Titan Spotlight: Shannon Jones — Cannes Lion-Winning Visionary

When a Titan member shines on the Cannes Lions red carpet four times in one year, you notice—and you write a feature. Shannon Jones is that powerhouse: a visionary co‑founder of the creative agency VERB, a creative force, and a bold risk‑taker reshaping the marketing industry one campaign at a time.

For anyone who isn't as close to the marketing or advertising industry — the Lions, announced annually at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, are like the Oscars of business, honoring the best in creativity, storytelling and innovation across the globe. This win is a beacon for all of us. In an industry where Black women are too often overlooked and underestimated, Shannon, and her co-founder Yadira Harrision created VERB to own their space, claim their voice, and make an impact — and the world is responding.

As a model for courage, impact and excellence, Shannon’s story is about more than accolades; it’s about doing work that reshapes expectations and inspires others to rise. Shannon and Yadira created VERB to be a no‑bull, high‑impact agency and, together, these two Black women built a referral‑driven powerhouse from the ground up, representing precisely the strength, resilience, and collaboration we champion within the TITAN community. Here are just a few key elements to their winning approach:

• A Rapidly Growing Agency Grounded in Trust
  As featured in The Drum, Shannon and Yadira bootstrapped VERB into a thriving agency by focusing on discipline, trust and results. The article describes how the pair created a “rapidly growing agency from scratch” that delivers work that connects deeply and delivers impact.

• The F‑It‑Up Scale: A Tool for Bold Decisions
  In an interview with Shutterstock creative leaders on the ground at Cannes, Yadira made note of the now‑famous “F‑It‑Up Scale”—a tool she uses with clients to assess how much risk they're truly willing to take. It’s a frank conversation that encourages going beyond surface ideas to create work that delivers measurable impact. As Shannon says, “If we’re not willing to push the limits, we’re not moving.”

• Purpose‑Driven Impact
  Winning four Cannes Lions doesn’t happen by accident and it’s not just luck—it happens when you’re truly out there making a difference. Shannon’s work captures the intersection of commerce, social purpose, and emotional resonance, reminding us that when we operate with intention, the results can redefine an industry.

The Power of TITAN’s Collective Brilliance

Shannon’s success is a testament to what can happen when Black women unite their talents and lead with courage. At TITAN, we honor these stories because they reflect the depth of what we stand for.

Here’s what we can all learn from their example:

• Embrace risk with intention —  How far are you willing to go? Let the F‑It‑Up Scale be your guide.

• Deliver excellence — Let your work, and your clients, speak for you.

• Root for each other — The victories of one are reflections of the strength of all.

Shannon Jones isn’t just a Cannes‑winning visionary. She’s living the TITAN values and reminds us that when we build with Integrity, lead with Authenticity, and operate from a space of Community, we redefine what success looks like—for ourselves, for those we serve, and for those who come after us.

This is the essence of the Titan Executive Network and its sisterhood of abundance: rising together, creating spaces for Black women to lead, and making an indelible mark on the world.

We see you, Shannon.