HER Agency

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...

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 t...

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 necessar...

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...

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...

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...

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 returnin...

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 r...

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,...

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...

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 op...

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 l...

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...

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 sett...

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...

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 layo...

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 Digita...

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...

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...

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 naviga...

Creativity is more than just talent—it’s about resilience, confidence, and knowing when to fight for the right idea. In this episode, Brandi sits down with the powerhouse Courtney Richardson, an award-winning Creative Director and cultural strategist known for shaking up the industry. As an award-winning Creative Director and Founder, Courtney continuously breaks barriers by building her own table...

Storytelling isn’t just an art—it’s a connection. In this segment, Brandi and MacKenzie Green break down why storytelling is essential for building personal and professional brands in today’s content-driven world. Learn how identity shapes storytelling, what makes brands like Duolingo and Liquid Death shine, and why being authentic is the ultimate marketing advantage. GUEST RESOURCES  MacKenzie Gr...

In this inspiring episode of Her Agency, Brandi sits down with Courtney Williams, VP and Head of Business Development at The Martin Agency, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the power of authenticity. Courtney is also at the forefront of change as she co-chairs the 4As National New Business Committee, a volunteer with the Can: Diversity Collective, and a former board member for SheSays Atlant...

In this segment, we dive into the meaning behind HER Agency—a space created for Black women in advertising who are tired of being overlooked, undervalued, and overworked. Hear how my 17 years in agency life shaped my understanding of what it means to take agency over my career, life, and boundaries. From learning to advocate for myself to building spaces for others to feel seen and valued, I share...

This week, Brandi sits down with MacKenzie Green, a trailblazer in social media and digital innovation, to discuss the transformative power of personal brand storytelling and agency. As VP of Social at Future PLC, MacKenzie spearheads strategies for iconic brands like Who What Wear and Marie Claire. With experience at BET+, Betches Media, and a Columbia MBA, she’s redefining what it means to own y...