How to be a Human Being in the World with Dr. Kathleen Young

Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams: Bree Hailemariam’s Journey to the Big Apple

Dr. Kathleen Young Episode 94

In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Bree Hailemariam—a vibrant, determined, and inspiring woman who’s made her mark in the tech world and beyond. While Bree is a newer friend, her energy and insights have quickly made her one of Kathleen’s favorite people to talk to.


Bree’s journey is one of those stories that makes you want to cheer out loud. From her roots in Atlanta, Georgia, to her bold move to New York City, she’s faced challenges head-on and come out stronger every time. In this episode, Kathleen and Bree dive into her career in tech sales, her experiences as a Black woman in a competitive industry, and how she’s navigated the ups and downs of balancing work, family, and self-belief.


Here’s what you’ll hear:

- How Bree went from selling makeup and chocolate to thriving in tech sales.

- The surprising role her mom played in helping her land a pivotal job opportunity.

- Why she turned down promotions in the South to prove herself in New York City—and how she made it work.

- The challenges of being a working mom in a high-pressure career and how she’s redefining what success looks like.

- Her empowering advice for anyone feeling held back by self-doubt or societal expectations.


Bree’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to succeed. Whether you’re navigating your own career, facing self-doubt, or just looking for a dose of inspiration, you’ll walk away feeling ready to take on the world—or at least your next big challenge.