Character > Clout: A Conversation With Renée L. Brown

Let me ask you a question, where have all the virtues gone?

The  world is louder than ever, but it’s not always saying something worth listening to. Between influencer culture, clickbait headlines, and corporate ladder climbing, the pressure to perform has left little space for people to be real.

Qualities like integrity, loyalty, and patience are being replaced by speed, spectacle, and spin. We celebrate visibility, even when it doesn't align with our values. And in the rush to be seen, many have forgotten how to simply be—present, principled, and human.

But there’s a shift on the horizon. A quiet resistance growing louder. And one of its leaders? Renée L. Brown.

As a character development coach, speaker, and truth-teller, Renée’s mission is to help people rise—not by faking it, but by facing themselves. Through her signature B.E.A.S.T. mindset—Bravery, Enthusiasm, Authenticity, Self-Control, and Thankfulness—she’s rewiring the way the brain thinks about success.

“I’m here to share what I’ve learned firsthand: success and fulfillment aren’t built on circumstances—they’re anchored in character.” 

Whether she’s guiding corporate teams or empowering everyday women, Renée’s message is clear: if you want to lead, love, and live well, being a person of good character is non-negotiable.

But what truly sets her apart is how she delivers it. With laughter. With realness. With a storytelling style that’s as healing as it is hilarious. Renée creates a space where people drop their guard and pick up new tools. Where they can laugh, cry, and learn all at once. She’s not just a speaker—she’s a soul-stirrer.

I had the privilege of meeting Renée in person for lunch the week after our interview, and what followed was an unforgettable experience. Over a meal, we laughed, cried, and shared stories about our journeys. It wasn’t just a conversation—it was a deep, soul-stirring exchange about the desire we both have to see people grow into the people God has called them to be.

Her presence? It was nothing short of a hug—a warm, safe embrace that made everything feel okay. You could feel the authenticity in every word she spoke, as she expressed her mission to help others lead with integrity and heart. It wasn’t just talk—it was genuine connection, a reminder that what we do as leaders, mentors, and coaches has the power to transform lives in ways we can’t always predict.

And in a time where image is everything, Renée reminds us that “character is the real currency.”

If we want to see more substance in the world, we have to become more intentional about building it within ourselves. Here’s what Renee recommends:

• Practice self-reflection: Regularly check your motives. Are you doing things for applause, or from alignment?
• Choose empathy: “Before reacting, pause. Listen. Understand. Then speak.”
• Live with integrity: Do the right thing—even when no one’s watching.

• Be accountable: Take ownership. Say the hard thing. “Make the right move, not the easy one.”

• Lead with love: Always.

None of this is easy. But it is necessary. And it’s the only way we build trust, real relationships, and communities that last longer than trends.

We’ve performed long enough. It’s time to get back to what’s real. And what’s real is this: our world is hungry for leaders who are grounded in more than image. People who lead with their whole hearts—not just highlight reels.

Renée L. Brown is a walking example of what that looks like. She embodies what so many are craving: truth, transparency, and the kind of courage that doesn’t just inspire—it invites others to rise too.

So the next time you feel like you’re falling behind, stop scrolling and start checking in with your character. Because the real B.E.A.S.T.s? They’re not just surviving—they’re building something that lasts.