The first episode of “On Brand with Jimmy Fallon” aired on NBC on September 30th, and despite the reality competition show’s title, it’s the co-host who’s garnering attention: Bozoma Saint John. With the show’s tagline being “Ten real people. Eight iconic brands. Best idea wins in this new business competition.” famed marketing “genius” Saint John is the perfect pick as she brings her experience, polish, and charm to the proceedings.
But just who is Bozoma, and for those who are new to her, what caught Hollywood’s eye to get her to co-captain such a big show?
Early Life and Education
Bozoma “Boz” Saint John was born in Middletown, Connecticut, on January 21st, 1977, and was raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Washington, DC, and Accra, Ghana, before settling in Colorado. These experiences gave her a global perspective from an early age. After earning her degree in English and African American Studies from Wesleyan University, she embarked on a career path that would merge creativity, storytelling, and brand-building. Her unique upbringing continues to influence her ability to connect across cultures and industries.
Breaking Through in Marketing
Saint John’s first major successes came during her time at PepsiCo, where she led music and entertainment marketing. She helped secure Pepsi’s partnership with the Super Bowl halftime show, bringing iconic performances to one of the world’s biggest stages. This bold approach proved her ability to craft campaigns that resonate with both celebrities and everyday audiences, solidifying her reputation as a visionary marketer.
Shining in the Tech Industry
Bozoma Saint John made headlines when she joined Apple Music, where her energetic keynote presentation at the 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference captivated audiences and humanized the brand. She later took on the role of Chief Brand Officer at Uber during a challenging chapter in the company’s history, showcasing her courage to lead during turbulent times and her determination to reshape public perception.
Leading at Netflix
As Chief Marketing Officer of Netflix from August 2020 to March 2022, Saint John oversaw campaigns for some of the world’s most-watched entertainment. Her work further cemented her influence in media and technology, proving her ability to drive success on a global scale. At Netflix, she not only led strategy but also used her platform to highlight the importance of diverse representation in storytelling.
Sharing Her Story: The Urgent Life
Beyond her corporate achievements, Saint John is the author of the memoir The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival, where she opens up about loss, resilience, and the personal experiences that shaped her journey. Through her book and public speaking, she encourages women—especially women of color—to pursue leadership unapologetically and to embrace their authentic selves in every space they enter.
Building a Legacy of Influence
Bozoma Saint John’s legacy extends far beyond the boardroom. She has consistently championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, using her career as a platform to demand accountability and representation in corporate America. Her fearless leadership style and commitment to authenticity inspire a new generation of leaders who are reshaping industries on their own terms.
She also knows how to have fun, as her appearance on On Brand with Jimmy Fallon shows. In 2024, she surprised many who were familiar with her business ventures by joining the 14th season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her appearance was widely praised for her positivity and openness about her romantic relationship, how she navigates adult friendships, and how being a mother and a widow has affected her life. Saint John will be returning for the 15th season of the show, which is currently filming.
Sources: Bozoma Saint John’s Official site, Parade Magazine, NBC
