Brandi Rand revisits conversations that shine a light on what true progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion looks like—especially when led by Black women. While DEI roles are being cut and corporate initiatives are being scaled back, this episode reminds us that the work didn’t start in 2020, and it certainly doesn’t stop now. These women have been doing the work—whether or not they ever held the title. From building inclusive spaces within agencies to executing campaigns that center Black mental health, this episode captures the relentless commitment to showing up, building community, and using personal agency as a vehicle for impact. Listeners will hear powerful reflections on collaboration, mentorship, leadership, and why community is more important than ever. This is a celebration of Black women as culture shapers, truth-tellers, and systems-builders—proof that when the door closes, we build the whole house. KEY POINTS  5: How to Pitch Big Ideas and WIN (Even When They Say No) with Courtney Richardson  7: Is DEI Dead? The Truth About Inclusion & Business with Aisha Bean 11: Thorough, Thoughtful, and Intentional: Ashlee Green on Creating Safe Spaces for Black Women Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network

In this best-of episode, Brandi curates a powerful collection of conversations that center on one undeniable truth: success is not a solo journey. This episode highlights the real-life impact of community—how mentorship, sponsorship, shared experiences, and mutual support change not only careers, but lives. Through honest stories about career pivots, missed promotions, and being “the only one in the room,” the episode explores how having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. This episode is both a tribute to the communities that have shaped us and a call to action to seek them out, build them, and pour back into them. Because thriving isn’t just about strategy—it’s about solidarity. Don’t miss this! KEY POINTS  8: The Invisible Thread That Connects Strategy & Creativity with Alicia Harris 9: Why Black Women Are Tired. And What Needs to Change 12: Are You Really Owning Your Career or Just Surviving It? Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network

Today, listeners will be taken through a powerful collection of moments that highlight what it truly means for Black women in advertising to reclaim their value, voice, and agency. From deciding to fund their own opportunities after being overlooked, to walking away from roles that only tolerated them, these reflections serve as bold reminders that choosing yourself is not just brave—it’s necessary. This episode captures the real, unfiltered truths about navigating burnout, self-advocacy, intuition, and career pivots. It dives into what it feels like to be underpaid, undervalued, and underestimated—and how to rise above it with clarity and conviction. Whether someone is in a season of transition, stuck at a crossroads, or finally ready to put themselves first, this episode reminds them that they don’t need permission to take up space. They already have the agency—they just have to own it. KEY POINTS  1: This is What Representation Really Looks Like: How Marinda Yelverton is Redefining Leadership 3: How to Use Storytelling to Own Your Agency & Build a Powerful Personal Brand with MacKenzie Green  6: Why I Left My 17-Year Advertising Career: How a Layoff Led Me to My True Purpose  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Brandi shares the personal experiences that redefined the meaning of agency in her life—and why creating HER Agency was never just a passion project, but a necessity. This is the moment that led her to walk away from a workplace where she no longer felt valued, heard, or safe. And it was in that decision to leave that she reclaimed her power. Brandi also shares a proud leadership moment: choosing to advocate for an employee who wasn't the popular pick—a reminder that real leadership is about meeting people where they are, seeing beyond first impressions, and creating space for growth. If you've ever questioned your seat at the table, this episode is your blueprint and your call to action. Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Today, Brandi Rand brings together some of the most powerful, perspective-shifting moments from HER Agency—centered on purpose, power, mindset, and career alignment. This compilation is a masterclass in what agency truly means for women in advertising: not just working in the industry, but rewriting the rules, setting boundaries, and choosing yourself—over and over again.  You’ll hear reminders to stop saying yes to work that doesn't serve your future, to reframe opportunities through the lens of your long-term vision, and to prioritize rest as a professional strategy, not a personal weakness. Whether you're in a season of transition, reflection, or ambition, this episode offers the reset you didn’t know you needed. It's a reminder that true agency means taking the lead in your own story—and building a career that serves you, not just the system. KEY POINTS  2: Overworked, Undervalued, and Over It? It's Time to Own Your Agency  4: From Overlooked to Empowered: How Courtney Williams Humanizes Leadership in the Agency World  10: Malia Jennings on Marketing, Motherhood, and Making It Work Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network

We’re not just talking about DEI—we’re challenging the entire framework. What happens when the industry treats diversity, equity, and inclusion like a buzzword instead of the baseline? What if “doing the right thing” wasn’t a campaign—it was the culture? We unpack the message behind the now-infamous “Anti-DEI DEI Club” and why it stirred up much-needed conversations about performative allyship and brand responsibility. This isn’t about being against inclusion—it’s about being against the idea that we still need to prove its value in 2025. Together, we explore why DEI shouldn’t be a department—it should be standard practice. This is a rallying cry for brands to stop “trying” diversity and start showing up for the communities they profit from. Because the culture has always been the blueprint. GUEST RESOURCES  Ashlee Green IG | https://www.instagram.com/ashleesimone/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesgreen/  Website | https://www.creativetheory.agency/  IG  | https://www.instagram.com/creativetheoryagency/         https://www.instagram.com/rungrlco/  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Welcome back to HER Agency, the space built for Black women in advertising who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. In this episode, Brandi Rand delivers a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what it truly means to own your agency in your career, your personal life, and your community. Brandi shares the pivotal moments that reshaped her relationship with her career, from returning to work after maternity leave and finding her role quietly reassigned, to choosing to walk away from toxic environments rather than shrink to fit spaces that never valued her. She speaks candidly about the importance of personal branding, building your network before you need it, and creating a solid foundation that protects you when the unexpected happens. Brandi reminds us that respect must be the standard, and that waiting for validation from broken systems will only delay the success you deserve. As she reflects on her own journey, Brandi reveals why HER Agency had to be built: to create the community that so many Black women in advertising needed but couldn’t find. A space where lived experiences are validated, mentorship is accessible, hard conversations are welcomed, and women are empowered to thrive, not just survive. If you have ever been overlooked, underpaid, or undervalued, if you have ever questioned whether you belong in the rooms you find yourself in, if you are ready to advocate for yourself, own your story, and build something bigger than the roles they tried to box you into—this episode is for you. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your agency is yours to claim. Tune in, lock arms with us, and start building the career and life you truly deserve. KEY POINTS - The importance of standing firm on personal beliefs and decisions - Saying NO: Leave when you no longer feel safe or valued  - Pivotal moments and experiences in owning her agency  - The importance of a safe space for black women to thrive - Build a community and have a supportive network  - Be practical, build a personal brand, and leverage social media  - Find the right mentors and leaders to guide you  - Pull up a seat at the table, use your voice, and do not settle for less QUOTABLES  "Don't say yes to everything if it doesn't align to your strategic plan and the goals for your career. You don't have to do it." – Brandi Rand  "Start building your personal brand, leverage your network. Showcase the work that you're doing if you're traveling for shoots and for productions. Post that  — we need to see you, we need to hear you." – Brandi Rand  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

In this segment, Malia Jennings shares a powerful initiative close to her heart: Get Lifted—a youth-led campaign designed to replace drug misuse with dream chasing. Rooted in mentorship, storytelling, and faith, this program is helping young people tap into their potential while gaining real-world creative skills. From pitch decks to film production, Malia walks us through how she helped build a revolutionary project that centers youth voices, and why purpose-driven marketing might just be the future. GUEST RESOURCES  Malia Jennings  Website | www.maliajennings.com IG | @maliadawkins LinkedIn | @maliajennings NCompass | https://ncompassonline.com IG | @ncompassintl LinkedIn | @ncompass-international Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Today, Brandi is joined by Ashlee Green, a transformative leader who has shaped both culture and client strategy as the VP of Accounts + Culture at Creative Theory Agency.  Since joining CTA in 2018, Ashlee has been instrumental in the agency’s evolution—building its Client Services department from the ground up, recruiting dynamic talent, and leading award-winning work for major brands like Meta, Google, and Chevron. But Ashlee’s brilliance isn’t confined to the agency world. As a co-founder of RUNGRL—a media and events company dedicated to closing the wellness gap for Black women through running—she’s creating community and changing the narrative around what health and representation look like. Through RUNGRL, Ashlee is not only carving out space for Black women, but also challenging the industry to reflect the women who have always been at the forefront of cultural influence. This conversation dives into the power of authentic representation in marketing and the unique strengths Black women bring to account management, strategy, and leadership. Ashlee shares her journey of stepping into rooms that weren’t always made for her—and making space for others once she got there. She and Brandi discuss the frustration of performative DEI, why it’s time to move beyond labels, and the importance of building lives that exist beyond the workday grind. If you've ever felt the pressure to do it all or questioned your place in this industry, this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to take up space, create what doesn’t exist yet, and receive every flower you’ve earned.  KEY POINTS - Ashlee as the first woman in Creative Theory Agency  - Ashlee’s non-traditional journey to the advertising industry  - Influencing the agency's direction & culture - Ashlee’s personal mantra and approach to work  - Challenges in cultural representation in marketing - CTA on navigating the political and social landscape  - RUNGRL brand and its wellness mission for black women - What’s next for Ashlee? - Advice: Show up and receive achievement recognitions  QUOTABLES  "I just continued to show up. I had this belief in myself — this belief in my agency, and this belief in the things that I could do.” – Ashlee Green "Thorough, thoughtful and intentional, always and in all things." – Ashlee Green "We're here for black women, but we know we have to work with sort of the larger entities that can really help us make the change that's beyond their behalf." – Ashlee Green GUEST RESOURCES  Ashlee Green IG | https://www.instagram.com/ashleesimone/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesgreen/  Website | https://www.creativetheory.agency/  IG  | https://www.instagram.com/creativetheoryagency/         https://www.instagram.com/rungrlco/  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Feeling alone in corporate spaces—especially as a Black woman—is far too common. In this segment, Brandi breaks down why community isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. From navigating industries that weren’t built for us to finding safe spaces to be your full self, she unpacks how the right community can open doors, provide real support, and help you make your next move your best move. If you’ve ever felt isolated while trying to climb the corporate ladder, this conversation is for you. Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

In this powerful episode, Brandi sits down with Malia Jennings—published writer, unapologetic boss mom, and now a creative marketing leader at GameSquare—for a conversation that will speak to your soul and your strategy. Malia shares how motherhood didn’t limit her ambition—it fueled it. From producing national campaigns for Toyota and McDonald’s to breastfeeding backstage at activations, Malia opens up about what it really means to lead at work while showing up fully at home. Together, Brandi and Malia explore what it means to thrive as a mother and a marketer in an industry that often demands one over the other. They talk about rest as resistance, the emotional cost of caregiving while climbing, and the moments that forced Malia to choose herself. You’ll also hear how storytelling became her vehicle for shifting culture—especially for the next generation. This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to dim their light to fit in. It’s a masterclass in owning your agency, leading with purpose, and choosing both: family and fulfillment, work and wellness. Press play for a conversation full of truth, strategy, and the kind of inspiration that lingers long after the credits roll. KEY POINTS - Opportunities and challenges at Ncompass International  - Malia’s career journey and relationship-building  - Examples of creative pitch, outputs, and community change - The common bias against mothers in the workplace  - The value of a supportive work environment and maternity leave - Family planning: Financial and emotional considerations  - Passion for creative pursuits, writing for children  - Get Lifted youth community and its mission  - Focus on audience & brand campaigns to build brand loyalty - The need to create a more inclusive and supportive environment QUOTABLES  "The kids are the reason, they're not an excuse.” – Malia Jennings “Next time you are looking or interviewing a mom for [a] job and questioning her capabilities, well… look at her again and give her agency, give her space to shine and showcase what she can do for you, instead of shunning her for being a mother." – Malia Jennings "If you as a marketer really focus on your target audience's needs, if you service them, then your audience will service you with brand loyalty." – Malia Jennings GUEST RESOURCES  Malia Jennings  Website | www.maliajennings.com IG | @maliadawkins LinkedIn | @maliajennings NCompass | https://ncompassonline.com IG | @ncompassintl LinkedIn | @ncompass-international Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

Strategy isn’t just a step in the process—it’s the foundation that holds everything together. In this segment, Brandi sits down with Alicia Harris, Group Strategy Director at Translation, to break down the true role of strategy in creative work. They discuss how strategy shapes storytelling, why a strong strategist is an essential creative partner, and how trust between strategists and creatives leads to game-changing campaigns. Alicia also shares her personal experiences navigating the industry, building relationships, and ensuring that strategy isn’t just a presentation—it’s a through line that stays strong from start to finish. If you’ve ever wondered how strategy fuels creativity and why it’s essential to build trust within your team, this segment is for you. GUEST RESOURCES  Alicia Harris  IG | @aliciamharris Linkedin | @aliciaalexis  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

In this episode of Her Agency, Brandi breaks down why community isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for Black women navigating corporate spaces, especially in industries like advertising that weren’t built to serve them. She shares her journey from feeling isolated to leading Onyx, a business resource group designed to support and empower Black talent. Brandi gets real about the emotional toll of being “the only one,” the pressure to perform twice as hard, and why no one should have to carry it all alone. If you’ve ever felt unseen at work—or wondered what’s missing in your career—it might be community. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to do it alone. KEY POINTS - The lack of community for black women in advertising  - The value of community in corporate settings  - The importance of having a safe space in the industry - Representation matters: Black women in leadership roles - The role of community in career advancement  - Reasons why most people of color leave advertising  QUOTABLES  "When you find the right community that allows you to feel validated and feel seen, you thrive." – Brandi Rand  "Community is key. When you think about what you need to be able to do, to call in favors or have your name spoken in rooms that you're not in, that's what community looks like. When we talk about having a mentor or a sponsor, somebody who can truly go to bat and advocate for you." – Brandi Rand  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

The DEI landscape is shifting, but does that mean the work stops? Not a chance. In this episode, we’re joined by powerhouse Aisha Bean, Chief Diversity Officer at Cashmere Agency, to talk about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We unpack what’s happening in corporate America, why DEI is still a strategic advantage (not just a nice-to-have), and how brands that ignore culture are setting themselves up for failure. From performative black squares to real, lasting impact, we get into what’s changed since 2020 and what’s next. Aisha shares insights on how we can continue advocating for diversity—even when the titles and departments disappear. Plus, the billion-dollar case study that proves DEI isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business. Tune in to get the real deal on DEI, culture, and the power of staying in the fight. GUEST RESOURCES  Aisha Bean IG | @raqibee @cashmereagency LinkedIn | @aishabean  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

In this episode of Her Agency, Brandi sits down with Alicia Harris, Group Strategy Director at Translation, to talk about owning your agency, the importance of feedback, and building meaningful mentorship relationships.  Alicia has helped brands like BMW, PepsiCo, and The North Face develop marketing strategies that don’t just look good—they drive real engagement and results. She also gets candid about navigating the industry as a Black woman, the importance of owning your agency, and why strategy is more than just a slide deck—it’s a process that connects storytelling to execution. Beyond her career in strategy, Alicia is also the creator and executive producer of The Invisible Thread, a project that highlights the unseen forces shaping our lives and work. She also gives back by mentoring and serving on the advisory board for AdColor, ensuring that the next generation of strategists and creatives thrive. Tune in to hear real-world insights on strategy, feedback, mentorship, and what it truly takes to make an impact in advertising. KEY POINTS - The importance of strategy for effective creative work  - Alicia's career journey and the role of Group Strategy Director  - The value of having the desire to improve craft constantly  - The importance of mentorship and community - Alicia's approach to building strong relationships - The "through line" strategy from concept to final execution - Supporting the next-generation organization involvement  - The pivotal role of having mentors and seeking opportunities - What’s next for Alicia?  QUOTABLES  "Don't worry about being nice, worry about being respected." – Alicia Harris  "You reap what you sow in terms of leadership. If you don't give back, if you don't pour into others, how do you expect others to give back and really pour into you, or even to be able to attract that type of energy be what you want?" – Alicia Harris  "Don't get so trapped up in other people's brands that you forget your own." – Alicia Harris GUEST RESOURCES  Alicia Harris  IG | @aliciamharris Linkedin | @aliciaalexis  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

For years, I poured my energy into the advertising industry—working with brands like Uber, Samsung, AT&T, Toyota, and Bank of America. I fought to make brands do right by their consumers, to push for meaningful change, and to create real impact. But when I told my husband I was ready to leave the industry, I didn’t realize how soon that would happen. Fast forward to 2024, and I was hit with a layoff. It was tough—I had built relationships, led major campaigns, and left my mark. But I was faced with a decision: go back to the game or build something of my own? That’s when for myself turned into for the collective. Now, I’m shifting the industry from the outside, pouring into Black women who are navigating advertising—helping them go from surviving to thriving. In this episode, I share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and why I built a platform to support women like me. Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network 

DEI is under attack—but does that mean the movement is over? Not even close. In this episode of Her Agency, I sit down with Aisha Bean, the Chief Diversity Officer of Cashmere Agency to break down the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s business world. Aisha brings over 17 years of HR experience from leading Silicon Beach tech companies like Experian Interactive Media, Core Digital Media, (mt) Media Temple, and GoDaddy. After 6 years of building the People & Culture function before merging with Media Monks, Aisha is well-equipped to lead such initiatives. As a people and culture evangelist, Aisha champions the mission of driving the business with DEI initiatives. This includes developing strategies, cultural programming, and management coaching efforts to empower the company's most valuable asset – the people. In addition, Aisha actively ensures a safe and rewarding work environment by implementing culturally-informed solutions for the agency's clients. In this candid conversation, we discuss the shift from 2020’s corporate commitments to today’s rollbacks, what it means for businesses and culture, and why ignoring DEI isn’t just a moral misstep—it’s bad for business. From Rihanna’s Fenty empire changing the industry to the new generation of marketers demanding authenticity, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of culture and commerce. If you’re wondering what’s next for DEI and how to stay in the game, press play now. KEY POINTS - Aisha’s career journey, the importance of self-confidence  - Life strategy and planning vs therapy and manifesting - The role of DEI in making people thrive in environments - The current state of DEI and its work-life integration  - Examples of brands and companies that support DEI efforts - Aisha as a people and culture evangelist - Tech and multicultural marketing: need for inclusive AI tools - On creating real connections in advertising  - The future of cultural agencies, involve finance QUOTABLES  "When we talk about her agency, my own personal agency, it's about life strategy." – Aisha Bean "Write your own story. Build Community. Show up like the proof is in the pudding of what you do. And if you haven't done it yet — you will —you will give yourself the opportunity and time and show and prove [that] you can do it. You got this." – Aisha Bean GUEST RESOURCES  Aisha Bean IG | https://www.instagram.com/raqibee/ https://www.instagram.com/cashmereagency/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishabean  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/   HER Agency, The Collective | http://heragency.co/  Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network (https://www.epyc.co/) 

What does it take to push back, stand firm, and fight for your ideas—especially when no one else sees the vision? In this segment, Courtney Richardson shares how she stays true to her creative instincts, champions groundbreaking work, and uses her lived experience as a competitive edge. From pitching culture-shifting campaigns to making space for diverse voices in the room, she breaks down what it really means to lead with conviction in the creative industry. GUEST RESOURCES  Courtney Richardson  IG | @doitforthebrand MoNA site | themona.com  Portfolio |.doitforthebrand.com  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network

After 17 years in advertising, working with brands like Uber, Samsung, AT&T, Toyota, and Bank of America, I thought I had seen it all. I climbed the ranks, led major campaigns, and built a name for myself in an industry that often made me feel like the only one in the room. But when I was unexpectedly laid off, everything changed. It forced me to ask myself: do I jump back in—or do I finally build something of my own? That’s when my purpose became clear. In this episode, I share my journey—from being a Black woman in an overwhelmingly white industry to creating a space where we don’t just survive, but thrive. I talk about the lessons, the struggles, and the moment I decided to take control of my own agency—literally and figuratively. If you’ve ever felt lost in advertising space or find yourself craving a community that you were never able to find, this one’s for you. KEY POINTS - Brandi’s 17-year journey in the advertising world - The main purpose of Her Agency podcast  - Early years with local businesses and real estate executives - On transitioning to PR and account manager roles  - Sense of belongingness at work with impactful campaigns  - Challenges and transition to Her Agency to support black women  - Vision for Her Agency: provide tools, knowledge, and safe spaces  - Own your voice: Taking charge of own agencies together  QUOTABLES  "Energy is everything, and if I meet someone who doesn't have the right energy, I can tell instantly, and I just don't continue to allow myself to be in that space." – Brandi Rand  "I knew that there needed to be an opportunity for people to really have a safe space, have a connection, have community, and learn from each other." – Brandi Rand  "If you are ready to thrive and not just survive in this male-dominated space, if you want to lock arms, build community and culture with others that look like you, join her agency, the collective, a place where we're having real conversations, doing the work, building our brands, taking up space and owning our agency." – Brandi Rand  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network

Mentorship, advocacy, and leadership are at the core of today’s discussion with Courtney Williams, VP and Head of Business Development at The Martin Agency. From her early days as an intern to becoming a trailblazer in the advertising world, Courtney shares how mentors and sponsors shaped her journey and how she’s paying it forward by creating opportunities for others. Discover how Courtney navigates being the only Black woman in the room, leverages her authentic leadership style, and empowers others to find their voice. This conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes all it takes is one person saying, “You’ve got this.” GUEST RESOURCES  Courtney Williams  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/my/courtlyndelle  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network