A reflective exploration of how our choices to dwell on negativity or embrace gratitude shape our lives, drawing on epic stories and personal experiences to illuminate the power of where we linger.
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Influential Woman · Process improvement
Darla Brown
Process Improvement Manager, Loews Hotels & Co
Franklin, TN 37064
2Articles published
3Awards received
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As a survivor of the 2020 Nashville Bombing, focusing on the present helped me rebuild my life. I knew who held my future and He never fails. This was not judgment. This was redemption!
Darla Brown · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Darla
Darla Brown serves as a Process Improvement Manager at Loews Hotels & Co, a position she has held for three years after successfully transitioning from executive administration into process optimization and solution engineering. With 15 to 20 years of professional experience, Brown previously served as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Hotel Finance from 2018 to 2023, where she developed a strong foundation in operational support, project coordination, and organizational efficiency. She earned a degree in choral directing from Central Bible College and is currently advancing her professional expertise by pursuing Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications.
In her current role, Brown specializes in improving processes, designing workflows, and helping teams achieve greater efficiency through technology and strategic solutions. Her responsibilities include managing project queues, collaborating with departments to develop and enhance workflows, training solution architects, onboarding new team members, reviewing process maps, maintaining documentation and standard operating procedures, and ensuring dashboard accuracy. As a recognized Smartsheet Overachiever, Brown has demonstrated exceptional expertise in leveraging the platform to improve organizational processes and has shared her knowledge through global Smartsheet peer-to-peer webinars focused on dashboard development, reporting, and workflow optimization. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple accolades, including Team Member of the Month and Team Member of the Quarter awards at Loews Hotels & Co.
Beyond her professional achievements, Brown is committed to leadership, service, and community engagement. She is an active member of the Project Management Institute’s Nashville chapter and continues to expand her skills within the project management and process improvement fields. Outside of work, she volunteers with the worship and broadcast teams at The Belonging Company church and teaches professional development classes for women through Prison Fellowship in Nashville. Through her dedication to continuous learning, mentorship, and service, Brown continues to create meaningful impact both within her organization and in her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Darla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my career journey, the experiences I have gained, and my commitment to continuous growth and improvement. After serving as an Executive Administrative Assistant from 2018 to 2023, I transitioned into my current role as a Process Improvement Manager, where I have spent the past three years developing expertise in Smartsheet, workflow optimization, and process improvement strategies. This progression allowed me to evolve from supporting administrative operations to becoming a solution architect focused on designing efficient workflows and helping departments enhance their processes. I am passionate about my role, which involves managing project queues, collaborating with teams to improve workflows, training solution architects, onboarding new team members, reviewing process maps for effectiveness, and ensuring accurate documentation and dashboard reporting. My success is driven by my ability to adapt, solve problems, and create meaningful improvements that support organizational efficiency.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from my mentor, Tina Samson, Senior Vice President of Hotel Finance for Loews Hotels. Over the past eight to nine years, Tina has played an important role in my professional development by encouraging me to expand my knowledge beyond my immediate responsibilities and gain a deeper understanding of different departments within our shared service center. Her guidance taught me the importance of looking at the bigger picture, identifying gaps, recognizing duplication, and finding opportunities to improve processes. Through her mentorship, I learned to approach challenges with curiosity, think strategically, and continuously seek ways to create greater efficiency and value within an organization.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to always remain curious, continue learning, and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you are willing to take on new opportunities, embrace challenges, and push beyond your own expectations. At the same time, it is important to maintain balance and make time for the things that bring you joy outside of work. I believe that building a successful career should go hand in hand with creating meaningful experiences in life, whether that means spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying personal interests. Finding that balance allows you to stay motivated, inspired, and fulfilled both professionally and personally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is continuing to grow and stay ahead in an evolving industry. In my role, I am focused on expanding my knowledge, strengthening my skills, and pursuing as many certifications as possible to enhance my expertise and bring greater value to my organization. I see continuous learning and professional development as key opportunities to improve processes, adapt to new technologies, and continue making a positive impact. By staying curious, embracing change, and investing in my growth, I can continue to advance both personally and professionally.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous growth, service, faith, and the desire to make a positive impact on others. I am passionate about using my skills and experiences to help people and organizations become more effective, which has been reflected in my professional journey as a Smartsheet Overachiever, a designation earned by fewer than 100 individuals worldwide who have successfully leveraged the platform to drive organizational improvement. This achievement has allowed me to share my knowledge through globally broadcast Smartsheet peer-to-peer webinars, where I teach others how to create stronger reporting dashboards and build more efficient workflows. Beyond my professional accomplishments, I value serving my community through my involvement with worship and broadcast teams at The Belonging Company church and teaching professional development classes for women in prison through a partnership with Prison Fellowship. I believe that growth, compassion, and using my talents to empower others are the foundations of meaningful success.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Darla
The Age-Old Battle of Good vs Evil: Which Truly Prevails
Where You Linger Determines Your Future: Choosing Life Over Darkness
Les Misérables
Lord of the Flies
Dune
East of Eden
The Never-Ending Story
Throne of Glass
The Screwtape Letters
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Way of Kings
The Bible
This collection of remarkable stories, though penned by various authors and exploring different themes, all revolves around the same narrative: Good triumphs over Evil. Light conquers Darkness. It is the timeless struggle found in epic tales, diverse religions, and even inspirational TED Talks. It's David versus Goliath, Aelin Galathynius against Valg King Erawan, Frodo versus Sauron, Jean Valjean against Javert, the Grinch versus Cindy Lou Who, and Kaladin against Sadeas.
These are the stories we grew up with, offering us hope as we navigate our own life journeys. Yet there are times when we become so overwhelmed by the Darkness that we forget the hope.
For years, I've tried to remind myself to always choose life through my words and actions. Viewing situations from different angles typically prompts a different, more life-affirming response.
However, some days I get caught up in endlessly scrolling through social media or YouTube videos. I end up indulging in negativity, judging others from a biased viewpoint while criticizing them for judging me. I'm fully aware of the irony in that.
I can always sense when I've spent too much time caught in the doomsday scroll. My mindset turns negative, my words become sharp, and I feel physically and mentally exhausted.
It's clear that choosing death will never lead to life. Although it seems obvious, we need to remind ourselves of this frequently.
Recently, I encouraged some people never to give up, reminding them that life often presents situations that tempt us to escape and quit. However, if we stay the course, our determination will nurture the seeds we've planted until they grow into unshakable oak trees.
The next day, I faced the same challenge I had warned them about, and I had to make a decision.
Feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or uncertain about your strength to continue is natural. That's not the problem. What truly matters is how you respond in those moments.
It's okay to feel these things, but it's not okay to dwell on them, because doing so plants seeds of doubt, bitterness, insecurity, and hopelessness.
I chose to pause, meditate on gratitude, and sit in silence to listen.
And guess what?
The answers came.
As one of my favorite songs says, “I threw off despair and put a garment of praise on.” (Everything Is Changing Now by The Belonging Co.)
Instead of letting seeds of negativity take root, I nurtured the seeds of life that had been dormant. Suddenly, I had the energy to complete tasks, set goals, and get organized.
Being able to clearly see what was before me and focus on that, instead of constantly looking back at missed opportunities, gave me renewed drive and the ability to move forward.
This post has taken me months to complete.
Not because I was lazy, but because I needed to sit in this space for a while. There were so many thoughts, both good and bad, that I wanted to put down in a way that showed vulnerability while, at the same time, encouraged the reader.
Learning to serve others first, with no agenda, while struggling to keep myself mentally and physically healthy; knowing when to set a boundary to protect my journey; making sure to take time to stop and rest while maintaining commitments; and staying present for those around me—it's all been a full-time job this year.
And I'm sure many others are experiencing the same thing.
Here's one thing I learned. It has to do with the word linger.
This is where we either choose life or choose death.
You've seen me quote, “What you meditate on, you empower,” several times in my posts, and that is exactly what I am referring to.
Where do you linger?
The Power of Lingering
One of my favorite examples of lingering in the right way comes from the story of Moses and Joshua. In Exodus 33:11, Moses was in the Tent of Meeting, where God spoke to him face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Afterward, Moses left and returned to the camp, but Joshua remained.
Why is this important?
Because we often go about our routines, completing tasks and handling business, without considering what we are planting, watering, and nurturing.
By taking time to maintain the soil, remove weeds, and provide nutrients, we allow life to flourish.
Ignoring the critical and judgmental attitudes we develop means we are nurturing negativity in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Furthermore, it's crucial to assess the environments, mindsets, and people we surround ourselves with.
The sayings “You are what you eat” and “Bad company corrupts good character” hold true. Those you spend the most time with will shape your future. What you watch, read, and listen to will influence your thoughts and speech.
Lingering too long at the dessert bar will affect your body.
Allowing yourself to dwell on self-destructive thoughts can lead to depression and hopelessness.
It is extremely important that we pay attention to what, where, and with whom we are lingering.
When Lingering Becomes a Trap
When I find myself in situations where I feel overwhelmed or easily irritated, I need to pause and reflect.
It's not always simple.
I feel like sulking and dwelling on my misery. But then my body starts to ache because everything is interconnected.
Sometimes, it feels like I've attended a very cheap all-you-can-eat buffet and tried to get my money's worth. Does anyone ever truly feel good after they've eaten that much?
However, when we absorb so much negativity and so many destructive influences, it can lead to physical pain.
The smart approach would be to prevent that from happening, yet we often repeat the cycle.
We linger at the patisserie window until we finally succumb to that rich chocolate dessert.
We hover outside the bar, aware that our recovery is at risk, until we give in.
We linger in our temptations for so long that we can no longer resist the craving and eventually surrender.
Choose Life
A solution exists.
Begin and conclude each day by cultivating gratitude, expressing thanks for future events and past experiences.
Acknowledge your shortcomings and allow yourself the grace to restart.
Schedule moments throughout the day for rest, reflection, and renewal.
Be attentive to opportunities for learning, development, and growth.
Pay attention to the little things, because they are seeds.
Understand when to plant and when to discard.
Recognize when to water and when to uproot.
Know when to harvest and when to let things grow.
Then, begin the next day again.
Keep moving forward.
Reflect on the past, but do not linger.
Until next time,
DJ
A reflective essay on the importance of cultivating our gifts and skills while honoring the need for rest and mental renewal. Explores how neglecting personal passions and continuous growth can lead to lost abilities, while unbalanced productivity contributes to burnout.
Cultivating Through Rest
Finding balance between growth and rest to nurture the gifts that define us.
Cultivating What Matters
Two months ago, I started writing down my thoughts for a post and ended up writing a chapter of my life. Maybe one day it will grow into a book. But for now, it's simply me documenting my journey so my children will know it, remember it, and one day pass it along to their own children.
Then the holidays came, followed by the year that was January. So, I've taken some time off work to let my brain reset. It's been weeks of having too many tabs open.
My original post was going to be about perception, but I woke up today thinking about the piano.
I had one of those almost-awake dreams where someone called and said, "I heard you play the piano." It felt so real that I almost expected my phone to ring.
That led me to think about the last time I actually played my keyboard.
October.
That's the last time.
I haven't given myself the space to play-not to practice, but to create. If I don't allow myself that opportunity to cultivate this gift, it will eventually become a lost skill.
The Piano
This weekend, I reflected on a story my mother often told me. At six months old, I would crawl to the piano and gently press the keys. I wasn't banging on them; I was simply fascinated by the different sounds each key made. Of course, I don't remember this myself, but my mother loved telling the story, and we even had a picture of me sitting on the piano bench.
Then, at age four, she heard me playing songs I had learned at church. She knew it was time for piano lessons. Since she could only play by ear, she wanted me to learn everything I could and encouraged the interest she saw growing in me.
This morning, I realized that because I hadn't continued cultivating my musical abilities over the past six years, I had lost some of my ability to play by ear and recreate melodies as easily as I once could.
Cultivating Every Area of Life
Naturally, my mind wandered to other areas of my life.
Through my work, I've cultivated dormant skills, learned new ones, and developed my own creative approach. Those experiences have challenged me and helped me become better professionally.
But where would I be today if I hadn't given myself the space to cultivate those abilities?
Would I still be an average executive assistant simply following a routine?
Or would I be influencing change within my organization?
As I gave my brain time to think and reflect this afternoon, I found myself laughing and asking, "Who have I become?"
There I was, sitting quietly on the couch with a book and a cup of hot green tea.
Why was that so unusual?
Because if you know me, I'm usually surrounded by a digital device, a cup of coffee, and music playing in the background.
Mental Fatigue
The past six weeks of all-day meetings, process mapping, and continuous improvement projects have reminded me what mental fatigue truly feels like.
Human beings were not created to operate at 100 percent capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We need time to rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
It's during those periods of rest that we think, create, learn, and grow.
Last September, I listened to Lisa Bodell speak about simplicity and the importance of allowing ourselves time to think.
What would your first thought be if you walked past someone's office and saw them staring out the window?
If your immediate response was, "They should get back to work," then you've unintentionally added complexity to their life.
We must allow ourselves-and others-the space to think, create, learn, and grow.
Sometimes that means simply staring into space.
We are not robots, nor should we expect ourselves or anyone else to function like one.
We are human beings, and every one of us has a breaking point.
Perhaps that's one reason we're facing such a significant mental health crisis today.
We rarely allow ourselves siestas, long lunches, or afternoon walks.
And when I say we, I mean me.
I don't give myself those moments often enough either.
That's exactly why I took these days off-to spend time with books, quiet, and hot tea.
Very little screen time.
Very little noise.
The only thing missing is a cottage by the beach with warm ocean breezes.
Unfortunately, it's winter, and I'm nowhere near a beach.
Growth and Rest
Thinking back to this morning, why would I expect someone to call and compliment my piano playing if I haven't been cultivating that skill?
The same principle applies to every area of life.
If I want the promotion, the career change, the pay increase, or the next opportunity, I have to continue honing my craft-whatever that craft may be.
Expecting those things without continued growth simply isn't realistic.
There will always be someone who is better prepared.
Reading, studying, listening, observing, and learning are all part of cultivation.
Each requires time.
Yet here's the beautiful paradox:
The very activities that help us grow can also become part of our rest.
- Reading a physical book allows our eyes to escape blue light.
- Listening to a podcast or an audiobook gives our eyes a chance to rest.
- Following thoughtful leaders allows us to learn without always having to make every decision ourselves.
Growth and rest don't have to compete with one another.
Sometimes they work together.
So, I'll continue enjoying this season of rest before returning to the book in my hands and the hot tea beside me.
I hope you'll give yourself permission to do the same.
Until next time,
DJ
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