Behind the Brand
As part of the Women in Leadership Forum, Nina Webb, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing at Atlantic Records, delivered a talk titled Behind the Brand: A Playbook for Leadership. Drawing on her 25-year career in the music industry, Webb reflected on lessons learned from leading global campaigns for artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Paramore, Janelle Mon谩e, and Melanie Martinez.
Having served at some of the most influential record labels, including Columbia and Atlantic Records, Webb offered a rare perspective on what it means to build both artistic and organizational identity.
Webb鈥檚 central message was clear: leadership and branding are deeply intertwined. Effective leaders, she explained, cultivate trust and a sense of purpose. Whether developing an artist鈥檚 image or guiding a marketing team, Webb emphasized the importance of grounding every decision in authenticity. A successful brand begins with an honest story, one that connects emotion, vision, and values. For Webb, the leader鈥檚 role is to protect that story amid constant change and competing pressures.
Webb spoke candidly about her experience navigating a male-dominated industry. Early in her career, she often felt pressure to adjust her demeanor to meet the expectations of male executives. Over time, she came to view empathy, collaboration, and intuition鈥攖raits frequently undervalued in corporate environments鈥攁s strengths, particularly for women in leadership. She encouraged students to embrace these qualities rather than suppress them, reminding future leaders that credibility grows from the alignment between one鈥檚 values and actions.
Webb also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry, describing it as both an opportunity and a challenge. While AI can democratize creativity, she noted that its use must remain transparent and accountable. Ultimately, she believes that audiences will determine which forms of artistry and authenticity are most meaningful.
To close, Webb offered practical advice for students: build a peer network beyond your immediate field, seek environments that align with your values, take initiative in your learning, and be 鈥渟crappy鈥濃�攔eady to add value wherever you can. She also spoke about overcoming imposter syndrome, urging students to step outside their comfort zones and trust the skills that brought them to where they are.
Throughout her talk, Webb returned to one consistent theme: leadership begins with self-awareness. Her career, shaped by both unexpected turns and intentional choices, illustrates how authenticity and purpose can sustain long-term success.
Lydia Tesfai '27, Winston Ambassador
Read 听article by Kiki Donaldson '29 and Emily Russo '28.