Attain Confidence, Success, and Owning Your Power with Bozoma Saint John
How to Own Your Success and Take Up Space with Bozoma Saint John
Introduction
In a world that often conditions women to downplay their achievements, owning your success can feel like a radical act. On Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, powerhouse executive Bozoma Saint John—former CMO of Netflix, Uber, and Endeavor—shares her insights on confidence, success, and the importance of taking up space unapologetically. Her journey is one of resilience, authenticity, and breaking the mold in corporate spaces that were not built for individuals like her. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt pressure to conform, this conversation will give you the tools to stand tall and claim your worth.
The Power of Owning Your Narrative
Bozoma emphasizes the importance of telling your own story—not waiting for others to define you.
“We, especially as women, have such a hard time boasting about ourselves,” she says. “And it’s one of the most detrimental things to our own success.”
She urges women to build a list of their accomplishments. By keeping track of wins—big or small—you not only reinforce your confidence but also equip yourself with talking points when advocating for yourself in professional settings.
Taking Up Space Without Apology
Many women are conditioned to shrink themselves in professional environments to avoid making others uncomfortable. Bozoma, however, challenges this mindset:
“You don’t want to see me—that’s why. And you don’t want to see yourself through me.”
Her advice? Be bold and take up space. That means speaking up in meetings, dressing the way you want, and not letting criticism make you shrink. She recalls receiving negative performance reviews that claimed she was “too big” in her presentations. But when the public response to her work was overwhelmingly positive, she realized that the criticism was not about her—it was about others’ discomfort with her presence and power.
The Importance of Advocates and Allies
Success is rarely a solo journey. Bozoma stresses the need for a supportive network of allies who uplift and advocate for you in professional settings.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned from working with Jimmy Iovine and Brian Grazer is the importance of people talking about you positively when you’re not in the room.”
Her advice? Create your own advocacy circle. Connect with colleagues or mentors who will mention your work in key meetings and vouch for your contributions.
She also encourages women to ask for help outright. Before stepping into a new job or challenging work environment, she recommends reaching out to someone influential in the company and saying: “I need your help navigating this space.” More often than not, people are willing to assist when you make a direct request.
Handling Jealousy and Workplace Resistance
Bozoma acknowledges that confidence and visibility often attract negativity. Whether it’s workplace jealousy or microaggressions, she recommends strategic boundary setting and counterprogramming negativity with positive narratives.
“If someone is jealous, I don’t let them take up all my energy. I set a designated time to talk with them—once a week, or even once a month—and that’s it. I don’t let them drain me.”
This technique allows you to remain in control of your energy while managing difficult workplace dynamics.
Practicing Confidence Daily
If self-promotion feels unnatural, Bozoma suggests making it a daily practice.
“Every day, find a way to tell someone about something amazing you’ve done. Start with a friend, then try it with a stranger at a store, and eventually, you’ll be able to do it in a meeting without hesitation.”
Confidence, like any other skill, improves with practice.
Final Takeaway
Bozoma Saint John’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and taking control of your own narrative. Her advice for women striving for success? Stop waiting for permission. Take up space. Speak your truth.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
