62. From Harpo to 110 North: The Power of Diversity in Digital Marketing

FIERCE Mothers

In this episode of the FIERCE Mothers Podcast, Ugochi has an authentic, real, and inspiring conversation with Rita Thomas.

Rita Thomas is an award-winning communications expert specializing in storytelling and getting to the heart of people. She’s been able to partner with several brands, personalities, and talent throughout her career and learned from the best-life educator herself, Oprah Winfrey. At Harpo Productions, Rita launched her radio, television, and producing career. Since then, she’s been able to solidify her skills in developing engaging content, working with celebrity talent, and running cross-functional production teams. Thomas is an expert in leading, assembling, and running teams. She consults for several celebrities, personalities, and national and international brands.

After producing in-house on teams for Harpo Studios, Walgreens corporate, and Ally Financial, Thomas is leveraging her celebrity, beauty + health, and banking savvy into a creative agency like no other.

110 North, The Creative Agency, gets its name from Thomas’ career-building years as a producer at Harpo Studios for the Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Radio, which was located at 110 North Carpenter Street in Chicago, IL.

The agency’s mission to meet clients “at the intersection of strategy and storytelling” is a nod to the track record and core values of Thomas and her team. “Storytelling is the universal language that connects us all at a human level. We study the market and, with research and insights, strategically craft stories that build loyal communities for our clients. Authenticity, knowledge, and heart -- that is what makes 110 North unique.” Thomas shares, “You can tell by our intention and implementation who we are as people.” 110 North’s most recent work is in partnership with a government agency to decrease gun violence.

110 North is the first of its kind, being owned by a half-Black American, half-Ghanaian woman, and the most powerful underrated asset in the US, a mother. But Thomas and her agency aren’t only capable of connecting clients with Black audiences. “We connect with all people, all cultures, and all languages.” 110 North, The Creative Agency comprises a diverse cultural, age, and experience team. Meet Rita Thomas and her team at 110north.com.

We talked about giving ourselves grace and being flexible as we juggle the multiple roles that we fill each day.

Rita also spoke about grief and ways to be kind to yourself when coping with the different forms of grief.

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