No One Saw It Coming

You think you have a year, but do you know that for sure? Every other day may seem just like the last until life throws you a curveball, and suddenly everything changes. As Bozoma Saint John delivers her autobiographical book, The Urgent Life, she shares the multiple hardships endured and how tragedy has revealed the necessity of living life intentionally. We’ve all heard of the phrase “Life is short” but do we take heed to the message? Bozoma’s story is an inspiration to those who’ve struggled with loss and are seeking a new path to living purposefully on their own terms.

Bozoma’s parents immigrated to the U.S from their homeland the Republic of Ghana. They would eventually settle in the state of Colorado, optimistic of new beginnings.

Bozoma is the first born of four daughters and everyone would gravitate to her when in need of help, making her the go to person in the family. Bozoma’s parents treasured their daughters and were responsible for instilling the belief that they could accomplish anything their heart desired with hard work and dedication. 

During Bozoma’s adolescent years she faced periods of discrimination from her peers having to attend a predominantly white school. Bozoma, a gifted and charismatic student, was able to navigate high school and college despite the many challenges. Bozoma shares how her parents were so insistent upon maintaining their culture and traditions which strengthened her ability to overcome the adversity she encountered at a young age growing up in a new environment. 

With eyes wide open Bozoma carefully observed her father’s handling of business affairs and would admire him from afar. She had become drawn to his ability to flourish in his career and make the best out of any opportunity. Bozoma would naturally follow suit as she too became an exceptional leader in the advertising and marketing industry. 

In her adulthood Bozoma reflects on a time her father had become ill and moved into the tiny apartment shared between her and husband due to her father’s failing health. Although Bozoma had a deep connection and loyalty to her father, the most important thing was finding the balance of wanting to meet his expectations and staying true to herself.

After graduating college at the top of her class, Bozoma was determined to make it on her own. Bozoma decided to move to New York City against her parent’s wishes of attending medical school and one day becoming a doctor. Making the decision to relocate to NYC on her own was not an easy one for Bozoma but her mind was made up. She was prepared for what was to come and certain of her choice. 

In hopes of finding a job to support herself and the life she envisioned, Bozoma spent the next several months residing with a friend and diligently searching for stable employment. After several weeks of intense pursuit she landed an entry level position with Spike DDB advertising and marketing company headed by famous film director Spike Lee. Bozoma’s position at Spike DDB would become the foundation and start of her remarkable career.

One morning before taking her routine elevator trip up to her work station, Bozoma stops at the building’s cafe to put in her usual order and happens to randomly meet Peter. Peter and Bozoma instantly hit it off right away and their unexpected whirlwind romance begins. Bozoma and Peter would go on to wed one year later after their very first date.

During the course of their interracial marriage, things start to change as Bozoma starts to feel the impact of microaggressions from others while with Peter. Overtime, Bozoma starts to feel a deep sense of resentment towards Peter which ultimately starts to consume her. As tension builds between the two, Bozoma gets thrown off by an unexpected pregnancy, and develops a medical condition which causes her to be hospitalized. 

While Bozoma is in the midst of a health crisis, Peter is given the unimaginable choice of which family member would be saved. After Peter’s decision is made, the couple continues to struggle and Bozoma’s prolonged feelings of resentment towards Peter further intensifies. What does Bozoma think about Peter’s decision at this most critical moment in their family’s life? 

Much to Peter’s surprise, Bozoma has made it clear to him that change is imminent. Peter shortly thereafter finds himself in his own medical crisis and a sudden shift has occurred in a way that no one saw coming. Having received this new development Bozoma is now awakened to a new reality. What does Bozoma do after she finds out that Peter is in the fight of his life? 

As Bozoma starts to reexamine her relationship with Peter, she begins on her quest to live purposefully with a renewed sense of appreciation for those who are close in her life. Bozoma came to understand that time was most important and what may have seemed like a priority couldn’t be farther from the truth. How was Bozoma able to persevere through it all and become a hall of fame marketing executive at a time most vulnerable in her journey?

Netflix, Endeavor, Uber, Apple Music and PepsiCo are just a few leading companies that Bozoma was chief marketing officer at the height of her career. In 2021 she was also named Forbes most influential CMO. 

After the unimaginable loss of her husband, Bozoma was left to grapple with inconceivable heartache. In the midst of the grieving process, Bozoma grew a better understanding of what it meant to have a profound appreciation of family and remaining in a constant state of gratitude.