I'm thrilled to share that I've recently collaborated with the iconic JanSport!

My partnership with JanSport has a clear mission - we're working together to identify JanSport’s strategic target, refine its cultural positioning, and devise a dynamic ‘Back to School’ connection plan to enhance its cult status.

By blending cultural intelligence with creative innovation, I've developed a range of multimedia canvases that are visually captivating and strategically aligned with the cultural codes of our target audience. But the journey doesn’t end there – I've also teamed up with renowned platforms like Culted and The Face to ensure that JanSport’s story isn’t just told by the brand. Big up Pete Winkworth!

Stay tuned for more updates!

Check out my latest article for The Drum, where I delve into the intricate art of luxury branding for a unique demographic: Gen-Z Luxury Aspirers.

As a Gen-Z Luxury Aspirer myself, I seek brands that echo my ambitious spirit and elevate my status. But how can brands connect with me without undermining these aspirations? The key lies in blending humor with aspiration, offering a human touch without compromising the brand's luxurious and status appeal.

Check out the link to explore how luxury brands can navigate this delicate balance, enhancing engagement and fostering loyalty among Gen-Z Luxury Aspirers.

https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/10/02/gen-z-s-luxury-aspirers-how-high-end-brands-can-avoid-alienating-aspiring-buyers

Today, I find myself venturing beyond mainstream tracks. I'm immersing myself in sounds from regions undergoing upheaval, transformation, and resilience. It's not just about top charts anymore; I'm leveraging music to connect with genuine stories and experiences globally.

With the rise of platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok, accessing diverse musical genres has never been easier for me. Music has evolved beyond mere entertainment—it's now a potent conduit for understanding different cultures. In a recent survey, I was surprised to find that 62% of Gen Z, including myself, reported being tuned into global beats throughout our day.

For branding and communication professionals like me, it's crucial to acknowledge this significant shift and look beyond a Euro-centric perspective in music.

In today's fast-paced world, culture serves as more than just a backdrop for me; it is a vibrant canvas through which I sculpt my identity, influenced by my unique interests, influences, and aspirations. I find myself at the intersection of culture and commerce, bearing the delicate task of fostering genuine connections without commodifying the cultural communities I seek to assimilate with.

Here's my essence:

In this journey, my goal is to facilitate a harmonious blend of cultural richness and commercial success.

I'm thrilled to share that we've just unveiled our latest collaboration with the culturally iconic Kickers, a proud member of the Pentland Group!

My mission? To dive deep into the Gen-Z ecosystem and pinpoint our strategic target focus for the next five years.

With my expert insights, I've crafted an audience hypothesis centered around three captivating segments. To validate this approach, I spearheaded a UK-wide qualitative study, meticulously refining our strategic recommendations.

The result? Three comprehensive profiles, each accompanied by tailored product strategies and connection plans, all poised to drive the commercial success that we envision for the brand in the years ahead.

Big shout out to the boss, Jaye Taylor.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

We're absolutely pumped to let you know that we're live with another incredible episode of Back2Skool. Today, I'm thrilled to announce our special guest, Dr. Joy White, who's not only a critically acclaimed author but also a trailblazer in the realm of rap music studies and cultural academia.

I've been following Dr. White's work closely, and it's an absolute honor to have her with us today. She's been leading the way in examining the socio-economic impacts of the UK's rap music economy, particularly focusing on the dynamic Grime music scene.

In our live conversation, we're delving into some fascinating topics:

💡 We'll be unpacking the complex narratives of young black lives in the inner city, shining a light on their experiences and journeys.

🌆 We'll explore the significant role that brands can play in uplifting and supporting underprivileged communities, fostering growth and positivity.

🎶 And we'll gain insights into the vibrant landscape of inner-city black enterprise culture, revealing stories of innovation and resilience.

If you're as eager as I am to dive deep into the intricacies of rap culture, youth culture, and to explore the potential avenues of positive change through brand involvement, then you definitely don't want to miss this episode. Join us now for a powerful dialogue with Dr. Joy White, a leading voice in rap music and cultural studies! 🚀

In a world where I notice that young audiences have shorter attention spans, I find that finding meaningful ways to connect has become a significant challenge. The key? For me, it's about tapping into the cultural ideologies of young people, focusing on their deep-rooted values that shape identities and influence behaviors from adolescence through adulthood. In today's dynamic landscape, I see these values serve as steadfast guides, steering a variety of decisions, from purchases to advocacy routes.

Understanding and leveraging these fundamental principles are crucial for me in this "Era of Cultural Values" for creating impactful communication.

I'm thrilled to share that I am working closely with ellesse, one of the most notable Italian sportswear brands. Stemming from a fusion of luxury and sports utility, Ellesse has distinguished itself as a forerunner of Italian sports-luxe style, intertwining function with fashion and athleticism with sophistication. Its distinct European flair and disruptive color palette have appealed to a style-conscious, daring demographic. With its attention to tailoring and casual fit, Ellesse has reshaped the aesthetic norms of athleisure.

As the new codes of luxury evolve and the sports luxe landscape thrives, I'm excited to assist Ellesse in developing a forward-facing brand positioning to ensure its prominence in this new paradigm. As always, my starting point is the consumer.

Shout out to the team: Simon Breckon and Katie Cohen.

In this piece, I delve into the intricacies of connecting with Gen-Z audiences through community. While "community" has become a boardroom buzzword, there's often a lack of clarity around best practices. This article offers a step-by-step guide for brands looking to genuinely connect through community. Check it out and let me know your thoughts! ⬇️

https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/08/10/engaging-with-the-gen-z-community-strategic-guide-global-brands?

I recently had the privilege of joining Ivan Meakins on his podcast, Content Untapped. We dived deep into the world of youth culture and explored its profound impact on content marketing. 🎙️🔥

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:

🎧 Listen to our full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/d6cZWhHN