The Resilience and Leadership of Bozoma Saint John
Bozoma Saint John is a name that has been synonymous with innovation, creativity, and breaking barriers. She is a woman who has not only excelled in the male-dominated technology industry but has also shattered glass cliffs ceilings and has become an inspiration to millions worldwide. Her incredible journey of love, loss, and survival has now been documented in her book "The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival."
When Bozoma Saint John's husband, Peter, died of cancer, she made one big decision: to live life urgently. Bozoma was no stranger to adversity, having lost her college boyfriend to suicide, navigated an interracial marriage, grieved a child born prematurely--a process that led to her and Peter's separation--and co-parented the daughter who she and Peter shared. When Peter knew his cancer was terminal, he gave Bozoma a short list of things to do: cancel the divorce, and fix the wrongs immediately.
In The Urgent Life, Bozoma takes readers through the dizzying, numbing days of multiple griefs and the courage that these sparked in her to live life by her deepest values time and time again. We witness Bozoma's journey forward through the highs and the lows as she negotiates life as a woman determined to learn from tragedies to build a remarkable life worth living, even in her brokenness.
Bozoma Saint John was born in Ghana and raised in Colorado. Her parents instilled in her a love for music and culture, eventually leading her to work for some of the biggest names in the music industry. She started her career as a marketing executive at Spike Lee's advertising agency, working on campaigns for Pepsi, Sprite, and others. Her talent for marketing and branding eventually led her to become the head of music and entertainment marketing at PepsiCo.
In 2014, Bozoma joined Beats Music as their head of global marketing, where she helped to launch the streaming service and was instrumental in its acquisition by Apple. After the acquisition, she was promoted to head of global consumer marketing for Apple Music and iTunes and was responsible for overseeing the brand's worldwide advertising and music content strategy. She became Uber's chief brand officer and Endeavor's chief marketing officer.
Bozoma Saint John is known for her ability to connect with people, infectious energy, and passion for storytelling. In "The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival," she shares her journey from her early days in Ghana to her experiences as a black woman in the corporate world and the loss of her husband, who died from cancer. She recounts how she learned to cope with grief and has become an advocate for cancer research and awareness.
Bozoma's story is not only inspiring but also timely. In a world that is still grappling with issues of gender and racial equality, her success as a black woman in the technology industry is a beacon of hope. Her book is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and love. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that we all can overcome life's challenges.
Bozoma Saint John's groundbreaking career is nothing short of remarkable. Her journey from Ghana to the corporate boardrooms of some of the biggest companies in the world is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Her new book, "The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival," is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by a woman who has overcome incredible challenges and emerged more substantial and more determined than ever.