Meet Kenya Brock | Vice President of Marketing at We Are Rosie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenya Brock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenya, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

When I think about taking risks, I think about the worst case scenario first. What happens if I fail? Most of the time it’s not as awful or as dramatic as it seems. So I take the risk.

I understand not everyone has the privilege to take risks depending on their circumstances. I don’t always have that privilege either. But two important times I’ve taken risks are when I moved to new cities for jobs. Both times, I gave myself a timeline to try it out. If it didn’t work, I’d move back home. One city I literally knew no one. It was terrifying because I was just out of college and figuring out my life. But ultimately, both opportunities helped me grow personally and professionally. Besides gaining fantastic job skills and a higher salary, I also gained confidence and became more independent.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Well, when I was younger, I wanted to be a concert violinist…but that obviously didn’t happen. But I also always loved watching movies and tv. I got that from my dad. I majored in Film/TV at Boston University and it wasn’t until I studied abroad and interned at a film promotions company in London, that I realized that marketing movies and tv shows was what I wanted to do. Getting paid to watch and promote movies and tv shows? Sign me up! But it’s not all glamorous and it takes a lot of hard work to grow in the industry.

Through the good graces of a friend of a friend, I was introduced to the amazing Wonya Lucas back in the early 2000’s. She connected with some brilliant people who took a chance on me and hired me on the entertainment side at Turner Broadcasting (now WarnerBros Discovery). Over the years I rose through ranks, took a brief pause at a digital marketing agency, and then spent a number of years at E.W. Scripps. Throughout that time I learned advertising, digital marketing, e-commerce, partnerships, mentoring, leadership and so much more. Some teams were tiny so we had to get resourceful. “The closest person to the broom sweeps” mentality. Because of this I learned how to work the backend of websites, handle minor coding and graphic design, forecast and budget…all fairly early on in my career. I did what I needed to do to get the job done.

In each role, I met with others inside and outside my department. I job shadowed, held informational interviews, joined professional associations and mentoring groups. I’m not good with the status quo. I always like to be growing and learning. The connections and relationships I built along the way, the hard work, my constant curiosity and need to be challenged were what got me to each next step.

My relationships and connections are how I ended up at We Are Rosie. A former boss, Holly Wasson, was working at the company at the time and told me they were looking for marketing help. It’s been an amazing couple of years. Besides marketing, I also oversee public relations and community, which has helped me learn and grow in new areas. Leading a 100% remote team is challenging but it has also taught me how to be a more effective and efficient communicator.

As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve learned to be more of my authentic self and I bring that to work. From my personality (I will always ask questions, keep the humor, hold my boundaries, and protect my team) to how I wear my hair…fuchsia bangs? Why not?! Box braids? Atlanta heat is gonna heat! I know this is a privilege as it hasn’t always been this way…and still isn’t. But all of this ADDS to what you get from me, it doesn’t take anything away. I will always work hard and stay curious.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Ahhhh there are so many places to go and things to do in this city. I feel like I still have my own wish list! I love a good 5k so I’d drag my friend to join me or cheer me on. There is always some sort of festival going on…Inman Park, Sweet Auburn, Dogwood, Jonquil, Summer Shade, you name it. The list could go on and on.

I live in Smyrna so I’d definitely take a friend to the Vineyard Wine Market for an amazing glass (or three) of wine and some tasty bites. Ponce City Market and the Beltline are always great to take people because of the shopping, food, and views. Maybe we would stop by the rooftop at the Clermont Hotel for a cocktail and some good city views too. I’d swing by (pun intended) Puttshack for some fun and then grab dinner at Cooks and Soldiers (or pop up to Sandy Springs and go to The Select). Margs and the #10 combo at El Azteca in Buckhead never disappoint. Botica, Little Alley Steak, Nan…the list of restaurants could go on forever!

I left off a million other places and things to do. I’m lame.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My mom and dad allowed me to try lots of things growing up. I was into sports, played instruments, and was in theater. This taught me how to stay focused (yet curious), adapt, and work with all different kinds of people. Those skills are just some of the things that have helped me grow in my career.

Gabby Ballard and Briana Curran are two of my very good friends and industry peers. Gabby is a marketing executive who is always willing to lend an ear, gives excellent advice (both career and personal), and will hype you up even on your toughest days. Briana is a PR executive who can give you candid advice and make you laugh in the same sentence. And both are my pop culture gurus!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyabrock/