Amidst the influential figures shaping international industries, Bozoma Saint John emerges as a definite beacon of management and authenticity. Her illustrious profession, marked by pivotal roles at Netflix, Uber, Apple Music, and PepsiCo, not solely showcases her skilled prowess however has additionally earned her the excellence of inspiring a Harvard Enterprise Faculty case examine titled “Main with Authenticity and Urgency.” Past the realms {of professional} achievement, Bozoma stands as a catalyst for constructive change, investing her time and experience to contribute meaningfully to causes that resonate deeply along with her.
In a dialog with 1000 Spotlights, Bozoma shares her steadfast dedication to reshaping perceptions of Africa. Learn her story.
What drives you to provide again?
During the last 7 years I’ve accomplished plenty of professional bono advertising work in Ghana to raise the consciousness of what the continent has to supply to those that do not stay in Africa. As part of that work I wrote the advertising technique for The Yr of Return which was an extension of the President of Ghana’s 2017 United Nations Normal Meeting tackle which declared 2019 as The Yr of Return for all folks of African descent within the diaspora. The technique included occasions and actions to raise music, vogue, sports activities, meals, evening life, and historical past. It ranged from celebrating festivals to highlighting eating places and alluring influencers with massive platforms to return to Ghana between Christmas and the brand new 12 months, (which is likely one of the most festive instances of the 12 months) to affix within the revelry.
I do that work for the 12 12 months outdated me who immigrated to america and needed to battle the demeaning stereotypes of Africa and Africans. So giving again implies that I take advantage of my skilled acumen to vary notion.
What’s one trade e book {that a} newcomer should learn?
The Artist Manner by Julia Cameron as a result of everybody no matter their trade is an artist. We’re in fixed creation of concepts, methods, plans and outcomes. So if you wish to unlock your greatest creativity, that is one of the best e book to learn.
What recommendation would you give to your youthful self?
I’ve all the time been proper in my instinct. Subsequently I’m the one who is aware of what’s greatest for my life, profession and my future.
Do you will have a favourite quote?
‘I do not wish to get to the tip of my life and discover that I’ve simply lived the size of it. I wish to have lived the width of it as nicely.’
What’s one factor that evokes you?
Not a what, however a who. That’s my 80 12 months outdated self, as a result of I need her to be pleased with the person who I’m at the moment.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is my daughter Lael, as a result of regardless that I take little or no credit score for the human that she is. If she wasnt my daughter I might nonetheless wish to be her good friend. She’s that cool!
How did you find yourself the place you might be at the moment?
Bozoma’s memoir, The Pressing Life was revealed in 2023. Her work has been lauded and awarded with notable recognition together with (however not restricted to) induction into the American Promoting Federation Corridor of Achievement (2014), induction into Billboard’s Ladies in Music Corridor of Fame (2018), induction into the Advertising Corridor of Fame (2022); and has been included in Quick Firm’s Most Artistic Folks (2013), The Hollywood Reporter’s Ladies in Leisure Energy 100 checklist (2018) and topped as The World’s Most Influential CMO by Forbes (2021). Boz’s profitable on-line tutorials “The Badass Workshop” train others to be their biggest selves. However by far her biggest achievement is in elevating her 14 12 months outdated daughter, Lael.
Discover her at @badassboz on ALL Socials!
1000 Spotlights: Why We Give displays our mission of giving again, to mentor and to encourage these round us. Via a collection of interview questions, we discover intrinsic motivations behind why we give, and discuss with these inclined to make a distinction within the lives of others. In case you are concerned in charitable actions, volunteer and paid tutorial engagements or in neighborhood service, we wish to discuss to you.
Write to us to appoint somebody distinctive who’s making a distinction in extraordinary methods.
1000 Spotlights is a part of UGSI that additionally owns SpeakerPost.com, a free social influence international platform that connects educators with trade specialists and with different educators for volunteer visitor talking in faculty school rooms. In case you are in search of a visitor speaker for a student-focused occasion, or wish to discover methods to share your profession journey with college students, please attain out and request your free invite code by way of SpeakerPost.com
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