AMANI DUNCAN

Amani Duncan is an award-winning business leader, enchanting storyteller, and sought-after keynote speaker who leaves an enduring and heart-centered mark in every room she enters.

Amani is a frequent speaker at global conferences, leadership forums, and industry events, and is a regular guest on leading podcasts where she discusses bold leadership, brand storytelling, and transformational business growth. She has interviewed and collaborated with culture-defining leaders and artists, including American film icon and activist Jane Fonda, advertising legend Sir John Hegarty, and Grammy-winning producer and musician Wyclef Jean.

In recent years, Amani has delivered keynotes and participated in panel discussions at high-profile events, including Heineken USA’s national leadership conference, ChiefX’s inaugural summit, Advertising Week New York, and The BOARD’s annual meeting. In 2024 and 2025, she continues to captivate audiences, with recent speaking engagements for Heineken USA, Future Caucas and the Noble Agency and as a guest lecturer for executive leadership programs.

Amani Duncan is a highly accomplished marketer, strategist, and board director with more than 25 years of experience leading business and brand growth across industries including media, advertising, entertainment, consumer goods, and manufacturing. As Founder and Principal of Grit & Glory Agency, she provides strategic advisement to executive leadership teams, helping brands navigate complex market dynamics with clarity and purpose.

Previously, Amani served as CEO of BBH USA, part of Publicis Groupe, where she led transformative growth, secured major client wins, and delivered culture-shaping work for brands like Google, Netflix, Heineken, Mattel, Lionsgate, and Brighthouse Financial. She is widely recognized for spearheading Google’s Black-Owned Friday initiative—awarded “Most Purposeful Campaign of the Year” by Campaign US and earning multiple Cannes Lions—and for launching Glass Ceiling Breaker, honoring U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Amani currently serves on the Board of Directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and previously served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Outward Bound USA, and the 4A’s, contributing expertise in governance, strategic counsel, and fundraising. She is a founding member of Chief, a leadership network for women, and was recently inducted into the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence and the NYSE Board Diversity Initiative.

A recognized force in the industry, Amani has earned numerous accolades, including Ad Age’s Agency Executive of the Year, Adweek Women Trailblazer, Campaign US Female Frontier honoree, and Advertising Week’s Future is Female award. She has served as Jury President at the Cannes Lions Entertainment for Music, Dubai Lynx Grand Prix for Good, and juror for Ad Age’s Creativity Awards, Clio Music, and Effie Awards, among others.

Her influence extends beyond marketing. Amani is the author of “Monday Musings with Amani D.”, a fast-growing Substack newsletter that blends leadership, personal growth, and storytelling. She is currently developing a coffee table book inspired by the newsletter, with interest from several publishers.

Amani’s career began in the music industry, rising through leadership roles at Virgin Records and Capitol Music Group. As Chief Marketing Officer of C.F. Martin Guitar, she revitalized the iconic 200-year-old brand, crafting and executing a global marketing plan that set new benchmarks for the company’s growth. Later, as SVP at Paramount Global/MTV Networks, she deepened the network’s artist relationships and created impactful music-driven campaigns.

Her story—of bold career pivots, brand-building success, and unwavering commitment to purpose—has been profiled by Billboard, Fast Company, Variety, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Whether advising executives, inspiring audiences, or guiding cultural transformation, Amani remains dedicated to her mantra: we get things done with a whole lot of grit, a little bit of glory, and always with grace.