Kim Culmone, Mattel's SVP Global Head of Design for Dolls, is joining Fast Company today at 10:30am PT for an Instagram Live conversation about her career journey and inclusion in the Fast Company Queer 50 list. Catch it on Mattel or Fast Company's IG handles (@mattel | @fastcompany). #PrideMonth #Design
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This morning my daughter asked me: "what colors are the other kids?" after I told her that we're going to a friends' birthday party later. I was taken back by the question and first thought that she was wrong asking such a question (she’s mixed herself). But I asked: why? She answered: Just to know if there’s others like me. That’s why representation matters. We mirror ourselves in society and businesses, B2B and B2C, consciously or unconsciously. We want to be seen and feel there’s room for us. So, when companies like Mattel, Inc. dropped a new line of inclusive barbies (all colors, sizes and disabilities) in 2016 and continued this path up till now, many kids and adults could finally identify. Not only is it good for society but also business: between 2015-2022, Mattel increased revenue growth with 63% with their inclusion strategy (before the box office movie, Barbie). Maybe you’re thinking, great but we’re B2B and our buyers don’t care about diversity, only the product! My question is: who makes those products and who’s the face of your company? Companies who have diverse talents outperform 33% those who don’t and innovate 87% faster (HBR, McKinsey). Being intentional and inclusive in how we build our business, teams and marketing strategies is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a competitive advantage that impacts the bottomline directly 🙌🏽 Agree? Images: Mattel #inclusion #business #marketing
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Dr Michelle Penelope King Chartered FCIPD
Dr Michelle Penelope King Chartered FCIPD is an Influencer Inequality & Culture Expert | LinkedIn Top Voice for Equity | Author: The Fix and How Work Works
🌍 Representation Matters Especially When It Comes To Toys 🎨 In today’s global market, taking a diverse lens to product creation isn't just a trend—it’s a necessity. This is especially true in the toy industry, where the products we create shape the minds and imaginations of the next generation. 💡 Diverse Toys, Diverse Minds: Toys play a crucial role in children’s development, influencing how they see themselves and others. Shockingly, research shows that only 15% of toys feature characters with disabilities, and a mere 10% of toys are designed to represent diverse ethnic backgrounds. When toys reflect a wide range of cultures, abilities, and experiences, they help children develop empathy, inclusivity, and a broader worldview (World Economic Forum) (Annenberg School). 📊 The Business Case for Diversity: Companies that embrace diversity in product design see up to 19% higher innovation revenue. This isn't just about doing the right thing—it’s about tapping into a broader market and meeting the diverse needs of consumers. In fact, 75% of consumers are more likely to support brands that reflect their own values and experiences, making diversity a clear competitive advantage (World Economic Forum) (UW-Milwaukee). 👩🏾🦽 Representation in Toys: Despite progress, there is still a significant gap in the representation of different races, genders, and abilities in toys. With 67% of parents saying they struggle to find toys that reflect their child’s identity, the demand for more inclusive products is clear. By creating toys that reflect the real world, companies can foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among all children, helping them see themselves as valuable members of society. #Diversity #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters #Empathy #Equality #Innovation #barbie
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In 2019, Mattel, Inc. launched The Barbie ® Dream Gap Project, to help tackle gender stereotypes internalised by girls as young as 5 and inspire them to reach their full potential. I've seen progress. Growing up playing football in England in the 90s, there wasn't a week that went by where I wasn't reminded that I was playing a "boys' sport". Then queue all the Bend it Like Beckham jokes in the 00s. To today, where girls' grassroots football is the strongest it has been, as is the support for the Lionesses ⚽️ But we still have work to do. We can all contribute to closing the 'dream gap', even by taking small steps such as: ✅️ Encouraging people to try activities that challenge gender stereotypes ✅️ Praising people who engage in behaviour which challenges gender stereotypes ✅️ Being a female role model or championing female leaders and amplifying their stories ✅️ Reflecting on gender stereotypes you may hold and unlearning them. All of the above will help level the playing field.
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On Day 10 of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we pay homage to Jose Julio Sarria, a trailblazing drag queen, and activist whose fearless presence and advocacy paved the way for LGBTQIA+ visibility and empowerment. Jose Julio Sarria’s contributions to drag culture and civil rights have left an indelible mark on the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring generations to embrace authenticity and celebrate diversity. As we honour Jose Julio Sarria’s legacy, it’s crucial for businesses to recognise the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry and take proactive steps to support LGBTQIA+ performers and creators. Supporting LGBTQIA+ performers and artists is a vital aspect of fostering diversity and inclusion in entertainment. Businesses can sponsor LGBTQIA+ performances, productions, and events, providing platforms for queer voices to shine and stories to be told authentically. Funding diverse productions that center LGBTQIA+ experiences, themes, and characters is essential for promoting representation and amplifying marginalised voices in entertainment. By investing in diverse storytelling, businesses not only support LGBTQIA+ creators but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape. Ensuring equal opportunities for LGBTQIA+ performers and creators requires proactive efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusivity. Businesses can collaborate with LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisations like Stonewall’s Entertainment Guide in the UK and GLAAD’s Media Institute in the USA to access resources, training, and best practices for promoting LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. By fostering diversity in entertainment, businesses play a crucial role in shaping narratives, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and celebrated. As we celebrate Jose Julio Sarria’s legacy and reflect on LGBTQIA+ History Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ representation, embracing diversity, and creating a more inclusive and representative world for all. Together, through our collective efforts, we can build a future where LGBTQIA+ voices are celebrated, valued, and uplifted in entertainment and beyond. #JoseJulioSarria #InclusiveEntertainment #DragCulture
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Executive Leader, Award Winning International DEI Leader, Governor at Barnsley College,CRN Diversity A List, CRN U.K. Channel A List, PrideLife Global Advocate, Tech Industry Achievement Award Winner 2023, Investor
On Day 10 of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we pay homage to Jose Julio Sarria, a trailblazing drag queen, and activist whose fearless presence and advocacy paved the way for LGBTQIA+ visibility and empowerment. Jose Julio Sarria’s contributions to drag culture and civil rights have left an indelible mark on the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring generations to embrace authenticity and celebrate diversity. As we honour Jose Julio Sarria’s legacy, it’s crucial for businesses to recognise the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry and take proactive steps to support LGBTQIA+ performers and creators. Supporting LGBTQIA+ performers and artists is a vital aspect of fostering diversity and inclusion in entertainment. Businesses can sponsor LGBTQIA+ performances, productions, and events, providing platforms for queer voices to shine and stories to be told authentically. Funding diverse productions that center LGBTQIA+ experiences, themes, and characters is essential for promoting representation and amplifying marginalised voices in entertainment. By investing in diverse storytelling, businesses not only support LGBTQIA+ creators but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape. Ensuring equal opportunities for LGBTQIA+ performers and creators requires proactive efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusivity. Businesses can collaborate with LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisations like Stonewall’s Entertainment Guide in the UK and GLAAD’s Media Institute in the USA to access resources, training, and best practices for promoting LGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. By fostering diversity in entertainment, businesses play a crucial role in shaping narratives, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and celebrated. As we celebrate Jose Julio Sarria’s legacy and reflect on LGBTQIA+ History Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ representation, embracing diversity, and creating a more inclusive and representative world for all. Together, through our collective efforts, we can build a future where LGBTQIA+ voices are celebrated, valued, and uplifted in entertainment and beyond. #JoseJulioSarria #InclusiveEntertainment #DragCulture
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We need to close the dream gap! Watch this powerful new campaign from #Barbie on why everyone has a role to play in ensuring young girls dream big 🩷 #closethedreamgap
A powerful, thought-provoking campaign from #Barbie! The Dream Gap is the space in between young girls’ wildly imaginative ambition and their full potential—hindered not because they’re incapable, but by the society they grow up in. Conscious and unconscious biases try to water down their dreams early on, but the Barbie Dream Gap Project is on a mission to close the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back. And while they’re driving awareness with this campaign, I think we all know it’s going to take an even bigger collective effort. We have a responsibility to close this gap for the next generation of girls—to nurture their #confidence, reinforce their abilities, and lift them up as dreamers and doers! Mattel, Inc.
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Head of Digital Banking & Partnership: Sanlam Fintech | Masters in Digital Business | Certified Loyalty Professional | Digital Collaborator
As we continue to inspire inclusion, we need to close the dream gap, by inspiring girls to understand that gender specific roles are no longer exist. Skills like digital and financial literacy should start at an early age. Creating equal access and opportunities at an early age will allow the world to close the dream gaps and remove the barriers that exist. #closethedreamgap #bethechangeyouwanttosee #girlscandoanything #girlseducation #girlsempowerment #girlsinscience #girlinclusion #girlsinstem #girlsintech #inspireinclusion #inspireinnovation #buildingthefuture #changetomorrowtoday
A powerful, thought-provoking campaign from #Barbie! The Dream Gap is the space in between young girls’ wildly imaginative ambition and their full potential—hindered not because they’re incapable, but by the society they grow up in. Conscious and unconscious biases try to water down their dreams early on, but the Barbie Dream Gap Project is on a mission to close the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back. And while they’re driving awareness with this campaign, I think we all know it’s going to take an even bigger collective effort. We have a responsibility to close this gap for the next generation of girls—to nurture their #confidence, reinforce their abilities, and lift them up as dreamers and doers! Mattel, Inc.
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Well done and powerful video - definitely worth watching ! It speaks to me not only as I’m a dad of two girls and I obviously want that they can live their dreams, but also as I strongly believe we need the power, creativity, empathy, excellence…of woman next to those of men as the true strength lies in diversity of teams. Teams are stronger then individuals, diverse teams stronger then teams with similar profiles. To achieve this we need woman on equal representation in all leadership roles.
A powerful, thought-provoking campaign from #Barbie! The Dream Gap is the space in between young girls’ wildly imaginative ambition and their full potential—hindered not because they’re incapable, but by the society they grow up in. Conscious and unconscious biases try to water down their dreams early on, but the Barbie Dream Gap Project is on a mission to close the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back. And while they’re driving awareness with this campaign, I think we all know it’s going to take an even bigger collective effort. We have a responsibility to close this gap for the next generation of girls—to nurture their #confidence, reinforce their abilities, and lift them up as dreamers and doers! Mattel, Inc.
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Head of Global PR&Communications Lynk&Co Design | Journalist | Social Media Exp | Event & film production | Strategy & Leadership | Speaker&Moderator
Are you a CEO, parent or a teacher? Then BE the change that is needed. Stop contributing to boys’ and men-clubs with benefits never accessible to the ”other” gender. Believe in girls and women by offering equal rights to education and equal pay for the same jobs. What is it like in your company? Do men and women have the same benefits? Are they paid equally for similar roles and duties? If you don’t know - check it out immediately. And make it change. Now. #ceo #teachers #parents
A powerful, thought-provoking campaign from #Barbie! The Dream Gap is the space in between young girls’ wildly imaginative ambition and their full potential—hindered not because they’re incapable, but by the society they grow up in. Conscious and unconscious biases try to water down their dreams early on, but the Barbie Dream Gap Project is on a mission to close the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back. And while they’re driving awareness with this campaign, I think we all know it’s going to take an even bigger collective effort. We have a responsibility to close this gap for the next generation of girls—to nurture their #confidence, reinforce their abilities, and lift them up as dreamers and doers! Mattel, Inc.
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Political Message Consultant at Westen Strategies LLC | Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Psychiatry @ Emory University
What a brilliant ad. This is persuasion at its best. It is hard not to be moved by it. It is simple. It has the narrative structure of an effective persuasive message:It tells a story, although you don’t realize it’s telling one from start to finish. it activates values. It activates negative emotions where it should. And it ends with a hopeful call to action, with a very creative tagline that is memorable and aspirational.
A powerful, thought-provoking campaign from #Barbie! The Dream Gap is the space in between young girls’ wildly imaginative ambition and their full potential—hindered not because they’re incapable, but by the society they grow up in. Conscious and unconscious biases try to water down their dreams early on, but the Barbie Dream Gap Project is on a mission to close the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back. And while they’re driving awareness with this campaign, I think we all know it’s going to take an even bigger collective effort. We have a responsibility to close this gap for the next generation of girls—to nurture their #confidence, reinforce their abilities, and lift them up as dreamers and doers! Mattel, Inc.
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