With 2025 coming to a close, the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council offers a retrospective of some of the past year’s CultureConnect episodes. Our panel shared the guests and themes that stood out to them, as well as the lessons they learned. The program was hosted by Janelle A. James, who is Co-chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and U.S. Head of Cultural Intelligence at IPSOS.

Panel:

Nicole Mitchell, Principal on Dynata’s Research Science Team

Augustina Perez Blua, Senior Account Manager at Google

Sarah Fahim, Senior Strategic Researcher at VML

In this episode of Culture Connect, we examine how Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) is reshaping both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) marketing and communications. A panel of Gen Z professionals share their views on the future of media and marketing, exploring how the generation's traits—especially their diversity and focus on empathy and equity—are leading to drastic changes in the market and the workplace.

Guests:

• Morgan Batts, Brand Executive at Weiden & Kennedy and Founder of ConNxt Project
• Alejandro Garcia Medina, Research Lead at LinkedIn's B2B Institute
• Elise Gentry, Assistant to Talent Agent & Partner at United Talent Agency
• Alexis Harris, Global Research & Insights Lead at TikTok
• Olympia Wundrock, Senior Manager, Analytics & Insights at Procter & Gamble
• Danielle Zito, Senior Account Manager at Ipsos

The podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

It’s October… Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Indigenous People’s Day and we’re seeing that supporting women of color is a critical pathway to universal solutions. In this episode, we're spotlighting the need for equitable health access and emerging solutions as many community safety nets disappear in the wake of the government shutdown. Healthcare brands, businesses, and nonprofits are bridging the gap and providing connection, support, and innovation for these family, community, and workplace leaders and we’re eager to illuminate how. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

Guests:

• Monique C. James, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weil Cornell School of Medicine
• Yamila Ruiz, The Latina Institute
• Caroline Brethenoux, Human Dot Plus and The Culture+ Group

In this episode, we dive into the profound and multifaceted impact Asian cultures and influencers have on American culture and consumer expectations. For decades, Asian American and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islander individuals and communities have shaped the U.S.. Now, a new wave of influence is undeniable as this growth audience increasingly drives American consumer culture and brand commercial success by prioritizing representation, digital engagement, social responsibility, and cross-cultural influence. Join us as we discuss how this cultural shift is not just a trend, but a fundamental reshaping of American identity and a powerful signal for marketers, media professionals, technologists, and product developers who want to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

Guests:

• Christopher Yang, Qualitative Consultant, Ipsos

• Kerou Carol Chang, Director Commercial Finance, Publicis Groupe

• Charlie Yamamoto, VP of Partnerships, Dive Studios

Given the current backlash surrounding the American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney and her good ‘jeans’ and even the recent Heinz “Smile” and “Family Portraits” campaigns from a few months ago, there’s a clear opportunity to reboot our Cultural Effectiveness Council conversations on avoiding marketing missteps. In this episode of CultureConnect, we’re excited to lead a reenergized conversation with guests who are executives and entrepreneurs in culture and creative effectiveness as they offer guidance on how to navigate culturally dynamic and diverse audiences and develop successful creative campaigns that work for everyone. This podcast is hosted by Council Co-Chair Janelle James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

Guests:

Laura Mignott, Advisor to Realm, Creator of “Culture Boards,” and CEO of You Are Home. Host of The Reset Podcast

Teri Arvesu Gonzalez, Chief Purpose Officer, Founder of The TAG Collab. Host of The Tag Collab podcast.

In this episode of CultureConnect, we dive into the power of culture with Dr. Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture. We explore how understanding cultural dynamics can transform brand impact and audience reach, what drives brand trust, insights on leveraging influence authentically and turning culture into capital, and even how this all comes together as we think about new and emerging consumers. This conversation is the perfect listen for any brands or business people looking to elevate their presence and connect more deeply with a more expansive group of audiences. CultureConnect is hosted by Janelle A. James, US Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos.

Tune in for an engaging conversation with industry leaders -- on the ground at the 2025 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival -- who are championing inclusive marketing, media, and technology in their work. AI conversations were omnipresent at the Festival and that, combined with these more turbulent times, shaped the context for the discussion and underscored that embracing people and cultures is more vital than ever. Our panel explores how empathy-driven strategies and expansive audience understanding are critical for communications, connection, and unlocking new pathways for growth. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.

Guests:

• Meghan Bartley, Senior Director of Agencies, Brands, and Engagement, GLAAD
• Hetal Patel, President of Advertising Intelligence, iHeart Radio
• Rachael Ryan, Head of Research & Insights, TikTok
• Beato Singleton, Global Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer, McCann Worldgroup
• Robert Velez, Vice President of Multicultural Sales, Vevo

In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of sports with women who are leading the way as executives and journalists. Together, they bring unique perspectives on the vital topics of representation on and off the field, career advancement, and setting new standards for women in the sports industry. Hosted by Janelle A. James, Head Of Cultural Intelligence, Ipsos US.

Guests:

• Sandra Osayuki Idehen, Recent Global VP/GM Jordan Basketball & Sport at Nike
• Kelley Carter, Senior Entertainment Reporter at ESPN
• Mary Kate Callen, SVP Market & Cultural Intelligence at Paramount