Joy is the Thread: Finding Purpose in Every Pivot

In this episode of Black Girl Burnout, Kelley Bonner sits down with branding expert, content creator, and former pageant queen Mackenzie Green for a conversation that will resonate with every multi-passionate Black woman who’s ever felt stuck or pressured to follow a rigid plan.

From junior Olympic swimming to Ivy League business school to sitting at the table with Gabrielle Union and Tia Mowry, Mackenzie shares how she’s zigzagged through careers, passions, and identities — not despite the chaos, but because of it. This episode is all about embracing your evolution, following your curiosity, and letting joy guide your decisions. If you've ever felt behind or boxed in, Mackenzie offers a refreshing reminder: there’s no deadline on your dreams, and every pivot has purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Your path doesn’t have to make sense to others — it has to feel aligned to you. Mackenzie’s journey proves you can thrive without a traditional roadmap.
• Skills stack across seasons. From athletic discipline to personal branding, every part of your story equips you for what’s next.
• Joy and curiosity are strategy. You don’t have to hustle your way to success — you can follow what lights you up and still reach your goals.

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• [00:03:05] – From Olympics to Pageants: Mackenzie reflects on her elite athletic background and how that discipline shaped her mindset — and her unexpected pivot into the world of pageantry.
• [00:06:00] – Miss Universe Dreams & the Power of Belief: How her family rallied behind her wildest vision — and why unwavering self-belief matters when your goals seem “unrealistic.”
• [00:16:45] – The Myth of the 10-Year Plan: Kelley and Mackenzie dig into the toxic expectation of linear success — and why being multi-passionate is not only valid, but valuable.
• [00:23:20] – How to Follow Your Curiosity Threads: Mackenzie introduces her favorite concept for growth and self-discovery — and how letting curiosity lead the way built her dream life.
• [00:54:15] – Final Word: Why Joy is the Real Strategy: Kelley and Mackenzie close with a message for every listener who’s afraid to pivot — reminding us that your path is valid even if it’s not linear.

Connect with Mackenzie Green

• Instagram: @missusa2mba

Support the Show

Are you following your curiosity, or just following the plan? This week, we’re inviting you to pause and honor the unexpected pivots — the career detours, the creative sparks, the dreams you almost didn’t say out loud. Joy isn’t just a reward at the end of the journey — it's the thread that connects every version of who you’ve been and who you're becoming. So, take a moment to reflect: Where has curiosity led you lately? Snap a pic, share a story, or drop a voice note about the path you're carving for yourself — and tag us @blackgirlburnout so we can cheer you on.

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