Titanium Member Spotlight - Bryan Pierce, Founder & Managing Director, 1964 Agency

An elevator and trailblazer in the celebrity and consumer brand space, Bryan Pierce is the founder and managing director of 1964 Agency. We wanted to take the time to sit down with Bryan to learn more about his journey with his creative marketing agency and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.  

Let’s start out with some questions about your partnership with Titanium. What three words would you use to describe Titanium?

Resourceful, diverse, organized

What do you value most about being a member of Titanium?

I have met people from various agencies that are totally different from me, and I enjoy that. It is great seeing diverse business owners in other industries. 

In your own words, what is the power of partnership?

The power of partnership is the strength in community. We’re better together than we are apart. 

Do you mind if we get personal?  Who are the three most influential people in your life and how have they impacted you?

My mother is the most influential person in my life. She instilled in me confidence and started my love of Black history at an early age. She was a full-time principal and created and sold custom brooches and art pieces to teachers, parents and staff during the Christmas holiday. It was rewarding to see so many educators in my school wear my mom’s artwork proudly.  

My best friend Jourdan has been in my life since high school and has become a brother to me. I’m thankful for our friendship because it has allowed me to grow as a person and an entrepreneur. His knowledge and passion for educating is inspiring, and he has imparted his sense of accountability to me which keeps me transparent with myself and my goals, as well as with my business. 

My other friend Kareem and I have also known each other for a long time. He is extremely giving and hardworking. He is consistently dedicated to finding ways to support our community, and I appreciate his outlook on building a family legacy and willingness to sacrifice to make it happen. Coming from the neighborhoods that we are from in New York City, to be successful entrepreneurs and businessmen is really one of my proudest accomplishments. The “it takes a village” mantra definitely applies to my story. 

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you? Why is it important?

Diversity and inclusion mean a few things to me – most importantly it stands for providing opportunities for everyone and allowing them to serve as a channel for others within their community to obtain opportunities, too. Without opportunities, without trailblazers, I wouldn’t be here. 

What makes you feel inspired to be your best self?

Music! It is a magical language that invokes so much of our most authentic selves. It brings back memories, it provides a soundtrack to my daily life and moments and it allows me the ability to express myself without thinking.

What is the most important lesson you have learned?

Give your all to things you love. Patience is a virtue. Go to where you are celebrated. 

If you could turn back time and talk to your 18-year old self, what would you tell him?

If I could tell the 18-year-old me anything it would be, “Don’t stop investing in your hobbies.” I have spent so much time investing in my career that I forgot to prioritize my passions outside of work.

Let’s talk a little bit about your business.  Why marketing and how did you get started?

I love wondering how long it will take to get a message around the world. This is essentially the true magic of marketing influence.  The way I got started was internships and persistence.  I am also a history and music geek, and I have been studying the cultural happenings as well as the marketing strategies for all of the biggest brands and entertainers in the world since I was a kid. 

Do you recall a specific moment or point in time when you became aware of your interest in marketing?

I’ve always watched behind-the-scenes TV shows and fell in love with VH1’s “Behind the Music” and MTV’s “Diary” series.  At the time, all of the pop stars were on it and I saw what all the people behind the scenes did. I would go to the library, get books, read and then do more research online about everyone and anything I could. A few publicists and journalists I contacted while in college allowed me to conduct informational interviews with them. That really shaped my desire and clarity on my marketing career, goals and desires. 

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?

That it is an easy job and always fun. I love what I do, but nothing has been easy. Relationships really are the key, and they take time and experience to build. I am an introvert normally, but for work, I am an extrovert. I have to be. People think I enjoy parties and outings, but I am a homebody at heart and the introvert in me needs down time in order to be energetic. 

How do you define success in your industry?

Being a blessing to your community and providing opportunities for others to come after you to accomplish more. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone seeking out the same career path?

Study the greats and your passions.

What is your favorite productivity hack?

Asana – I put EVERYTHING on there

How do you bring your work to life?

Love, care and a lot of Black boy magic. 

What is something you do at work to make the day go smoothly?

My office opens at 10 AM. By then I have caught up on emails, made a to-do list, brainstormed some ideas and enjoyed my morning peace. I really believe in a work / life balance and giving people space to prepare for the day.

What industry trends do you love? What trends do you wish would go away?

I love the latest trend of blending art and technology. A trend I wish would go away is internet hate speech. A lot of people have hurtful things to say online that can be damaging to people IRL. 

And just for fun… What are three books you would recommend as must-reads? Outlier, Tipping Point, and the Autobiography of Malcolm X. Each of these provide insights into life and history in ways that we often we don’t think about. 

What quotes or words do you live by?

“By any means necessary” - Malcolm X

Any final words of wisdom to leave us with?

Never stop learning. The possibilities with education are limitless.