What happens when your career path takes unexpected turns? For Jason Brigham, founder of a successful digital marketing agency, the journey from computer science to hospitality to digital leadership reveals powerful lessons about adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.
Brigham candidly shares the pivotal moments that shaped his professional evolution—from abandoning his initial computer science career track to pursue the more social, creative environment of hospitality, to eventually finding his sweet spot in digital marketing. These transitions weren't just about professional satisfaction but aligned with personal milestones like marriage and becoming a parent.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring artificial intelligence's role in digital marketing. Contrary to popular fears, Brigham argues AI enhances rather than replaces human creativity: "It's never going to take over your creativity. It's never going to take over the insight and experience that you have." His practical advice on AI adoption emphasizes experimentation, knowledge-sharing, and maintaining critical thinking when evaluating AI outputs—valuable guidance for professionals at any career stage.
Perhaps most illuminating is Brigham's perspective on workplace culture post-pandemic. As his agency embraced a remote-first approach with hybrid options, he discovered something unexpected—many young professionals crave at least some in-person experience, fearing they'll miss crucial socialization and mentorship opportunities in a fully remote environment. This insight challenges common narratives about workplace preferences and highlights the importance of offering choice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Ready to expand your digital marketing horizons? Listen now for Brigham's compelling call to think globally, embrace curiosity, and approach career development with an open mind to possibilities beyond traditional paths. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to navigate industry changes, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and inspirational perspectives.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by USC Annenberg’s Master of Science in Digital Media Management (MSDMM) program. An online master’s designed to prepare practitioners to understand the evolving media landscape, make data-driven and ethical decisions, and build a more equitable future by leading diverse teams with the technical, artistic, analytical, and production skills needed to create engaging content and technologies for the global marketplace. Learn more or apply today at https://dmm.usc.edu.