Buyer personas are supposed to guide your marketing—but too often, they fall short. In this episode, Sonia Thompson, inclusive marketing strategist shares how to uplevel your buyer personas with simple identity-based shifts so they actually reflect your customers. You’ll learn how to move beyond demographics, close the persona gap, and create campaigns that convert more people into loyal customers. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter: www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter How to plan more inclusive business events with Eman Ismail - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-130-how-to-plan-more-inclusive-business-events-with-eman-ismail/
Performance marketing is one of the most popular ways brands try to grow. But here’s the problem: too often, leadership decisions create gaps that keep campaigns from reaching their full potential. In this episode, Sonia Thompson sits down with Laura Lee—growth marketing expert, fractional CMO, founder of LL Consulting, and board member of Asians in Advertising—to explore a major miss in performance marketing today. Together, they discuss how decisions around values, customer understanding, and whose voices get prioritized can mean the difference between clicks that fall flat and strategies that drive loyalty and growth. If you want to close the gap, strengthen trust, and ensure your marketing resonates with today’s evolving consumer base, this episode is for you. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Laura Lee on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/llee01/ LL Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamllconsulting/ Asians In Advertising - https://www.asiansinadvertising.com/
Cracker Barrel’s logo redesign didn’t just spark backlash—it exposed cracks in leadership decision-making. In this episode, Sonia Thompson shares 3 timeless marketing lessons every brand leader needs to keep their business backlash-proof. Discover how decisions around values, who’s really in charge, and whose voices guide your strategy can make or break customer trust. Tune in for practical insights to help you lead with clarity, avoid costly missteps, and build a brand that resonates with today’s consumers. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter -- www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter
Want more customers? You need better customer acquisition strategies — ones that actually work in today’s marketplace. Too many brands still take a passive “build it and they will come” approach, but today’s consumers — especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities — don’t show up where they haven’t been invited. In this episode, Sonia Thompson, inclusive marketing strategist and host of Inclusion & Marketing, shares 20 proven customer acquisition strategies you can use to win more customers now. Organized into five key pillars — Visibility, Belonging, Experience, Voice, and Conversion — you’ll hear real-world examples from brands like NYX, Mastercard, Toyota, and Ralph Lauren. Whether you’re a marketing leader at a Fortune 100 company or an entrepreneur building your customer base, this episode is your playbook for attracting, converting, and keeping more of the people you want to serve. Stop waiting for customers to find you. Start inviting them in. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter This is the 2nd episode in "The New Rules of Customer Acquisition" series. Listen to the first episode here: https://inclusionandmarketing.com/the-1-customer-acquisition-rule-to-boost-conversions-and-maximize-roi/
Most brands want more customers, better conversions, and stronger ROI. But here’s the catch: when it comes to customer acquisition, there’s one critical rule most brands completely skip. And missing it could be the reason your campaigns aren’t delivering the results you want. In this episode, you’ll discover the #1 rule of customer acquisition that turns efforts into measurable growth. I break down why this overlooked step is the foundation of successful strategies, how skipping it sabotages your conversions, and what you can do to apply it immediately. If you’re ready to boost conversions, maximize ROI, and build a customer acquisition engine that actually works, this episode is for you. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter
AI is powerful — but it’s not perfect. Hidden biases in AI-generated content can quietly push away the very customers you want to attract. In this episode, I share exactly how to create AI prompts that eliminate bias and help you win more customers. You’ll learn: The simple question every customer — especially from underrepresented groups — asks before buying How to give AI the right context so it creates inclusive, high-converting content Specific AI prompt examples you can use to review and create bias-free marketing materials Ways to train AI to reflect your brand’s values and speak directly to your ideal customers Whether you’re using AI for copywriting, content review, or campaign brainstorming, these strategies will help you produce marketing that’s inclusive, on-brand, and built to convert. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter: www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Episode 95: Navigating the effective use of AI for inclusive marketing with Joyann Boyce - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-95-navigating-the-effective-use-of-ai-for-inclusive-marketing-with-joyann-boyce/
Two pop culture moments. Two powerful marketing lessons your brand can’t afford to miss. In this episode, I breaks down the biggest key takaway for marketers from the American Eagle X Sydney Sweeney controversey, and a viral interview with two stars of Love Island USA season 7. Both examples teach us about what today’s customers really want from the brands they buy from. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter: www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Episode 174: The Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle Campaign Everyone's Talking About - 5 Real Lessons for Marketers On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WpSvXMPSPR4gCxEjQSmsq?si=bc296299d8d24a2a On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/174-the-sydney-sweeney-x-american-eagle-campaign/id1604907821?i=1000720099771
The Sydney Sweeney x American Eagle campaign made headlines, sparked debate, and flooded social feeds. But beyond the buzz lies a deeper story marketers can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, I unpack 5 real lessons from the campaign marketers can't afford to miss. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter
The Latino community in the U.S. is reshaping the future of consumer markets — yet most brands are missing key opportunities to connect authentically. Did you know Gen Z is already 1 in 5 Latino, and Gen Alpha is 1 in 4? In this episode, I sit down with Claudia Romo Edelman, CEO and Founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, to discuss the groundbreaking 2025 Hispanic Sentiment Study. Claudia shares eye-opening insights on how brands are falling short in marketing to Latino consumers and offers actionable strategies to build trust, cultural relevance, and growth. Whether you’re a marketer, brand leader, or business owner, this episode reveals the most significant growth opportunity you can’t afford to ignore. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com 2025 Hispanic Sentiment Study - https://www.hispanicstar.org/hispanic-sentiment-study We Are All Human - https://www.weareallhuman.org/ Claudia Romo Edelman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiaromoedelman/
Want to improve customer experience for more people — and do it in a way that’s inclusive, intentional, and backed by data? In this episode, I’m joined by behavioral scientist and data psychologist Patrick Fagan, who ran a fascinating year-long experiment: trying one new experience every single week. His goal? To expand his perspective and build deeper empathy — something all brands need if they want to create experiences that make people feel like they truly belong. You’ll learn why customer experience and inclusive marketing are inseparable — and how diversifying your circle of influence can be a highly effective (and often overlooked) strategy for doing both well. This idea is part of my 5C’s framework for building inclusive brands — and in this conversation, we explore how exposure to new people, places, and ideas can transform how you serve all your customers. If you want practical insights on creating more meaningful, equitable brand experiences — this episode is for you. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Patrick Fagan - https://www.patrickfagan.co.uk/
Co-creation is a best-practice strategy in inclusive marketing — but most brands don’t use it consistently or effectively. In this episode, I sit down with Luis Valadez, Senior Brand Manager at hair care brand got2b, to explore how the brand leans into co-creation to build deeper trust, drive consumer engagement, and fuel growth. If you want to learn what it looks like to put inclusive marketing into practice at a global level, this conversation is a must-listen. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter got2b - https://www.got2b.com/about/co-creation.html
Inclusive marketing isn’t a tactic—it’s a thread that should run through every part of your marketing mix, including your brand partnerships. In this episode, I sit down with Jake Schonberger, Head of Brand Partnerships at Beehiv, to explore how brands are taking a more inclusive approach to partnerships to connect with a broader, more diverse audience. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, real examples, and insights to make your next collaboration more impactful—and more inclusive. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Beehiv - https://www.beehiiv.com/
One of the most overlooked elements of inclusive marketing? The team behind it. It’s not enough to have diverse talent at the table — you also need the right team dynamics to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, valued, and empowered to shape the work. Without that, your inclusive marketing efforts will struggle to land with the people you serve. In this episode, I sit down with author and employer brand strategist John Graham to unpack why psychological safety and team culture are critical to marketing success. We talk about what gets in the way, what leaders often miss, and what it really takes to build an environment where authenticity thrives — and great marketing follows. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter John Graham LinkedIn post I referenced - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johngrahamcreative_dei-activity-7337134473370587136-YAt5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADoGrYBxCncTQK1uoD5k0MgXOrx3330CMI John Graham on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngrahamcreative/ John's Company - Shaker Recruitment Marketing - https://shaker.com/
Brands rely on KPIs to know if they’re on the right track — but what if the metrics you’re using are actually leading you off course? In this episode, I break down the KPI mistake that could be costing you customers and killing your growth — especially if you're trying to reach a more diverse audience. As an inclusive marketing strategist, I’ve seen how traditional KPIs often fail to tell the full story. I’ll share what most brands overlook, and how to reframe your metrics to make better, more inclusive decisions. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Ep. 146: How to use data to increase customer success for all - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-146-how-to-use-data-to-increase-customer-success-for-all-with-deborah-pickett/
You've probably heard me say it before: inclusive marketing is the future of marketing. And the data keeps proving it. In this episode, I’m joined by Valeria Piaggio, Head of Inclusive Growth at global insights powerhouse Kantar. We dive into the latest findings from Kantar’s Global Brand Inclusion Index, which shows that consumers around the world expect brands to lead with inclusion. We unpack what the research reveals, what it means for marketers and brand leaders, and even touch on insights from another new study Kantar is releasing. If you're building a brand that wants to grow with intention — this episode is for you. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Kantar's Brand Inclusion Index - https://www.kantar.com/campaigns/brand-inclusion-index
In today’s global marketplace, content that connects across languages and cultures isn’t optional — it’s a growth necessity. But translating your message is just the beginning. In this episode, I’m joined by Shaheen Samavati, CEO of Vera Content, a multilingual content agency working with brands like Sony Music Spain to adapt their messaging for international markets. We dive into the real-world operational side of multilingual content — from localization workflows to managing quality at scale, and how to align language strategy with your global business goals. Whether you’re just starting to expand globally or refining your approach, this conversation will give you practical insights to help your brand truly resonate with audiences around the world. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Vera Content - https://veracontent.com/
Inclusive marketing is more than a trend—it's a necessary shift in how brands communicate, connect, and grow. But with so many layers to consider, where do you start? In this episode, I sat down with Jerry Daykin, global marketing leader and author of Inclusive Marketing, to break down an inclusive marketing framework many top brands are leaning into and/or are extracting elements from. With senior roles at brands like Beam Suntory, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Diageo, and Mondelez, Jerry brings deep, real-world experience to the conversation. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter
Want to know how billion-dollar brands approach inclusive marketing—from the inside out? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes with five standout brand leaders who are driving real impact through inclusive marketing. You'll hear highlights from interviews that reveal the unique strategies, decisions, and philosophies behind their success. Each leader shares how they’ve built inclusion into the core of their brand—and what that actually looks like in practice. I’ve always learned best by observing what others do—and this episode is packed with real-world examples and actionable takeaways you can apply to your own marketing. Whether you're leading a team or building your brand from scratch, you'll walk away with ideas and inspiration to make your marketing more inclusive and more effective. 🎧 Press play to step inside the inclusive marketing playbooks of some of the world’s most influential brands. 👉🏾 Want even more insights like this? Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Here are the full interviews that the excerpts from this episode came from: 106. How Zumba built a global customer base in more than 180 countries - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-106-how-zumba-built-a-global-customer-base-in-more-than-180-countries/ 113. How Lysol drives brand growth with inclusive marketing with CMO Gary Osifchin - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-113-how-lysol-drives-brand-growth-with-inclusive-marketing-with-cmo-gary-osifchin/ 122. How Micheal Graves Design & Pottery Barn are working to bring accessible home design to more consumers - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-122-how-michael-graves-design-pottery-barn-are-working-to-bring-accessible-home-design-to-more-consumers/ 127. How to create a multilingual content strategy with Selim Dahmani - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-127-how-to-create-a-multilingual-content-strategy-with-selim-dahmani/ 158. Creating inclusive video marketing at Wistia, with Taylor Corrado - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-158-creating-inclusive-video-marketing-at-wistia-with-taylor-corrado/
Responsible marketing, and its close cousin inclusive marketing are increasingly becoming a part of the fabric of the way in which good marketing is done. In a world where brands are working hard to grow, and capture and maintain market share -- it's more important now more than ever to practice marketing in a way that speaks to what today's evolved customer wants and needs from you. In this episode, I sat down once again with Lola Bakare, CMO advisor and author of the new book Responsible Marketing. We covered a lot of ground including what responsible marketing is, the core elements of it, why it works so well to build trust and loyalty with consumers, and of course, where brands are falling short. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter: www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter Lola's book: www.responsiblemarketingbook.com Lola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeitbewithlola/ Episode 72: Why brands should practice responsible marketing with Lola Bakare: https://inclusionandmarketing.com/ep-72-why-brands-should-practice-responsible-marketing-with-lola-bakare/
Mother's Day is coming up in the U.S. And for the past few years that has meant a number of companies sending out emails asking people if they want to opt-out of Mother's Day communications. The intent is to not send emails that will be triggering to people who have a complicated relationship with the day. In this episode, we explore whether or not this is the right approach including other options to consider. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter - www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter