Should Brands Take a Stand on Social Justice?

2020 has been quite an eventful year for the world and for business owners.

We’re currently dealing with a global pandemic and the repercussions it has on business owners. We also saw the Black Lives Matter movement sweep the world, and incite thousands of people around the world to protest police violence and the unjust deaths of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, and many others.

All of these events have compelled many notable corporations, brands, and influencers to speak out. Some have successfully used their platforms to call for greater change, while others fell short.

With customers now holding brands to a higher social standard and calling out for more diversity and inclusion, it can be tricky for businesses to know how to navigate public opinion.

Here to shed light on the situation are two phenomenal guests: Marcus Collins and Will Shelton.

In this episode, Marcus Collins reveals how the business world should go about navigating these vital social issues, and why it’s important to take a stand – even when it’s inconvenient. Later on, I’m joined by Will Shelton who reveals how brands can increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

This is one powerful episode led by two phenomenal powerhouses, so don’t miss out!

Guest Profile

Marcus Collins is a cultural strategist and keynote speaker who has helped steward some of the biggest brands in the world. He has received notable awards, such as being a recipient of Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 list, and he was even the Head of Digital Strategy for Beyonce!

Follow Marcus Collins: https://www.instagram.com/marctothec/

Wil Shelton is the co-founder of WilPower Integrated Marketing, a full-service event activation agency specializing in the beauty/barber industry. The company is positioned in more than 40 urban markets nationwide and has relationships with over 100,000 African American salons.

 Follow Wil Shelton: https://www.instagram.com/imwilpower/

Discover:

Visit Our Website https://www.jmmbobpodcast.com/

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Memorable Moments:

The importance of financial empowerment [3:20]

The right time for businesses to speak out [4:01]

Marcus’ guidelines to brands when making a public statement [12:07]

The measurable actions businesses can take to diversify their company [30:16]

What an inclusive organization looks like [32:56]

Rate and Review:

 If you found this episode of JMMBOB valuable and encouraging, I would be so grateful if you left a rating and review. I love getting to know the people in my community and it helps other black business owners discover the podcast as well. 

Something Extra:

In the mood for a riveting and powerful fiction novel? Check out the debut novel, We Made Plans, by La’Onque Chavette. It chronicles the lives of a group of longtime friends in the midst of living their best lives when they experience a horrific trajectory altering event. We made plans is available online at Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Amazon, and Mahogany Books.

Looking to achieve personal and professional success in your life? Then you have to check out Jennifer Bryant’s new 30 Day Interactive Journal. The coaching prompts will help you reach within to balance your life through maintaining a positive attitude and mindset. You can find her book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also order it directly from her website.

Letters for Black Lives: a bilingual resource aimed at creating open conversations about anti-blackness within the community.