Culture defines our business. We reflect it. We shape it. We are of it. That is why non-Cannes this year is such an emotional rollercoaster. It is equal measure anger, inspiration and giddy hope. The long, sad shadow cast by the pandemic is coupled with the rage ignited by the murder of George Floyd,
Courage is beautiful
Edelman and Unilever encouraged brands to be “super solvers” and use their forces for good – a now deeply familiar theme.
But an empathetic voice must be flanked by action – especially in these times of loss of life, of health, of livelihood. The change this year has been profound and global. We are united in our mass mandatory cocooning. Our “personal” connection is now digital. Cash-strapped is the universal norm. As such, our priorities have shifted.
Edelman’s Trust Barometer reveals there has been a massive reordering of trust since January 2020. With Covid-19 has created a time when we all have a moral obligation to act. Don’t just say something. Do something. Here is one of my favourites from this year that captures the power of courage.
Creativity is a Force for Good
P&G’s Marc Prichard is always one of my favourite speakers. I have an ad crush on him. He approaches our world in a deeply thoughtful manner. Today he urged us to use our power of creativity to be a force for good. This is the dominant message at non-Cannes this year, and one he has always preached. He practically invented the p-word. (Purpose, of course). To heal the world, to create a world of equality for all, we can and must fight together to make a difference. This awakening is 400 years in the making. Pritchard shared P&G’s commitment is detail including an accountability framework; racial equality roadmap. In closing he entreats us to educate ourselves, to step up for equality, justice and action. And most of all, to unleash the remarkable power of creativity. He pledged P&G’s commitment to do the same.
P&G’s Marc Prichard entreats us to educate ourselves, to step up for equality, justice and action
A little thoughtful viewing for you:
P&G continues its series of thought-provoking films on bias and racism with "The Choice," an invitation to the often-silent majority to become allies.
"The Pause" is calling out the struggle of hesitation that the LGBTQ+ community experiences every day before deciding how much of themselves to reveal
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Originally debuted in 2017, "The Talk" highlights a painful, but necessary conversations Black parents have with their children.
Wisdom from Chelsea Clinton on improving the world:
“Optimism is the only moral choice.”
Wisdom from her dad on improving the world:
“Get caught trying to make a difference.”
Stay tuned for more.