Kevin Moeller, Head of Consumer Insights for Sparkling Brands at PepsiCo, discusses the essential role of cultural intelligence in a world of demographic shifts and data revolution. Moeller explains how connecting with diverse consumer groups requires a deep understanding of cultural nuance to build "brand love" and drive strategy. He delves into the importance of empathy, cutting through the noise of fads to find lasting trends, and leveraging a full spectrum of data, from qualitative to AI, to...
Aug 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 18
This episode features Carlos Madrazo, a dynamic leader celebrated for his passion for creating value, a keen eye for opportunity, and an unwavering commitment to a bold vision. His background includes leading Investor Relations and corporate planning for multi‑billion‑dollar companies such as Panera Brands and Grupo Televisa, driving cross‑border M&A at Chase Manhattan Bank, and launching the groundbreaking Univision‑Televisa joint venture. Carlos now channels this extensive experience into ...
Jul 31, 2025•25 min•Ep. 17
In a discussion on the critical role of cultural intelligence in modern marketing, Monica Dreger, Global Head of Research and Innovation at Airbnb, emphasizes that a deep and continuous understanding of consumers within their cultural context is the cornerstone of brand relevance and growth. She argues that in a fragmented and polarized world, brands can no longer afford to "play it safe," as younger generations expect them to take a stance. Dreger explains that achieving true cultural fluency i...
Jul 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 16
Alvaro Luque, the President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico, is credited with transforming a brandless commodity into a cultural icon and the leading avocado brand in the U.S. The discussion delves into Alvaro's journey and the innovative strategies he employed, such as taking a CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) approach to marketing fresh produce and making Avocados From Mexico the first fresh brand to advertise in the Super Bowl. He explores the critical role of cultural intelligence and inclusive...
Jul 03, 2025•42 min•Ep. 15
Doug Zarkin, an award-winning brand transformation expert known for his work with Victoria’s Secret PINK and Pearle Vision, shares insights on the evolving role of brands in today’s consumer-driven world. The conversation explores the importance of cultural intelligence, emphasizing the need for brands to remain culturally relevant while navigating a divisive social landscape. Doug highlights the value of treating customers as individuals, leading with humility, and prioritizing long-term loyalt...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 14
Can a Brand Truly Grow Without Understanding the Culture Around It? In this episode of Cultural Fluency Makers, host David Wellisch and Pavi Gupta dive deep into the critical role of cultural intelligence in today's rapidly changing consumer landscape. Discover why Pavi believes "insights is where it all begins" and how understanding consumers at a "deep human level" can provide a massive competitive advantage. The conversation explores how brands can authentically connect with diverse audiences...
Jun 05, 2025•39 min•Ep. 13
How crucial are cultural insights in today's data-driven world? Join host David Wellisch on this episode of Cultural Fluency Makers as he sits down with Jiaxi Zhu, Head of Analytics and Insights for Small and Medium Businesses at Google. Discover how Jiaxi leverages data and cultural intelligence to connect with diverse global audiences and tailor strategies for millions of small businesses worldwide. He also shares his perspective on The evolution of cultural insights beyond traditional demogra...
May 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 12
What does it take to build inclusive, culturally relevant marketing in a rapidly changing world? Tariq Hassan, a veteran marketing executive with over 20 years of experience, most recently as Chief Marketing Experience Officer at McDonald’s discusses the evolving role of inclusive marketing in today’s shifting cultural and demographic landscape, the balance between data-driven insights and human intuition, and the unique challenges of connecting with youth and diverse audiences. Tariq highlights...
May 08, 2025•40 min•Ep. 11
What does it take to build a global brand that connects with people on a deeply personal level? Award-winning marketing leader Cheryl Guerin, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Strategy and Innovation at MasterCard, shares how the company creates emotional resonance by focusing on what consumers truly care about—like music, sports, and travel. From major partnerships with the GRAMMYs to immersive experiences with Live Nation, Cheryl breaks down how passion-based segmentation drives deeper ...
Apr 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 10
Lauren Flanigan, the head of Global Brands Refreshment Categories at Mondelez International, talks about the critical role of inclusive marketing in today's diverse and dynamic cultural landscape. Lauren emphasizes that inclusive marketing is vital, not just as a token gesture, but as a core business strategy that drives strong results and authentic connections with consumers. Using examples from brands like Nike and Oreo, she underscores the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leadersh...
Mar 27, 2025•31 min•Ep. 9
How can brands achieve true authenticity in an increasingly diverse world? Aarti Bhaskaran, Global Head of Research and Insights at Snap discusses her extensive experience and perspectives on inclusive marketing in today’s evolving cultural and demographic landscape. Aarti critiques the term "inclusive marketing" and advocates for putting the consumer at the center of marketing strategies, rather than simply checking demographic boxes. Aarti highlights the increasing diversity across generations...
Feb 13, 2025•35 min•Ep. 8
Linda Bethea, Chief Marketing Officer at Danone, explores the complexities of inclusive marketing. She highlights the importance of integrating inclusivity into all marketing strategies, rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. She discusses how America's diverse cultural and demographic landscape calls for this approach to effectively engage with newer, more diverse generations. The conversation touches on challenges such as educating internal stakeholders and expanding reach through...
Jan 30, 2025•21 min•Ep. 7
In this insightful and dynamic episode, David interviews Valda Coryat, the Vice President of North American marketing for condiments and sauces at McCormick and Company. Valda shares her expertise and discusses how the rapidly changing demographic and cultural landscape in America affects marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive marketing and cultural fluency for the longevity and success of brands. Valda draws from her extensive experience with top brands and touches on ...
Nov 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 6
In this episode, host David Wellisch, interviews Yin Woon Rani, CEO of MilkPEP, a veteran marketer with over 25 years of experience. Yin discusses her career in the marketing industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusive marketing given America's evolving demographics. She shares insights on integrating inclusivity into marketing strategies, the significance of understanding diverse consumer segments, and the challenges and rewards of culturally relevant marketing. Yin also reflects on her p...
Nov 07, 2024•32 min•Ep. 5
This week's episode of Cultural Fluency Makers features Marissa Solis, the Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League (NFL). Marissa discusses how changing demographics in America require marketers to focus on inclusive and personalized marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse consumer segments and creating personalized connections. Marissa outlines challenges such as data privacy and the necessity to balance t...
Oct 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, John Mutterperl, Director of Consumer Insights at Campari America, discusses the significance of inclusive and multicultural marketing strategies in the United States. He emphasizes the dual-prong approach as both a business and moral imperative, given America's diverse demographic landscape. John outlines the growth potential and critical nature of connecting with multicultural consumers authentically and relevantly. He also addresses the structural and cultural challenges of i...
Oct 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, host David Wellisch engages in a dynamic conversation with Peter Blacker the EVP, Streaming and Data Products, and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at NBCUniversal. Peter is a seasoned media executive with over two decades of experience, and he discusses his transformative work in digital media and inclusive storytelling, including launching Fluency Plus and AOL Latino alongside host David Wellisch! They explore the importance of culturally relevant marketing, the role o...
Sep 26, 2024•42 min•Ep. 2
In this episode, Tina Tonielli, the US and North American Lead, Consumer and Business Insights and Analytics at Haleon, joins host David Wellisch to discuss the evolution of inclusive marketing in response to America's changing demographic landscape. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive rather than targeted marketing, Tonielli highlights the necessity of understanding diverse consumer groups to stay competitive. She shares strategies like the cultural fluency audit to ensure authentic and eff...
Sep 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1
Welcome to Cultural Fluency Makers! Each week, we welcome leaders to share how they stay ahead of the ever changing consumer landscape. With today’s cultural transformation, top brands need to understand diverse consumer segments from Gen Z, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ to gamers, wine enthusiasts, and basketball fanatics in Iowa. Their marketing strategies require them to keep the pulse on their consumers but also their brand and the category to continue to grow revenue for the long-term. Cultural Flue...
Jul 16, 2024•50 sec
