Bozoma Saint John Shares the Funny Way Jimmy Fallon’s Wife Helped Her Land “On Brand” Gig: ‘I Owe Her a Huge Hug’ (Exclusive)

Bozoma Saint John’s Unique Path to Success on ‘On Brand with Jimmy Fallon’

Bozoma Saint John, a well-known figure from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ is bringing her extensive 25 years of marketing experience to the table in NBC’s new reality competition show, ‘On Brand with Jimmy Fallon.’ In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Saint John reveals the serendipitous way she secured her role – with a humorous assist from Fallon’s wife, Nancy Juvonen.

Before she graced the screens of ‘The Real Housewives,’ Bozoma Saint John had already made a significant impact in the marketing world, having worked with major companies like Netflix, Pepsi Co., Apple, and Uber. However, she decided to pivot away from the traditional corporate path a few years back. Her decision to venture into publishing her memoir and launching her haircare company, Eve by Boz, marked a new chapter in her career.

Saint John is known for her intuition-driven approach to decision-making, a strategy that has steered her successfully through her professional journey. Despite initial reservations about joining ‘RHOBH,’ she was determined to make the experience her own, a mindset that has served her well throughout her career.

Interestingly, her involvement in ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise indirectly led to her collaboration with Jimmy Fallon on ‘On Brand.’ Fallon had been seeking a co-host for the show and after Juvonen’s recommendation, he delved into Saint John’s background, even immersing himself in her life story through her book, ‘The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival.’ The unorthodox path that brought Saint John to the show highlights the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry.

‘On Brand with Jimmy Fallon’ features 10 contestants from Fallon’s marketing firm, tasked with pitching ideas for prominent brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Southwest Airlines. The show, which debuted on Sept. 30, quickly rose to become the top unscripted show in its time slot, hinting at a promising future ahead.

Saint John emphasises the emotional aspect of marketing, underscoring the importance of storytelling in creating genuine connections with audiences. As the contestants navigate the competitive landscape of the show, viewers can expect heartfelt moments and impassioned discussions, with Fallon’s deeply invested approach adding a unique dynamic to the mix.

Reflecting on her past accomplishments, including the successful promotion of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game,’ Saint John remains grounded in her belief in following intuition over a rigid career strategy. She is currently juggling wedding preparations, gearing up for the return of ‘RHOBH’ with its 15th season, and celebrating the first anniversary of Eve by Boz, her brand.

In her parting words, Saint John shares a piece of valuable advice for aspiring professionals – trust your instincts and stay true to your vision, even if it means straying from conventional wisdom. Her unconventional journey serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and intuition in navigating the tumultuous waters of the entertainment industry.

‘On Brand’ airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET and Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock. Bozoma Saint John’s remarkable trajectory from the corporate world to reality TV exemplifies the endless possibilities that await those bold enough to follow their instincts and embrace new opportunities.