Another SXSW has come and gone. Between the imaginative activations to powerful panels spotlighting Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Cream Media Group compiled a list of key lessons to inspire growth, rethink strategy, and hack daily life.
Here are our takeaways from the panels, events, or incidents that dropped a knowledge bomb on us.
It’s okay to be unapologetically you. Your unique perspective and attitude is actually good for business. Say no to group think! - Womxn of Color at Work panel, featuring Susi Collins, Sonia Dara, Tanya Tarr, and Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno.
“When you look at the general market and mainstream media, the way brands are marketing to the consumer. There’s a huge disparity - it’s an imbalance, because they’re not really representing what the masses look like today.” - Zoe Saldana, Founder of BESE
Women are demanding more income equality at work and it really matters. Did you know that for every child a couple has, a woman is likely to suffer a 7% pay gap from their male partners? - Alexander De Croo, Minister of Finance and Development of Belgium
Representation matters in all facets of business. We are now recognizing that AI is being fed biased data which can lead to serious repercussions for future technology and who it’s really catering to. - Diversity is the New Superfood, featuring Adriana Knackfuss, Christy McMillian, Sian Morson, and Kimmy Paluch
“We want to talk about diversity but we’re only talking to the people that agree with us.” - Bozoma Saint John, CMO at Endeavor
Diversity is a good for business creativity, innovation, and the bottom line. Just do it. - Authentic Inclusion Drives Disruptive Innovation, Francis West
Work with a multicultural agency like Cream Media Group to help with your messaging, especially if your team lacks diversity. Doing so will lead to more creative campaigns and will prevent you from falling into the trap of cultural appropriation. - Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation, featuring, Tanya Dua, Chas Moore, Tanya Tarr, and Angela Yang
In 2019, Millenials will become the largest consumers, superseding Boomers. In 2030, Gen Z will become the largest consumers. Don’t wait to set up proper communication strategies to capture the growth from these cultural shifts. - Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation, featuring, Tanya Dua, Chas Moore, Tanya Tarr, and Angela Yang
Gender neutral teams increase revenue by 41%. - Diversity is the New Superfood, featuring Adriana Knackfuss, Christy McMillian, Sian Morson, and Kimmy Paluch
“Stay woke and get some sleep.” - Rakia Reynolds, Founder at Skai Blue Media
Beware of hiring for cultural fit, it’s continues to perpetuate sameness and excludes the team members that you desperately need. - Diversity is the New Superfood, featuring Adriana Knackfuss, Christy McMillian, Sian Morson, and Kimmy Paluch
97% of large companies have D&I programs throughout their organizations. However, 75% of employees don’t feel the benefit. Don’t just check a box by hiring diversity, make sure your organization is prioritizing that these individuals feel included. - Diversity is the New Superfood, featuring Adriana Knackfuss, Christy McMillian, Sian Morson, and Kimmy Paluch
“We have to stop allowing identity to be weaponized against us.” - Stacey Abrams, Founder of Fair Fight Action
A person with a disability is more in touch with the human aspects of technology and business. Hire them to promote innovation throughout your firm. - Authentic Inclusion Drives Disruptive Innovation, Francis West
“We’re way more influential than pop is. In fact, hip hop is the new pop to an extent.” - A$AP Rocky, Musician and Designer
Practicing empathy is a good business habit. Companies are shifting towards quiet hours, sign stores, and slow check outs to cater to everyone’s needs whether it’s a mental disorder or disability. We all matter. - 7 Non-Obvious Trends Changing The Future In 2019, Rohit Bhargava
“If we were braver about our imperfections, we probably would be better people.” - Bozoma Saint John, CMO at Endeavor
Know your worth the next time you are asked to work for free. Find comparables to backup your value add and feel more confident in your negotiation tactics. - Womxn of Color at Work panel, featuring Susi Collins, Sonia Dara, Tanya Tarr, and Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno
Don’t be afraid to be the change agent if your company isn’t acting in your best interest. Demand them to do the right thing. - Diversity is the New Superfood, featuring Adriana Knackfuss, Christy McMillian, Sian Morson, and Kimmy Paluch
If you they don’t have a seat for you at the table, bring a folding chair. - Womxn of Color at Work panel, featuring Susi Collins, Sonia Dara, Tanya Tarr, and Sage Ke’alohilani Quiamno
“Don’t be the last to jump on a trend. Be the first to set it.” - Zoe Saldana, Founder of BESE