Q&A with Partner: Christian Weld-Brown

An outgoing, enthusiastic people person, Christian is a partner at MBB. She works in community outreach, connecting with a variety of charitable and civic organizations to enhance agency visibility. Before taking on an external role within the agency, Christian worked internally, managing the office and front desk. Christian and her husband, Partner and CEO, Jim Brown, met as teenagers and took the leap into advertising together, coming from a law and radio/TV sales background, respectively.

Tell us about your background. 

I was fortunate to have received single-sex education for both high school and college. St. Teresa’s Academy was a wonderful place to find my voice as a young woman. While receiving a BA in Philosophy, Law & Rhetoric with a minor in Women’s Studies from Stephens College, I found my interest in law through my court advocacy work with Hope House. 

I counseled victims of domestic violence at the courthouse as they were coming into trial. It was an eye-opening opportunity and highlighted the inequities that existed for female victims of domestic abuse, particularly those in poverty. If a woman was abused by her husband and he was put in jail, very often this created an even greater threat if the father was the primary financial support of the family. Many of these female domestic violence victims had so many competing interests to meet to care for themselves and their family, and it was difficult to get them out of these situations. Seeing how profound these inequities were in cases of domestic violence inspired me to go to law school. 

Describe yourself in 3 words. Passionate, driven, spunky

If you weren’t a partner at MBB, what would you be?

If I weren’t a partner at MBB, I would be in the Peace Corps. My grandparents were members of Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). When they were both over 65 and had raised their 12 children, they were ready to give service to their country. I was always so proud of their legacy and what they contributed to the world by raising a family and working in their community. I would love to give more, but I can also see the impact that I can have on my own family and work. I have raised three amazing children who are a testament to my beliefs in equality. I am so proud of the good that they want to bring to the world as well.

What was your dream job growing up? 

I wanted to help people who had less than me. Court advocacy was my first glimpse into what that could look like. It was so powerful to see that simply providing information could do so much to help someone.

Who inspired you and why?

My daughters, my mother, my girlfriends. I love how big they think. I love the amount of work they can get done. I love how they see the beauty in the world when it is sometimes hard to find. They inspire me to do more and to give back.

You are a partner in a majority female agency and a mother of two daughters. How do you inspire those women?

It’s fairly easy to see the amazing things that the women of MBB are doing every day. In particular, COVID-19 shows that they are superwomen, trying to juggle family and work, literally at the same time and place. I am inspired more by them than I inspire them, I think.  

What challenges have you faced as a female leader?

Not always being taken seriously.

What is the biggest challenge women face in business?

Balancing family and work. I am still trying to find that balance and my children are mostly grown. Children still need you, no matter how old they are, so that balancing act is constant.

What advice do you have for young women in business?

Work hard early to get yourself established. Take life in stride, don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to ask your sisters for help. We all need help to get where we are. Don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t forget to return the favor when you can.