Talent Champion – Teneshia Jackson Warner

Talent Champion Spotlight

2022 AEF Talent Champion - Teneshia Warner

Teneshia Jackson Warner
Founder & CEO
EGAMI Group

Teneshia Jackson Warner is the Founder and CEO of EGAMI Group, an award-winning multicultural agency and trusted partner to world leading consumer, beauty, lifestyle, healthcare, financial and corporate brands. EGAMI is the first multicultural and Black woman-owned agency to win Grand Prix film honors at the Cannes Festival of Creativity.

Teneshia is a dynamic speaker and two-time author whose first book, Profit With Purpose: A Marketers Guide to Deliver Purpose-Driven Campaigns to Multicultural Audiences earned rave reviews as the first-of-its-kind guide to multicultural, purpose-driven marketing. She is also the creator of The Dream Project Symposium and coach to Dreamers at all stages of their path to greater purpose.

 

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF?

As an HBCU graduate in the marketing/advertising industry, I am passionate to see people of color embrace our industry as a career path. AEF is creating programming designed to bridge the gap between our industry and HBCUs. From the first time I received an ‘ASK,’ I gave a ‘YES.’ I’m looking forward to continuing to support AEF’s goal and mission.

Why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

Creativity will always drive the world’s innovation. To create is to call forth what does not exist. Our industry is filled with powerful creators, and I remain excited to watch our industry creators of today and tomorrow continue to shape the world as we would like to see it. We are storytellers, disrupters, and drivers of culture. As history unfolds, if we examine the drivers of much needed world-change and activism, I’m certain the marketing/advertising industry will play a role. That is what excites me the most about our future.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

Be courageous enough to lead with purpose and trust that the money will follow. From the moment I received that advice, I’ve always strived to find the intersectionality between my purpose and profession, the connection between my career and calling. When one finds that sweet spot, it results in fulfilling a purpose-inspired journey.

Why do you feel it is so important to inspire the next generation of diverse talent?

History has shown that people of color have the power to drive global trends. As we shape and influence the world, I want to see more diverse talent given the opportunity to unleash their remarkable creative and pioneering talent within our industry. We need to ensure our industry provides diverse talent with a megaphone that echoes their voices, perspectives, and point of view.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the ability to CREATE new purpose-driven campaigns with amazing clients that want to deliver meaningful and measurable IMPACT within communities of color.

What advice would you give to students as they consider entering the industry?

Lead with PURPOSE in all that you do.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation