How Marissa Nance of Native Tongue, Owns It
Hi and welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.
In this episode we’re talking to Marissa Nance of Native Tongue. She spent nearly 30 years in the Omnicom family of agencies before taking the plunge into ownership just a few short years ago. But she did so to create more seats at the table. Native Tongue is believed to be the first Minority and Women Business Enterprise certified media agency in the world.
Marissa talked about her experiences that led her to ownership, what advice she has for those with aspirations to own it, and what she thinks is holding us back. The answer to that was eye-opening. Listen for that, for sure.
I think you’ll find that for a big-shot media agency owner in the glitz and glamor of L.A., Marissa is perhaps the most down-to-earth, straight-forward and REAL person you can talk to about this business.
Enjoy this conversation. I know I did.
Other resources mentioned in the episode:
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Key Takeaways
EPISODE: Marissa Nance of Native Tongue
1. Importance of Diverse Representation in Advertising | [00:14:12]
Advertising is a powerful storytelling medium, second only to gaming in content creation, connecting with individuals thousands of times daily. Despite this massive reach, current advertising narratives often fail to reflect the diversity of their audience, leading to a lack of meaningful connection with millions of Americans of color. This disconnect is problematic, as it limits the economic impact and relevance for diverse consumer bases.
2. The Power of Allies and Advocates in Professional Growth | [00:13:05]
While diversity initiatives are crucial, the consistent support of allies and advocates plays a vital role in the professional advancement of underrepresented individuals. Having someone who ensures your voice is heard, even when you are the only one of your background in a room, provides grounding and a pathway to success, making it possible to overcome feelings of isolation and to thrive.
3. Entrepreneurship Requires Financial Acumen and Adaptability | [00:26:06]
Launching and sustaining an agency, especially as an owner without initial investment, demands a deep understanding of financial management, legalities, and accounting. While expertise in the core business is essential, an entrepreneur must also be willing to learn and immerse themselves in the "nuts and bolts" of finance to ensure the business's viability and success. This willingness to learn and adapt to unforeseen challenges is critical.
4. The Responsibility and Accountability of Ownership | [00:30:16]
Ownership, unlike leadership, carries a profound and often daunting level of accountability. It involves not just personal success but the well-being of employees, clients, and the communities served. This responsibility can be intimidating, leading some to shy away from ownership, but embracing this accountability is fundamental to navigating the challenges and achieving the impactful outcomes associated with owning a business.
5. Intentionality Drives Impact and Clarity in All Actions | [00:34:08]
Every action, whether a simple text or a major business decision, has a cause and effect. Before acting, it's crucial to pause, reflect, and clearly define the desired outcome. Understanding the "why" behind every action ensures intentionality, helps in articulating goals to others, and ultimately leads to more effective and purposeful results, preventing wasted effort and enhancing impact.
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