Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Brown.
Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My technology career started over twenty years ago after I decided to deviate from my journalism career for a more lucrative employment option. Being a single parent at an early age, I needed more money to take care of me and my oldest daughter. Though I loved writing and being the print industry, I shifted my focus to seek a position where I could use my writing skill and make more money. I accepted my first corporate job as a technical writer for IBM Global Services in the mid-90s and I’ve remained in the technology field ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not!!! LOL Showing up as a black woman everyday presented both subtle and overt challenges throughout my career. Gender and race biases both seen and unseen were prevalent. These experiences created the ability for them to understand that there was something different about me and how I was treated, as it related to my white male and female counterparts. Things just were not the same. I had to learn how to handle “me” in a room filled with people who did not look like “me”. In many cases, those same people struggled to acknowledge my presence in the room and questioned my seat at the table.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently the Global Vice President of Mobile Product Development and Customer Success for the Canadian-based company Wavelo, a subsidiary of Tucows (pronounced two-cows). It’s the second-largest wholesale web domain provider in the world with divisions in the US mobile and internet markets. Prior to this, I was the Vice President of Program Management for SiriusXM Pandora responsible for feature updates and mobile app development and Executive Director for Comcast Business / NBCUniversal leading internet services installations for large retailers, the banking industry and government entities.
I’m most proud of my career progression, being resilient and courageous in my journey up the corporate ladder. I do my best to lead organizations and teams with confidence, empathy and purpose.
I’m also extremely proud that I was able to write a book about my executive career as a black woman in corporate career called “Only One: How to Be a Bad Ass Boss in Corporate America.” The book is currently available on Amazon.com. “Only One” was written to highlight all of my experiences in an attempt to equip other women of color with the tools to survive and thrive in corporate America.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people may not know that I have a passion for investing and wealth building. I’ve spent the past 2-3 years studying the stock market and real estate. I’m planning to open a business that focuses on education our community about money management and long-term investments.
Pricing:
- “Only One: How to Be a Bad Ass Boss in Corporate America” – $19.99 via Amazon.com
Contact Info:
- Email: msmonicabee@gmail.com
- Website: www.msmonicabee.com
- Instagram: @msmonicabee
- Twitter: @msmonicabee
Image Credits
Blair Devereaux – Pheauxtograhy Studios @pbd (IG) Andrea Powe – The Beauty Broker / Hair & Makeup @ms.andreapowe (IG)
