I had a weird conversation last week with a really important person in my life who is well intentioned, but who said something I don’t agree with. They said that trying to accommodate all the different exceptions that are coming up these days (I’m paraphrasing) is hard and complicated, and that a lot of the legacy rules and policies that existed in the past (like only men could vote before 1920 in the US) were the result of simplification, not prejudice. I mean, I guess it would be simpler if we were all exactly the same size, shape, and color, and we all only needed one size boot. But that’s not an excuse for making one size boot and mandating that all the people wear it even if it doesn’t fit. Or that they don’t have the right to wear boots then. Being inclusive and accommodating an array of needs is complicated and complex. But saying that we shouldn’t try because it’s simpler not to is stupid. (I tried to find a more articulate adjective and came up short. Sorry.) Marketing with inclusivity at the center of your strategy matters to your results because it matters to consumers, and that sets us toward a better world. I’m proud of and impressed by the brave leaders taking the biggest, boldest steps toward a more inclusive marketing landscape. It’s super hard, and complicated, and will be fraught with pitfalls and lessons learned along the way. But it is also more attainable today than ever before. We have the tools, the intention, the technology, and the insights to help create personalized, inclusive experiences at scale. And get better with each attempt. Thank you Chantelle Akwei for this insightful and actionable article about inclusive advertising and the Allies of Diversity audience from Amazon Ads, and the link to our 2023 Higher Impact report. You rocked it. 🙌 #diversityequityinclusion #diversity #inclusion #inclusivemarketing
Senior Marketing Manager at Amazon | Inclusion Advisory Group Member at Southampton FC
As we prepare to watch England’s Lionesses play in the final of the most watched Women’s World Cup EVER, it is evident that we’re moving in the right direction. But there’s still much work to be done. Globally, 29% of consumers say gender equality is the most important part of DEI to them, according to Higher Impact report from Amazon Ads. In the past few years, brands have been busting gender stereotypes with ads that show individuals who identify as women championing the workplace, playing sports and being proud of their bodies. Brands need to do more than just show women’s faces; they need to showcase them. Showcasing women’s success involves highlighting inspirational stories and rewriting narratives that may create patriarchal barriers. It goes beyond visibility and creates role models for all ages. It not only creates equity, but ensures that everyone of every gender feels heard and seen. Learn more about Why Inclusivity Matters: https://lnkd.in/eZ6x3_sU I am thankful for my brilliant collaborators and amazing team: Fiona Green Deirdre Buckingham Sunny Youn Kat Dykeman Stuart Feil Akama Davies Veronica P. #inclusion #representationmatters #equity #authenticity #innovation #marketing
