11: Thorough, Thoughtful, and Intentional: Ashlee Green on Creating Safe Spaces for Black Women

Today, Brandi is joined by Ashlee Green, a transformative leader who has shaped both culture and client strategy as the VP of Accounts + Culture at Creative Theory Agency.  Since joining CTA in 2018, Ashlee has been instrumental in the agency’s evolution—building its Client Services department from the ground up, recruiting dynamic talent, and leading award-winning work for major brands like Meta, Google, and Chevron. But Ashlee’s brilliance isn’t confined to the agency world. As a co-founder of RUNGRL—a media and events company dedicated to closing the wellness gap for Black women through running—she’s creating community and changing the narrative around what health and representation look like. Through RUNGRL, Ashlee is not only carving out space for Black women, but also challenging the industry to reflect the women who have always been at the forefront of cultural influence. This conversation dives into the power of authentic representation in marketing and the unique strengths Black women bring to account management, strategy, and leadership. Ashlee shares her journey of stepping into rooms that weren’t always made for her—and making space for others once she got there. She and Brandi discuss the frustration of performative DEI, why it’s time to move beyond labels, and the importance of building lives that exist beyond the workday grind. If you've ever felt the pressure to do it all or questioned your place in this industry, this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to take up space, create what doesn’t exist yet, and receive every flower you’ve earned.  KEY POINTS - Ashlee as the first woman in Creative Theory Agency  - Ashlee’s non-traditional journey to the advertising industry  - Influencing the agency's direction & culture - Ashlee’s personal mantra and approach to work  - Challenges in cultural representation in marketing - CTA on navigating the political and social landscape  - RUNGRL brand and its wellness mission for black women - What’s next for Ashlee? - Advice: Show up and receive achievement recognitions  QUOTABLES  "I just continued to show up. I had this belief in myself — this belief in my agency, and this belief in the things that I could do.” – Ashlee Green "Thorough, thoughtful and intentional, always and in all things." – Ashlee Green "We're here for black women, but we know we have to work with sort of the larger entities that can really help us make the change that's beyond their behalf." – Ashlee Green GUEST RESOURCES  Ashlee Green IG | https://www.instagram.com/ashleesimone/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleesgreen/  Website | https://www.creativetheory.agency/  IG  | https://www.instagram.com/creativetheoryagency/         https://www.instagram.com/rungrlco/  Get In Touch with Brandi Rand! IG | https://www.instagram.com/brandi_rand/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandirand/  HER Agency, The Collective Are you a Black woman thriving in advertising or ready to start? Join HER Agency, The Collective—a community designed for you to build, connect, and own your agency with women who share your journey. Let’s have real conversations, elevate our brands, and make space where we belong. Join The Collective Today! Follow Us on IG:  instagram.com/heragencypod/  Her Agency is produced by EPYC Media Network