Embracing Resilience: How to Defy Expectations and Succeed on Your Terms

Today, on Notable Leaders’ Radio, I speak with Fairley McCaskill, Media Strategist & Founder | SJ&Y PR. She shares how resilience, self-awareness, and intentionality shaped her journey from single motherhood to becoming a successful leader in the music industry.

 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• Reflect on your roots for career inspiration. Look at your childhood passions and the environments you grew up in to uncover talents and interests that could shape your future. 

• Unlock personal clarity and direction by revisiting what has always inspired you.

• Make resilience your superpower. Don’t shy away from difficulties; instead, view them as chances to adapt, overcome, and thrive. 

• Experience a mindset shift that empowers you to tackle anything life throws at you.

• Let go of perfectionism to unlock real progress. Recognize that mistakes and imperfection are part of success, not enemies of it.

• Reduce stress and open yourself up to greater creativity, innovation, and satisfaction.

• Use storytelling to connect and build impact. Telling your story authentically can foster deep connections and inspire others. 

• Discover your purpose and influence by sharing what makes you unique and learning to view your journey as a valuable narrative.

• Step up to visible leadership, especially if you’ve been behind the scenes. Don’t be afraid to let your work, perspective, and presence be recognized. 

• Inspire others, open doors for yourself, and shape the spaces you’re in.

 

RESOURCES:

 

Guest Bio
Fairley McCaskill is a leading media strategist known for shaping culturally resonant narratives and elevating bold, authentic voices. Her recent client roster reflects both legacy and next-gen talent — including Missy Elliott, Jason Derulo, Janelle Monáe, BRELAND, Flyana Boss, Alicia Creti, and Raiche among others — and she brings both sharp strategy and a deeply human touch to every campaign.

Whether amplifying icons or launching rising stars, Fairley blends industry insight with creative direction to build lasting visibility and purpose-driven impact. She’s a trusted voice behind the scenes, aligning artists, personalities, and brands with the moments, messages, and platforms that matter most.

With a passion for powerful storytelling and purpose-led branding, Fairley has built a reputation for representing talent and projects that stand for something — across music, film, fashion, and advocacy. Her work lives at the intersection of visibility and integrity, where media strategy, talent relations, and cultural insight come together to create long-term narratives that resonate.

To Fairley, good PR is more than just press — it’s about presence, purpose, and transformation. She is the steady, strategic hand helping talent show up in the world as their most aligned and amplified selves. 

“I create uncommon connections that produce uncommon results.”  ~Fairley McCaskill 

 

• Website/Social Links

IG: @susiejuan 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fairleymccaskill

 

Belinda’s Bio:
Belinda Pruyne is a renowned Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Keynote Speaker recognized for her ability to transform executives, professionals, and small business owners into highly respected, influential leaders. As the Founder of BelindaPruyne.com, she partners with top-tier organizations, including IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, BBDO, Hilton, Leidos, Yale School of Medicine, Landis, Discovery Channel, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Recently, she led the redesign of two global internal advertising agencies for Cella, a leader in creative staffing and consulting. She is also a founding C-suite and executive management coach for Chief, the fastest-growing executive women’s network.

A thought leader in leadership development, Belinda is the creator and host of the Notable Leaders Radio podcast, where she has conducted 95+ interviews with top executives and business leaders, revealing the untold stories behind their success.

Previously, as Executive Vice President, Global Director of Creative Management at Grey Advertising, she oversaw a global team of 500 professionals, gaining deep expertise in client services and executive leadership. With 25+ years of experience, Belinda is a trusted advisor to startups, turnarounds, acquisitions, and Fortune 500 companies, delivering strategic, high-impact solutions in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

 

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