Meet Sequoyah “DataBae” Glenn: Marketing Strategist & Media Culture Disruptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sequoyah “DataBae” Glenn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sequoyah “DataBae”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I was in radio advertising, I noticed how Black businesses (and professionals, too) were approached (or not approached) differently thank other businesses and it really irked me. So many Black businesses in that market had products and services that served the general market, yet many sales folks wouldn’t prospect them or know how to appropriately. I would see them not respect budgets in the same way they would White or other businesses owned by different ethnicity groups. Added value deals weren’t given in the same way, spots were placed in poor timing, or even just stereotypes of what they could afford – all of this inspired me to start my consultancy specifically supporting Black businesses or businesses that want to reach Black, diverse, and underrepresented customers. I wanted to be able to prepare my clients for the conversations they’d need to have with media sales folks or just be their middle man and do it for them. I wanted to be able to educate my clients on the ‘why’ behind the decisions they were needing to make, so that their dollars are taken seriously and they get the best bang for their buck.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I can honestly say that I’ve had an amazing career so far in my 10 years of working in the marketing industry. My first real real real (I mean, selling AVON counts I suppose?) marketing job was as a Fan Services Coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. I had no idea what I was doing, but I jumped right in, showed my smile and authentic self, and rubbed as many elbows as I could while maintaining great guest experiences for high-profile guests at the stadium. That is how I approached each job – diving right in and figuring things out along the way. It hasn’t been easy – from forced resignations, lack of representation and guidance from folks that look like me, and even inequitable work experiences from a salary standpoint. However, each experience has made me stronger and changed how I approached the business or how I showed up at my next role or in my next task. There’s so many lessons I’ve learned through mentorship and leadership – both good and bad. Some of my favorites include asking yourself ‘if something fuels you or drains you’ when making life decisions; the art of underpromising and overdelivering (consistently); and knowing that work is just work – ‘your name isn’t on the side of the building’ so it’s really ok to not gaf, respectfully. I want the world to know that EVERYbody has a story; it’s up to you how you present it and use it to your benefit. Take folks with you, give back, and always do you in the best way you can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok, so here’s my fave spots to check out in the A… We’re going to do breakfast (because it’s essential to all of my guests’ visits) at Breakfast at Barneys, My Coffee Shop, and Le Petite Marche. Then, we’d go to each Gilly’s to grab some amazing coffee and muffins (from Apple Butter Bakery) and hang out on the hammocks pretending there’s nothing to do. After that, we’d use my Switchyards membership to get some work done in the city, before we go out and visit Edgewood for drinks, games, and people watching LOL. We’d wrap up our Edgewood visit with Slutty Vegan and have one too many drinks down at BQE. If we’re feeling more touristy, I always vote to get a CityPass to visit the Civil Rights Museum, College Football Hall of Fame, the Aquarium, and anything MLK! And if we’re really wanting to electrify our taste buds before sending you back on your flight, we’re going by the original Chick Fil A, Dwarfhouse in Hapeville.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my squad, the Black Marketers Coalition. The BMC is a group I founded with some of the most talented Black Marketers in the US. Our mission & vision is that ‘We’re here for all the ups, downs, & all arounds of being a Black Marketer. No matter what is going on, we show up authentically in and outside of the workplace’ and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we have achieved together. The group builds and fosters relationships first, so that getting the business done is a bit easier. We’ve been through a LOT this past year and have created a safe and intimate space to give feedback on our executive presence, help folks find creative ways to get recruiters’ attention, support each other’s speaking engagements, and even tell corporate America where they have us f’ed up at or can treat us better, in our monthly series called IYKYK (each 1st Thursday at noon est.). I’ve grown immensely from this group and so many [exclusive] doors have opened up to us for being exactly who we are.

Website: 924coop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_databae/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sequoyahglenn/ LinkedIn.com/company/blackmarketerscoalition

Image Credits
Skylar Babino of Slim Shots Photography @slimshots_photography