Fostering Growth Mindsets with Brenda Do | From Copywriting to Children’s Literature

Today on Adeptus On-Air, host James Walker chats with Brenda Do, a children’s author and a seasoned copywriter. Brenda shares how a simple moment with her young nephew spilling leftovers and immediately calling himself “stupid” sparked the idea for her debut picture book, “It's Okay Not to Know.” Drawing on her background in direct response copywriting, she explains how observing human behavior and studying growth mindset research led her to create a rhyming, inclusive story that encourages self-compassion and curiosity. She reflects on her choice to feature genderless, monster-like characters so every child can see themselves in the pages, and why adults reading along may need the message just as much as kids. Tune in to hear Brenda’s thoughts on social-emotional learning in schools, why effort should be celebrated as much as achievement, and how her book can serve as a tool for both families and companies alike.