CIVIC’s Post

When I post on social media, it is always done without thinking much. Which is something, admittedly, I am working on. Part of my being authentic, is being in the moment and saying what I feel. All with good intent. But what I don’t take into account enough, is the impact of my words and platform. And that as quickly as they can be used for good, they can equally be taken and used to inflict harm. In 2021, I publicly invited Tiffany Warren to sit down and speak with me about a decision she made with ADCOLOR Conference and Awards. A decision I didn’t agree with and was, with good intention, critical of. I did this in a public post that looking back, was reckless. While she’s done incredible things with her organization to uplift our community, my words inspired people to use it as an opportunity to tear her and her work down. I often preach about uplifting our community and coming together to align. This was the opposite of that, and looking back, I’m embarrassed for my actions, and the actions they sparked. Tiffany, as public as I was with my criticism, I want to be equally as public with my apology. The work that you have done in this space was deserving of a 1:1 conversation that, in my haste, I made into a town square debate. I apologize to you and all affiliated with ADCOLOR Conference and Awards that took offense. I also want to extend an apology to the Black community within our industry. Please use this as a learning moment that as seasons change, so do behaviors and perspectives. She may not see this post, because she rightfully blocked me lol. But my sincere hope is that she and her community know that I truly do care and want to build more bridges in the future. Together. There is too much division among those who all want to same thing as-is. We all have the same goals. We all want our community to thrive. So let’s all do a better job at working together…starting with ourselves.

I get talked into all kinds of shenanigans!

Great article by Yasmin Arrigo on the deprioritisation of #DEI in #ADland - please read and share! At Brixton Finishing School we've experienced this in the last 12 months, alongside many other #changemaking organisations, a #stealth defunding of commitments to #DEI leaving us with a budget deficit last year. We took this #crisis as an opportunity to reflect, reframe and recommit to our mission - to create fair, accessible industry access for all talents and to then support them to thrive, not survive when they arrive. Thank you to all who advocated for us - we really value and appreciate your efforts! #2024 is our year of serenity and we will not deviate from our mission - we will gracefully keep, keeping on, driving change. Talent is distrubuted equally but opportunities are not. To supercharge change long term commitment to impactful change making projects is needed. It’s vital that the industry leans in and support our (and other organisations) efforts. MEFA CEO, Naren Patel, decided to launch the Media For All [MEFA] awards when a recent survey indicated that businesses were experiencing “DEI fatigue” ; they were under so much pressure that diversity and inclusion were taking a back seat. #DEI departments have been disbanded at #tech companies (Source: WordinBlack.com) And by December 2023 open calls for divestment were heard - with Elon Musk declaring on X ‘DEI must Die’. Dear Industry, your busy day job is serving your clients and their consumers - our day job is supporting multiple communities with many intersectionalities to win at the world of work. So please, reach out to third party experts who can make authentic inclusion a reality for you - it’s not going to happen if it’s not a future proofed commitment. 

I wanted to celebrate for a minute. Celebrate the clients halfway through the first month of our new "Pathway To Influence." I know we have nailed our new process, which is the best thing we have done. Finally, we have cracked the code. There were times in the last 10 years of being online I wanted to throw in the towel, and there were times when we almost did, but there was a tiny part of me that did not want to. I am not sure whether it is my stubborn Tauren nature or unwavering tenacity. But that's what makes us different. So many come and go and do the next big thing because it is "on trend." We've remained true to our core strengths and constantly strived to evolve. Our focus has always been on how we can enhance our services, inspire our clients, and provide them with the support they need in ways we rarely see or have experienced. Our next group will be next month, so if you want clear, tangible help stretching your thinking, creating a brand you are proud of with all the assets, and systemising your growth, reach out. Our clients range from start-ups to 7 figures. The thing they all have in common is that they have lost their edge in marketing. They want to reinvent their brand, have no bottlenecks with systems that don't cost the earth and make a big global impact. They want to learn how to express themselves as themselves, not copy other people. If this sounds like you. I'd love to learn more about you.

Is the Mad Men era really over? I wanted to wait until after Cannes to share my thoughts about this article, and quite honestly, I couldn't think of a better day to share my perspective then on July 4th. How is that the most creative people on the planet who undoubtedly continue to shape global pop culture, left out of the most creative industry in the world. Think about it, Black and Brown consumers created rock and roll, hip hop, jazz, rhythm and blues, Hip Hop, DJ'ing, Streetwear, every meaningful move you watch everyday in sports that makes you say, "Wow, Did you see that!" We delight the world with our flavors, cuisines, and our uncanny way of taking what was considered scraps and turn them into the some of the most flavorful dishes on the planet, and that's just the pop cultural contributions. I can talk about all the creative contributions we've made in science, the arts, and academia, but I want you all to get back to your BBQ's. Let's just assume that most people will agree that the world would be drastically different and not as interesting if it was not for our contributions. So the question I have to ask, is how are the most creative people on the planet not winning more awards at Cannes, or not ECD's, or CCO's for big ad agencies or running 100 million dollar creative consultancies that are driving growth for multi billion dollar brands. The answer is simple answer, one that we continue to run away from because it forces us to determine if we are culpable and guilty of being bias and the perpetuaters of prejudice. And by the way, this goes for both Black people as much as it does for White who are in the key positions to create the necessary paradigm shifts. Ultimately, the responsibility will have to happen at the brand level if we want this to change. Brands must open up the aperture on how we are seen and utilized. We are not just talent or an accessory to your typical understanding of what creative talent is or what you need it to be, sound like, look like to make you feel comfortable. Someone recently asked me what makes a good client, and I told them "Courage"! If this industry is going to change we need more of that! Happy Independence Day!! #equality #courage #diversity #inclusivity #creativity #advertising

Feeling privileged and grateful to witness a pool of brilliant ideas and be a part of an amazing community! Shoutout to EMMA J MURPHY Jack Lydon Anna Hughes Rachel Gott Here's what I learnt ⚡ 💡 83% of disabled music fans have been deterred from attending live events/gigs due to poor access 🤚🏾 78% of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals found that venues rarely or never provide captioning or sign language interpreters ❓ What can brands, music organisations, live event promoters, venue operators, agencies, and broadcasters do? 📢 Approximately 14.6 million people in the UK have a disability, which represents about 22% of the overall population 1️⃣ Expand your market reach - Over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities—a significant demographic with substantial purchasing power 2️⃣ Brand Reputation - Demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and become preferred choices for consumers who value inclusivity, especially Gen Z and Gen A 3️⃣ Integrated fan experiences - Embracing and investing in seamless digital experiences at live events—mobile ticketing, interactive apps, and live streaming options, sign language interpreters, etc— to enhance accessibility #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #Inclusion #Diversity #MusicIndustry #Branding #Leadership #CSR #SocialImpact

We want to commemorate Black History Month by acknowledging the significant impact of Black professionals in the branding and marketing sector. Their contributions have not only enriched our industry but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse professional landscape. 🔍 Despite facing systemic barriers, Black marketers in the early and mid-20th century crafted niche campaigns that spoke directly to Black audiences, showcasing an early understanding of targeted marketing. 🌍 Today, the legacy of these trailblazers is evident in the dynamic and inclusive strategies employed across the industry. Their influence extends beyond campaigns, affecting how brands engage with diverse communities globally. 📈 However, the journey towards true equality is ongoing. Black professionals still encounter obstacles in career advancement and representation in executive roles. This reality calls for a continued commitment to fostering an environment where diversity is not just celebrated but actively promoted. 🔗 Let’s use this month to reflect on our practices and strive towards creating equitable opportunities for all. The insights and perspectives of Black professionals are invaluable in our pursuit of a marketing world that truly represents the society we serve. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g2b4xwE #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveMarketing #IndustryLeaders #DiversityAndInclusion

The work of educating our children around culture, identity, and their history often goes unseen. It’s time to make it VISIBLE. 👉🏽 You tell stories, connect through foods + music, and share sayings within your home. 👉🏽 You travel + encourage them to be less self-centered. 👉🏽 You show them art, take them to concerts, films, and public events. 👉🏽 You share your beliefs around human rights, shared resources, democracy, and the importance of voting. ✨ You share the past in order to make a better future. Our society + public policies grow, shift, and evolve because of the efforts you’re making within your homes around civic + cultural engagement. And for folks of color or from historically marginalized communities, this work goes a layer deeper. It’s woven into the fabric of every conversation. The owner of this @fairplaylife card is responsible for thinking of, scheduling, and planning activities that support your family’s overall value system and mission. THIS takes conscientious effort, time, and focus which makes it valuable work. ✨ What’s one cultural activity you have planned for this year-end break? #fairplayfriday

Worth reading this timely post from Krishana Davis.

Here's what I've been up to in the last year at the Chicago Sun-Times, including the progress we've made on our editorial strategy (and also how I've been getting to know Chicago, my new city)!