

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From Burnout to Burgundy Red: India Brown’s Bold Leap from Corporate to CEO

What happens when the corporate ladder you’re climbing no longer leads to fulfillment?

For India Brown—CEO of PMPHASE Consulting Firm—the answer came after 13 years in healthcare IT. Despite promotions, raises, and external validation, something vital was missing. “That’s the moment I chose fulfillment over familiarity,” she shares in this candid and inspiring conversation about redefining success through entrepreneurship.

But the leap wasn’t easy.

Armed with an MBA and deep expertise in project management, India still found herself unprepared for the realities of business ownership. Her first two years were financially devastating—what she describes as “burgundy red.” The cause? A costly gap in business acumen, especially in contract negotiation and cash flow management. “I was flying out weekly, paying expenses upfront, and waiting 45 days for reimbursement,” she recalls—an all-too-common scenario for professionals assuming that technical skills equal business success.

India’s turning point came through mentorship and mindset. She transitioned from working in the business to operating as its CEO—rebranding to PMPHASE, building operational systems, and learning to delegate with intention. Today, five years later, her company is thriving and expanding into new markets.

Most powerful of all? India’s commitment to lifting others as she rises.

Through her CEO mindset programs, board leadership with organizations like Pass the Torch, and grassroots community sponsorships, she equips emerging entrepreneurs with the tools she once lacked. Her message is clear: technical skills are important, but sustainable success demands strategic thinking, mentorship, and honest self-assessment.

🎯 Ready to step into true leadership?
Visit www.pmphase.com or email [email protected] to learn more about India’s CEO Mindset Training and how she’s helping professionals become empowered, effective business leaders.

//ABOUT
Victoria Odekomaya is a Nigerian American and former drug research scientist turned brand and marketing expert. Through her Creative Agency, LiMStudios, she specializes in brand photography, video creation, and strategic marketing. Victoria's mission is to empower female entrepreneurs to be SEEN, KNOWN, and HEARD, enhancing their visual presence and attracting their ideal customers to build a BANKABLE PERSONAL BRAND. Victoria's scientific background has honed her analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which she integrates into her branding strategies. Her 23-year journey to U.S. citizenship reflects the perseverance female entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges in branding and marketing. This fuels her dedication to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

In 2022, Victoria launched the BOSS LADIES CAMPAIGN, giving participants a celebrity photoshoot experience to enhance their confidence and brand visibility. The campaign promotes these women through features in BOSS LADIES magazine, appearances on Victoria's 'OWN YOUR BRAND SHOW', and recognition at the BOSS LADIES GALA. The gala not only celebrates women but also raises funds for local non-profits, so far raising $19,000+ for Dove Recovery House for Women and PINK RIBBON CONNECTION.

For sponsorship/business inquiries, visit https://mtr.bio/limstudios or email [email protected].

Chapters

1. Meeting India Brown, CEO of PMFace (00:00:00)

2. Leaving Corporate Comfort for Fulfillment (00:08:40)

3. The Courage to Resign and Jump (00:16:05)

4. Financial Struggles of Early Business (00:27:15)

5. Learning Business Skills the Hard Way (00:36:44)

6. Rebranding and Mindset Transformation (00:45:20)

7. Growth, Giving Back, and CEO Evolution (00:54:06)

8. CEO Education and Future Plans (01:00:35)