Tune in for an engaging conversation with industry leaders -- on the ground at the 2025 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival -- who are championing inclusive marketing, media, and technology in their work. AI conversations were omnipresent at the Festival and that, combined with these more turbulent times, shaped the context for the discussion and underscored that embracing people and cultures is more vital than ever. Our panel explores how empathy-driven strategies and expansive audience understanding are critical for communications, connection, and unlocking new pathways for growth.

Guests:

• Meghan Bartley, Senior Director of Agencies, Brands, and Engagement, GLAAD
• Hetal Patel, President of Advertising Intelligence, iHeart Radio
• Rachael Ryan, Head of Research & Insights, TikTok
• Beato Singleton, Global Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer, McCann Worldgroup
• Robert Velez, Vice President of Multicultural Sales, Vevo

In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of sports with women who are leading the way as executives and journalists. Together, they bring unique perspectives on the vital topics of representation on and off the field, career advancement, and setting new standards for women in the sports industry.

Guests:

• Sandra Osayuki Idehen, Recent Global VP/GM Jordan Basketball & Sport at Nike
• Kelley Carter, Senior Entertainment Reporter at ESPN
• Mary Kate Callen, SVP Market & Cultural Intelligence at Paramount

This episode of CultureConnect focuses on the critical, innovative, and engaging role media plays in healthcare, shaping everything from practitioner care to patient outcomes. We delve into how it can transform education and access through connection and even entertainment. Our conversation includes a brilliant panel of experts including Dr. Chynna Steele Johnson, nationally renowned board-certified dermatologist and owner at Steele Dermatology; Dana Smith, VP, Condé Nast Health; and Dr. Lauren Powell, Head of Health Equity at Biogen. They are leading the way supporting communities, combatting misinformation and disinformation, and empowering patients and practitioners alike.

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the pivotal roles research and communications play in achieving greater access in healthcare. Join us as we speak with leading voices advocating and innovating through their work. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.

Guests:

Khadijah Ameen, Co-Founder and Director of Policy Research, BlkhlthJulia Rebouillat Clifford, Head of Strategy Operations North America, Biomerieux

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore how technology continues to connect, disrupt, empower, and push boundaries in healthcare. From medical innovations to telehealth, there’s no doubt that technology is changing the lives of providers, patients, researchers, executives, and everyone in the healthcare ecosystem. Tune in as we speak with leading voices innovating in healthcare through their advisory work. We’ll also discuss why focusing on underserved communities is not only the right thing to do, but also a catalyst for innovation that benefits everyone. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

Guests:

Kara Dennis, Board Director with Antidote Technologies.

Charles Fan, Founder and Strategic Executive Advisor With CF Advisory, LLC

In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the pivotal role greater access plays in the lives of consumers and patients today. Join us as we speak with leading voices advocating and innovating in healthcare through their work. We’ll discuss why focusing on underserved communities is not only the right thing to do, but also a catalyst for innovation that benefits everyone. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos.

Guests:
Nicole Phillips, CMO with CVS Caremark
Vanessa Johnson, COO for Planned Parenthood Direct

Inclusive marketing is a strategy that can help with everything from campaigns to community impact by creating content that reaches a wide range of people. It’s about more than celebrating diversity, it’s also about connecting, growing a business, innovating, and managing risks. In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the impact of and operations behind inclusive marketing. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos.

Guests:
Susette Brooks, Director of Inclusive Marketing, Penguin Random House
Nancy Dalton, Director, Amazon Access External Affairs, Marketing & Social Impact
Stephanie De Costa, VP Multicultural Planning Director, Hero Collective

In today’s marketing world, it's no longer enough to simply reach audiences; we also need to authentically resonate with them. One way to do that is through storytelling. When it’s done well, this process not only shapes how we see ourselves and others, but also shapes how we see the future. In this episode of CultureConnect, we explore the impact of and operations behind inclusive storytelling and get some valuable insights on cultural intelligence that can influence messaging, content, and approaches. Hosted by Janelle A. James, SVP, Ipsos.

Guests:

Kamala Avila-Salmon, The Founder & Ceo, Kas Kas Productions

Natasha Alford, SVP, The Grio, Political Commentator, Author of “American Negra.”