So, Grant Cardone is in the news this week. You may know him as an author and a purveyor of financial and business advice. I’ve never absorbed any of his content. I’m leery of anyone who’s made a fortune telling other people how to make a fortune — especially when they target specific audiences, like Black people. … Continue reading There’s Customizing a Message for Your Audience, and There’s Perpetuating Bias
When I first learned the story of Jordon Trishton Walker — presumably former Director of Research Development and Strategic Operations at Pfizer — I thought it was fake. One part of me is still clinging hopefully to the idea that it’s all a hoax. Continue reading The Lesson for Today: Do Not Tell Company Secrets on a Date
I must say I don’t feel the least bit gruesome for the subtle satisfaction I feel in acknowledging — dare I say, low key celebrating? — someone’s demise. But I don’t. I suppose it helps that Aunt Jemima isn’t actually a person. She’s a construct. An antiquated, racist construct that has now officially been rebranded. Out with … Continue reading Aunt Jemima Is Dead
There are a lot of little things happening right now that may seem small or insignificant compared to the larger work that needs to be done to remove obstacles to Black Americans ability to grow and prosper in this country, but they’re not unimportant. I’m talking about things like knocking down confederate monuments because why … Continue reading When It Comes to Human Rights for Black People, Little Things Count
So, Jay-Z made a multi-year deal with the NFL that has people doing some serious talking this week. His entertainment company Roc Nation will help the NFL choose performers at league events, and help the organization’s social justice efforts. I’m not one to follow the crowd by any means, but on this one I’m leaning … Continue reading Jay-Z, I Can’t Help But Feel a Little Dodgy about this New NFL Deal
I’ve been seeing a lot of articles lately about Gen Z and millennials. Their beliefs are changing the world, rapidly reshaping entire industries, like retail. Many of these cost-conscious young people apparently feel no real loyalty to any one brand. Instead, they focus on using the vast online resources at their disposal to search out the … Continue reading Nike, Betsy Ross and that Old-School Flag Probably Isn’t the Real Problem
So, Adidas is in the news for diversity problems. Employees at its Portland headquarters say they’ve been marginalized and discriminated against. Apparently management perpetuates a high school clique type environment, and ignores minority voices in favor of more familiar faces, often to the detriment of the business. Like having to pull your all white sneaker offering … Continue reading Beyonce, Pharrell, Please Cancel Adidas
I worked a conference with one of my clients this week. It was a small show, not a ton of traffic, so I had an opportunity to chat with a few of our fellow vendors. As company representatives they were primarily in the sales and marketing field. One gentleman and I got into a detailed … Continue reading How Well Are You Marketing Yourself?
Nipsey Hussle died this week. Or, he was shot and killed this week. I didn’t know much about him. I’d never listened to any of his music until it came time to write this blog, and I thought it was a fitting sound track. My first exposure to him was through Gary Vaynerchuk of all … Continue reading Nipsey Hussle: Short Life, Untimely Death, Enduring, Undeniably Positive Legacy
A Life Not Grey 