Cultural Fluency Makers: Unlocking Business Growth Through Cultural Intelligence

How crucial are cultural insights in today's data-driven world? Join host David Wellisch on this episode of Cultural Fluency Makers as he sits down with Jiaxi Zhu, Head of Analytics and Insights for Small and Medium Businesses at Google.    Discover how Jiaxi leverages data and cultural intelligence to connect with diverse global audiences and tailor strategies for millions of small businesses wor...

What does it take to build inclusive, culturally relevant marketing in a rapidly changing world? Tariq Hassan, a veteran marketing executive with over 20 years of experience, most recently as Chief Marketing Experience Officer at McDonald’s discusses the evolving role of inclusive marketing in today’s shifting cultural and demographic landscape, the balance between data-driven insights and human i...

What does it take to build a global brand that connects with people on a deeply personal level? Award-winning marketing leader Cheryl Guerin, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Strategy and Innovation at MasterCard, shares how the company creates emotional resonance by focusing on what consumers truly care about—like music, sports, and travel. From major partnerships with the GRAMMYs to imme...

Lauren Flanigan, the head of Global Brands Refreshment Categories at Mondelez International, talks about the critical role of inclusive marketing in today's diverse and dynamic cultural landscape.  Lauren emphasizes that inclusive marketing is vital, not just as a token gesture, but as a core business strategy that drives strong results and authentic connections with consumers. Using examples from...

How can brands achieve true authenticity in an increasingly diverse world?  Aarti Bhaskaran, Global Head of Research and Insights at Snap discusses her extensive experience and perspectives on inclusive marketing in today’s evolving cultural and demographic landscape. Aarti critiques the term "inclusive marketing" and advocates for putting the consumer at the center of marketing strategies, rather...

Linda Bethea, Chief Marketing Officer at Danone, explores the complexities of inclusive marketing. She highlights the importance of integrating inclusivity into all marketing strategies, rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. She discusses how America's diverse cultural and demographic landscape calls for this approach to effectively engage with newer, more diverse generations. The co...

In this insightful and dynamic episode, David interviews Valda Coryat, the Vice President of North American marketing for condiments and sauces at McCormick and Company. Valda shares her expertise and discusses how the rapidly changing demographic and cultural landscape in America affects marketing strategies.  She emphasizes the importance of inclusive marketing and cultural fluency for the longe...

In this episode, host David Wellisch, interviews Yin Woon Rani, CEO of MilkPEP, a veteran marketer with over 25 years of experience. Yin discusses her career in the marketing industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusive marketing given America's evolving demographics.  She shares insights on integrating inclusivity into marketing strategies, the significance of understanding diverse consumer...

This week's episode of Cultural Fluency Makers features Marissa Solis, the Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League (NFL).  Marissa discusses how changing demographics in America require marketers to focus on inclusive and personalized marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse consumer segments and creating pers...

In this episode, John Mutterperl, Director of Consumer Insights at Campari America, discusses the significance of inclusive and multicultural marketing strategies in the United States. He emphasizes the dual-prong approach as both a business and moral imperative, given America's diverse demographic landscape.  John outlines the growth potential and critical nature of connecting with multicultural...

In this episode, host David Wellisch engages in a dynamic conversation with Peter Blacker the EVP, Streaming and Data Products, and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NBCUniversal. Peter is a seasoned media executive with over two decades of experience, and he discusses his transformative work in digital media and inclusive storytelling, including launching Fluency Plus and AOL Latino alo...

In this episode, Tina Tonielli, the US and North American Lead, Consumer and Business Insights and Analytics at Haleon, joins host David Wellisch to discuss the evolution of inclusive marketing in response to America's changing demographic landscape. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive rather than targeted marketing, Tonielli highlights the necessity of understanding diverse consumer groups to...

Welcome to Cultural Fluency Makers! Each week, we welcome leaders to share how they stay ahead of the ever changing consumer landscape.  With today’s cultural transformation, top brands need to understand diverse consumer segments from Gen Z, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ to gamers, wine enthusiasts, and basketball fanatics in Iowa. Their marketing strategies require them to keep the pulse on their consume...