We were just as speechless as you are when we heard that Bozoma Saint John is leaving Uber. Her last day of work as the company’s Chief Brand Officer will be on June 22nd.
Just in case you’ve never heard about her before, here is the 411: Bozoma is the Ghanaian-American woman who re-invented what a black woman wielding power in the boardroom should look like. You can find her sporting huge Afros, spandex and bright nail polish in a room full of America’s top corporate executives, yet taking charge of the boardroom and holding her own.
As sad as we are to hear of her departure from the company, which she joined in a bid to rebrand Uber’s image at the time, we’re pretty sure she’ll be giving it her usual 110% as she embarks on her new venture. She told The Hollywood Reporter :
“My past year at Uber has been transformative personally and professionally, there was so much upheaval when I first got to Uber, and it tested everything I have as a marketer and employee. There was a desire to create real change, and changing the storyline has been challenging, but I know [CEO] Dara [Khosrowshahi] has [a] real intention to make the company as great as it can be.”
Bozoma’s milestones include being named Billboard‘s Female Executive of the Year in 2016, as well as making the lists of Fast Company‘s 100 Most Creative People; Ad Age‘s 50 Most Creative People, Innovators & Stars; Ebony’s 100 Most Powerful Executives; Adweek’s Most Exciting Personalities in Advertising; and Fortune‘s Disruptors and 40 Under 40 lists.
Her 20 years worth of hardwork in her career has spoken for itself as she continues to leave a significant foot stamp wherever she goes.
Speaking on Bozoma’s departure, Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, said:
“Boz joined Uber at a time when the company was hurting — but her energy, optimism and creativity have been a key part of our ongoing turnaround. Endeavor is lucky to have her, and I’m excited to watch her work in her new role.”
Bozoma Saint John’s life is epitomized by the saying: “Wherever you are placed, bloom.” You truly never know who’s watching. We’re thankful for women like her who continue to blaze new trails while being authentic and living their truth. We wait with bated breath as she takes the next step in her career, which we are sure will be pretty epic.
Photo Credit: Elle Canada
