Elise Brown (I call her “EB”) is a fun & friendly travel-loving, food-nibbling, conversational marketer. Those traits have paid off for her career. She is a leader in her field, regularly appearing in articles and podcasts. Today she shares her views on aspects of her profession and its intersection with diversity in her Black Perspective.
Introducing: Elise Brown
SSD: Jumping right in, tell me a bit about yourself and what you do.
EB: I would describe myself as a powerful force, a problem-solver, and intuitive. I am a person that always needs to be moving and creatively stimulated that is why I thrive in a lean organization with white space. (Interviewer’s Note: Just to clarify, given the context of this interview, she is referring to “white space” as in open space to be flexible and maneuver – NOT “white space” as it’s used in the phrase, “Being Black in White spaces.”)
I currently lead marketing for Anthemis Group. Anthemis Group is a global platform that deploys human, intellectual, and financial capital – diversely and inclusively – to affect change and build resiliency in the financial system. I oversee the Marketing Team at Anthemis and consult with our portfolio of 150+ startups. Additionally, I am responsible for communication, events, and business development efforts for the investor community.
SSD: I’m so proud of you, EB.
What inspired you to get into the world of Marketing?
EB: I’ve always known I wanted to be a marketer. I’ve always found joy in creating, innovating, and selling products or services to consumers. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by consumer behavior.
I love to uncover why people purchase or buy into specific platforms and what influences consumer purchase behaviors? I love identifying solutions through creativity and strategy to win over consumers, too.
I would say now that I’ve been a marketer for over a decade, [and] I’ve found power in being a marketer in the financial services industry. The industry itself isn’t remarkably diverse, but I’ve found that more and more minorities are considering roles in financial services in recent years – specifically since the industry is accelerating its adoption of digital technology.
Now, more than ever, having a diverse and inclusive sector benefits everyone.
Ask questions, network, and always follow your intuition. […] Your raw experience and your insights matter.
elise Brown
SSD: What’s a tip that you’d give someone who sees you, is inspired, and wants to follow in your footsteps?
EB: Ask questions, network, and always follow your intuition. I NEVER LOOKED BACK once I started realizing that one opportunity wasn’t out of reach for me.
I also would say, be yourself. Your raw experience and your insights matter. Set your objectives for yourself and go for it, even if it’s not the exact path you thought you were going to take.
Lastly, never feel like you need to be the only one, ever. There is room for every one of us in every conversation and table.