The Power of Curiosity with Anne Brown

Recently, Gazelle Global CEO, Anne Brown had the opportunity to speak with host Shahid Ani on the Super Entrepreneurs Podcast. The two discussed how Anne got into the business, the benefits and pitfalls of entrepreneurship and, of course, all things market research. 

How It Started

“I was an employee at a couple of different firms, and then someone who was starting up a business asked me if I wanted to join, and I said yes.”

Anne’s journey with Gazelle Global started as a full-time job with a percent ownership stake. Over time, as Anne’s passion for the work and organization grew, so did her ownership, as she now stands as 100% owner and CEO. While there were certainly challenges along the way, Anne’s wanderlust and joy in new experiences have been an integral part of tackling those head-on.

Going Global

“My interest in the world, in the global aspect of the business that we have really solidified my curiosity and enabled me to really go for it.”

As a global company, Gazelle’s business is impacted by global issues. Way before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, Gazelle managed through the SARS epidemic, which deeply impacted many of their clients. Further, Russia’s war in Ukraine has changed the scope of Gazelle’s business as the embargo on Russia prevents individuals from participating in research.

Secrets to Success

It’s clear from the start that Anne’s main secret to success is loving what you do. But more than that, she believes that falling in love with each aspect of your work turns it into more than just a job, making it easier to navigate both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Aside from hiring a good accountant, Anne’s primary piece of advice is about connecting and growing. Her time investment in networking events, mentorship programs, and industry associations has led to both personal and professional growth and has been a mainstay of her 30-year career. 

Embracing decision-making is another of Anne’s favorite aspects of entrepreneurship. She says, “You have the ability to frame your own destiny…and the decisions that you make are your decisions [as a business owner]”. When asked about the best part of decision-making, Anne believes it’s that you can decide to change your mind!

Anne’s journey from a chance opportunity to becoming a prominent figure in the global market research industry offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Anne’s advice to embrace decision-making, enjoy your work, and stay curious can serve as guiding principles for anyone looking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship. With a strong spirit of exploration and a willingness to learn, entrepreneurs can follow her lead and create successful businesses and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

Thinking about going out on your own? In Anne’s words, “Go for it.” Listen to the full episode now!