In episode 140, Kerel and Erik have a conversation with Katie Kern, Agency Partner at Media Frenzy Global. Media Frenzy Global works primarily with tech companies, from midsize to enterprise sized companies, working on brand development, public relations programs, and also content marketing. Katie, also known as Ekaette, is a big sports lover and has moved from companies such as Nike and Reebok to now helping Atlanta as they go through a major tech boom. She was very inspired by her mother who was always a curious person and her father who was a Black Panther, constantly in the forefront and shaking things up. After having trouble finding work after graduation, Katie decided to change her name from Ekaette to Katie. She uses her story to help her mentees in making sure they stay authentic and take part in shaping the tech industry and beyond.
Katie shares what an exciting time it is to be in Atlanta, as it influences everything, working with challenger brands to really make a difference and change the culture in the community, especially in sports, which is something Katie loves, and also the hard work companies need to take on to create progress in diverse hiring and culture.
“You really do have the power and it really just takes someone being brave and saying this is what we're going to dedicate ourselves and do and pushing that forward. Action speaks louder than words. And that's the expectation that all these agencies, these major brands, just do what you say you're going to do.”
Timestamps
:32: Katie Kern, Agency Partner at Media Frenzy Global, shares her early life before she got into the PR and marketing world
2:50: Where Katie got her pioneering spirit that led her to uproot herself from small town Augusta, GA and go away on her own for college and work
6:17: Katie shares about Media Frenzy Global and the work they’re doing in Atlanta
7:31: Why working with “challenger brands” at Media Frenzy Global excites Katie so much
10:55: The A Pledge and holding companies accountable with their DEI efforts and progress
12:19: The sad truth about progress being made in the U.S. with DEI and hiring diverse and high-level teams
13:47: The actions companies need to make in hiring in order to move forward
15:46: How Katie was influenced in the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion by her father who was a part of the Black Panthers
18:38: Katie shares about her experience of being a mentor and what it means to her
22:53: Where Katie is drawing inspiration from these days, including books on Audible and Netflix documentaries
24:46: The top 3 apps Katie uses on her phone and who she thinks is going to win the NBA finals
25:52: Where to find and connect with Katie Kern
