The Female Equation: Kendra Bracken-Ferguson

The Female Equation is a series highlighting female change-makers within their fields, their entrepreneurial journeys as well as what they believe makes up the ultimate “Positive Equation.”

Today I wanted to introduce you Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Founder and CEO of BrainTrust.

Watch an excerpt from my Instagram Live With conversation with Kendra discussing the taboo word: money. As female entrepreneurs, it’s extremely important to be aware of your finances, how to properly scale and grow your business, and lean on experts to help you monitor your accounting. Click HERE to watch!

Are you a believer that sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time? That’s exactly how I feel about my meeting with Kendra Bracken-Ferguson.  

We were both attending an intimate Facebook Spring event where they invited companies to learn about new platform features.  I had just started Positive Equation and moved to Los Angeles. We connected towards the end of the event by a mutual friend, exchanged business cards and I didn’t think much of it. A couple of weeks later I had an email from Kendra following up about working together. I traveled with her team to multiple cities across the US producing digital content on a Sally Beauty influencer tour.   

I love her tenaciously and drive in business. I’m thrilled to be able to share her story with you! 

Q1: When did you decide to start your biz? Was there an “aha” moment? 

A1: I launched my first business when I was working at Ralph Lauren as the first director of digital media when I had the idea to manage bloggers in 2009. I had recently met Karen Robinovitz and I texted her one Saturday morning, she called me and we both had the same idea and vision for the future of bloggers as influencers. She already had a company name – Digital Brand Architects ready to go and we put up a website that same day, got our husbands together on Sunday to share our idea and filed for an LLC on Monday! 

Q2: What challenge(s) have you overcome and how? 

A2: Starting a company while rewarding is hard work. There are ups and downs and highs and lows. The biggest challenge for both of my start-ups was and is cash flow. As a service-based business, you are constantly at the mercy of your clients “paying” on time. We are very judicious with spending and our P&L to manage cash flow and revenue. 

Q3: Who’s an inspiration or mentor to you in this rollercoaster ride of owning your own biz + one piece of advice they’ve shared with you.  

A3: My mother, Teresa has been the biggest source of inspiration in my entire life. She continues to cheer me on and always has advice to share or even just a listening ear. She recently sent me this email about a business deal I am working on that helped me power through: “I support whatever decision you make because I truly believe that you have a heart for God and that you truly listen and seek his guidance. What he has in store for you is greater than you can ever imagine. Take care of your team, do what is right, do your best and treat people right. “ 

Q4: We all need fuel! What’s your current go-to podcast or book right now? 

A4: Becoming by Michelle Obama 

Q5: What does a “positive equation” look like to you? 

A5: In the words of Michelle Obama, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”