Life and Work with Brianna J. Weaver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna J. Weaver.

Brianna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started in 2017 after I graduated from Florida A&M University. Post graduation, while sitting in my parents house searching for jobs and constantly hearing no, I decided to start something to keep myself busy – my YouTube channel, As Told by Bri. With my YouTube channel, I started covering different events from NFL cheer tryouts to red carpets in Hollywood and before I knew it, it became a side hustle. I’d turned myself into a self-taught Journalist/Entertainment Correspondent. Since then, now, I can be found interviewing Atlanta’s brightest stars from Zaytoven, to DJ Drama, to Tisha Campbell-Martin, to Kash Doll all the way to Fetty Wap. Although I had a growing passion for media and being on air, I still needed a 9-5 job. I ultimately ended up landing a job with the Atlanta Falcons as an Inside Sales Representative in 2018. My passion for Sports and Entertainment runs deep and I am a student of the game always looking to learn and do more while creating opportunities for the leaders to follow.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As stated, there was a period of time where I was unemployed and wasn’t exactly sure what the future would hold for me. The best thing I could ever do was just start. As simple as it may sound, it’s the hardest thing to do. I doubted myself and constantly wondered if I would be good enough. My greatest advice to women in the Sports and Entertainment industry would be to be confident in who you are as a woman and own it. As a double minority in the Sports industry, I know that I have to work three times as hard as everyone else, but I also use my diversity to my advantage. I use it to create opportunities for myself. I am always the first to volunteer for career fairs and to speak on panel discussions because I know that I can make an impact that majority of my colleagues can’t. That’s one thing I truly pride myself on is using my platform to give back and pave a way for the next generation’s leaders.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Sports and Entertainment Consultant and self-made Correspondent. While working in the sports industry working with businesses and consumers to discover their wants and interests, I also have my own media outlet, As Told by Bri, where I cover the industry’s most prominent events. What sets me apart from my peers is my persistence. When I set my mind to something I make it happen – no ifs, ands or buts. If there’s an artist I want to interview, someone I want to have lunch with, or a new opportunity I’m yearning for, I’ll put my mind to it to make sure it comes into fruition. My persistence is what opens up doors for me. A lot of people give up after the first “no”. I attack from different angles until I get the answer I’m looking for. I don’t take no for an answer.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
One of my past managers called me the “networking queen.” For me, networking has been about taking initiative and putting myself in positions to meet the right person. If there’s someone I want to connect with speaking on a panel discussion, I don’t mind paying $10 or $15 to attend that event. I see that as an investment in myself that’ll pay off in the long run. I love connecting with people, but the key is to follow up. Always reach out and follow up with lunch, an informational interview or a simple LinkedIn message. Follow up is key, and that’s the part that most people miss. None of my mentors have stemmed from the initial interaction, but the follow-up lunch that truly fostered our relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.briannajweaver.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @briannajweaver

Image Credit:
Affinity Photos

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