7 Badass Career Lessons to Learn from Bozoma St John

7 Badass Career Lessons to Learn from Bozoma St John


Bozoma “Boz” Saint John (née Arthur) is the embodiment of marketing brilliance and fearless ambition. This American-Ghanaian dynamo has shattered ceilings across tech, media, and entertainment, carving her name into history as a business badass and inspiration for trailblazers globally.

With over two decades of experience under her belt, Boz isn’t just a marketing maven, She is a Hall of Fame inductee, the Creator and CEO of Eve by Boz, the author of The Urgent Life, and now, a shining star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Boz kicked off her career in marketing at Spike Lee’s ad agency, SpikeDDB, before moving on to PepsiCo, where she spearheaded music and entertainment marketing. Her advice: “Always say yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone.”

From Apple Music to Netflix, Boz left her mark in positions like Chief Brand Officer at Uber and Global CMO at Netflix. Her career trajectory shows that stepping up and leading with bold ideas opens doors to unimaginable heights.

The marketing Guru doesn’t just break marketing molds, she destroys them. Whether it’s redefining consumer engagement at Endeavor or launching innovative haircare with Eve by Boz, she’s a firm believer in fearless creativity.

In May 2021, she was named among the Top 50 Most Influential Female Leaders in Africa within the corporate and business sphere by Leading Ladies Africa which still reflects how she champions bold leadership rooted in genuine human connection.

From boardrooms to Billboard’s Women in Music Hall of Fame, Boz’s authenticity remains her superpower. Whether she’s dazzling us on The Real Housewives or being Forbes’ #1 Most Influential CMO, she teaches us to own our narrative.

7 Badass Career Lessons to Learn from Bozoma St John

Be So Good They Can’t Look Away

Bozoma’s breakout moment came when she took the stage at Apple’s WWDC in 2016, presenting Apple Music like no one had ever done — not with slides, but with soul. She played “Rapper’s Delight” and got a room full of stoic tech bros to vibe. That one moment launched her into global spotlight.

Reinvention is a Superpower

Boz started her career in fashion at Spike Lee’s agency, then moved to PepsiCo where she led music and entertainment marketing. From there? Beats by Dre. Apple. Uber (as Chief Brand Officer). Endeavor. And then, Netflix — where she became Chief Marketing Officer, one of the few Black women in C-suite roles in Fortune 500 companies. Bozoma doesn’t just adapt, she evolves.

Don’t Just Work. Leave Impact.

At PepsiCo, she wasn’t just pushing soda. She revolutionized the brand’s music marketing strategy by creating iconic moments with Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. At Beats, she fused culture with commerce. At Uber, she tackled brand rebuilding during its darkest PR moments. At Netflix, she led campaigns that celebrated Black stories unapologetically.

Own the Room — Your Way

Boz doesn’t conform. She shows up to boardrooms with bold fashion, bright lipstick, and unapologetic Black woman energy. She once said, “My Blackness doesn’t make you uncomfortable — your discomfort is not my problem.” When you lead with truth, the room will adjust.

Take the Job That Scares You

When Boz took the role of Chief Brand Officer at Uber in 2017, the company was in deep crisis. It was a risky move. But she saw opportunity where others saw chaos. She joined to fix what was broken — and left having made an unforgettable mark. The job that scares you might just be the one that changes everything. Courage is the currency of career greatness.

Be Loud About Your Wins

Boz isn’t shy about her success. She claims it, celebrates it, and teaches others to do the same. In a world that often demands humility from women, especially Black women, she dares to shine. Modesty doesn’t build empires. Let your work speak — but also speak for your work. Visibility is strategy.

Know When to Walk Away

In 2022, Bozoma left her CMO role at Netflix after only 20 months. It wasn’t a “falling out” — it was a power move. She’s never been afraid to leave a seat at the table when it no longer fits her vision. Staying isn’t always loyalty — sometimes it’s limitation.

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