“Find a Way or Make One” isn’t just a motto Shawnae Corbett-Rice believes in—it’s something she breathes into every endeavor she pursues and every obstacle she overcomes. As a proud Clark Atlanta alumna, Corbett-Rice was immersed in the university’s iconic mantra and has carried its meaning with her ever since. In 2020, she was named to Billboard’s “40 Under 40” list, a historic moment that cemented her place among the young executives moving the industry forward.
The entertainment business can be unforgiving, but Corbett-Rice’s roots in Harlem and the Bronx gave her a mindset where words like no and can’t had no place. Now serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Warner Records, she’s not only an inspiring force in entertainment but also a blueprint for authenticity, resilience, and innovation.
With over two decades of experience, Corbett-Rice stands as one of the few Black women to hold such a high-ranking executive title in the industry. Yet, for her, success is not just about status—it’s about impact. While many executives aim to be remembered for their personal accolades, Corbett-Rice is crystal clear that her legacy is about generational influence. Internally at Warner, she’s often called their “point guard,” balancing entrepreneurial spirit with strategy to lead forward-thinking marketing campaigns and create what she calls “sustainability visibility” for rising talent.
“I navigate the music industry with grace and discernment. The pressure can be overwhelming at times, but knowing that I’m paving the way for future Black women and men keeps me going,” Corbett-Rice tells GU. “Being a Black woman in a high-level role is a powerful blend of resilience, strategy, and authenticity. It often means walking into rooms where you may be the only Black executive—while not just performing, but overperforming. It’s leading with authenticity while balancing expectations and bringing perspective and culture into every room I enter.”
As a highly respected media veteran in the business, she’s worked with a wide range of A-list talent including Wale, Saweetie, Omah Lay, and NLE Choppa—guiding the creative vision behind their marketing strategies. While fans are used to seeing polished campaigns and big rollouts, Corbett-Rice pulls back the curtain to share the reality of what it takes to bring those moments to life.
“A typical day involves collaborating with team members, managers, and artists on strategic marketing plans, attending meetings, organizing, planning and executing creative assets, and more! Most people may not know that some of the greatest ideas never see execution due to artists’ schedules, crisis management, or quick pivots in strategy,” she explains. “My creative process is to sit with each artist and their team to discuss the creative process and vision behind an upcoming track or project. Understanding that each single or project may or may not have a narrative arc that we can roll out.”
Even with the pace of the music industry constantly shifting, Corbett-Rice isn’t afraid of evolving. She doesn’t want to be confined to just one box. With plans to expand into industries like sports, film, and beauty—where similar audiences intersect—she sees the next phase of her career as a new chapter, not a departure.
“In five years, I see myself broadening my career in other industries. Applying my music marketing knowledge and cultural skills to bridge the gap between industries that speak to similar audiences,” she says. “My confidence grew from my long-term experience in music, and after many achievements and encouragement from my mentor Chris Atlas, I knew I was ready for the role.”
Corbett-Rice also offers a wealth of insight for the next generation entering music and media. She emphasizes the value of resilience, professionalism, and creating clear boundaries, especially in spaces where people of color are still underrepresented. For young professionals and recent grads, she stresses that every opportunity—paid or unpaid—is a stepping stone.
“Network! Get an internship even if it’s not paid, create campaigns as if you already received the job when you interview,” she advises. “Most importantly, you should have two to three mentors that are in different levels of their careers. I advocate for my clients with data and analysis. When the data is not too strong I may present co-signs, social potential, and long-term plans with tent poles that showcase.”
At every turn, Shawnae Corbett-Rice continues to make space, push boundaries, and uplift others—all while moving with purpose, power, and poise.