Dr. Rachel V. Brown returns to the show to share her experiences living and working abroad since our last conversation.

Meet Dr. Rachel

Dr. Rachel V. Brown is a Jamaican-born communications specialist, CSR strategist, and business development consultant based in Ghana, with over a decade of global experience across 34 countries.

She leads Elevate Communications and Culture Connect Tours, using her expertise to drive impact in gender equity, youth and women’s empowerment, education, and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.

Dr. Brown is also a lecturer, radio host, and award-winning leader whose work bridges purpose, progress, and powerful storytelling.

Dr. Rachel's Original Episode

Connect with Dr. Rachel

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What has changed for you since your last appearance on the podcast?

So much has changed since 2022—it's been a whirlwind of growth, alignment, and deeper purpose. I launched two ventures that have become integral to my journey: Culture Connect Tours, a social enterprise reconnecting the diaspora with Ghanaian culture through transformative travel, and Elevate Communications, a strategic consultancy focused on communications, CSR, and business development. My perception of Ghana has evolved, too—Let’s just say... the honeymoon phase is over, and now it’s a committed relationship—with all its complexities, humour, frustrations, and beautiful moments. And through it all, I’m still here, still building, and more grounded than ever." There have been massive lessons in leadership, patience, entrepreneurship, and identity. I’m no longer just living abroad; I’m building legacies, communities, and platforms that speak to who I am becoming.

How do you feel about aging abroad?

"I feel good. I feel grounded. I’m not in a rush to prove anything anymore—I’m growing at my own pace, on my own terms. Ageing abroad has given me the space to listen to myself more deeply, and to honour the woman I’m becoming. I feel fulfilled, at peace, and finally—like I’m right where I’m meant to be.

Reflections on healthcare, beauty, caring for aging parents, empty nesting, or aging transitions?

Whew—ageing abroad comes with layers! Healthcare? Let’s just say it keeps me praying and price-checking. I’ve learned to be proactive, to stock my own medicine cabinet like a mini pharmacy, and to stay ready, because the system isn’t. Beauty-wise, it’s been liberating. I’m not chasing any ideal or approval—I know I’m beautiful, and I’ve become more creative, bold, and comfortable in how I express that. As for my parents, the distance is hard—I do worry—but they’re still independent and thriving. I check in often, but there’s always a little tension between being here and feeling like I should be there. What’s interesting is, the older I get, the more I realise this season is just as much about redefining me—outside of daughter, nurturer, achiever. It’s a soft but wild kind of becoming. A little more moisturiser, a little more therapy, a lot more grace.

What’s your personal philosophy on aging gracefully?

Aging gracefully, to me, means evolving without apology. It’s about becoming softer in spirit, stronger in boundaries, and more loyal to your truth. Every year I shed more expectations and gain more peace. I also don’t need to look younger—I just want to feel more me every year.

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