Great Minds: People and Culture

Kimberle Lau didn't set out to become a food founder, but a health crisis changed everything. From beauty executive to CEO of Bake Me Healthy, she built a women- and Asian-owned brand from the ground up while raising a family and navigating the unique hurdles that come with it. In this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, she sits down with Ren Akinci to talk business, identity, and the lessons she's passing on to her kids.

Our host Ren Akinci is joined by BEJOU founder Carolina Lopez for a candid conversation on leadership, brand building, and resilience. Carolina shares how personal health challenges revealed critical gaps in the skincare industry and pushed her to build a trust driven brand in a crowded market. They discuss navigating rejection, leading with discipline and transparency, and making the hard decisions required to scale with integrity.  

Host Ren Akinci is joined by Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As, for a conversation on what matters most as the advertising and marketing industry enters its next phase. Together, they unpack the shifts reshaping agencies, what a modern trade association must deliver in real time, and how the 4As is redefining its role, tools, and member experience. Justin shares how he’s thinking about agility, technology, and measurable signals of progress as he builds the organization’s next chapter.

In this episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Carissa Romero, Ph.D., co-founder of Paradigm, for a conversation about what actually changes behavior at work and what quietly undermines it. Drawing from her roots in Stanford research and years advising leaders, Carissa breaks down why many well-intentioned culture efforts fail, how data often contradicts leadership narratives, and what it really takes to build belonging at scale.   

What happens when an agency is built on teaching and not just executing? In our latest episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Kim Lawton, founder & CEO of Enthuse Marketing, to break down the non-negotiables behind sustainable creativity, the traps experiential teams keep falling into, and what agency leaders need to unlearn heading into 2026.

In this Episode Ren Akinci sits down with Claude Silver to discuss her new book Be Yourself at Work. Together, they explore the moment Claude knew this book needed to be written, the healing and emotional bravery behind it, and the parts of herself she once hid but now embraces.

Erin Fabio joins Ren Akinci for a candid conversation on what it  takes to build and scale a marketing agency as a woman in an industry still catching up. They get into early barriers, pivots, leadership evolution, and the unfiltered realities facing female founders today

In this episode Ren Akinci speaks with Morana Bakula, President and CEO of Bond Brand Loyalty. In this conversation, Morana shares what sets Bond apart in the loyalty and customer experience space, offers an inside look at The Loyalty Report — the agency’s annual industry benchmark — and reflects on how brands can evolve to meet rising customer expectations. She also opens up about her journey as a first-generation immigrant leading a fast-growing agency into its next chapter.

Is deleting social media comments just “good housekeeping”? Madeline Krasno didn’t think so. Her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, deleted her posts about animal testing, leading her to file a lawsuit in 2021. Though a district court initially dismissed the case, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision in 2025, ruling the censorship unconstitutional. In this episode, Madeline shares how she turned her experience into leading Justify, a nonprofit supporting current and former lab workers.

In this episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Nathan Friedman, Co-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Understood.org, to explore the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and business strategy. Nathan shares how his personal journey with learning and thinking differences shaped his career and fuels his passion for building a more inclusive world. We dive into insights from Understood’s recent study on neurodivergence in the creative industry, unpack the tension between valuing “different thinking” and actually supporting neurodivergent talent, and explore the untapped market potential of neurodivergent consumers.

This Week on Great Minds: People & Culture Ren Akinci is joined by Professor Joseph Fuller, a leading expert on workforce strategy from Harvard Business School. Together, they dive into why so many companies still treat talent like a spot-market transaction, how employers can reframe community colleges as strategic partners, and what it will take to move from degree-based to skills-based hiring. It’s a timely conversation for any leader rethinking how to build a more resilient and future-ready workforce.

After returning from her own parental leave to find her team struggling and her career momentum stalled, Allison Whalen knew this wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was a systemic issue. That insight led her to launch Parentaly, a company helping employers turn parental leave into a strategic advantage rather than a career disruption. In this episode, Allison joins, Ren Akinci, to talk about what most companies get wrong about parental leave, how to support both managers and employees through the process, and why leave isn’t just a benefits issue—it’s a leadership and retention issue. We also dig into the real impact of career disruption on working parents and explore practical, proven strategies that organizations can use to do better.

For Earth Day, Ren Akinci sat down with Natalie Flores, founder of NourishLA, a community-powered nonprofit tackling food waste, hunger, and local sustainability in Los Angeles. In this episode, Natalie shares how she turned a crisis into a catalyst—launching NourishLA during the pandemic to connect surplus food with families in need. We talk about what it takes to lead during natural disasters like California’s wildfires, how she’s addressing homelessness through community support, and the powerful lessons she’s learned scaling a volunteer-driven organization. Natalie’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership—on the ground, in the garden, and at the table.

If you’re constantly running on empty, pushing through stress, or telling yourself you’ll “catch up on sleep later”—this episode is for you. This week, Ren Akinci is joined by Ahna de Vena, a Sleep and Performance Specialist who has spent over 20 years helping high-performing leaders and teams rethink their relationship with rest. We explore how sleep impacts executive decision-making, emotional regulation, and long-term performance. You’ll learn why burnout is often the result of mismanaged recovery, what healthy sleep hygiene actually looks like in today’s always-on world, and how trauma—even subtle or unspoken—can quietly disrupt our ability to rest.

On this Episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, Ren Akinci speaks with Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen, about how the organization is helping employers break away from outdated hiring practices by removing four-year degree requirements and focusing on skills. They talk about what it really takes to drive change inside companies, how to get leadership aligned, and the role of upskilling and community partnerships in building long-term career paths. For anyone thinking seriously about equity, access, and the future of work, this conversation lays out the work that still needs to be done—and how to get there.

In this episode of Great Minds, Ren Akinci sits down with Melani (Walker) Dziire, who made the bold decision to leave behind a high-powered executive career to pursue a completely different path. Melani shares what inspired her to take the leap, the biggest obstacles she faced, and how she prepared—both practically and mentally—for such a major transition. We discuss the emotional and professional challenges of reinventing oneself, from navigating identity shifts to building credibility in a new industry.

In this episode of Great Minds, Ren Akinci sits down with Lisette Arsuaga, co-founder of AIMM and Co-CEO of DMI Consulting, to explore how brands can drive meaningful impact through cultural authenticity and inclusive marketing. They discuss AIMM’s role in providing guidance and data to help marketers remain competitive, the importance of equity in investment and metrics-driven strategies, and how agencies and brands can foster innovation in today’s dynamic landscape.

In this episode, our host Ren Akinci speaks with Diana Brooks, founder and CEO of THE 3RD EYE, who, at a young age, was told that women couldn’t succeed in her career choice. Taking those words to heart, Diana shifted her path, ultimately finding her place as a trailblazer in the advertising industry. She shares how she built a company rooted in innovation and inclusivity, the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, and her strategies for navigating change while empowering diverse talent. This episode is a powerful reflection on resilience, leadership, and redefining possibilities.

In our latest podcast episode, we speak with Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW (she/her/they), a queer clinician, consultant, and educator specializing in the intersection of trauma, gender, and sexuality. As the founder of Prism Therapy Collective and adjunct faculty at Boston University School of Social Work, Rebecca shares insights on developing inclusive policies, addressing privacy concerns, and supporting trans and gender-expansive individuals in various settings. Don’t miss this conversation on fostering inclusivity and understanding in both professional and personal environments.

The advertising industry faces an annual turnover rate of 27%, costing companies their talent, creativity, and momentum. On this episode, Ren Akinci speaks to Brad Simms, Founder & CEO of GALE, about how his agency has tackled this challenge with investing $1M dollars in learning, training and development initiatives. From dedicated career coaches to an in-house training platform and accelerator programs, GALE’s investment in people has led to a remarkable 86% retention rate. Brad shares how prioritizing employees not only fosters growth but drives long-term business success.

On this episode, Ren Akinci and Dr. Lori Watson discuss how leaders can effectively respond to societal incidents that impact employees, creating a safe and inclusive workplace. They explore essential strategies for open discussions on race, balancing inclusivity with free speech, and building a lasting commitment to racial equity in organizations. 

On this episode Ren Akinci speaks to Kumi Croom, the first Managing Director at Duncan Channon. Kumi has been a trailblazer in leading the agency’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, building initiatives to recruit and retain BIPOC talent and creating a culturally conscious approach to their creative work. From launching the EDI Group to establishing a Black/African American Culture Practice, Kumi is truly redefining what inclusive leadership looks like in advertising.

In this episode, Ren Akinci speaks with Doug Thornell, the CEO of SKDK, one of the top political advertising and public affairs agencies, about shaping political campaigns and building company culture. As the election year heats up, we discuss the challenges of creating impactful political ads, staying agile, and fostering equity and inclusion within the firm. Tune in for insights on leadership, innovation, and navigating the fast-paced world of political campaigns.

On today’s episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Evin Shutt, the CEO of 72andSunny, as they celebrate a major milestone: 72andSunny 20th anniversary. Evin was the first hired employee at 72andSunny 18 years ago and has been leading the brand as CEO for the past four years. Tune in as Evin shares her journey from delves into the leadership values that have guided her career and helped shape 72andSunny into the creative powerhouse it is today.

In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Ben Cicchetti, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at InfoSum and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they discuss the importance of fostering true LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and explore how support for LGBTQ+ colleagues must extend beyond Pride Week.

In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Geoffrey Goldberg, a Broadway performer and director, and Evan Horowitz, a marketing expert, founders of Movers + Shakers. This agency champions the motto of spreading joy through innovative advertising. Learn how they navigate calculated risks for success, create a joyful work culture, and empower their team in a fast-paced industry.

In this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, Ren Akinci and Mercy for Animals CEO Leah Garcès delve into the world of resilient leadership and the pursuit of joy in advocacy. Join us as we explore strategies for fostering morale, sustainability, and well-being within organizations striving for meaningful change.

This week on Great Minds: People & Culture we’re pleased to welcome Brooke Schnittman, MA, BCC, PCC, an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Christine Guilfoyle, President of SeeHer, joins Ren for this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture. In this episode, Christine discusses what it means to have a seat at the table.

On this episode of Great Minds: People and Culture, we speak with Sergii Denysenko, CEO of MGID, Inc., an innovative global pioneer in native advertising. Based in Ukraine, Sergii discusses the challenges of running a 750+ employee business during a time of national crisis.

On this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Chanda Macias, who connects, educates, inspires and empowers the next generation of women in the cannabis industry through her multiple roles.

In this episode of Great Minds People & Culture, Ren Akinci is joined by Sarah Engel, a passionate advocate for mentorship. Together, they talk about the significance of mentorship at every career stage. Sarah shares invaluable insights on accessing this crucial experience, even in the absence of a formal program within your company.

In today’s episode, Ren Akinci and Rebecca Coleman dive into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of putting ‘mother’ on the resume. Listen in as they explore how women deserve rightful credit for honing indispensable skills while navigating the rewarding journey of motherhood. It’s time to reshape the narrative and acknowledge the powerhouse of capabilities that mothers bring to the workforce.

In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Alex Love of Alex Love Consulting. Alex is an advocate for fair chance hiring practices. But what exactly is fair chance hiring? It’s a transformative approach that emphasizes giving individuals with a criminal record a fair opportunity to reintegrate into the workforce. It’s about second chances, breaking down barriers, and fostering inclusivity. Join us as we unravel the significance of fair chance hiring, exploring how it not only benefits individuals seeking employment but also contributes to building diverse, resilient, and socially responsible workplaces.

In our latest episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Shelly Palmer, a renowned AI expert, who shares invaluable insights on harnessing AI’s power for good, while also shedding light on the burning question: Will AI replace jobs? Discover the secrets of AI with our expert guest and gain the knowledge you need to navigate the AI landscape. Tune in now to stay ahead in this era of technological transformation!

Our new episode is an inspiring conversation with Rafat Ali, CEO of a Skift. Ren and Rafat talk about leading a global team through tough times and how to balance parenthood with a CEO’s role. Join us for valuable insights and personal anecdotes in this week’s episode of Great Minds People & Culture Podcast.

In this episode, Melissa Swift talks to Ren Akinci about the Work Anxiety Monster, how companies can leverage data to improve the everyday work experience, including the best place to send that engagement survey! And which untapped demographic employers should build a program to help with the labor market shortage.

Despite industry efforts, a recent Wave II of Global DEI Census shows no improvement in inclusion; in fact, 1 in 7 people say they’d consider leaving the advertising industry due to a lack of diversity and inclusion. Today, we talk to Ruth Mortimer, Global President of Advertising Week (AW), on how AW approaches DEI through the two “A”s – Attitude and Action.

In our debut episode, host Ren Akinci speaks with Natasha Bowman, author and a champion for workplace equity, as well as a top voice for mental health. Natasha is Founder and President of Performance ReNEW, a talent management and leadership development firm committed to helping organizations cultivate their most valuable asset: people. https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashabowmanjd https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakinci

Advertising Week is proud to present Great Minds People and Culture, a podcast dedicated to exploring the art of intentional leadership during times of change. The goal of Great Minds People and Culture is to provide our audience with practical strategies, reliable data, and tangible advice as we look to empower leaders seeking to make a positive impact.