Bozoma Saint John Reveals Reaction to Move From Netflix to ‘Real Housewives’: “What the F?”

In this captivating narrative, we find ourselves immersed in the inspiring journey of a remarkable woman who has navigated the complexities of corporate America and the glamour of Hollywood with grace, resilience, and unwavering determination. Her story is one that resonates deeply, not just because she’s been a trailblazer in her field, but also due to the profound personal struggles she’s faced, from loss and grief to financial prudence and the pursuit of her dreams.

As a long-time fan of “The Real Housewives” franchise, I was thrilled to hear that Bozoma Saint John, a highly accomplished executive with a dynamic career at Netflix, Endeavor, and Uber, is joining the cast of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” for its 14th season. With her impressive resume and charismatic personality, I believe she will bring a fresh perspective to the show and make it even more captivating than before. As someone who has always admired Saint John’s ability to navigate corporate America with grace and style, I can’t wait to see how she handles the drama that comes with being a Housewife. I think this move will not only be great for the show but also inspire other successful women to pursue their dreams in unexpected ways.

The news ignited a chain of rumors within the industry, given that it’s unusual for someone with a CV like Saint John – who was born in Ghana and served as the chief marketing officer at the streaming service from 2020-22 – to shift from strategizing in high-level board meetings to appearing on reality TV, where physical fights, verbal spats, and catchy one-liners are common. However, Saint John is accustomed to people discussing her decisions.

After transitioning from the red carpet to a seat at Intuit Dome during its opening night celebration and Bruno Mars concert, The Hollywood Reporter had an opportunity to chat with Saint John. The conversation revolved around her decision to join the cast of Housewives, potential future returns to corporate leadership, and her current feelings about post-Netflix life.

How did your high-level professional contacts, including executives and C-suite colleagues, react when they found out that you became a part of the Housewives cast?

You’ve probably figured out the response yourself, yet everyone seemed puzzled by your actions, asking something like, “What on earth are you up to?” It cracks me up, and I’d respond, “But y’all seem to think you conduct yourselves differently in a boardroom compared to these women on TV.” Essentially, we have countless human encounters filled with connections, disagreements, and reconciliations. These situations occur behind closed doors, but on a show like this, they become visible on our screens. For me, this experience serves as an opportunity to understand a new group of individuals I haven’t interacted with closely before. Granted, I’ve had some interactions due to our shared social circles, but they’ve been limited. This is my chance to delve deeper, communicate better, and get to know people more intimately.

Were you hesitant at all about putting your life on reality television?

Reflecting on my journey so far, I can confidently say that I’ve never shied away from making bold moves in my career. Each transition has been met with skepticism and doubt, but I’ve always trusted my instincts and forged ahead. Looking back, it seems as though the choices I made were the right ones, but at the time, people were often critical of my decisions. For instance, when I left Apple to join Uber, many questioned my judgment. Similarly, my move from Uber to Endeavor was also met with raised eyebrows. And now, as I embark on this new venture, I can feel the same apprehension in the air. However, I stand firm in my belief that this is the right path for me at this moment. This is my move, and it’s working for me right now. My life experience has taught me to trust myself and follow my own path, regardless of what others may think or say.

Do you think there is a path back to the boardroom after this?

Absolutely, let me clarify my stance. To put it simply, I can’t predict what lies ahead five years from now, as I haven’t operated that way in my career. I don’t make long-term plans like five to ten years out. Instead, I concentrate on the present and what matters to me at this moment. Wherever life leads me next, I’ll embrace it. The honest truth is, none of us know where we’ll be down the line. It remains to be seen if I’ll return to the boardroom.

So, you are not thinking, if I do X now, it will get me to Y later?

As a lifelong learner, I don’t approach challenges with a focus on calculation; instead, I’m all about growth and expansion. Every new opportunity presents itself as an exciting chance to learn something fresh. You won’t find me repeating the same job out of complacency – every role I’ve taken has offered me valuable lessons that have helped me grow.

In our previous conversation, we met on a different red carpet during the Emily’s List event following your departure from Netflix in 2022. As we move forward in time, I’m curious if you have developed any new insights or perspectives about your time spent there?

Man, that chapter in my life was quite the rollercoaster ride! Landing a job during the pandemic turned out to be quite the challenge, with our company being under immense pressure due to everyone flocking to it. Back then, there were even jokes about people binge-watching Netflix for so long they ran out of shows. We decided to poke fun at that situation in one of our commercials.

Bozoma Saint John Reveals Reaction to Move From Netflix to ‘Real Housewives’: “What the F?”

I won’t pry into your financial matters, but I can’t help but wonder if you found it difficult to give up the income from Netflix?

The money’s great but, baby, let me tell you: I’ve been very smart about it. I own stock at every company I’ve ever worked, and I feel good and comfortable with that. This ties into my personal life because when my husband died, my daughter was 4. I looked at her future and mine and thought, holy shit. How do I provide for her and for myself in the long run? If there’s any place I’m conservative, it’s about my money. My outfits aren’t conservative but my spending is. My money is good.

Speaking about the Real Housewives franchise can be quite intriguing since it often appears to revolve around wealth, social standing, and the trappings that come with them.

The only thing I’ll say about that is that I am not a DEI executive. I never have been. I’m a Black woman. Every room that I enter, people look at me a certain way or they say that I’m diversifying that space. Can I just be both? In this space, I feel some responsibility in showcasing the fact that there are successful Black women who also exist in these spaces.

On the night before the Democratic National Convention, which marks Kamala Harris’ run for presidency, are you planning to go to Chicago? Have you made arrangements to back her campaign?

I’m absolutely thrilled! You might recall that I had the privilege of accompanying Kamala Harris during her state visit to Ghana. Being part of her delegation made me a dedicated fan and supporter. Throughout her tenure in the current administration, I’ve had numerous opportunities to visit the White House, with my most recent encounter being around May. There, I met President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. I wholeheartedly believe in the optimism and potential for our nation that they represent.

2024-08-20 01:55

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