Faranak Firozan is a forward-thinking marketing leader based in Santa Clara, California, whose career has been defined by a passion for storytelling, innovation, and purposeful brand building. With over a decade of experience shaping marketing strategies for both emerging startups and established global companies, Faranak has become known for crafting campaigns that don’t just capture attention; they spark lasting engagement.
Born in Tehran and raised in the Bay Area, she blends a multicultural worldview with Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit. Faranak earned her B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley and her M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University, grounding her approach in both behavioral insight and creative strategy.
She specializes in high-impact digital marketing, brand identity, market positioning, and go-to-market launches, often stepping in at moments of transformation, helping brands find clarity, connection, and growth. Her leadership has helped companies navigate rebrands, expand into global markets, and achieve double-digit revenue growth through customer-centric storytelling.
Beyond her professional life, Faranak is an advocate for women in business and an active mentor in local immigrant entrepreneurship programs. She finds creative balance through abstract painting and community work, and remains deeply committed to elevating diverse voices in the marketing world.
Whether guiding a rebrand or leading a growth campaign, Faranak brings insight, empathy, and bold vision to every project, making her a trusted partner in today’s evolving marketing landscape.
How did you get started in your career?
I started in nonprofit communications, working on community-driven campaigns that needed more than just polished messaging. That early exposure to real people’s stories shaped how I approach marketing today. Over time, I transitioned into brand strategy and eventually launched my own consultancy. The through-line has always been helping organizations speak truthfully and meaningfully. That sense of purpose still motivates me every day.
What was the first major risk you took professionally?
Leaving a secure role at a global agency to start Firozan & Co. felt like jumping off a cliff. I didn’t have a safety net, just a deep belief that brands needed more honest, culturally aware strategy. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but that risk gave me a voice and platform that I wouldn’t have found by playing it safe.
How do you make money in your business?
We work on a retainer and project basis. Some clients bring us in for brand audits or campaign recalibration. Others engage us long-term for cultural insight and strategic direction. We also offer internal workshops focused on inclusive storytelling and audience empathy. Our revenue model is flexible, but our focus is always on helping clients move with more clarity and relevance.
When did you first feel like your business was gaining real traction?
About a year in, we landed a contract with a consumer brand that was struggling with multicultural engagement. We applied a deeper cultural lens to their entire campaign process, and the results exceeded expectations. That experience gave us momentum and word-of-mouth visibility. It confirmed that there was a real demand for the kind of work we were doing.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love helping brands see people more clearly. So much marketing feels transactional, but when a brand takes time to understand the culture, values, and lived experience of its audience, something deeper happens. You move from trying to sell something to building real trust. That shift is incredibly rewarding to be part of.
How do you stay ahead of trends without losing focus?
I try not to chase trends. Instead, I stay rooted in understanding people. I follow what communities are talking about, how they’re evolving, and what matters to them. That keeps the work grounded. Trends will come and go, but values, identity, and cultural nuance are always relevant. That is where I choose to focus my energy.
What has been one of your biggest professional lessons so far?
Clarity is more important than speed. In the early days, I felt pressure to deliver quick fixes. But lasting impact comes from slowing down, asking better questions, and letting insight shape the strategy. That lesson has changed how I approach every engagement. Clients appreciate it too, because they end up with work that actually resonates.
What advice would you give to someone launching their own consultancy?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready. You learn by doing. Build strong relationships, be honest about what you offer, and stay flexible. Clients are drawn to clarity and conviction. If you bring those things to the table, the business will grow. Also, make sure your values guide your decisions. They will carry you through the tough seasons.
What do you think companies get wrong about inclusive marketing?
They often treat inclusion like a campaign tactic instead of a creative foundation. True inclusion starts with who is shaping the message, not just who appears in it. When companies bring more diverse voices into the strategy room, everything changes. The work becomes more thoughtful, and audiences notice the difference. That is what builds long-term trust.
What are you most excited about in the next chapter of your career?
I’m excited to do more work at the intersection of brand strategy and internal culture. So many companies want to show up well externally, but they overlook the internal alignment that makes that possible. Helping organizations bridge that gap feels like the next frontier. I want to continue supporting leaders who care about doing it right from the inside out.