Episode 6: Brandi Watkins
From scrappy agency beginnings to leading digital marketing for a beloved national brand, Brandi Watkins has built a career on clarity, consistency, and bold moves.
A Corporate Baddie Podcast Recap
In this episode of Corporate Baddie, Jen sits down with Brandy to unpack the defining moments of her 18+ year career in media and marketing, and what it means to be a visionary leader who also gets it done.
Starting From Search — A Career Finds Its Focus
Brandi shares how she entered the media world through paid search, thanks to a recruiter who saw potential in her analytical mindset. It was a role heavy in reporting, spreadsheets, and precision—but it sparked her love for performance marketing and opened the door to a bigger world of advertising.
Insight: Sometimes the perfect role isn’t what you imagined—it’s what clicks when you try it.
The Power Move — Winston-Salem & the Pivot That Changed Everything
Midway through her career, Brandi made what she now calls her "power move" leaving Atlanta for a job in Winston-Salem that would transform her from a channel-specific specialist into a full-funnel media strategist. It was a risk, but one that broadened her skill set and skyrocketed her confidence.
“That role gave me every kind of experience possible: from B2B to B2C, linear to digital. It was a bootcamp and a breakthrough.”
Coming Back Strong — Atlanta, Leadership & Love
After getting engaged, Brandi moved back to Atlanta and quickly leveled up into a media leadership role on the AT&T Business. There, she led the local mobility account, brought in her top talent from previous roles, and continued to build her rep as a results-driven, people-focused leader.
Lesson: You can prioritize both career and personal life—with the right support and a clear vision.
Big Brands, Bigger Growth: Verizon, ACS & Beyond
From AT&T to Verizon and later the American Cancer Society, Brandi shares what it was like managing national campaigns for telecom giants and meaningful nonprofits. At ACS, every dollar spent was a donor dollar: so precision, accountability, and purpose were everything.
“Working on ACS changed how I viewed impact. The media budget wasn't just money, it was mission.”
Going Brand-Side : Carter’s
After 15+ years in agencies, Brandi made the leap to brand-side at Carter’s. She now leads media and digital strategy for one of the most trusted family brands in America. With a performance-first lens and a marketer’s mindset, she’s expanded far beyond media…she’s shaping business outcomes.
Leadership, Mentorship & the Mom Factor
Brandi reflects on how being a working mom and mentor shapes her leadership style. She leads with empathy, builds trust fast, and believes deeply in developing the next wave of women in media. Her personal board of directors? Essential. Her time boundaries? Non-negotiable.
“You can have it all—but maybe not all at once. And that’s okay.”
Advice for Aspiring Corporate Baddies
Brandy’s advice for women looking to grow in this industry? Take the risk. Trust your gut. Build a personal board of directors. Know your worth. And remember that your power move might not feel like one until you’re looking back.
