What does it take to successfully shape culture in and outside creative boardrooms across the globe? Bozoma Saint John and Irene Agbontaen discuss their success as pop culture architects at a fireside chat in Ghana entitled, “Pivoting and Prospering: The Cost to be the Boss.” This live conversation series commemorates 10 years of Agbontaen’s brand Taller Than Your Average or TTYA. Most recently, she started TTYA podcast and now live events as a “safe space to inspire, motivate, and listen to real authentic career and lifestyle stories” from women pioneers across entertainment, media, and sports. This is a major achievement as the path to being a successful Black woman in corporate spaces is fraught with complexities. A 2022 “Women in a Workplace” report and survey noted that while Black women are more ambitious, they are less supported at work. Outside of the corporate space, Black women have the highest entrepreneurship rates, currently around 17%, as compared to 10% of white women and 15% of white men. Despite this clear ambition and drive, only 1% of all venture capital funding went to Black-founded companies. So yeah, I think it is safe to say that Black women do not have the same ecosystems of support. 

While the statistics are glaring, I’m still amazed by women like Irene and Bozoma Saint John who have broken every glass ceiling. Bozoma Saint John is a pop culture marketer who is widely lauded for being chief marketing officer (CMO) at companies like Uber, Netflix, and Endeavor. She then went on to work with Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s president, to craft the Year of Return which is the largest cultural celebration and birthright journey for African diasporans. Much like Bozoma, Irene was making waves in the British fashion industry. Her brand, also named TTYA, was one of the first Black British brands stocked in Selfridges and since then, Irene’s brand metamorphosized into lifestyle and mentorship. Attending the fireside chat was an additional affirmation that creative success is not impossible.

 These are the key lessons that I held onto after the fireside chat that will frame the way I approach work and life in 2024--

1. There is no soft life, if you want a nice life you have to build it!

“Balance!? There is no balance. When your moment comes you better lean into it. Do not let anyone or anything slow you down and, if they are, leave them behind.” An easy life starts with work first! While many of us see the result, Bozoma noted that her career was nothing short of many hours, long nights, and perfecting her craft. Much of what I learned from her point of view- is that running unabashedly after you want is a good thing. Long hours of investment are part of being a top executive or an independent business owner.

2. Never Pass on Traumatic Experiences

While working hard is non-negotiable, how you work and the values you embody while you work are essential. When Bozoma was reflecting on the question regarding leadership advice that shaped her today, she found herself reminiscing about her early career. Bozoma started her career working for Spike Lee. While this move was a major leap of faith in it itself, Bozoma’s worsened her early working experiences.  Bozoma noted that while it was hard to be objective about the workplace she experienced, she noted that her boss was a senior executive and that she had come up in a time in which many had to earn their stripes. Bozoma says, “I’m sure she was micromanaged. I’m sure she was cursed out. I’m sure she chased around and out of the room so all she was doing was transferring her trauma to me.” Ultimately, Bozoma learned through that workplace experience that she never wanted to be abusive or exclusive. Bozoma says “She’s a caretaker, not just a leader. She’s in charge of the health of their life and their career, so they do not become traumatized and pass it on to someone else. I want those traumas to stop with me.”

3. Live the Width of Your Life, Not just Length

Bozoma’s autobiography is “The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival.” The title was inspired by the fact that most people wait for the right moment soon to enjoy their life, but why do that? Being serious about your desires in life dictates what experiences you continue to have and hope to have.

4. People Should Bend to You

Saint John’s central message has always been one of authenticity, vision, and clarity. While she talks about naturally being a confident person, much of this confidence came from her upbringing. During the discussion, Bozoma recounts an early memory in which her mom insisted on serving fufu instead of pizza at a sleepover. This moment shaped her profoundly as she came to understand that being secure in your sense of self matters most.

Bozoma’s commitment to her craft is awe-inspiring. More importantly, her candor about her journey and success, gives you a clear picture of how you can succeed.

#CohortDec2023