CultureConnect

In this episode, we explore how authentic cultural moments are replacing traditional notions of establishing brand loyalty.  Learn how and why being culturally relevant has become the goal of certain segments in the advertising world. Guests:●Oswald Mendez, CMO Canela Media●Audrey Cochran,  VP, Television and Digital Research, UrbanOne●Karen Vega, Partnership Advisor & Consultant, Former Paramount Advertising  ●Michelle Morgan, Brand Strategy Director, WPP UniteThe program was hosted by Janelle A. James, co-chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and U.S. Head of Cultural Intelligence at IPSOS. 

While media often spotlights younger generations, this episode of CultureConnect, examines the massive cultural shift happening at the other end of the spectrum. We’ll explore a group many are calling, "Age Disruptors"—a generation of adults 50+ who are defying stereotypes, reclaiming their vitality, and out-earning and out-spending every other demographic.We’ll hear from a panel of experts discussing why the traditional "path to aging" has been permanently detoured focusing on:Economic Power: With 50+ audiences controlling more than half of all consumer spending, we examine the massive economic cost brands pay when they fail to make this demographic feel truly seen.The Vitality Revolution: How women 50+ are being reimagined in media, moving from the background to the forefront with energy and agency that defies traditional aging.The Hip-Hop Pulse: Hip hop recently turned 50, but it remains a heartbeat of modern culture. We discuss how the genre that defined a generation of visionaries and activists continues to power audiences today. Tune in as we flip the script on aging and prove that the 50+ frontier is one of the most dynamic spaces for brands and in culture today.Guests:Richard Bell, CEO of Openly GrayCassandra Burton, Senior Research Advisor at AARPMary Kate Callen, Senior Vice President of Global Ad Marketing & Intelligence at Paramount MarketingCara Weiss, Senior Vice President of Research & Analytic at iHeart MediaHost: Janelle James, Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and U.S. Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos

As we kick off 2026, the "New Luxury" landscape is no longer defined by price tags alone, but by cultural fluency, convenience, and authenticity. In this episode of CultureConnect, we dive into why the most resilient luxury brands and destinations are winning by prioritizing Growth Audiences—cross-cultural consumers who are not only the fastest-growing segments in the U.S. (and overrepresented in Gen Z) but also often the primary architects of global trends. We also discuss the importance of expansive audience reach in everything from customer service to product development and the importance of sustainability, given Gen Z’s preference for vintage and values, immersive experiences, and storytelling. This program is hosted by Janelle A. James, who is Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and the US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.Guests:Huanne Hugh, Vice President of Luxury Fragrances at L’OrealCagney Spears, Director, Global Marketing, Purple Label and Kids, Ralph LaurenJustin Laborde, Vice President of Thought Leadership at IPSOS

With 2025 coming to a close, the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council offers a retrospective of some of the past year’s CultureConnect episodes.  Our panel shared the guests and themes that stood out to them, as well as the lessons they learned.  The program was hosted by Janelle A. James, who is Co-chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and U.S. Head of Cultural Intelligence at IPSOS.  Panel:  Nicole Mitchell, Principal on Dynata’s Research Science TeamAgustina Perez Blua, Senior Account Manager at GoogleSarah Fahim, Senior Strategic Researcher at VML

In this episode of Culture Connect, we examine how Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) is reshaping both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) marketing and communications. A panel of Gen Z professionals share their views on the future of media and marketing, exploring how the generation's traits—especially their diversity and focus on empathy and equity—are leading to drastic changes in the market and the workplace.Guests: Morgan Batts, Brand Executive at Weiden & Kennedy and Founder of ConNxt Project Alejandro Garcia Medina, Research Lead at LinkedIn's B2B Institute Elise Gentry, Assistant to Talent Agent & Partner at United Talent Agency Alexis Harris, Global Research & Insights Lead at TikTok Olympia Wundrock, Senior Manager, Analytics & Insights at Procter & Gamble Danielle Zito, Senior Account Manager at IpsosThe podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

It’s October… Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous People’s Day and we’re seeing that supporting women of color is a critical pathway to universal solutions. In this episode, we're spotlighting the need for equitable health access and emerging solutions as many community safety nets disappear in the wake of the government shutdown. Healthcare brands, businesses, and nonprofits are bridging the gap and providing connection, support, and innovation for these family, community, and workplace leaders and we’re eager to illuminate how. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos. Guests:Monique C. James, Psychiatrist, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weil Cornell School of MedicineYamila Ruiz, Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs, The Latina InstituteCaroline Brethenoux, Chief Strategy Officer, Human Dot Plus and The Culture+ Group

In this episode, we dive into the profound and multifaceted impact Asian cultures and influencers have on American culture and consumer expectations. For decades, Asian American and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islander individuals and communities have shaped the U.S.. Now, a new wave of influence is undeniable as this growth audience increasingly drives American consumer culture and brand commercial success by prioritizing representation, digital engagement, social responsibility, and cross-cultural influence. Join us as we discuss how this cultural shift is not just a trend, but a fundamental reshaping of American identity and a powerful signal for marketers, media professionals, technologists, and product developers who want to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.Guests:• Christopher Yang, Qualitative Consultant, Ipsos• Kerou Carol Chang, Director Commercial Finance, Publicis Groupe• Charlie Yamamoto, VP of Partnerships, Dive Studios

Given the current backlash surrounding the American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney and her good ‘jeans’ and even the recent Heinz “Smile” and “Family Portraits” campaigns from a few months ago, there’s a clear opportunity to reboot our Cultural Effectiveness Council conversations on avoiding marketing missteps. In this episode of CultureConnect, we’re excited to lead a reenergized conversation with guests who are executives and entrepreneurs in culture and creative effectiveness as they offer guidance on how to navigate culturally dynamic and diverse audiences and develop successful creative campaigns that work for everyone. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.Guests:Laura Mignott, Advisor to Realm, Creator of “Culture Boards,” and CEO of You Are Home. Host of The Reset PodcastTeri Arvesu Gonzalez, Chief Purpose Officer, Founder of The TAG Collab. Host of The Tag Collab podcast.

In this episode of CultureConnect, we dive into the power of culture with Dr. Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture. We explore how understanding cultural dynamics can transform brand impact and audience reach, what drives brand trust, insights on leveraging influence authentically and turning culture into capital, and even how this all comes together as we think about new and emerging consumers. This conversation is the perfect listen for any brands or business people looking to elevate their presence and connect more deeply with a more expansive group of audiences. CultureConnect is hosted by Janelle A. James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation with industry leaders -- on the ground at the 2025 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival -- who are championing inclusive marketing, media, and technology in their work. AI conversations were omnipresent at the Festival and that, combined with these more turbulent times, shaped the context for the discussion and underscored that embracing people and cultures is more vital than ever. Our panel explores how empathy-driven strategies and expansive audience understanding are critical for communications, connection, and unlocking new pathways for growth.  Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.Guests:Meghan Bartley, Senior Director of Agencies, Brands, and Engagement, GLAADHetal Patel, President of Advertising Intelligence, iHeart RadioRachael Ryan, Head of Research & Insights, TikTokBeato Singleton, Global Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer, McCann WorldgroupRobert Velez, Vice President of Multicultural Sales, Vevo

In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of sports with women who are leading the way as executives and journalists. Together, they bring unique perspectives on the vital topics of representation on and off the field, career advancement, and setting new standards for women in the sports industry. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.Guests:Sandra Osayuki Idehen, Recent Global VP/GM Jordan Basketball & Sport at NikeKelley Carter, Senior Entertainment Reporter at ESPNMary Kate Callen, SVP Market & Cultural Intelligence at Paramount 

This episode of CultureConnect focuses on the critical, innovative, and engaging role media plays in healthcare, shaping everything from practitioner care to patient outcomes.  We delve into how it can transform education and access through connection and even entertainment. Our conversation includes a brilliant panel of experts including Dr. Chynna Steele Johnson, nationally renowned board-certified dermatologist and owner at Steele Dermatology; Dana Smith, VP, Condé Nast Health; and  Dr. Lauren Powell, Head of Health Equity at Biogen. They are leading the way supporting communities, combatting misinformation and disinformation, and empowering patients and practitioners alike. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the pivotal roles research and communications play in achieving greater access in healthcare. Join us as we speak with leading voices advocating and innovating through their work. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.Guests:Khadijah Ameen, Co-Founder and Director of Policy Research, BlkhlthJulia Rebouillat Clifford, Head of Strategy Operations North America, Biomerieux

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore how technology continues to connect, disrupt, empower, and push boundaries in healthcare. From medical innovations to telehealth, there’s no doubt that technology is changing the lives of providers, patients, researchers, executives, and everyone in the healthcare ecosystem. Tune in as we speak with leading voices innovating in healthcare through their advisory work. We’ll also discuss why focusing on underserved communities is not only the right thing to do, but also a catalyst for innovation that benefits everyone. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos. Guests:Kara Dennis, Board Director with Antidote Technologies.  Charles Fan, Founder and Strategic Executive Advisor With CF Advisory, LLC

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the pivotal role greater access plays in the lives of consumers and patients today. Join us as we speak with leading voices advocating and innovating in healthcare through their work. We’ll discuss why focusing on underserved communities is not only the right thing to do, but also a catalyst for innovation that benefits everyone. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos.Guests:Nicole Phillips, CMO with CVS CaremarkVanessa Johnson, COO for Planned Parenthood Direct

Inclusive marketing is a strategy that can help with everything from campaigns to community impact by creating content that reaches a wide range of people. It’s about more than celebrating diversity, it’s also about connecting, growing a business, innovating, and managing risks. In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the impact of and operations behind inclusive marketing. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos. Guests:Susette Brooks, Director of Inclusive Marketing, Penguin Random HouseNancy Dalton, Director, Amazon Access External Affairs, Marketing & Social ImpactStephanie De Costa, VP Multicultural Planning Director, Hero Collective

In today’s marketing world, it's no longer enough to simply reach audiences; we also need to authentically resonate with them.  One way to do that is through storytelling. When it’s done well, this process not only shapes how we see ourselves and others, but also shapes how we see the future. In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the impact of and operations behind inclusive storytelling and get some valuable insights on cultural intelligence that can influence messaging, content, and approaches. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos. Guests:Kamala Avila-Salmon, The Founder & Ceo, Kas Kas ProductionsNatasha Alford, SVP,  The Grio, Political Commentator, Author of  “American Negra.”

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and its potential are putting pressure on businesses to adopt the technology, sometimes before they’re fully ready.  In the absence of regulation, business leaders have to figure out how to deal with AI bias and act responsibly without the guidelines they often need.  In our 30th  episode of CultureConnect, we’re diving into the critical topic of responsible AI as a catalyst for innovation. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos Guests:April Jeffries, Global President Of Ethnography & Immersive Research, IpsosKalinda Ukanwa, Assistant Professor Of Marketing (Modeling And Analytics) , University California, Irvine

Cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications are not only enhancing the customer journey, they’re also upskilling marketing, media, and product teams in the process. As the technology and options advance, AI is proving to be game changing for both brands and people as they navigate everyday tasks.  On this episode of CultureConnect, we’ll discuss the challenges, impact and risks of AI implementation. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos.Guests:Cecilia Dones, Founder, 3 Standard Deviations & Adjunct Professor, Columbia Business SchoolPeta-Gaye Lysius. AI Product Leader, BNY MellonLori Mazor, Founder & CEO, Synthetivity

Artificial intelligence is having a profound impact on all aspects of business including market research. AI is revolutionizing how we gather, analyze, and interpret data, providing unprecedented new capabilities and driving innovation in how brands connect with audiences.  On this episode of CultureConnect, we’ll discuss the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of integrating AI into research methodologies. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos UUGuests:Romani Patel, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft Jamin Brazil, Chief Revenue Officer, Voxpopme Morgan Gregory, Founder & Ceo, Alltold

Insight specialists help organizations understand their customers, so they can improve products, communications, strategies and marketing. On this episode of CultureConnect, we’re exploring careers in insights with a panel of experts from top brands, who have helped bring important perspectives and innovations to market, while amplifying diverse voices and experiences. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos UU.Guests:Kathy Dini James, Global Brand Strategy Insights Lead, NetflixKyle Ranally, Strategic Initiatives Insights Lead, NBACharitie Dantis-Gayo, Corporate Vice President, Center For Consumer Insights, New York Life InsuranceYasmine Laasraoui, Director Trends & Foresight, North America Consumer Insights, Estee Lauder Companies

Media organizations persistently lack diversity in its workforce, particularly at the top. At the same time, the industry is aware that representation can bring with it great numbers of consumers and more financial gains.  On this episode of CultureConnect, a dynamic panel of executives discuss the paths they traveled to build their careers in media and advice for those who want to succeed in this ever-changing field. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos UU. Guests:Mary Kate Callen, VP Audience Impact & Intelligence, Paramount Advertising Ivan Land Jr, Business Strategy Director, Hero CollectiveJennifer Rivera Vega, Head of Multicultural Advertising, TikTok

The U.S. technology industry has grown at a steady if not rapid pace, yet it lags when it comes to diversity in its workforce. The majority of its workers are white and/or male.  On this episode of CultureConnect, we’re taking a look at careers in tech with a panel of experts who are doing their part to diversify this STEM field.  Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos UU.Guests:Nicole Isaac, VP, Global Public Policy, CiscoJason Shah, Tech Investor & OperatorKanchanna Patlola, Technical Solutions Manager, Google

In honor of women’s history month, CultureConnect is taking a deep dive into the advertising ecosystem and talking to some of the contemporary influential women on the front line of this creative and ever evolving field.  From conceptualizing and developing some of the most memorable advertising campaigns to championing DEI, we’ll discuss what it takes to make it as a woman in advertising and break barriers in a male-dominated and often male-led industry. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP Ipsos UU.Guests:Karen Vega, Vice President, Inclusive Solutions, ParamountKerri Soukup, Executive Creative Director & Executive Vice President, Leo BurnettAdrienne Lucas, Global Head of DEI & Strategic Partnerships, The One Club For Creativity

In honor of black history month, CultureConnect is celebrating black creatives in advertising. So much of their experiences include paving the way, creating spaces and conveying messages for those who have largely lacked representation in media and advertising. In this episode, a group of creative directors share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as black professionals in the media and advertising industries.Guests:Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos UUHusani Barnwell, Group Art Supervisor, DDB, & Creative Director, Husani Barnwell Creative Consulting LLCKassandra Pollard, Associate Creative Director,  McCann New York Courtney Richardson, Creative Director At Droga5 & Founder, Museum of Nail Art Shakira Seabrooks, former Creative Director, BET

Corporations recognize the opportunity inclusive advertising offers to connect with all types of consumers and expand market reach. Yet many hit stumbling blocks along the way, including misperceptions or mistakes in marketing.  We discuss these issues and how to avoid them with Mita Mallick,  author of “Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.”A conversation with Janelle A. James, SVP IUU, and Mita Mallick,  Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact, Carta and author, “Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace”

Over 2023, CultureConnect has covered many areas surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, and the ways in which they are driving growth in businesses and marketing. As the year draws to a close, we wanted to look back at some of the interesting topics we’ve explored and celebrate the second year of our podcast. A Conversation with Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos UU, Tarya Weedon, Cultural Insights Strategist and Moderator, Horowitz Research and Veronica Hernandez, Product Manager, Nielsen 

The landscape for qualitative research has undergone significant transformations in recent years. “Qual” is evolving and overcoming pitfalls related to diversity and cultural understanding. We discuss these issues and best practices in qual for organizations moving forward.  A conversation with, Janelle A. James, SVP, IUU, Tony D’Andrea, Multicultural Marketing Manager at General Mills, Danielle Hemsley, Director Of Research Strategy at Cassandra, Tristan Marra, VP Research, GLAAD, Kendra Clarke, Former Senior Dirctor, Head of Experience Research and Design Core technologies, Twitter 

Over the years organizations saw making progress in diversity, equity and inclusion as good for business.  However, after a period of reinvigorated commitment to DEI, there’s now concern that may be diminishing. We examine how the current environment is changing the state of DEI in media, marketing and advertising, and how to navigate it.  A conversation with, Koen Pauwels, Distinguished Professor of Marketing, Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Jane Etheridge, Strategy Director, Hunter Design and Carla Eboli, EVP, Multicultural Market, D,E & I Lead, Energy BBDO  

The increasing popularity of women’s sports and the increasing presence of women in the business of sports is without a doubt an inspiration. It’s also an incredible case study on diversity, equity, and inclusion touching on topics from pay equity to representation in media. How are teams at all levels driving inclusion and eliminating disparities? What roles do brands, media, and fans play? How are women not only breaking barriers in women’s sports, but also in men’s sports? In this episode, we explore the impact and influence women are having in sports from the field to the boardroom and everything in between.  A conversation with Janelle A. James (host), SVP, Ipsos, Anya Dawkins Johnson, Vice President of NBA Marketing and Commercial Strategy, Warner Brothers Discovery, Katlyn Gao, Ceo and Co-Founder At League One Volleyball (LOVB)  and Katie O’Mealia, Vice President of Programming, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

Inclusive advertising is an opportunity to reflect society and promote social change while expanding market reach. In our last episode of CultureConnect, we looked at the ongoing efforts of agencies and brands to navigate the complexities of DEI in advertising. In this episode, we continue that conversation with new research from two prominent organizations at the forefront of promoting inclusion in advertising.A conversation with Janelle A, James, Senior Vice President, IUU - Ipsos, Rachel Rogers, Senior Vice President Of Creative Excellence, Ipsos, Meghan Bartley, Director of Agencies Brands And Engagement, GLAAD, Anna Wilgan, Vice President of Product Marketing, Kantar and Latha Sarathy Chief Research Officer, Association of National Advertisers and EVP, Insights & Analytics & Measurement, SEEHER. 

More and more marketing professionals see DEI in advertising presents an opportunity to expand market reach and increase brand relevance in addition to promoting social change. So how are agencies and brands doing when it comes to navigating the complexities of inclusive advertising? We discuss the ways in which marketers can find success in the future by embracing and influencing changes in society and culture.  A conversation with Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos IUU, Angel Bellon, Senior Director Of Insights & Cultural Intelligence, Paramount , Victoria Ekwenuke, Marketing Inclusion Lead, Meta

Music has always been a powerful instrument for connection and cultural advancement. It’s a tool for self-expression and self-determination. Music plays a big role in June celebrations of Pride Month, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month, and Black Music Month.  On this episode, we discuss how music shares culture, challenges stereotypes, and advances different communities.A conversation with Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos IUU, Natalya Davis, COO, the Shalizi Group , Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House Correspondent and Managing Editor of Politics, theGrio and  Julie Duhen, Marketing Executive, Vevo 

Immigration is a significant part of the American story, shaping our country's history and cultural identity. However, immigrant portrayals in the media haven’t always been fair, kind or accurate. This episode focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the media when it comes to immigrants, with a focus on the Asian-American experience.A conversation with Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos, IUU (Council Co-Chair), Erum Chaudhry, VP,  Marketing,  Parfums, Christian Dior , Patricia Ratulangi, VP, Global Communications, Diversity, & Inclusion/Corporate Social Responsibility, Nielsen and Adriana Waterston, Executive VP,  Horowitz Research, part of M/A/R/C

You may have heard about ChatGPT. It’s the fastest growing AI powered technology with over 100 million monthly active users. It’s disrupting the workplace and the marketplace.  But as new applications for artificial intelligence continue to materialize, we'll discuss how it's helpful and/or hurtful to our society. This is CultureConnect's third episode looking at how we contend with algorithmic bias.   A conversation with Adam Buhler, Head of Creative Technology at Digitas North America , Greg Kahn, CEO of GK Digital Ventures & CEO of Emerging Technology Exchange and Kalinda Ukanwa, Assistant Professor of Marketing at USC’s Marshall School of Business. 

Marketers often look to target customers, though few people fit into just one category. For example, women are multifaceted, and womanhood is complex.  Race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, nationality, age, and even ability impact how women navigate life, work, and society at large.  On this Women’s History Month episode of CultureConnect, we explore womanhood and intersectionality. A conversation with Brandi Rand, VP Group Account Director For Digitas North America and Amber Coleman-Mortley, Senior Director of Community and Culture at The Female Quotient 

The CDC defines health equity as the state in which “every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.” Yet disparities in our healthcare system persist. We’re going to discuss how diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can impact and improve health equity. As well as what all brands should know about wellness in minority communities. A conversation with, Peter Rodney, VP of Nursing and Patient Care Services at Langone Orthopedic Hospital at NYU Langone Health  and Miriam Browning Nance, VP at Horizon Media 

Over the years, organizations have increasingly engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. But efforts only go so far unless there’s a long-term commitment and continuing efforts to make DEI stick. We discuss insights and strategies for organizations to continually improve operational inclusion. A conversation with, Nyasia Sarfo,  Global Diversity and Inclusion Program Lead at Microsoft , Singleton Beato, Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer at Mccann Worldgroup  

Over the last year, CultureConnect has addressed how diversity, equity and inclusion are driving growth in businesses and marketing companies.  These discussions have sometimes led us down surprising paths and given us food for thought.  As 2022 draws to a close, some members of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council join moderator Janelle James, Co-Chair of the CEC and Senior Vice President at Ipsos UU, to reflect on and celebrate our podcast.  A conversation with, Barbara Leflein Founder of Leflein Associates and Cochair Of the Cultural Effectiveness Council, Dana Sparber, Vice President of Insights and Research at NBC Universal and Kiko Restrepo, Lead of Inclusive Ad Sales Strategy at Warner Brothers Discovery  

Whether you're building a company or sustaining the power of a legacy brand, understanding demographic shifts is vital. Moderator Janelle James, Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and Senior Vice President at Ipsos UU, leads a discussion on ways brands have gained an edge by focusing their insights and subsequent marketing on what perhaps used to be considered niche markets.  A conversation with, Isaac Mizrahi, CEO of Alma , Aneessa Steilen, VP of Media And Distribution At Vevo , Kimberley Mcarthur, Brand Experience Manager, Multicultural, At General Mills 

As media and brands seek to learn more about their audiences, the language that members of those audiences use to identify themselves needs to be reflected in research questionnaires. Moderator Janelle James, Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and Senior Vice President at Ipsos UU, leads a discussion on the challenges of inclusive identity terminology with experts in multicultural market research. A conversation with, Adriana Waterston, Chief Revenue Officer and the Strategy and Insights Lead at Horowitz Research and Bryan Miller, a Senior Director of Product and Content at The Collage Group 

Qualitative research alone or with other forms of research has proven valuable to marketers and businesses who want to better understand their customers and target audience. The Cultural Effectiveness Council has been working on original research on today and tomorrow’s qualitative approaches. Moderator Janelle James, Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and Senior Vice President at Ipsos UU, speaks to her council colleagues on this initiative. A conversation with, Alexa Blechman, Senior Director of Cultural Insights at A&E Networks, Tony D’andrea, Multicultural Marketing Manager at General Mills, Danielle Hemsley, Director Of Research Strategy at Cassandra 

Technology is an essential part of our everyday life. We rely on it to help us navigate our  finance, employment, housing, health care and purchases, among other things.  But, perhaps unknowingly, we may be impacted by algorithmic bias, in which systematic repeatable errors in AI treat members of some groups differently than others.    In part two of our look at algorithmic bias, we delve further into what consumers and companies can do about it.  A conversation with, Kalinda Ukanwa, an Assistant Professor of Marketing at USC’s Marshall School of Business. and Amanda Bower, a machine learning researcher at Twitter.  

We’re increasingly dependent on algorithms in a variety of areas.  This has led to problems with algorithmic bias, in which statistical and econometric models or a programmed set of instructions systematically treats members of some groups differently than others. This can be due to the unconscious biases of engineers who build the models, biases in the data they are trained on, biases inherent in the models themselves or algorithms’ treatment of human attributes as single, isolated components rather than intersectional identities. We look at the ways in which models, programs, and algorithms in the media, marketing, and advertising industries can unintentionally favor majority populations and ignore or even discriminate against minority segments and how to overcome this problem. A conversation with,  Janelle James, SVP,  Ipsos IUU (Council Co-Chair), Kalinda Ukanwa,  Assistant Professor of Marketing at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Amanda Bower, Machine Learning Researcher at Twitter.  Hui Wang, VP/Director of Global Data Intelligence - Analytics Service, at Publicis Media.  Kathy Sheehan, Senior Vice President at Cassandra. Ilinca Barsan, Data Science Director at Wunderman Thompson. 

The ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council Co-Chair’s Janelle James led an examination of the media, marketing, and research industry’s effort to face capacity issues due to record departures, and how many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies (DEI) are likely to shift as a result. This dynamic discussion ultimately highlighted the industry’s opportunity to implement inclusive hiring practices by bringing in a more diverse talent pool in response to a once in a generation shake up in the world of work. A conversation with,  Janelle James, SVP,  Ipsos IUU (Council Co-Chair), Pepper Miller, Founder & President of Hunter Miller Group, Joanna Lara, US Multicultural Brand Partner & Strategy Lead at Google and Co-Founder of Latinos in Tech, and Carla Eboli, EVP, DEI Lead at Energy BBDO   

We’re living in a time when the way people identify themselves is constantly evolving. Not only do Americans live in a multicultural society, but many embrace communities that go beyond their own heritage. So, if marketers want to connect with consumers and stand out from the competition, they need to reflect this cultural reality. This episode features a discussion surrounding  a recent study by NBCU and two ad agencies (Magna and Identity) which identifies steps marketers can take to reach a polycultural society, including having a culture first mindset.  A Conversation with Dana Sparber, Vice President of Insights and Research at NBC Universal, Kara Manatt, Senior Vice President of Intelligence Solutions at Magna. and Oscar Allain, Senior Vice President of Cultural Research at Identity and head of International Research at UM.  Hosted by, Barbara Leflein of Leflein Associates (Co-Chair, Cultural Council) and Moderated by Janelle James, SVP, IUU Ipsos (Co-Chair, Cultural Council)

 If you’ve watched music videos from artists like the Weeknd, Shakira, Justin Bieber or Olivia Rodrigo, chances are you watched it on Vevo, the world’s leading music video network. Vevo reaches over one billion daily viewers globally, and 150 million US viewers monthly. Music videos represent a unique form of premium content. More than entertainment, they’re very much the soundtrack to our lives. This episode looks at how Vevo provides opportunities for brands to connect with hard-to-reach, diverse groups in authentic ways and how corporate engagement can go beyond ads. A conversation with Laura Vanison, Director of Consumer & Artist Insights and Robert Velez, Senior Director of Multicultural Ad Sales at Vevo. Hosted by, Barbara Leflein of Leflein Associates (Co-Chair, Cultural Council) and Moderated by Janelle James, SVP, IUU Ipsos (Co-Chair, Cultural Council)