The Unexpected Path to Growth: Kimberly Douglass’s Journey
Growth rarely follows a straight line. It twists, turns, and often leads to places we never expected. In this episode of Branching Out: Growing Together, Kimberly Douglass, producer of the podcast, steps out from behind the scenes to share her story. It’s a deeply personal journey filled with unexpected career pivots, personal challenges, and profound lessons about resilience and self-discovery.
Kimberly’s story is a living example of James Clear’s words:
“If you keep showing up, you’ll almost certainly break through — but probably not in the way you expected or intended. You need enough persistence to keep working and enough flexibility to enjoy success when it comes in a different form than you imagined.”
Curiosity: The Driving Force Behind Every Pivot
Kimberly’s passion for storytelling began at age 12, inspired by her local alternative newspaper. She fell in love with journalism—not just for its reporting but for its ability to give people a voice and tell stories that otherwise might remain untold.
“Journalism was never just about reporting; it was about giving others their own space to be seen,” Kimberly explained.
This curiosity and drive shaped every career pivot she made. When the recession forced her to take a role at a tennis store, she turned a seemingly unremarkable job into a launching pad for creative opportunities. By pitching new ideas like video content and diving into social media and newsletter management, she discovered skills that would later fuel a career in radio, advertising, and podcasting.
Lessons in Adaptability: From Radio to Advertising
As Kimberly transitioned from radio to advertising, she leaned on what she calls the “Three Cs”: communication, curiosity, and creativity.
“Neither industry thrived on being conventional,” she shared. “Finding ways to connect with audiences required intuition, iteration, and sometimes pure experimentation.”
These skills helped her navigate industries that, on the surface, seemed unrelated. They also taught her the importance of embracing change and working through challenges with persistence and an open mind.
The Impact of Personal Loss and Self-Discovery
In 2024, Kimberly faced one of life’s most profound disruptions: the loss of her mother.
“She was my greatest ally and confidante,” Kimberly reflected. “Losing her forced me to reevaluate what truly matters—what I value and how I spend my energy.”
At the same time, she was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that reframed years of struggles and self-doubt. “It was like finding the missing puzzle piece,” she said. “It allowed me to stop fighting against myself and instead learn how to work with myself.”
These experiences reshaped Kimberly’s priorities and perspective, instilling a deeper sense of purpose in her work and life.
Farming and Life: Embracing the Unexpected
Working with the chestnut community has given Kimberly a new appreciation for the parallels between farming and life. Just as orchard management requires flexibility and patience, so does personal growth.
“You can prepare and plan all you want, but at the end of the day, nature—or life—has its own rhythm,” Kimberly shared. “The unpredictability teaches you to focus on doing your best while letting go of what you can’t control.”
For Kimberly, this meant learning to adapt to disruptions, trust the process, and find meaning in the journey—even when it doesn’t go as planned.
Key Takeaways from Kimberly’s Story
- Growth Isn’t Always Planned: Much like farming, personal and professional growth often requires flexibility. The best opportunities often arise when we step off our planned path and embrace the unexpected.
- Work With Yourself: Kimberly’s ADHD diagnosis taught her to stop fighting against her natural tendencies and instead find ways to leverage her strengths. This lesson resonates far beyond farming or creative work—it’s about embracing who we are and finding systems that support us.
- Embrace Life’s Disruptions: Personal loss, career pivots, and unforeseen challenges can reshape our paths in unexpected ways. Kimberly’s journey reminds us that growth often comes from facing these disruptions with openness and resilience.
The Heart of Branching Out: Growing Together
Kimberly’s story embodies the core mission of the podcast: sharing stories that inspire, connect, and remind us that we’re all part of a larger journey.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, managing a chestnut orchard, or working through personal challenges, Kimberly’s experiences offer a powerful reminder that progress isn’t linear—but it’s always possible.
As Kimberly puts it: “Trust your instincts, even if it’s scary. If it doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to adapt and try again. Progress isn’t linear, but it’s always possible.”
What’s your unexpected growth story?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on our Facebook page and join the conversation as we continue branching out, together.
