4 minute read
Monica Brown
“ My top 3 goals are to produce TV and film projects that focus on the views of black women, invest in more real estate and secure a C-Level position."
Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?
A. I consider myself to be someone who is addicted to personal and professional growth!! I’m a corporate executive, an author and an entrepreneur. I have had the opportunity to work for several Fortune 500 companies starting with AT&T, Cox Communications, T-Mobile, Comcast NBCUniversal & SiriusXM Pandora. Currently, I’m the Vice President of Mobile Product Development for Tucows, LLC located in Toronto, Canada. As a technology leader, I’m
responsible for multi-million-dollar initiatives designed to change the landscape of the mobile industry.
Q. How do you define your purpose in life?
A. My purpose in life is to be an example for other determined, hard-working women to never give up on their career aspirations and dreams. I want to help others by sharing my personal experiences and giving back in the form of my time and wisdom.
At the same time, my purpose in life is to focus on creating generational wealth for my family to leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Q. As a female leader what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
A. The most significant barrier has been learning how to maneuver being a black female executive in corporate America. It’s no secret that the rules are different for African Americans within the confines of an IT organization.
You can only imagine what it means to be a minority AND a woman at the same time. Those dynamics are the perfect storm for biased treatment whether subconscious or intentional.
Q. Tell us about your new book
“Only One” and the motivation behind the book?
A. “Only One: How to Be a Bad
Ass Boss in Corporate America'' chronicles my journey up the corporate ladder and the many lessons I’ve learned along the way. The sole purpose of the book is to communicate the following points to other black women looking to grow their career as a respected and esteemed technology leader: 1.
You belong in the room, 2. You are worthy and 3. You deserve a seat at the table. I also take a deep dive into the characteristics of a successful executive and how to leverage each one to be advantageous.
Q. When you began your career many years ago, did you ever
imagine that you would be a leader in a male-dominated profession?
A. Absolutely not! Although, from what I understand from friends in the media world, their challenges are not much different than mine. Different industries, same issues. It’s a bit surreal that my original career path is totally different from what I envisioned for myself, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do, and my IT career has positioned me to do other things I’m interested in.
Q. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
A. Confidence and resilience equals survival. Each upand-coming minority female leader belongs in the room where decisions are made and deserves a seat at the table. Lead with courage and practice resistance. Also, proactively look for a mentor to share past experiences and use those experiences as a blueprint for your career. my second book. This time, I’m writing a fictional book with characters rooted in the complex way that women love others and the things we “allow” to happen when in love. I’m praying I can complete and release the book Summer 2021. In addition, I’ve recently entered into the world of film as an executive producer for upcoming releases in Fall 2021. It’s the perfect time to pivot into a new industry treading a path I’ve dreamed about for many years.
Q. What are some of your goals you want to accomplish in the next five years?
A. My top 3 goals are to produce
TV and film projects that focus on the views of black women, invest in more real estate and secure a C-Level position.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. Please follow me on: & @msmonicabee or send me an email to: msmonicabee@gmail.com
Q. Can you tell us one of your biggest accomplishments you have had in your career?
A. Honestly, my biggest accomplishment has been the opportunity to mentor the next generation of technology leaders. It’s always an honor when I have the chance to shape the mind of someone who is seeking confirmation and validation.
Open dialogue about their experiences helps to understand the situation, digest what is happening and manage the reaction in a constructive and professional manner. The satisfaction of knowing that my words positively influences others is beyond explanation.
Q. Are you working on any events or new projects?
A. I have a few new projects in the pipeline. I’m currently in the process of writing In addition, everyone can get a copy of my book “How to Be a
Bad Ass Boss in Corporate
America” on Amazon.com.
