Gent's Talk: Boundaries In The Workplace w/ DeAndre Brown

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, work is an activity that a person engages in regularly to earn a livelihood. We spend roughly a third of our days working; unfortunately, most do not love it. As the Gen Z population grows, they are on the verge of single-handedly changing the corporate world. At the helm of this is self-proclaimed Corporate/Business Baddie DeAndre Brown.

@imdrebrown No need to be glued to a desk if I have nothing to do! #flexiblework #corporatebaddie #genz #youngorofessional ♬ original sound – DeAndre Brown

Brown uses comedy alongside his business background to create content that takes a jab at professionalism in the workforce. After taking in a few laughs, it’s painstakingly obvious that we need to better educate ourselves and younger generations on setting boundaries, especially at work. DeAndre strives to help us determine what steps to take when we feel challenged in our career paths.

As many Gen Z’s do, DeAndre has made his mark via TikTok. He has become a viral sensation by highlighting the differences between how Gen Z and older generations approach work culture. DeAndre isn’t just poking fun from the sidelines, either. He relates to his audience because he speaks from experience. After working a 9-5 for years, Brown realized he navigated through corporate America differently from his peers and older coworkers. With that, he saw the opportunity to make impactful content.

Pros n’ Cons

Now an entrepreneur with a consulting company, DeAndre has stepped away from the typical 9-5. He advises those looking to leave their day job to have a plan. He stated that we’re often just a number, and the monotony of a desk job takes a toll on mental health. Another con is that with a 9-5, we become limited. “You can only go as far as someone else allows you to,” Brown mentioned.

“If you’re not grateful for what you have, you can never have more.”
DeAndre Brown on gratitude

Not without its positives, Brown also highlighted the pros of a 9-5, with stability near the top of the list. “Upper mobility is a huge pro, and the ability to network is so much easier when you’re in an office environment.”

Becoming An Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. “I want to get away from the ‘quit your job right now and become an entrepreneur’ wave because being an entrepreneur is scary. There is so much uncertainty,” Brown warned. He aims to assist those who choose to stay in corporate America and continue to remind them to set boundaries. “You have to make sure you’re standing up for yourself. Make sure you’re prioritizing yourself while working for someone else.” He feels that corporations often forget to treat their workers as human beings.

Although extremely difficult, DeAndre Brown loves the risk of entrepreneurship. “Even if I lose it all, I know I was doing something I was passionate about and love. And I was doing it for me, not for someone else.” Brown believes the beauty of being an entrepreneur is that “people cannot tell you how much you are worth.”

Setting Boundaries

It’s not just about setting boundaries in the workplace. In our personal lives, we must do the same. “Setting personal boundaries is so important. In my personal life, it slips.” DeAndre admitted, “I allow a little too much grace.” With the ups and downs and the inconsistencies of being an entrepreneur, Brown schedules time to ensure he does something to distract from work. He tries to listen to his body when unmotivated and suggests going for a walk or a bike ride as productive distractions.

“You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
DeAndre Brown on entrepreneurship

Gen Zers have put therapy/mental health at the forefront, not just in the workplace. As an advocate for therapy, Brown knows utilizing and leveraging his influence is essential. As with many creatives, Brown is a victim of imposter syndrome. He constantly reminds himself, “I am here for a reason,” and always expresses gratitude. Looking for positives keeps him in a good headspace, which allows him to sustain his vibrant confidence.

About DeAndre Brown

While studying business marketing at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, DeAndre Brown landed several high-level internships, including opportunities within the Supreme Court of NYC, Citigroup, and even an apprenticeship with Goldman Sachs. His skills piqued the interest of those around him as he masterfully landed highly sought-after opportunities and job offer negotiations in his favour.

The moniker ‘The Corporate Baddie’ came about in the comment section of one of his posts, and his followers immediately latched on. Within months, he amassed thousands of followers and went viral over his humorous posts depicting Gen Z in the workforce. With his content filling a much-needed gap within incoming Gen Zers and their older employers, DeAndre’s comedic content teaches users how to respect themselves and encourages followers to love what they do.

With dreams of being a career influencer, DeAndre hopes his tips continue to reach new followers of all ages and demographics. He hopes his commentary about Gen Z workplace attitudes assists in reimagining what professionalism means for future generations.

Feature image by: @heliotypecreative