I said what I said.
Let’s be real — diverse communities aren’t “the future” of advertising, tech, and innovation. They’ve BEEN the future. For decades. They’re the first to test-drive new platforms, flip the rules, and make the rest of the world play catch-up. TikTok dances? Streetwear drops? The way you use your phone? You didn’t invent that. You borrowed it.
These communities are walking, talking innovation labs with trillions in buying power. They don’t just move the needle — they are the needle. They set the trends, create the language, and turn products into cultural moments. And yet, too many companies still think the play is to “market to them” instead of putting them in the damn room where decisions get made. Newsflash: you can’t build cultural relevance with a team that’s allergic to culture.
And let’s not ignore the climate we’re in. With political leaders openly rolling back diversity efforts, the safe move is to go quiet. The right move is the opposite — to stay loud, stay visible, and double down on the work that matters. Because your customers are paying attention. They want to know who shows up when it’s uncomfortable, when it costs something, when the stakes are real. That’s when loyalty is built. That’s when value is created.
When diverse talent is calling the shots, products hit harder, campaigns feel alive, and brands actually matter. They see the blind spots you don’t even know exist, and they understand how to talk to audiences you’ve been guessing at for years. They’re not your “target demo.” They’re your competitive advantage.
Representation isn’t charity. It’s strategy. And in this moment — more than any other — the brands that win will be the ones with the courage to prove it.