#157: Can we talk? Netflix and the workplace, fossil fuel PR, inclusive CX and defunding disinfo...
Well hello :) It’s lovely to be back in your inbox.
I like what you’ve done with the place!
In edition #157 of The World’s Best Newsletter:
1 - Can we talk? Gender, Netflix, and the Workplace. Live tomorrow!
2 - About those ads… are you funding disinformation?
3 - Inclusive CX: Designing Experiences for All
4 - Meet the incredible Adobe Experience Makers
5 - Spin this: PR firm in the spotlight for fossil fuel work
6 - The future of work for LGBTQ+ employees, live PIOW event
7 - Quote of the week
1 - Can we talk? Gender, Netflix, and the Workplace. Live tomorrow!
Joan Rivers opens this newsletter for a reason.
Her iconic catchphrase, “can we talk?” preceded a hot take, candid conversation, or provocative POV.
It’s the perfect way to kick off a new series I’m hosting to draw attention to topics I feel are misunderstood, amplify perspectives that are left unheard, and to address questions I know we all have.
Join me live tomorrow (Weds Nov 10) at 1:00pm ET:
Netflix, Gender, and the Workplace
I want to refocus the conversation. In the maelstrom that's erupted since late October, the voices left unheard are those of our marginalized, trans, and nonbinary colleagues.
The moment is now to learn, understand, and seek common ground.
Feat.
Sandy Skees, EVP / Global Lead, Purpose & Impact, JEDI Advisory Services at Porter Novelli
Lisa Kenney, CEO of Reimagine Gender
Cheryl Katon, VP Resource Development and Donor Engagement, Fenway Health and Board Member of Pride in Our Workplace
Join us live Weds at 1pm ET on LinkedIn or watch on Twitter.
2 - About those ads…
The global disinformation crisis is rampant.
Marketers, are we unknowingly funding it?
You should know about the Check My Ads Institute, a non-profit watchdog founded by two marketers aiming to cut sources of disinformation off from their lifeline: ads.
The online advertising supply chain is convoluted and confusing. This industry:
“directly finances the spiraling production of misleading and inflammatory online content across the open web, funneling anywhere between $250 million to $2.6 billion to disinformation efforts every year.”
Read how Check My Ads Institute aims to defund hateful content and dangerous disinformation simply by helping marketers know where their ads are appearing.
How to help? Consider supporting Nandini and Claire by becoming a Checkmate ($10/mo), and be sure to subscribe to BRANDED. 👏
3 - Inclusive CX: Designing Experiences for All
To truly be inclusive, businesses must examine the customer experiences (CX) they’re creating. Inclusive CX doesn’t just engage customers who have historically been marginalized; it generates positives for all customers and creates a sense of belonging.
Join a live filming of my next episode of Born Digital, an original series with PK and Adobe.
We’ll discuss how to design products and experiences that are fair and equitable for all - with perspectives from Adobe, Perkins Access, She+ Geeks Out, and PK.
November 17th at 11 am PT - RSVP: https://bit.ly/308zrBj
4 - Meet the incredible Adobe Experience Makers
There is one coveted piece of clothing in my house: a jacket from the American Red Cross that boasts, “hero for babies” in an embroidered patch on the front.
My wife, who has a much-needed blood type, makes a point of donating that blood as often as she can, enough to earn this reward.
We understand the pressing need: every two seconds someone in the US needs blood, yet only about 3 percent of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.
The American Red Cross delivers lifesaving blood products to people in need, and so much more. In our interview below, I dig into their digital strategy as the 2021 winner of the Adobe Experience Maker Changemaker Award.
Watch my interview + read my recap on the Adobe blog.
I get to meet all the movers, shakers and experience makers, in partnership with Adobe - full series here.
5 - Spin this: PR firm in the spotlight for fossil fuel work
Watching this story today…
Advertising for fossil fuel companies obstructs urgently needed government action on climate change and impedes climate justice solutions. “Greenwashing” is too mild a term: Edelman is in fact actively contributing to fossil-fuel emissions through its marketing activities.⁴
Allyship extends to client lists.
I often quote Edelman’s research on the rise of belief-driven buyers seeking brand value-alignment. Eager to see how the firm responds.
Read more in Adweek. Full statement linked above!
6 - The future of work for LGBTQ+ employees, live PIOW event Nov 16
I am so proud to serve on the board of Pride in Our Workplace, an organization championing LGBTQ+ workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Join hundreds of your peers in ERG, DEI, and HR for a must-see conversation on November 16th starting at 11:45am ET.
Panelists will share best practices in engaging employees, mitigating burnout, and building a more equitable and resilient Future of Work. RSVP here!
7 - Quote of the week: My own version of an optimist
From Joan Rivers:
I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door -- or I'll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.
PS: If you haven’t seen the documentary on Joan, A Piece of Work, I highly recommend it.
May the rest of your week find you opening - or making - doors :)
Best,
Katie
🔥More upcoming events
Nov 16th-18th
Join me at AMA New York's Rethink Workplace, Career, & Life Summit, a massive event next week seeking boldly to redefine how to live, think, and thrive in the 21st century.
Hear how 40+ leaders, innovators, and change-makers are creating the “new normal” through new mindsets, practices, and goals.
Dec 9th
The C-Suite Creator
Next in the Creator Economy series, in partnership with my friends at Socialive, join us for a live show Dec 9th at 12:30pm ET exploring how the most successful C-level executives understand the power of effective video content creation in shaping not only their companies’ brands, reputation and culture, but also their personal brands.
Link to follow - save the date!
January 19-20, 2022
My first in-person conference since the start of the pandemic brings us to sunny Florida for the 10th annual Carnegie Conference, an event bringing together marketers in higher education to sunny Orlando, January 19-20, 2022.
I’ll share the dangers of performative allyship and tips for navigating the collision of social movements and marketing. Can’t wait!