From Sony to TikTok to Founding Her Own Agency | Janay Marie on Culture, Community & Building a Career With Purpose

Janay Marie knew she wanted to work in media at age seven. What she didn't know was that the path would take her through Sony Music, TikTok, DEI activations, and eventually to founding her own agency, TALLAWAH — built on community, culture and doing things her way.In this episode, Janay gets honest about what it actually takes to move from corporate to entrepreneurship — the rejection, the burnout, the legal and financial realities nobody warns you about, and the community that held her together when things got hard.We talk about leveraging LinkedIn without it feeling performative, building authentic relationships in an industry that can feel transactional, and why mentorship isn't just about having someone open doors — it's about having someone tell you the truth.Inspiring, grounded and full of real talk — this one's for anyone building a career that means something beyond the job title.⚡ What we cover: → From a childhood passion for media to Sony Music and TikTok → Leading community and culture initiatives at one of the world's biggest platforms → Making the leap from corporate to founding TALLAWAH agency → DEI in media — what meaningful brand activations actually look like → LinkedIn, networking and building relationships that go beyond transactions → Rejection, burnout and self-care as a business owner → The role of mentorship and community in sustaining a creative career → Practical advice for creatives and entrepreneurs starting out🎙 She's Lost Control — the podcast for ambitious creatives who are done playing small. 💌 Join #TheChaosClub → www.instagram.com/sheslostcontrolpodcast/