An intentionally late recap: Cannes 2023
Have you ever gotten emails from different companies that all say the same thing? It may be an industry news rag; it may be an email campaign about special products and services; it may be about events that want to see our smiling faces in their locales. If you were watching what happened at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, you received so many emails about these subjects and more. Chances are you have received wrap-up emails highlighting key takeaways from Cannes as well. (I have counted 16 emails in my trash folder since Cannes ended). This year, Verve has taken a different approach: I had a chance to ask different Verve leaders about their experiences at Cannes, specifically finding out what they will apply with their teams, their customers and their organizations. Here is a summary of these discussions: AI’s Potential and Risks Verve really needs to think about the effects of how and where AI is utilized. Cannes revealed excitement and trepidation around AI, as we expected. Conversations centered around AI’s applications in creativity and focused as much on the risks, fears, and safeguarding issues as the benefits and opportunities. Verve needs to think about how it balances advances in technology with the people whose brains and insights form a unique advantage for us. Sustainability in Media Verve needs to validate sustainability is as important a measurement as ad impressions or eCPMs. Perhaps more than any topic, sustainability was a frequent discussion. We heard from attendees that while last year’s conversations focused on what we could do in the future, the narrative was focused on implementation with clear objectives. Thanks to our new partnership with Cedara, we will be in a much better position to make that happen. Reaffirming Commitments to DEI Verve can have a stronger voice on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). More than a few colleagues heard discussions about Bud Light’s work with a transgender influencer as the primary example of inauthentic connections. Thankfully, many Verve attendees took this discussion as a challenge. One of our panelists at Verve’s “The Art Of Data” event said it best. “Now is the time to be courageous,” said FKA’s Linsey Loy. “Marketers are on the front lines of DEI and have a responsibility to do better.” Here’s hoping that Cannes 2023 (and future events) can be remembered for its accountability as much for its creativity. (In the meantime, you can find Verve connecting with brands, agencies, publishers, and partners at industry events throughout the year.)
Five ways to make your workday more inclusive
From a “people management” and human resources perspective, it is always gratifying to see workplaces celebrate and amplify Pride Month. After all, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t a one-and-done act. Advancing DEI is as much a constant function of business as anything a finance or technology team does. And importantly, we should continue to have conversations about the lessons of Pride Month all year long. As head of HR at Verve, one thing I have noticed this year is how people are being more intentional with listening and learning about Pride Month — both its history and its present-day significance. Pride Month is an ideal time to reflect on how to engage in individual and collective action throughout the year. Below, we dive into five actions that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives to help advance DEI, as well as a few resources to keep you inspired all year. Educate Yourself. Take the time to broaden your understanding and help challenge stereotypes and biases about different cultures, religions, and perspectives. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or follow diverse voices on social media. Resource: What is Pride Month? A Short History of Pride | Them Practice Empathy. Cultivate empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their experiences and viewpoints. Walk a mile in their shoes and imagine how they feel. Resource: Pride Month Reading List | Johns Hopkins University Press Engage in Dialogue. Initiate conversations about diversity and inclusion with friends, family, and colleagues, and be keenly aware of opinions that are different from yours. Encourage open and respectful discussions about the importance of diversity and the challenges faced by different groups. Resource: Approaching Intersectional Conversations | The Trevor Project Challenge Stereotypes. Be mindful of your own biases when you encounter them. Avoid making assumptions based on someone’s appearance, race, gender, or other characteristics. Instead, focus on individual qualities and strengths. Resource: How to Outsmart Your Own Unconscious Bias | Valerie Alexander/TEDxPasadena Support Diverse Voices. Actively seek out and support diverse voices from underrepresented filmmakers, or supporting businesses owned by individuals from underserved communities. Resource: LGBTQ+ Voices to Honor This Pride Month | Storycorps These actions are just starting points. We all share the responsibility to make advancing DEI principles a part of how we live and work. Here at Verve, the intersectional lessons of Pride Month align with our company values. Still, we know that actions speak louder than words. Let’s continue learning — together — to grow and make the world a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse place.
