How Bozoma Saint John is Curating Black Girl Magic in the Workplace
“I’m following the path that was destined for me.”
In a world where Black representation is far in between and is demanded more in the workplace, Bozoma Saint John has been taking over, one high heel at a time.
The marketing executive has not stopped conquering the corporate world, despite America’s lack of diversity in the workplace that is failing Black women. Currently, Saint John is the new Chief Marketing Officer for Netflix, being the company’s 3rd CMO in the last year. Before then, she was the CMO for Endeavor, the chief brand officer at Uber, and numerous titles for big companies. Saint John has made it her mission to bridge between culture and commerce. And during this time, when social media and society are demanding a #pulluporshutup from organizations and companies, having a woman who demands respect is refreshing.
The Connecticut native told NPR, “When companies face that kind of situation, they have to do everything to essentially rehabilitate. Rehabilitation is not just surface. It can’t just be the brand. It’s not a new commercial you put on air. There’s something wrong with your culture.”
There are many things that we can learn from the businesswoman: from the way that she carries herself to the way that she works hard to get what she wants. Here are somethings that you can adapt into your life:
Be true to yourself
Saint John has never changed who she is to appeal to anyone. Standing 6”4 with flowing black hair that either hang down her back or is sitting pretty in a beautiful afro, she reflects her wardrobe to her mood. You can either catch the powerhouse rocking sequins or an outfit that matches her classic Balenciaga bag. She told Vogue magazine, “I’ve always wanted to wear what makes me feel most powerful.”
Your experience will make you stronger
At a young age, Saint John and her family ran away from their home in Ghana from a coup d’etat that forced them to flee and seek political asylum in the United States. They settled in Colorado Springs, where she later attended Wesleyan University. There, she landed a job with Spike Lee’s advertising agency, and the rest is history.
No matter what life hands you, you can accomplish your wildest dreams!
Don’t shove your ideas down other people’s throats, even if you’re the boss
The known red-lipstick-wearing-boss told Net-A-Porter: “Great leadership means getting your colleagues to really believe in the greatness of the idea – that’s where success comes from.”
Connect with people’s emotions
Saint John reflected her time as head of Global Consumer Marketing for Apple Music and iTunes in an interview with PCMA. She said that she saw the position as a way “to market the brand in a way that felt more human.” She believes in making an impact that focused on algorithms and data, “But data is only as good as the story that you tell out of it.”
Now, she is dropping her gems for the world to conquer the workplace. She released The Badass Workshop, ‘an evolving blueprint for success.’ It is curated in five one hour classes that are based off on Saint John’s experience in the workforce and what she’s learned throughout her life. Take one course or all five to learn how to “use your own voice to claim your space and place.”
Content courtesy of Lara Ashley, Founder and Editor of Brenley Magazine, Redefining what it means to be a Southern belle; an online magazine that helps women wear their crowns with grace.
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR, LARA ASHLEY
Lara Ashley is a multifaceted journalist, she obtained her Mass Communications degree at Southern University and A&M College and is obtaining a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism in the U.K. from Cardiff University. When she’s not watching her fav reality shows (LOVES the Real Housewives franchise), spending her afternoons watching Netflix or with a good book, she’s writing and journaling.
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