ClarityConnects

We have always focused primarily on customers as the main group for our branding and marketing efforts…well those times are changing. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, Anne Erhard, EVP for Social Impact & Sustainability at Edelman, shares recent research that demonstrates the importance of the belief-driven employee who have become the main stakeholder for a thriving business, and how employees now carry the power to influence their CEOs to a greater level of responsibility to stand up for what's right. Resources from this episode: - Edelman - Belief-driven Employee

We are living through a fundamental shift in how customers, employees, investors, and other business stakeholders expect brands to genuinely show up and care for social and environmental issues. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, Sandy Skees, Global Lead of Purpose & Impact Practice from Porter Novelli, shares recent research that shows Americans want corporations to stand up for what’s right, provides guidance on how brands can identify and live their purpose, and illustrates that doing Good inevitably unlocks a spectrum of innovative opportunities for growth that were nonexistent before. Let's do Good! Resources from this episode: Porter Novelli Business of Cancel Culture study

Although 2020 is finally behind us, it has molded us and caused tremendous repercussions on people, culture, and brands—now and in the future. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, I share how last year’s events has forced people and brands to be more human, vocal, and powerful. Also, by considering the state of corporate activism, customers, and yes even politics, I provide guidance on how to be profitable while doing good in 2021. We are living in a precious time full of opportunities to create positive change—let’s do this.

Let’s face it, branding is abstract. It is only once we grasp the core of branding in the context of visceral human emotions and yearnings, that we can see its full capacity. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, Patrick Hanlon, CEO of PrimalBranding.co and a world-leading brand practitioner who is the author of Primal Branding, systematically breaks down branding and its functionality, and shares how companies can flourish following a tumultuous year that has heightened people’s need to belong to brands that have authentic belief systems.Resources from this episode:PrimalBranding.coPrimal Branding Book (a book that changed the way I look at branding)Enjoy!

It’s clear that purpose-led businesses have risen in 2020. But what are concrete implications that businesses must consider and undertake to embody purpose and act in accordance? On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, Margot Brandenburg, an expert on strategic philanthropy, capital markets, and inequality from the Ford Foundation, shares the nuances of today’s do-good corporate entities, reveals the latest valuable research on purpose, and the key elements a company must take into account in order to be profitable while creating positive change, simultaneously.Here are the resources we mention during this episode: The Ford FoundationA Test of Corporate Purpose, research paperBusiness Roundtable

Cultivating self-awareness can truly unleash human flourishing and imaginative ideas. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, the brilliant and soulful Shannon Washington, Group Executive Creative Director at R/GA--who is one of the few Black Women creative leads in the advertising industry--shares why self-awareness is essential for creativity, how allyship leads to equitable and strong teams, and the key role advertising can play in today’s culture pertaining to racial and social justice.Twitter: @shannboogieWebsite: www.shannonwashington.net 

2020 has been a year like no other. The compounding effects of the covid-19 pandemic, the crucial #BlackLivesMatter movement, and a pivotal U.S. election year has forced us as a people to reconnect with who we are and question our thoughts and feelings in a deeper way. On this episode, I share how cultural and individualist shifts has impacted our core values, and its inevitable implications on how businesses need to position their brands--from here on out--to truly connect with an awakened audience.

The brands and leaders who fully embrace the #BlackLIvesMatter movement will inevitably thrive—from a humanitarian AND profitability standpoint. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, the fabulous Monique Nelson, CEO and Chair of UWG, the longest standing multicultural marketing agency in the world, shares how leaders can truly embody and champion diversity and inclusion from the inside out to create lasting positive change and growth.https://www.uwginc.com/

These are such chaotic, sad, and uncertain times. But I believe that positive change can, must, and will happen. It all starts first by each of us being truly open to understand, feel, and actively listen to the needs and views of our fellow humans…to empathize with them. On this episode of the ClarityConnects podcast, Maria Ross, author of the book The Empathy Edge, shares how empathy can help cultivate genuine, caring, and effective leaders, teams, and businesses--which in turns enables a meaningful and valuable connection with customers.Maria is providing a free downloadable Guide to ClarityConnects listeners called “5 ways empathy benefits your business”. Also, you can get more information on Maria at https://www.red-slice.com/ and get her book here.Sending out love and peace.

The uncertain times of the covid19 pandemic, with its large scale isolation measures, is having a profound effect on people’s lives….and thoughts. On this episode, I share how the pandemic pause is affecting our feelings and values as a society, which is shifting the marketplace’s current and future needs. Topics include:How the pandemic is changing our minds and emotionsSuccessful approaches that brands used during this tragedy The ultimate pandemic effect on businesses and brandsEnjoy!

We live in a digital age full of astonishing connection possibilities. But are we connecting in a way that nourishes genuine meaning and maximizes our human existence? Hear my conversation with David Ryan Polgar, tech ethicist, and the Founder of All Tech is Human, as we explore how we can humanize technology for the growth of individuals and businesses, simultaneously. Topics include:Ethics and its importance in techTechnology will not solve all your problemsCan we scale intimacy through tech?Hyper-personalization and diversification of thoughtHow to start instilling laws and guidelines for AIHere are the resources we mention during this episode: https://www.davidpolgar.com/https://alltechishuman.org/ Enjoy!

Inclusive design: what does it really mean and how can we best apply its principles? Hear my conversation with Regine Gilbert, Visiting Industry Assistant Professor at NYU, and author of the best-selling book “Inclusive Design for a Digital World”, as we explore the importance of UX and inclusivity from a human perspective. Topics we cover include:Breaking down UX, inclusivity, and accessibility in a practical wayThe importance and joys of having an inclusive mindsetInclusive design is lucrative for companiesBaby steps to start incorporating inclusive design in your workHow to experience empathy and become more aware of your biasesThe beauty of universal designHere are the resources we mention during this episode: Inclusive Design for a Digital World book by Regine GilbertThe Design of Everyday Things book by Don NormanDon't Make Me Think book by Steve KrugWebaim: Web accessibility in mindW3C: The World Wild Web ConsortiumRegineGilbert.comEnjoy!

Teaching personal branding at NYU for the past few years has enabled me to fully grasp the core of personal branding and effectively put it into practice. On this episode, I share how the power of personal branding can help you genuinely connect with yourself and influence others. Topics include:What does personal branding really mean?The foundational framework of personal brandingPersonal branding: beyond just content creation and social mediaCraft your personal brand statementHow to best utilize social media for your personal brand2 resources I recommend from the show:The Desire Map book from Danielle LaportePower posing video from Amy CuddyI hope you enjoy this episode!

In November 2019, I went to one of my favorite yearly events, the 3% conference in Chicago. Hear Anaka Kobzev, Global Head of Communications at TBWAWorldwide, and I share our main takeaways from the event as we cover the following topics.1. The full spectrum of what diversity and inclusion actually really means.2. A transformative transgender story reflecting the power of these individuals in business.3. Tapping into our emotional intelligence for a thriving workplace.4. A modern company needs their male leaders to support and uplift women.5. The bold and brilliant Cindy Gallop with her relentless effort in making strides for gender equality.At the end, Anaka shares her beautiful #ClarityMoment on vulnerability.I hope you enjoy it!

Let’s tap into the wolrd’s biggest database of human intent: Google search. Hear my conversation with Janneke van Geuns, the Head of Insights and Analytics at Google, as we explore what the digital data from Google search is telling about human beings’ behavior and how you can use these insights to help your brand connect more meaningfully with your audience. Topics we cover include:Predominant themes surfacing from organic searchTop consumer behaviors applicable to all verticalsHow brands can effectively use big data to align with their customer’s state of mindThe process of insight discovery and its implementation into brand strategy outputsVoice technology and how people are using itI hope you enjoy it!

Last week, I went to Adweek 2019 in NYC with my business partner Brooke Vines. Hear our #ClarityMoments from the event as we cover the following topics:Purpose-driven brands and how to connect genuinely with humans were the most predominant themes. We share examples from big brands (Verizon, IPG, Anheuser Busch) as well the new initiative Lion’s ShareMom’s and women speak their truth in the advertising industry by expressing their honest views and emotions in a more courageous and compassionate wayThe outspoken, resourceful, and activist life force of the GenZ populationTiktok is the current hottest social media platform…and why brands need to get on it NOWMeditation and mindfulness has finally arrived at Adweek and the business world…hallelujahAt the end, we contemplate on our awesome Madonna concert experience and the social justice art of Olafur Eliasson. Both artists show us the true nature of being a creative, how we can challenge the status quo, connect more viscerally with others, and uplift the human spirit.  

Everybody talks about brands and branding, but not a lot of people really fully understands what it means.In this episode, come with me on a journey to get a sound foundation on brands and branding: we will explore the definition of branding, how to use brand principles into practice, the difference between branding vs marketing, my 3Cs to create an effective brand messaging statement, as weel as talking about the impact of brands as it pertains to culture, and visa versa, and the human essence.2 amazing books that I highly recommend on branding that I mention in this episode:Primal Branding by Patrick HanlonZag by Marty Neumeier 

Welcome to the very first episode of ClarityConnects! My name is Touseef Mirza, the creator and host of this podcast and in this episode, I am providing an overview of ClarityConnects: why this podcast came to be, the topics we will cover, the lovely guests that I will interview. I also share #ClarityMoments that solidified my understanding of the sheer importance of recognizing the human essence in brands to create true impact. Let's begin this new journey!Some Clarity Quotes from this episode:Branding can be used to unify humanity--Debbie MillmanThe future of business is doing good and making money simultaneously--Cindy GallopI’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel--Maya AngelouThank you!