Gavin Barrett’s Post

During my last semester at the University of Florida, I had the privilege of taking Diverse Voices with Professor Robyn Hankerson-Printemps and the UF Public Relations Department. Throughout this course, we discussed each element of diversity, equity, and inclusion in detail, and their importance at the forefront of public relations decisions in the corporate world. I was able to collaborate with some fellow students to conduct an audit on Nike’s DEI efforts and their effectiveness. With all that is happening in the world culturally, politically, and economically, we as people are becoming increasingly connected by the minute. Likewise, the conversations about DEI are becoming increasingly essential to create meaningful connections– even between businesses and consumers. Diverse voices are not only deserving of a seat at the table, but they are necessary for the success of any brand or company. Not simply in an external sense, but an internal one as well. Jessica Casano-Antonellis said it best in Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership when describing her experience creating a DEI program from scratch. She surveyed employees and built her program based on what the people doing the work needed. She highlighted that when employees feel safe and educated, not only can they perform better, but they can connect better with their audiences. I have learned so much throughout this course, not just about DEI, but meaningful communication as a whole. As Ella F. Washington said in Harvard Business Review, “the work of DEI is never done,” and my goal  is that as I move on from the University of Florida, I will contribute to fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments wherever I go. #DiverseVoices

Looking forward to talking about career development and faith next week! My career path has been quite the journey—from clinical therapist to writer to marketer. Each chapter prepared me for the next. Career development requires discernment. Driving my career through the lens of faith has been key. In your 20s and 30s, things can sometimes feel messy and uncertain. But with self-awareness, intentionality, and trust, you will find yourself exactly where you need to be. Focus on building your skills, finding what you enjoy, and identifying where you excel. My time as a therapist gave me the skills to understand people. My season as a writer refined my communication. These experiences seeded the skills necessary to merge into a path of brand building and marketing. Career development is really fun—you never know where the adventure will take you if you drive from a lens of faith and purpose rather than promotion and titles. Your work is part of a larger purpose. Finding ways to marry your skills and passions can lead to a significant impact beyond the office. See you June 5th! Register here: https://lnkd.in/esAbYEHt

Love love love. Couple thoughts on this read. Admire Haein’s openness to learn and apply her learnt skill-set(s) to each opportunity that presented itself, EVEN if it meant starting by running errands or grabbing coffee. I really appreciate how she touched on the idea of mastering said basics and components of what went into her earlier career roles that are still used by Haein today. Additionally, it’s an invaluable lesson to start from the bottom, grow within a company, and work your way into high(er) level management roles. You will learn SOOO much. It’s an experience I truly valued while working for #Nordstrom. Goes to show that how you show up everyday is everything. YOU CAN break into that industry you dream of working in, all you need is ONE opportunity and someone who is willing to take the chance on YOU! Networking. Do NOT be afraid to reach out to someone you want to learn from on social media. Cannot emphasize that enough. And let me tell you from my point of view personally, it has paid off in more than one way or another. Go for it. The worst someone can do is not respond. Lastly, I really like how “diverse” her career path has been. It’s made her versatile within her unique approach to a Global Head of Partnership’s role at Ssense. Excited to see how she will further enhance the Ssense community. Great read for anyone looking for “career advice” in relation to breaking into the fashion industry; or any industry really. #business #fashion #style #bof #businessoffashion #ssense #womeninfashion #luxury #ecommerce #globalpartnerships

As Black History Month draws to a close, ADG spotlights Cassandra Cleare, Senior Director of our Events Division. Cassandra joined ADG in the fall of 2019, just in time to take on the challenges of guiding our clients through the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. While navigating this "new normal" on the job, Cassandra also married and gave birth to twins! We asked her to answer a few questions about her work, life, role models and more. Q. What has your career path been? What did you do before joining ADG? A. My career journey has been guided by a passion for culinary arts and a desire to blend creativity with service. Before joining ADG, I pursued culinary education, interned at various renowned venues like Disney World and Churchill Downs, and eventually assumed leadership roles in food and beverage management, culminating in my tenure as Director of Food and Beverage at an NBA arena. Seeking a better work-life balance as my family grew, I transitioned to ADG through the recommendation of a trusted friend, finding a fulfilling niche that allows me to continue pursuing my passion while accommodating family commitments. Q. What do you like best about your current position? A. In my current position, I appreciate the fusion of my passion with a role that affords me a semblance of work-life equilibrium. Engaging with diverse nonprofit clients, I find fulfillment in event planning and governance work, contributing to the realization of their overarching missions. Q. What do you find most challenging? A. The most challenging aspect for me is maintaining a high standard of work while ensuring accessibility to clients, especially with the blurred boundaries of remote work. Striking a balance between professional dedication and personal space can be demanding. Q. Who have been your mentors and role models? A. My father, a chef, instilled in me a profound love for food and hospitality, fostering my culinary passion. My mother exemplified the art of balancing familial duties with a professional career, serving as a role model in achieving harmony between personal and professional spheres. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the dedication of volunteers in nonprofit organizations, whose unwavering commitment energizes me in our collective pursuit of shared goals. Q. Do you have any advice for those who are considering association work? A. For those considering association work, I advise maintaining an open mindset to learning from colleagues and clients, as continuous education is essential in this dynamic field. Effective organizational skills are paramount for success, given the multifaceted nature of the role, and patience is key when transitioning from related industries. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #culinaryart #director #rolemodels #rolemodel #careerpath #careerjourney #leadershiproles #events #clients

We are celebrating International Women’s Day this month by highlighting outstanding female leaders at Primaris REIT. This week we're recognizing Christina Magee, Marketing Manager at Stone Road Mall. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. I began my journey in 1999 in marketing at OLG Slots, Racetracks. Alongside the startup team, I played a pivotal role in various casino openings. Balancing creativity with adherence to responsible gaming regulations, I led a team of 30. In 2012, I joined the Stone Road Mall team, refining my marketing expertise over twelve years of the property’s growth. Collaborating with talented individuals, I prioritized leveraging team strengths for efficient, creative concept development. I often use the phrase “Bride on a Budget”. I prioritize smart marketing tactics over elaborate concepts, ensuring optimal use of my resources. By nurturing relationships with tenants, customers, & the community, I gain insights into their needs & preferences, shaping marketing visions with innovation & storytelling. My philosophy revolves around “Live It, Learn It, Love It”. I infuse my marketing strategies with energy & enthusiasm. I embrace learning as much as I can and gathering insights while thinking outside the box.    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬? - Embrace conversations with people in the industry, exploring new ideas & different viewpoints.  - Challenge your comfort zone & dare to be different. Set ambitious goals & embrace the lessons learned from mistakes.  - Understand that setbacks are part of the journey toward success; trust the process. - As a former women’s ball hockey goalie, remember: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. Therefore, aim high & pursue your targets with determination. - Harness the strengths of those around you for support & guidance. View your peers as mentors, not competitors. - Above all, develop your marketing concepts as if crafting a masterpiece on a canvas. Infuse your creations with heart & authenticity, transforming them into extensions of your talent & self. Remember, you are not just working on a project; you are shaping the world around you.  You got this!      𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝? Enjoying time with family & friends. You will often find me in the kitchen cooking or baking recipes or meal prepping for the week. If the weather is nice, you will find me detailing my truck or doing some target archery practice. #realestate #experience #femaleleaders #internationalwomensday #reit #cre #primarisreit #commercialrealestate #retailrealestate

For Media Business III (INM310SBB), Moxie Garrett "Un-Closeted: North Face’s Inclusive Marketing" https://lnkd.in/eGPYg_5f Chalked full of wit and decked in full-spectrum attire Pattie Gonia, stands poised in the forest. It is how the North Face has chosen to step into pride month; or as they put it “come out” in style. An unexpected move by the corporation, taking what seems like clashing concepts; the dynamic aesthetic of drag against serene landscapes, makes for a perfect example of inclusive marketing. It provides consumers with food for thought and turning stereotypes on their head. In recent years, people have called out corporations for seeing pride month as a cash grab. Virtue signalling by selling limited edition goods without concrete activism or infrastructural changes within their own organizations to facilitate greater inclusivity. However, The North Face’s choice to use Pattie Gonia as their ambassador allowed for an authentic campaign. Pattie Gonia is a drag queen, known for both their LGBTQ+ and environmental activism.  From being featured in Time as a “Next Generational Leader”, to cofounding an initiative to make the outdoors more inclusive, her placement feels logical. It might have been a surprising pitch, considering her name spawns from that of their competitor. For the audience however, it adds an additional contextual layer. The North Face’s slogan is “never stop exploring”, referring to its outdoor pioneering spirit. The LGBTQ+ are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. What could be more authentic to their brand image during pride, than to give a platform to a community leader who seeks to conserve the environment the brand positions themselves in? Another reason, this campaign works is because it feels like an extension of their previous efforts. The North Face sponsors athletes from various demographics, demonstrating the brand’s accessibility to all. They have offered discounts to customers who take their course on racial inclusion, taking the concept of customer education beyond the conventional notions of product know-how, engagement and general retention. Through these messages they provided a space to host such campaigns. Lastly, the campaign is a successful because of how committed the brand is in standing behind the community. Many corporations lack backbones, preferring to pull the “everyman” archetype and remain silent. Instead, the North Face, have further rooted for the community by doubling-down against hate comments and extending her contract. Only by providing agency to the queer community can the campaign be confirmed as truly representative of inclusive marketing. However, it feels like a promising start as it caused me to examine what preconceived notions I had regarding outdoor adventuring. In the meantime/more immediately it inspires me to wear more colourful garb in nature and study-up on intersectional environmentalism.

💁🏻♀️ Diversity and inclusion should be not just buzzwords of today, but a genuine commitment. While some companies focus solely on inclusive hiring practices (which is already amazing, please, do it), a comprehensive DEI strategy should go further. 💡 Let's take marketing. How can we, as marketing specialists, ensure that our campaigns, ads, and overall branding reflect diverse cultures and identities? Or our product offering caters to a broader range of needs? ✍️🏻 There are some simple steps companies can take: featuring people of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, genders etc. in their marketing materials, telling authentic stories that resonate with different identities, collaborating with diverse creators to showcase various perspectives and experiences, etc. ✨️ What other actions could companies take? What does your company do? Contact my dear friend Maycon da Silva to share and support him in this fascinating research, focusing specifically on black communities! #marketing #dei #strategy

First year in my profession: ▪️Picking up Starbucks coffees ▪️ Interning for FREE at a PR Agency ▪️ Handling calls + admin tasks ▪️Working for a demanding Devil Wears Prada boss ▪️Perceived as the ‘junior’ My career 10+ years down the line: ☑️ Founder and International Business Consultant ☑️ Enjoying lifestyle freedom ☑️ Choosing my work location + clients ☑️ Providing business development + strategic planning for B2B Sales ☑️ Empowering fellow women to embark on their consulting journeys ☑️ Recognised with nominations and invited to speak at public events For those beginning their journey, remember: Your starting point does NOT determine your destination. #womeninconsulting #startconsulting #personalbrand #womeninbusiness

In October, thanks to RBS partners and Career Center, 95 RBS students were placed in companies such as Bulgari, Renault and Heineken. Nere, student of the Global Master in Fashion and Luxury Management and Valentina, student of the Global Master in International Management shared their experiences with us. Nere Leaniz, now E-commerce & Operations Product Care at Massimo Dutti, explained how she made the most of her experience at RBS "Thanks to this Master's program, I gained new experiences and met people from different countries and cultures that made me grow professionally and personally, as well as helped me continue to grow within my company and in the fashion world." Valentina Morando told us that the reasons why she decided to attend the RBS academic program were twofold: "The first is related to the one-on-one master's program, based on a solid committee of professors who are able to showcase their knowledge and expertise on a specific topic and make students understand the whole infrastructure and dynamics behind it with tangible examples and business cases. The second is related to services and activities to support academic offerings, such as career service and career advisors, company visits, international bootcamps, and RBS4Entrepreurship." But more importantly thanks to RBS Valentina managed to get a job offer as a Junior Business Advisor at Odoo and she has no doubts about her future: "My career goal is to gain a very broad and solid knowledge in negotiation, sales, business analysis to provide clients with the best solution both in terms of product and long-term profitability and performance. Being a Business Advisor will help me achieve my goal. It will be a long and challenging journey, but I am confident that I will be able to achieve my goals considering what I have learned during my time at RBS." Learn more about our students' paths: https://lnkd.in/eQ-9etcc

It's black history month! Our team at POCAM - People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing will be telling stories of black professionals in marketing. Today, I'd love to introduce you to Ozioma Nwabuikwu. Ozioma is a writer and a storyteller. That’s what drew her to advertising. The ability to tell a variety of stories from different verticals like finance, tourism, fashion and healthcare, to her current job of content strategy and freelance writing in the music and entertainment industry. She loves the intersection of culture, community and communications, and her work and writing reflects that. Ozioma has been in content creation for the past five years, as she was dealing with “homesickness and disillusionment with academia as an international student”. She was appointed head of marketing for the African association on campus and it helped her find her passion, and how much she loved to bring people together. As a newcomer to Canada, Ozioma had many odds stacked against her. She worked to understand our systems, our culture, and our student job programs that prioritize Canadian citizens or other degrees. She worked hard to create opportunities for herself and it was this tenaciousness that got her an internship in the Strategy department at Cossette. She was able to successfully break into the industry due to a combination of hard work, networking, and self taught skills, it’s been harder to maintain regular work in our industry due to our current economy. “It feels like there are fewer companies willing to invest in training, mentorship, and retain younger, diverse talent.” This lack of opportunity hasn’t stopped Ozioma from finding freelance work as her greatest accomplishment has been wharf work as a journalist, content strategist in music and entertainment; a great way to merge her love for writing, photography and culture. Ozioma would love to see our industry offer more long-term and intensive internship for diverse folks in an effort to be more inclusive, “Four months isn’t enough time to develop valuable skills and more mentorship should be embedded in internship programs.” Also an effort to transition people from internship to full time, so it doesn’t feel like company’s are checking off a “diversity box”. Her advice to young black talent is to look for those internships, continue networking, and know the experience you’d like to gain in order to work your way to that. This is how Ozioma has built her career, including knowing what her advantage is before taking on opportunities. She knows what she brings to the table, her unique perspective and skillset, and marries that with passion for her work, and the people around her. See more of Ozioma’s work here: https://lnkd.in/g9RbMk6T This POCAM BHM 2024 profile was written by Aleena Mazhar Kuzma, SVP, Managing Director, Partner of FUSE Create and a member of the POCAM - People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing board and steering committee.