Michelle Gaskin Brown
Our annual list of trailblazing women are creating lasting legacies for themselves and for the city of Nashville. Now they’re sharing their stories, their triumphs, their setbacks, and their advice with us. Prepare to be inspired.
Early Aspirations
As a child, I considered myself a bit of a nerd. I loved being challenged academically. From a young age, I wanted to be a lawyer. I was not sure what kind, but I knew I was going to law school and sought experiences that would lead me there. I really enjoyed learning national government, politics, and the law. This was solidified with my participation in mock trial, Model United Nations, and the YMCA’s Youth in Government and Model United Nations Programs. Youth in Government was an opportunity for students across the state to receive hands-on experience in the state government by serving as senators or representatives, as justices and lawyers, as department commissioners and lobbyists. I had no idea I’d eventually become a lawyer for the Tennessee General Assembly then a lobbyist.
Challenges Faced
Early in my career, I was still learning how to be a young professional and an attorney. There were often moments where I suffered from imposter syndrome. I knew that I was smart and more than qualified to be in the room but not knowing an answer or making a mistake was devastating. After a while, I became much more comfortable in my job duties, more comfortable in what I know, and understood the importance of saying “I do not know the answer. Let me get back to you.” Currently, my biggest challenge is time management. My husband and I are the proud parents of a one-year-old daughter, Emerson. The past year has been a challenge working from home and learning to balance being a wife and new mom.
The Definition of Success
I don’t think success is exclusive to career achievements. While I love what I do, I am more than my career. Success is making sure I am taking care of myself on every level. It is personal (getting enough sleep, vacations and getting on the Peloton a few days a week), professional (ensuring I am representing Amazon and my community to the best of my ability), community focused (giving back), and rooted in family (spending time with my loved ones).
Work Perks
I left the General Assembly for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. I served as the liaison for the Nashville Chamber with Metro-Nashville government and advocated for local business and community interests. Working at the Chamber allowed me to advocate for economic development incentives. One of the economic development opportunities was working on the team that advocated for Amazon to bring an operations corporate office to Nashville. A few months after Metro Council voted in support of Amazon’s economic development incentives, I joined the Amazon public policy team. I love being able to use my knowledge of the local and state political process, my relationships with elected and administrative officials, as well as the various chambers of commerce and community stakeholders to help Amazon advance the interest of the business and Nashville community. I am able to work with these groups to promote policy that allows Amazon to be a great corporate citizen and serve the best interests of the company, employees, and community.
Meet Michelle Gaskin Brown and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
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The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 24 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 200 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres from Virgin Hotels Nashville along with wine from Biltmore Winery and cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Beverages from a full bar will also be available for purchase (credit cards only).