Meet Brittany Ward

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Ward a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I read a quote a long time ago that I loved. It spoke to the haters who know it all (and there are lots of those). Denzel Washington said, “You’ll never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You’ll always be criticized by someone doing less. Remember that.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m in the business of making people care. I’ve always been drawn to stories. Not the kind you forget after scrolling past, but the ones that stick with you—the ones that make you feel something. That’s what I do at The 21st Agency.

We don’t see ourselves as just a marketing agency—we think of ourselves as a consulting agency with a marketing toolkit. Strategy comes first, always. The right message, the right positioning, the right way to connect—marketing is simply the execution.

Because in a world where attention is fleeting, being seen isn’t enough—you have to be remembered.

So, what makes us different?
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter campaigns or trendy buzzwords. We believe in clarity, truth, and impact. We dig deep, find what’s real, and amplify it in a way that makes people stop, feel, and connect. That’s what great brands do—and that’s what I love building.

This year, we’re refreshing our own brand, aligning even more with our mission of truth, clarity, and results.
We’re doubling down on thought leadership—more speaking, writing, and sharing disruptive ideas.

But beyond all of this, what fuels me is balance. You’ll likely find me outdoors hiking or at the beach, doing yoga, or grounding myself in my deep-rooted faith—because clarity in life fuels clarity in business. The more I grow, the more I bring back to the brands I work with.

At the end of the day, I love what I do because it’s never just about marketing—it’s about creating something that lasts. And if we’re doing it right, people don’t just buy from you—they believe in you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, or Areas of Knowledge That Shaped My Journey
1️⃣ The Ability to Figure It Out (Even When You Feel Unprepared)
I’ve had jobs where I was thrown into completely new territories—leading a brand-new department, being asked to do things I wasn’t trained for, or stepping into roles I had to build from scratch. I often felt ill-prepared, but I charged ahead anyway. Because that’s what you do. You figure it out.

💡 Lesson for those starting out: Don’t wait to feel “ready.” No one has it all figured out. The most successful people start before they’re fully prepared and learn as they go.

2️⃣ Challenging the Status Quo & Pushing for Better
I’ve always questioned “why do we do it this way?” and looked for better ways to get things done. Luckily, I worked in companies that valued that mindset and had bosses who encouraged me to push boundaries. Those opportunities shaped my confidence in bringing new solutions forward.

💡 Lesson for those starting out: Don’t wait for permission to lead. If you have a good idea, speak up. If you see a better way, suggest it. Take ownership of your work like it’s your own business, and you’ll stand out fast.

3️⃣ Realizing That Everyone is Just Figuring It Out
The biggest a-ha moment of my career? Realizing that no one really knows what they’re doing. We’re all just making it up and adjusting as we go. And once I understood that, I stopped waiting for the “right” way and started trusting myself to make up a good thing.

💡 Lesson for those starting out: Ask questions. Get clarity. Make up a good thing. The people who get ahead aren’t the ones who have all the answers—they’re the ones who move forward anyway and create solutions.

Final Thought:
Careers aren’t built by waiting for someone to “put you in charge.” They’re built by taking initiative, thinking like an owner, and not being afraid to step into the unknown. That mindset has shaped everything I do today.

How would you describe your ideal client?

At The 21st Agency, we thrive working with brands that don’t just want marketing—they want to build something that sticks, resonates, and grows.

We specialize in four key industries where strategy, storytelling, and standout branding make all the difference:

Food, Beverage & Spirits – From restaurant groups to emerging CPG brands, we love working with businesses that bring people together over unforgettable flavors and experiences.

Travel & Tourism – Destination marketing, adventure brands, and hospitality groups that want to create bucket-list-worthy experiences for their audiences.

Health & Wellness – Companies that are making a real impact in how people feel, live, and move—whether it’s fitness, beauty, or medical-based brands.

Beauty – From skincare to cosmetic brands, we work with businesses that are elevating self-care and pushing the beauty industry forward.

What Makes a Client a Great Fit?
We do our best work with brands that are:

Clear on their vision (or open to building one) – We’re not here for surface-level marketing. We help brands own their space with real strategy, not just trendy content.

Ready to take action – Great ideas mean nothing without execution. Our best clients are decisive, trust expert guidance, and move forward with purpose.

Willing to break from the “same old” – If you want to play it safe and blend in, we’re probably not the agency for you. We love brands that are willing to stand out.

Who’s Not a Fit?
Brands that want quick, one-off marketing hacks instead of sustainable growth.
Businesses that micromanage every move but don’t trust expert recommendations.
Companies that don’t want to invest in their brand’s future—because real strategy takes work.
At the end of the day, we work best with brands that are ready to grow, create, and make an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://the21a.com
• Instagram: @the21a_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the21stagency
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the21a/