Megan Malli

I often find myself grappling with the question: Why do I always feel so busy yet unsure if I'm making the impact I need to as a leader? This insightful article from HBR, "You Need to Practice Being Your Future Self," really resonates with me and highlights a common struggle many of us face. In my day-to-day life at VaynerMedia, I see this challenge all the time. It's comforting to know that feeling overwhelmed is only human. This article provides valuable perspectives on how we can help ourselves and our teams become more focused and productive versions of ourselves. Check it out and see how practicing being your future self can transform your approach to work and personal growth. Tell me what you think. #leadership #personaldevelopment #productivity #timemanagement

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Check out this article from my partner in crime, Michelle Edelman as she introduces our new agency positioning!

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Maybe measuring last click isn’t the best way. It’s actually archaic and only building growth for Big Tech, and not your company. “Our research across hundreds of brands in dozens of categories shows that it’s possible to rigorously measure and strategically target the feelings that drive customers’ behavior.” If marketing is in the business of selling something… and we know we all buy things based off a myriad of emotions… then maybe it’s time to start measuring something else. It’s not rocket science. It’s emotional science. https://lnkd.in/euwMST4u #brand #marketing #storytelling #video #controlthenarrative #emotionsells

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I can appreciate Dan Rockwell's explanation of how leaders can empower rather than overpower our teams. He couldn't have said it better: "Get out of the way. People stop creating when leaders give solutions." Frequent interjections from leadership can quickly backfire, leading to disengagement and over reliance on leadership. #Leadership #LeadershipLessons #StrategicSilence

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By integrating these insights into our lives, we can build a future where truth, innovation, well-being, and empowerment are the cornerstones of our progress.

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**Diverse Segments Represent Business Growth: Are CMOs Investing Accordingly?** I recently read an insightful article by my colleague Isaac Mizrahi, CEO of Alma on Forbes that delves into a critical question for today's marketers: Are CMOs investing appropriately in diverse segments? As we approach the second half of the year, companies are reassessing their business projections amid an uncertain macroeconomic scenario. With inflation and high interest rates impacting consumers, brands are seeking growth opportunities beyond price increases. Diverse segments present a promising avenue for growth. According to the latest U.S. Census report, Hispanic, African American, and Asian American consumers now represent 100% of the country's population growth and a significant share of business growth across various categories. Isaac's analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that between 2017 and 2022, total annual aggregate spending per household increased by 25%. Notably, the combined diverse segment experienced a 42% increase in expenditure, outpacing the non-Hispanic white segment, which grew by only 19%. Household purchasing power also surged, with the Hispanic segment growing by 46% to $1.3 trillion, the African American segment by 35% to $1.0 trillion, and the Asian American segment by 47% to $0.7 trillion. These segments now represent 30% of America's household purchasing power, up from 26% in 2017. Despite these numbers, many CMOs still view diverse segments as an extension of the general market, relying on single, broad-reaching ideas. However, connecting with diverse consumers requires a balanced mix of inclusive and culturally specific approaches, leveraging influencers, social media, and digital channels to amplify culturally relevant messages. Ignoring the significance of diverse segments, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, could be a costly mistake. These consumers demand recognition of their whole identity, including ethnic pride and belonging, influencing American culture in music, fashion, food, sports, language, and entertainment. Marketers must invest strategically in diverse consumer segments to achieve substantial growth and become market leaders. It's time to put marketing investments where the growth is. Which side will you pick? #Marketing #Diversity #BusinessGrowth #ConsumerTrends #CMOs #EthnicMarketing #hispanicmarketing

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Have loved reading (and listening to) Kimeko McCoy, Digiday ask questions when it comes to #genai and what how to mitigate marketers' concerns. Razorfish's Cristina Lawrence joined in on the conversation, with a big point around brand reputation and perception when it comes to #ai. Have a read: "At the end of the day, with the brand clients, what they care about is the perception of the brand and the implications to brand perception. As we continue to refine the content labeling and that provenance piece, I think we will get to a point eventually where that apprehension will subside." https://lnkd.in/gb2wPKT8

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There's a lot of focus on how generative AI will negatively impact creativity. One way to combat this is through the lens of critical insights. "Instead of prioritizing generative AI tools solely for improved content efficiency, there is actually more short- and long-term value if we use them to drive greater insights to inform campaign briefs and media planning, as well as collaboration among the marketing teams." The valuable consumer insights that AI can provide enables marketing teams to use that saved time and effort to be even MORE creative. #GenerativeAI #AdTech #PerformanceMarketing #MarketingAI #MarketingLeadership

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“Absolute blockbuster of a piece by ADWEEK’s Trishla Ostwal that chronicles some refreshingly candid remarks by Walgreens Director of Media and Strategy, James Lerner at Brandweek. Walgreens is very lucky to have this young man in their employ. I wish more client side leaders would follow Lerner’s example and speak out about the growing list of injustices by bad actors operating in plain sight in the digital ecosystem. Here are just a few of his perspectives in Trishla’s article: “Can we trust what’s going viral on TikTok? Absolutely not. It’s all a lie. It’s all an illusion. Obviously, Google doesn’t want to tell you (struggle to understand where the ads appear and what drives revenue) because it’s sucking up all your budget [and] giving you some type of efficiency curve and your ROI is decent, so you’re not going to question that. For a large Fortune 500 company with 8,000 stores, that’s not a very acceptable answer!” Lerner voiced frustrations over platforms’ claiming over-attribution. “They do come back to me and say, ‘Yep, you’re right, there might be some over-attribution—we’re claiming too much credit” If I know who is buying my products, why can’t a platform serve ads to the right person at the right time? Lerner added that Walgreens is trying to break down some of the walled gardens, and small doors are opening. He is particularly keen to get impression logs (#LLD) to show to the CFO that Walgreens is getting the best possible price for the media it’s buying. Please read the entire piece here: 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/eeA_wYR5

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📊 In the fast-paced marketing world, blending data with creativity can feel like a balancing act. Are you navigating this journey, too? You’re not alone. Cella's latest read explores how data-driven decision-making is transforming the way we approach marketing and creativity. Discover insights on striking the perfect harmony between numbers and innovation to drive impactful results. ✨ https://lnkd.in/ejJiS9mH #MarketingStrategy #Cella #RandstadDigital

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Everyone has a bad day. For me, its the consistent poor behavior, especially from those in leadership, that really boils my blood. Interesting study into rude behavior and how managers view those who their colleagues view as rude. "Given the central role leaders play as decision makers in the workplace, it’s critical that they assess employee behavior fairly and accurately. To our dismay, our study discovered a tendency on the part of managers to blame employees for the mistreatment they experience. For those leaders responsible for evaluating others at work, we hope our research reminds you to be more judicious." Your words matter. Your tone matters. And if you're a leader, maybe take a moment to evaluate the behaviors and culture on your teams. Its been proven time and time again, toxic cultures are one of the top reasons people seek new opportunities. And rude behavior, or lack of repercussions for such behavior, only fuels toxicity in the workplace. #hbr #leadership #workplaceculture

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"Purpose is dead. Long live purpose!" Two or so weeks ago, I had a thought-provoking conversation with Ken Beaulieu, head of the Association of National Advertisers' Center for Brand Purpose, about whether marketers are truly moving on from purpose or if it's simply evolving into something more profound. Ken shared research he conducted this past Spring with Internationalist Insights and was curious to learn my take on what it said about the evolving role of purpose in today's complex landscape. Some key topline insights I shared with Ken include: 🔍 Purpose: Evolving, Not Fading Despite sentiment among some marketers that purpose is "one and done," the ANA-Internationalist research reveals that purpose is very much alive and evolving. While 85% of marketers acknowledge that insubstantial purpose can harm a company, a strong brand purpose remains a “North Star” for organizational alignment and impact. 🔗 Beyond Marketing: A Holistic Commitment Purpose is maturing into what it is meant to be: much more than a marketing strategy. It's a company-wide effort transcending PR tactics, one that requires the commitment of the entire organization, from the C-suite to front-line employees to ensure it is embedded into brand DNA and business operations. 💡 Five Guidelines for Embracing Purpose: 1. Align Purpose with Organizational Goals: Purpose is most effective as a driver of decision-making and operations, not a stand-alone initiative or after-thought. 2. Communicate Authentically: Sincere messaging, backed by tangible actions, is crucial for resonating with all material stakeholders. Empower Stakeholders as Advocates: Engaged communities amplify brand reach and grow impact. 3. Cultivate an Ethical Supply Chain Across Sectors: Partnering with nonprofits and maintaining responsible practices enhance the honesty of purpose. 4. Embrace Continuous Improvement: Purpose is an ongoing tool for risk management and innovation. When activated effectively, purpose serves as a strategic compass for modern brands, guiding them to navigate today's shifting social landscape more fluidly. Embedding purpose in a brand’s DNA and business operations cultivates genuine engagement, enhances social impact, and drives profitable growth. For more in-depth insights, read my full article on the ANA's Industry Insights blog. (https://lnkd.in/eX7uGgcR) What do you think about purpose in today's landscape? Is it one and done or is its role evolving? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #Purpose #MarketingStrategy #Growth #Performance #CorporateResponsibility #SustainableBusiness #SocialImpact #BrandCitizenship #DoGood

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Today is designated Global Focus Group Day, and to celebrate, today’s episode of IN CLEAR FOCUS features an interview with Jeanne Corrigan, a consumer behavior strategist and expert in qualitative research. Jeanne shares her insights with me on the enduring value of focus groups, the impact of digital technology, and the role groups can play in understanding consumer motivations and informing brand strategy. We also consider how AI can identify patterns in data while human researchers excel in interpreting the "why" behind consumer decisions. #InClearFocus #GlobalFocusGroupDay #FaceToFaceMRX

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Now that curation has earned its way into more and more programmatic circles, it's only fitting that Pesach Lattin has dived into the question "are all data curation solutions interchangeable?" Spoiler alert - they aren't, which makes this article a must read both those who are already capitalizing on curation and those just getting started. Drew Stein Audigent Ted Smith Greg Williams Jake Abraham Gina Cavallo Chris Meredith #data #curation #programmatic #programmaticdata

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After you learn how to truly show up authentic and become your brand, how do you actually tell your story? I sit down with Jeff Glauser, certified StoryBrand coach and CEO of Brandscribed to talk about how to do just that. https://lnkd.in/eUTQ9qr5 #storybrand #personalbranding #personalbrand #brandequity #brandstrategy #brandimplementation #leadership #mindset

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Political campaigns are increasingly shifting ad dollars to streaming but inventory shortages and high CPMs are creating new challenges. Jaime Vasil, Group Vice President of Candidates + Causes at Basis shares insights on this complex landscape in #FastCompany 👇 #DigitalAdvertising #PoliticalAdvertising #Advertising #Streaming

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#CauseAndEffect #BurdenOfProof #BetterSafeThanSorry Unsolicited advice for advertisers making claims about net-zero emissions, bamboo products, or recyclability: Until there is clarity on what qualifies as an “internationally recognized methodology,” it’s probably best to stop making environmental claims - not just in the oil and gas sector -, or have a chat with legal.

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Of the three types of information involved in marketing and consulting -- words, numbers, and images -- my strengths lie exclusively in the first two. So when it comes to design strategy and execution, I've leaned heavily on others, and as a brand leader I hired the best in the business. I'll ask these folks to weigh in on packaging aesthetics vs. functionality, a topic that leapt to mind in the shower the other day regarding Dove, a Unilever brand: ⭐ Allen Adamson at Metaforce ⭐ Julia Beardwood at Beardwood&Co. #packaging #design #cpg #fmcg #marketing https://lnkd.in/ehxGbhDF

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