How Did I Get Here? with Ann Brown

Why did you get into this industry?

I’m a relative newcomer to the point-of-care space but have years of experience in media, marketing and out-of-home advertising. Transitioning to a healthcare-focused opportunity presented me with a whole new set of the best possible marketing and creative challenges. 

Where did you get started?

I started in the agency business and quickly moved on to big media brands such as NBCU, News Corp and Time Warner. My focus has always been about bringing strategy, creativity and innovation to brand and client businesses. The ever-evolving media landscape has provided a great canvas for brands to tell their stories and to provide a more meaningful consumer experience. Point of care is yet another canvas.

Who helped you out along the way?

My favorite question! I have been extremely lucky, working for great brands and great leaders. My personal experience drives me to do the same for those coming up the ranks. I am always willing to help edit a résumé, make a connection or help with a LinkedIn profile. In my opinion, that’s just what you do. Pass on the leadership.

Any interesting events/stories that changed your career?

I met my current boss, Chris Culver, years ago when I was working on an entrepreneurial venture. He was recommended as someone who could help provide advice and perspective in the startup world. While the business venture was only mildly successful, the connection was much more so, resulting in my current role with Health Media Network.

Do you wish you could’ve done something differently?

While hindsight is always 20/20, for the most part, my answer is no. Every experience is valuable (good and bad). You can learn a lot from both situations and I think that those experiences brought me to where I am today.

When did you know you were in the right place?

There are so many aspects of a career that signal success and achievement. The obvious tangibles of title, respect and responsibility. That said, being in the right place means that you love the work, the people and the challenges. For me, creating a voice and a narrative for the brand and pulling together as a team — that really matters. It’s not about being the biggest but rather being the best at what you are doing (together). I’m feeling that a lot right now.

Did you consider other professions?

Absolutely! The problem is that nobody wants to pay me to ride horses and cook. I do have a few side hustles that satisfy my creative spirit and I try to ride as often as I can. Professionally, I am always happiest when I am working with great teams and am able to shape and build something. As long as I can do that, I guess I’m pretty happy.

What other goals do you have for your career/the industry?

I guess I need to start out by saying that 2020 was the year that changed everything. Having weathered the worst possible scenario for any business, we are coming through the other side. For me, personally, the pandemic pushed me and my team to think differently and more broadly about the business and the overall experience. I know we are not alone in this. Great things and innovation are happening in point of care. That is our future and that is exciting. I love the challenges and I look forward to the year ahead.