Why I Took the Biggest Career Risk of My Life

What does it actually take to leave your job for two months to compete on a marketing reality show? And how do you tell your boss you've been cast for an opportunity that could completely change your career?In the first episode of this special On Brand mini-series of Market Like a Mother, Lauren takes listeners behind the scenes of her journey from receiving an unexpected Instagram DM from a television producer to earning a spot on On Brand. What started as a message she almost ignored quickly turned into months of auditions, marketing challenges, personality assessments, and one of the biggest opportunities of her career.Lauren shares what the casting process was really like, the self-doubt she experienced before asking for time away from work, and how the incredible support from the Radiant Marketing team made it possible for her to chase an unconventional dream without putting her career on hold. She also reflects on how the experience changed her perspective on taking risks, balancing professional responsibilities, and why opportunities that seem unconventional can often lead to unexpected growth for both you and your business.Episode Timestamps0:00 Introduction: Kicking off the On Brand mini-series and why Lauren is finally sharing the full story behind competing on the show.2:18 The Instagram DM That Changed Everything: The message from a television producer that almost looked like a scam and why Lauren almost didn't respond.5:41 Inside the Casting Process: From audition tapes and personality assessments to marketing case studies and months of interviews, what it really took to earn a spot on On Brand.10:32 Telling Your Boss You Need Two Months Off: Lauren shares the nerves of asking for an extended leave of absence and why she worried a reality TV opportunity wouldn't be taken seriously.14:56 Preparing Work Before Filming: How Lauren created transition plans, scheduled months of content in advance, and worked with the Radiant Marketing team to ensure clients stayed supported while she was away.19:27 The Support That Made It Possible: How Karen and the Radiant Marketing team rallied behind Lauren, celebrated the opportunity, and even hosted watch parties once the show aired.23:14 How On Brand Benefited Radiant Marketing: The unexpected professional impact of the experience and why personal opportunities can create meaningful visibility for your company, too.26:42 Final Reflections: Why taking an unconventional opportunity taught Lauren valuable lessons about confidence, career growth, and saying yes to experiences that push you outside your comfort zone.Would you have taken the leap? Press play and come behind the scenes of Lauren's On Brand journey.Follow us on Instagram: @radiantmarketingFollow us on TikTok: @radiantmarketingVisit our website: radiantmarketingaz.comEnjoyed the show? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch the full video version on YouTube. Stay radiant!