Perspectives and Opinions from Around the Industry
In this section, BSI attempts to highlight clear, and sometimes varying thoughts on what DEI is and how you both prioritize a DEI strategy and develop a workstream to achieve goals. Here, we think it is important to understand how some leaders think about the issues and have perspective on what to do - and what not to do.
Ken Chenault and Ken Frazier, the former CEOs of American Express and Merck, remember the March on Washington 60 years ago, and call attention to a forgotten part of its message: the demand for good jobs and higher wages for Black Americans.
BSI spoke with several dynamic figures within the ad industry focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation.
- LGBTQ+ Discussion, Part 1
Infinity Partnerships co-founders Amanada Binns and George Mani; Matt Skallerud, President of Pink Media - LGBTQ+ Discussion, Part 2
Infinity Partnerships co-founders Amanada Binns and George Mani; Curtis Sparrer, principal and co-founder of Bospar PR
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban primarily relayed anecdotes and lessons from his business career, but also had some colorful language for politicians his conversation at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
BSI CMO, Louis Jones collaborates with Sheryl Daija, Founder and CEO of BRIDGE, a new industry group focused on changing how we think about DEI, and how inclusiveness has a positive impact as a business strategy. In these two co-authored articles Sheryl and Louis speak on the idea that inclusiveness — inside and outside your organization — is essential for every brand vying for consumer’s attention. They posit that leaders need to think more intentionally around product and campaign development — and how to elevate your thinking beyond the obvious “diverse” calendar callouts (Black History Month, Women Months, Pride, etc.). They believe there is strong and recurring value to selecting diverse groups to align with strategically, throughout the year.
As industry efforts to promote diversity expand to media spend, Carolina Abenante, co-founder of NYIAX, and Jessica Hwang, VP, Sales, demonstrate how Automated Reconciliation will empower media planners and buyers to verify that those commitments are met.
Diversity in social media is crucial. But work must be done inside an organization and out. Read our tips on creating a long-term strategy.
Among the many diversity, equity and inclusion pledges made by corporations in the wake of George Floyd’s murder were commitments to spend more advertising dollars with Black-owned media companies. Media entrepreneur Charles Cantu joins Beyond The Hype to share why and how we must hold agencies and their clients accountable for delivering on those pledges.
Christopher Kenna discusses the true value of diversity and inclusion in the modern age of business, from day-to-day operations to marketing and campaigns.
Louis Jones of Brand Safety Institute spoke to us about his career, brand safety's effect on Black media, and performative activism.