Online searches failed to uncover much about The New Dynamics of Diversity shindig sponsored by Draftfcb. Aside from some Flikr photos, most of the search results were pre-event announcements. Here’s one example from Draftfcb at Facebook:
Draftfcb Gets Down to “Supplier Diversity” Business During Advertising Week
Posted by Nancy Murray, VP, Director of Procurement
As director of procurement at Draftfcb, I am honored to be part of the panel discussions and forums that are taking place during Advertising Week New York this week. I am especially anticipating the forum Draftfcb is sponsoring on Thursday, September 24, called “The New Dynamics of Diversity.” The audience will be given the rare opportunity to hear directly from our CEO Laurence Boschetto, along with the Kraft CMO Mary Beth West and a luminary within the diverse supplier arena, Daisy Expósito of d expósito & partners.
Among the hot and pertinent topics that will be addressed by these industry visionaries: embracing the diversity reflected in our ever-changing world through the engagement of small, minority and woman-owned firms in business supply chains; educating agencies across the U.S. and globally about supplier diversity; and ways the industry supports and recognizes the government’s agenda of promoting and mentoring small business as the backbone of our economy.
Although I’m new to the ad business, I’ve not heard of a forum like this that brings together an agency, one of its top clients and a broad spectrum of suppliers. This discussion should be one for the books—both informative and productive when it comes to forging new supplier relationships.
Unless someone can prove otherwise, MultiCultClassics will presume the affair—like the VCU Brandcenter diversity panel—drew a small audience. It certainly didn’t help that both events were scheduled around the same time. Regardless, The New Dynamics of Diversity warrants commentary.
Despite MultiCultClassics’ disdain for Draftfcb, this forum was a decent idea. Expanding the diversity discussion beyond Madison Avenue’s dismal hiring record is a positive move. Maybe shops that can’t manage to recruit and retain minority staffers will at least semi-compensate by engaging minority suppliers—even if it’s only to find security, receptionists, custodians, mailroom attendants or limousine services.
On the other hand, if The New Dynamics of Diversity did indeed fail to spark interest at Advertising Week, then it’s a testament to The Old Dynamics of Exclusivity that our industry appears incapable of abandoning.
After all, Kraft CMO Mary Beth West led the proceedings. You’d think every agency servicing Kraft would have felt obliged to pack the facility with bodies. Ignoring a major client like Ms. West displays disrespect of the highest order.
On the flipside, what is the Kraft CMO thinking? If she witnessed poor attendance, does that not signal a total disconnect between the advertiser and its agencies? Kraft has gone on record with its commitment to fostering inclusive work environments. How can a corporation pontificate on diversity while partnering with an industry whose employment practices border on institutionalized discrimination and racism?
Perhaps The New Dynamics of Diversity was a roaring success, with a raucous crowd that rivaled those at rock concerts. If that was the case, disregard this entire post.
However, if the lack of post-event press reflects a lack of industry support, it’s time for Kraft to clean its kitchens.
As someone who has been in both supplier diversity AND advertising on the client side, I can tell you this was a lot of lip service. Draft, like the other major agencies are trying this because CPG companies and auto makers have pushed for years. But, there's no mechanism and desire to make this work at Publics, Draft, OMD, etc.
ReplyDeleteI attended the event and it was pretty well attended. It also seemed to me, and maybe I am naive, that DraftFCB treated the whole issue of diversity seriously. They seem to have strong partnerships with minority owned agencies on the Census business, and the President spoke passionately about his own experiences around diversity. All in all, it was a positive and upbeat event. Don't be so cynical, Draft is making some positive moves.
ReplyDeleteKevin Walker
CultureLab
Thanks, Kevin.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, there was virtually nothing on the Web about the event, so we presumed it went like the VCU affair, which seemed to draw a small crowd. If it did go well, someone should have provided more post-event press. Note that we did acknowledge it was a decent idea.
On the flipside, we'll remain cynical regarding Draftfcb. Thanks again.
I attended the DraftFCB Diversity event and the luncheon afterwards.
ReplyDeleteAfter a sincere discussion with President/ CEO Laurence Boschetto and Kraft CMO Mary Beth West I can honestly say that as leaders that they are committed to diversity and creating opportunities for for both employees and suppliers.
They have both experienced discrimination becuase of their color, sex and sexual orientation. Most diverse executives from top corporations have faced that and that is our common bond.
That being said diverse suppliers still face many challenges because not all layers of the organization have seen the light or have understanding when it comes to diversity.
The leaders set the tone but it takes time to break down years of doing business as usual.
It is us to each one of us to take advantage of each opportunity that is presented to us to help change the world.
We are suppliers to DraftFCB and Kraft. We continue to work hard to grow are business with both of these companies. It is not easy but we struggle on.
We are thankful for each opprotunity and the senior level commitment.
Sheldon Ross
Creative Printing Services
Certified MBE