Doner’s Post

One thing I’ve learned at Hudson Cutler & Co. is that diversity matters. Diversity improves collaboration, drives innovation and leads to better outcomes. This 4A's study doesnt just show worsening numbers at agencies, it signals an industry in decline. #advertising #diversity #change https://lnkd.in/eFnCZ6EY

A lot has been said about Chicago's brand lately, especially following the recent Crain's Forum series on the city's brand and reputation. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I see our city's brand as more than just a tagline—it's a living, breathing, evolving ethos. For me personally, it's where I best fit, it's where I find home, work, safety, and the opportunity to live my life's purpose and make a meaningful impact for future generations. I'm honored to continue collaborating with Choose Chicago's CMO Lisa Nucci and Beth Heller of Melissa Harris & Co. on the implementation of a strategy we crafted several years ago to convene, collect, and capitalize on driving the city's narrative. As part of this work, we are actively engaging with news directors and influencers who also shape the city's narrative. In each meeting, including yesterday's at NBC Chicago, we've encountered other passionate Chicagoans who are equally eager and committed to seeing our city thrive. Moreover, this endeavor has allowed me to forge new connections and friendships. From meeting Eric Masi / TORQUE, through Chicago Returns, a volunteer collective initiative aimed at inspiring return to office, to a recent meeting with Elena Valentine, who has an incredible and powerful #Chicago manifesto; to connecting months ago with public artist Matthew Hoffman, who recently unveiled a new Chicago collection (link: https://bit.ly/3IfqpFK), to getting to know and work with a smart creative agency led by Marques Elliston. Every encounter adds depth and richness to our collective drive and passion to elevate and highlight the city's brand. Chicago—it's a dynamic force that each of us actively shapes every day through our work and the lives we lead. It's a narrative we must all passionately champion and fiercely defend.

E.L.F. BEAUTY has called out all the ‘’Dicks’’ in the New York financial district. And I’m here for it. 👏🏾 Their latest purpose-driven media campaign is the next phase of the company’s ‘Change the Board Game’ initiative. It highlights the poor EDI stats of corporate U.S. Boards such as: 👉🏾 The lack of women in colour in board rooms. 👉🏾 Women make up only 27% of U.S. corporate boards. 👉🏾 There are more men named Dick (Richard, Rich, Rick) on publicly-traded boards than entire underrepresented people. Honestly, this campaign makes me love this brand even more. It’s not every day we see a major beauty brand stirring up conversations in corporate America. The ballsy stunt strategy is an outrage marketing tactic used to provoke the audience. A move its competitors wouldn’t dare try. E.L.F. are just unapologetically themselves from start to finish. And the way they’ve pop-cultured it to grab people’s attention is just exceptional. 👌🏾 They definitely know how to flip the narrative whilst turning heads. 👀 Bravo E.L.F. 👏🏾

Things happen. They just do. Sometimes they're orchestrated; oftentimes they're happenstance; but most times you can't stop them, and you're forced to go along for the ride. A few weeks ago, my role as UM's Chief Diversity Officer was eliminated. As you might imagine, I asked all of the questions including "why is this happening to me?". Then suddenly, affirmations of my work began to surface- a Palm Sunday lesson on growth from my Pastor; a myriad of "thank you" notes from employees from all over the country (more to come on that); a phone call from a friend revealing our last somewhat prophetic text exchange; a beautiful send off from employees across our entire network; etc. That's when I was forced to check myself for questioning my own faith. That's when I realized that what appeared to have happened TO me was actually happening FOR me. So, I don't know what's next, but what I do know is we're on to bigger and better things starting today! So, if you're looking for a Hall of Fame-level, transformative Executive with a talent for designing, driving and executing strategies with practical solutions- you know where to find me! #diversityequitybelonging #diversityintheworkplace #diversityinmarketing #diversityequityinclusion #diversityequityinclusionbelonging #cruciblemoments #mamaimadeit

Want to boost innovation and increase revenue? DEI initiatives are key! 🔑 Learn how inclusive advertising not only reflects the real world but also drives brand success.

Hey everyone, it's been a while! We've been busy leveling up, and guess what? We're now serving national and i n t e r n a t i o n a l brands. 🎉 If you’re new here, we wanted to introduce ourselves… buckle up.  We're all about conscious collaboration. We want to partner with brands who know what they want and are ready to take action. If you're struggling for direction or need someone to push you further, we're your crew.   But if you're just looking for a pat on the back, we might not be the best fit. We're not your average marketing & PR agency. 🙅 We believe in strategic authenticity and driving real results with modern, digital-first approaches. 👍 We're not afraid to say "no" if the vision doesn't align with the strategy. We say "yes" to transformation – the kind that gets you where you want to be. When it comes to our approach it’s as simple as this: keep your friends close... but your marketing team even closer. Learn more about our team here:

On translating culture into something consumable for brands.

Advertising Week Europe is NEXT WEEK! And I'm going to be there at Group Black's Culture Lounge so come and say hi! I'll be talking about: 👉 Do marketers have the power to make a positive impact? 👉 What does 'good' look like? (and how to not be a marketing 'baddie') 👉 What is Inclusive Marketing 👉 Some Great examples! 👉 5 Ways to practice it See you there? Looking forward to the fab line up you've curated for next week Ruth Mortimer Jamie Maw Matt Scheckner #Advertisingweek #InclusiveMarketing #AdvertisingWeekEurope

A story of partnership and people. We have worked with Hastings Direct since 2017, starting with a new employer proposition and a clutch of industry awards soon followed. In 2022 Hastings Direct asked us to help them revisit and refresh their employer proposition. And throughout the research it was highlighted that their great people have a ‘certain something’ about them. So, guess who feature in the creative delivery? Yes, the people who help make Hastings Direct the unique place it is. And here’s the case study of how we, and Hastings Direct, did it. https://lnkd.in/e4_Y-h2f #EmployerBrand #EVP #TalentAcquisition

Bridging the gap between brand and belonging. Discover how Inclusive Branding can deliver measurable results for your business. On September 12 at 1 PM ET, we'll discuss overcoming common pitfalls and share best practices for elevating your initiatives. Led by Ashley Colquitt-Finley of Brandtrust, learn how to catalyze human truths from underrepresented communities to create actual change. Learn to convey your brand's commitment to diversity purposefully and empathetically: https://hubs.la/Q02PjJMl0 #Brandtrust #Insights #ConsumerInsights #DeepInsights #HumanTruth