Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cris Ross-Francis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cris , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I landed my first client during BET Awards weekend, where I happened to meet reality star Nikki Burnett. We exchanged numbers and stayed in touch, gradually building a genuine friendship. As I began thinking strategically about my next move, I reached out to Nikki with an idea partnering with brands and intentionally growing her presence on social media. She believed in the vision and trusted me with her brand. From there, we secured major brand partnerships and successfully elevated her digital presence, marking a pivotal moment in my career.

Cris , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My work in brand management began long before I knew what to call it. While serving as a general manager for a professional basketball team, I found myself helping players strengthen their social media presence and generate income beyond the game. It was hands on, practical work positioning athletes to turn their influence into opportunity.

Through that experience, I noticed a recurring issue many athletes, particularly those playing overseas or in local leagues, struggled to monetize their careers off the court. Once someone introduced me to the formal concepts of marketing and branding, everything clicked. I realized there was a real need for athletes to build intentional, authentic brands that extended beyond their athletic performance.

That realization led me to brand management as a business. Today, I help athletes, businesses, and content creators build powerful brands, secure strategic partnerships, and create sustainable income streams. What I’m most proud of is empowering my clients to see their value beyond their immediate industry and giving them the tools to succeed long-term.

The clients I work best with are those who are committed to the process people who are willing to show up, put in the work, and push forward even when the journey gets challenging.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my career happened recently. I was working with a sports agency, and when that opportunity came to an unexpected end, I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about what my next move would be. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I chose to view it as a moment to reset and refocus.

I decided to fully pour into my personal brand something I had helped so many others build but hadn’t prioritized for myself. I expanded my skill set by stepping into moderating and hosting, allowing my voice, perspective, and industry experience to take center stage. What started as a leap of faith quickly gained momentum.

Since making that shift, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The work has opened new doors, connected me with broader audiences, and led to opportunities I hadn’t previously imagined including booking a five-city tour. The experience has reinforced the power of adaptability and the importance of believing in your own brand, even during moments of uncertainty.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In brand management, reputation is built on three core pillars: who you work with, how you work, and how well you demonstrate your expertise. The clients and partners you align yourself with speak volumes about your credibility, but it’s your work ethic that sustains long-term trust. Consistency, reliability, and a genuine commitment to your clients’ success are what turn opportunities into lasting relationships.
Equally important is the ability to showcase what you know. In an industry driven by visibility, it’s not enough to deliver results behind the scenes you have to clearly communicate your strategy, your process, and your impact. By consistently sharing insights, results, and real-world experience, you position yourself not just as a service provider, but as a trusted authority in the space.
Together, these elements shape a reputation that opens doors, attracts the right clients, and sets the foundation for long-term success in brand management.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consultwithcris_/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/christian-ross-francis-8178801a8