Gap Inc.’s Post

Reflecting on 2023, it was a pivotal year for me—marked by significant change and a bold rebranding that truly resonated with my core values. I leaned into my artistic flair, letting it guide my brand's transformation and speak authentically to the market. This rebrand wasn't just a change; it was a reinvention, a renaissance of my professional identity that now vibrantly reflects my individuality and vision. Here's to the power of embracing change and the beauty of artistic growth in branding. #rebranding #authenticity #embracingchange

Attending College Fashionista’s #CreatorsLoft on September 7 during New York Fashion Week was an enriching experience. From the moment I arrived, soaked from the rain, I was met with warmth and inspiration, especially after speaking with Sola Desgagne, Director of Marketing at Garage Clothing. During the Garage Mentor session, I asked Sola about career stability in marketing, given the industry’s constant evolution. Her advice was insightful: stability comes from adaptability 🌟 As long as you grow with brands, embrace change, and enjoy the process 🎉, you’ll find stability in your career. This shifted my perspective on what it means to have a secure career in any field. Sola also told me that she’s a generalist and told me about the importance of versatility 🎯 Her experience showed that having a broad skill set not only makes you adaptable but also enables you to thrive in a changing industry 🚀. This advice will guide me as I continue to grow professionally. I also discovered Garage Clothing’s inspiring mission to create a safe space where women can express themselves authentically 👗. Their all-female team fosters inclusivity and comfort, allowing women to be unapologetically themselves 💡. Key takeaways: 🌟 Adaptability is crucial for stability in any field. 🎯 Versatility opens doors to growth and success. 🎉 Enjoying the journey makes work more fulfilling. 👗 Empowerment and supporting inclusive brands lead to meaningful careers.

“Inclusivity” has been the most popular way to dilute your brand for the past decade or so. Appealing to everyone is bad advice. The fact that it is so enshrined in our culture that it has become a “moral duty” is stupidity. It's a big part of Modern America. It's in investment algorithms (thanks, Blackrock). Your brand isn’t for everyone. The same people who make policy for our failing education system tell you it’s a high virtue. Career politicians are not serious people. They are parasites and sociopaths. They don’t have your best interests in mind. The incentive to appeal to a specific audience is that the audience feels heard. They gain a connection. What is the incentive for inclusivity? Green line go up? A more “kind” world, whatever that means? Just good vibes? At a certain level of scale, you can afford to be inclusive. Depends on the business and your values. If it’s a value of yours, then it can work. But it’s not for everyone. Don’t be inclusive. Cater to a specific group with thoughtfulness.

The power of our rough diamonds 💎 At our vibrant team at stylink, we place immense value on nurturing young talents fresh from university or professional training. But why? Because we've witnessed firsthand the incredible value they bring. Our "rough diamonds" may lack experience, but they possess an unparalleled drive to learn and excel. We've invested heavily in their development, both internally and through external coaching, and it's paid off tenfold. What sets them apart? Their motivation, commitment, and innate drive to challenge the status quo. In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s critical to constantly question norms. What worked yesterday might not cut it today. At stylink, we’re champions of progress and adaptability. We embrace the evolving tides of innovation because we know that to stand still is to fall behind. Are you ready to energize your team with fresh talent? Let's chat! #youngtalent #fosteringinnovation #careerdevelopment #progressiveminds

ANOTHER "DRAFT" YEAR -- As we welcome 2024, I'm already filled with excitement and hope. Like everyone, I'm eagerly anticipating crossing off the first resolution on my list. This year, however, I've decided to adopt a more measured pace. My resolution list is intentionally “small” - focusing on tangible, achievable goals. I have no doubt that this new year will be another "draft" year, a period ripe for creativity, innovation, and exploration. It's a time to sketch out new ideas, to try, to fail, and to learn without the fear of imperfection. Embracing the "draft" mindset means welcoming a year of growth, change, and endless possibilities. As I embark on this journey with my new team, it feels like we're standing in front of a blank canvas, ready to experiment and push the boundaries of our transformative experiences. Together, we aim to transcend the ordinary, to create and innovate in ways we haven't before. This year is about making bold strokes, testing new concepts, and cultivating an environment where each 'draft' brings us closer to something truly remarkable. So here's to a year of drafting – of learning, growing, and creating with courage and curiosity. Let's make 2024 a year where every attempt, every trial, and every "draft" moves us closer to our goals and dreams. Happy New Year! 🌟🎨🚀 #2024goals #newyear #newyearsresolution

Check out this important research on the power of building inclusive brands, led by my dear colleague and friend, Omar Rodríguez-Vilá, PhD and MY esteemed MBA marketing prof Sundar Bharadwaj w Dionne Nickerson. This is worth your time and attention.

This quote underscores the depth and significance of rebranding beyond mere aesthetics. It highlights that rebranding is a holistic transformation that rejuvenates a business from the inside out. 🪄✨ This process invigorates the company's identity and mission, enabling it to connect more deeply with its audience and deliver products or services with renewed vigor and purpose. Rebranding, therefore, is a strategic evolution that can propel a business to new levels of success and engagement, far beyond superficial changes. #LMBKGroup #Rebranding #TransformativeJourney

Built Differently to Build Differently

With Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in full swing, check-out my latest PRWeek op-ed on why we need to continue to double down on the importance of #DEI at a time when diversity initiatives are losing steam across our industry. The Sway Effect #SwayEffectCannes #CannesLions2024

"Brands help people make choices — and that’s true whether we’re talking about products, objects, or humans." The recent Harvard Business Review article "Your Personal Brand Needs a Refresh—Here’s Where to Start" (link: https://lnkd.in/ef3ge-7G ) emphasizes the importance of staying relevant, authentic, and distinctive in today's fast-paced world. Why is this important? Because your personal brand influences how others perceive and choose to interact with YOU. For over 15 years, Gryphon Design Strategy has been helping emerging and established brands create dynamic relationships with their customers. We are now extending our growth strategy to individuals and small businesses who wish to make a change. As a diverse, women-led team, we are passionate about removing the stigma and barriers of age, gender, race, and neurodiversity so that talented people can be seen for the rock stars they truly are. Connect with us to learn more! Michele Slobin-Apprille https://lnkd.in/g7YXgewv Founder, Gryphon Design Strategy Boston | Portland | Los Angeles | Columbus #PersonalBranding #GryphonDesignStrategy #BrandRefresh #ProfessionalGrowth #StayRelevant