Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
More than two years ago, Ryann Brooks accepted a marketing position at pleasure products powerhouse Doc Johnson. Handling everything from social media to collaborating on the brand’s packaging and advertising campaigns, in November 2014 Brooks was tapped for the role of producer of the company’s new “Ask The Doc” live radio show. Less than two years later, “Ask The Doc” was named “Marketing Campaign of the Year” at the 2016 XBIZ Awards show. Since its launch “Ask The Doc” has been listened to more than 150,000 times and continues to grow in popularity. The company says that the show’s success is largely based on the efforts of Brooks, who handpicks guests, content and show direction much of the time.
I dare myself to do new, interesting and challenging things all the time and it keeps me on my toes, I’m constantly learning and evolving.
In this month’s edition of Women in Adult, we profile Brooks as she elaborates on her latest accomplishment and marketing prowess that she’s developed working for one of the industry’s most renowned brands.
XBIZ: How/when did you get into the industry?
Ryann Brooks: The first thing that comes to mind? Serendipity. I pretty much fell into this industry, no joke. It was by chance this all came about. I was attending college majoring in communications while working two part time jobs. One day I ran into an old co-worker who was now working in the industry. She told me about an entry level position in marketing she knew about over at Doc Johnson. She suggested I put a resume together, and go for it. Needless to say, I got the job. It?s been well over two years now working for Doc Johnson as their Marketing Coordinator, and in November 2014 I was asked to produce a live weekly radio show “Ask The Doc” that would air on Playboy Radio. I can honestly say I love what I do, and haven?t looked back since.
XBIZ: What did you do prior to working for Doc Johnson?
Brooks: I was attending college majoring in communications and working two part time jobs.
XBIZ: What is a typical day like for you?
Brooks: Well for me every day is different, it all depends on what needs my attention first; it’s definitely a juggling act. From the radio show to social media I’m constantly on the go. Working with others having a hand in packaging, ads and collateral material that Doc Johnson creates. So much of my day is working alongside our amazing team to make sure that our content, on several levels, matches our vision and intent. But, of course, I always start my day with an iced dirty chai. Preferably from Starbucks.
XBIZ: What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Brooks: My biggest challenge so far has been trying not do everything myself all the time. I have always been a firm believer in “if you want it done right, you need to do it yourself.” Hey, these projects are my babies, it’s difficult at times to let go. But when you work with a great team of people that you can trust and rely on, it somehow all works out, and allows me to concentrate at the task at hand.
XBIZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Brooks: By far the most rewarding part of my job is connecting to the public. Be it through our social media outlets or our radio show, being able to make new friends, and especially provide help to consumers, has really been incredibly gratifying.
XBIZ: What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Brooks:Honestly, my mantra is “Why not?” I dare myself to do new, interesting and challenging things all the time and it keeps me on my toes, I’m constantly learning and evolving. And anyways, I always felt that if you choose to stay in your comfort zone, eventually things get old and really keeps you from discovering your true potential.
XBIZ: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Brooks: Hands down, the radio show. When Chad [Braverman] and Sunny [Rodgers] tasked me with the producing duties for the show I jumped at the chance and ran with it. I hit the books and researched everything I could get my hands on, and with some mentoring from the incredible producers at Playboy, voila! “Ask The Doc” is on the air. Furthermore, I can’t start to explain the feeling that came over me, when all of our hard work paid off and “Ask The Doc” was presented with the XBIZ 2016 Consumer Marketing Campaign of the Year award! I was definitely very proud of that.
XBIZ: What are some of your professional goals for the future?
Brooks: Personally I would love to see Doc Johnson become even more of a household name. With everything that our team does on a daily basis it’s exciting to see what the future will hold for our brand. I also can’t wait to see how big our “Ask The Doc” show will become, and how it will evolve. My personal goal is to keep learning and help Doc Johnson gain more acknowledgements, awards and more importantly, fans.
