3 Fearless Questions
By The BrandLab
Continue the conversation online with the hashtag #3FQ or go to www.thebrandlab.org/fearless to learn more. Have an idea for a 3FQ podcast guest? Email The BrandLab's Fearless Coordinator, Jamila Joiner at jjoiner@thebrandlab.org.
3 Fearless QuestionsJun 18, 2021
035: Keith Ellison
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Olivia House interviews Keith Ellison, 30th Attorney General of Minnesota. Keith was the first Muslim-American to be elected into Congress as well as the first Muslim and African-American to be elected statewide in Minnesota. This week’s 3FQ episode includes an intriguing conversation with Keith about his personal experiences with diversity and inclusion.
“Diversity is important because every institution needs people from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in order to meet new challenges. I am a strong believer in not only diversity but also inclusion. True inclusion means going above and beyond to ensure that everyone is actually participating.” – Attorney General Keith Ellison
Continue the conversation online with the hashtag #3FQ or go to www.thebrandlab.org/fearless to learn more. Have an idea for a 3FQ podcast guest? Email The BrandLab's Fearless Coordinator, Jamila Joiner at jjoiner@thebrandlab.org.
034: Katy Hornaday
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Emily Green interviews Katy Hornaday, Executive Creative Director at Barkley. Katy has been named a Future Lion, a Young Gun, and one of the 30 Most Creative People in Advertising Under 30. During this week’s 3FQ episode, listen to Katy talk about her experiences with diversity and inclusion.
Continue the conversation online with the hashtag #3FQ or go to www.thebrandlab.org/fearless to learn more. Have an idea for a 3FQ podcast guest? Email The BrandLab's Fearless Coordinator, Jamila Joiner at jjoiner@thebrandlab.org.
033: Clarence Bradley
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Anthony Silva interviews Clarence Bradley, Creative Director at Ogilvy (at the time this interview was recorded). In the past, Clarence has worked with top companies such as Audi, Lexus, Nascar, Sony, and more. Listen as Clarence discusses his experiences with diversity and inclusion in this week’s 3FQ episode.
Continue the conversation online with the hashtag #3FQ or go to www.thebrandlab.org/fearless to learn more. Have an idea for a 3FQ podcast guest? Email The BrandLab's Fearless Coordinator, Jamila Joiner at jjoiner@thebrandlab.org.
032: Mellody Hobson
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Ingrid Sabah interviews Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO of Ariel Investments -- a company she has led for over 20 years. She is a nationally recognized authority on financial literacy and investor education. Mellody has also served on the boards of several companies such as JP Morgan, Estee Lauder, DreamWorks Animation, and the Rockefeller foundation. Listen as Mellody shares her experiences with diversity and inclusion in this week’s episode of 3FQ.
Continue the conversation online with the hashtag #3FQ or go to www.thebrandlab.org/fearless to learn more. Have an idea for a 3FQ podcast guest? Email The BrandLab's Fearless Coordinator, Jamila Joiner at jjoiner@thebrandlab.org.
031: 3 Fearless Questions with Ghadeer Garcia
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions our student host Gabby has the pleasure of interviewing The BrandLab’s very own Ghadeer Garcia who is the current Executive Director at The BrandLab in Kansas City. Prior to working at TBL, Ghadeer has experience working at Hazley & Associates, Shook, Hardy, and Bacon L.L.P, and DTS Systems. In this episode, Ghadeer shares her experience grappling with questions of inclusion and exclusion in her childhood and shares some insights about diversity and creativity.
“Do not stifle who you are or what you believe in, for there is greatness in you."
–Ghadeer Garcia
030: 3 Fearless Questions with Rabbi Latz
“Our task is to remove every barrier for every human on earth to live with love, dignity, and joy.” – Rabbi Latz
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, our student host Yayoua Yang interviews Rabbi Latz, the senior Rabbi at Shir Tikvah Synagogue in Minneapolis. Answering questions about race and diversity, Latz draws on insights from his knowledge and experiences regarding Jewish identity. He also discusses the power of community voices in times of crisis, such as in North Minneapolis after Jamar Clark was shot.
029: 3 Fearless Questions with David Rosenberg
In this episode of 3 fearless questions, the talented VP and Group Director at Vayner Media, David Rosenberg, shares with us his insights on the importance of diversity and representation. David has over a decade of experience within the industry and credits much of his success in bringing to life a number of out-of-the-box ad campaigns to collaboration within diverse spaces and people.
Follow David: @drosenberg718
Follow Vayner Media: @VaynerMedia
028: 3 Fearless Questions with Philip Polk
Today, student host Erianna interviews Philip Polk, the Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Multicultural Strategy at Hallmark Cards. Philip pulls from his own experiences as a high schooler to answer questions on race, inclusion/exclusion, and diversity. Listen to his interesting and thought-provoking stories in this episode of 3 Fearless Questions.
027: 3 Fearless Questions with Greg Cunningham
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions student host Yayoua interviews Greg Cunningham, the Vice President of Global Inclusion and Diversity of U.S. Bank. The themes of diversity and inclusion have run through Greg’s work his entire career and for him, these goals are business priorities. He shares his personal experiences with finding a sense of belonging in college, becoming aware of his own race, and implementing diversity throughout his work.
Follow Greg: @GCunningham1
Follow US Bank: @usbank
026: 3 Fearless Questions with Mike Lescarbeau
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Jazmine interviews Mike Lescarbeau, the founder of Person, an organization with the purpose of driving employee engagement. Mike has years of experience in the creative industry and has worked as a copywriter, Chief Creative Officer and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, 3 Fearless Questions is his brainchild! Join a thoughtful conversation in this week’s episode of 3FQ, as Mike shares his experiences with diversity and inclusion.
Follow Mike: @mike_lescarbeau
025: 3 Fearless Questions with Luis Martinez
Luis Martinez is a marketing executive at Denny’s, specializing in digital media and Hispanic marketing. In this episode, student host Laosue asks our 3 Fearless Questions and has a chance to hear about Luis's experiences growing up and his commitment to having diverse teams at the table for connecting with diverse consumers.
Follow Luis: @Luis_A_Martinez
Follow Denny's: @DennysDiner
024: 3 Fearless Questions with Michelle Benson
“I wish I had an organization like The BrandLab when I was figuring out my career path! What a great creative, safe and engaging space for young people of color to get guidance, ask questions and become their fearless selves.”
– Michelle Benson
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions our student host Gao Zong interviews Michelle Benson, the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the Minnesota State Zoo, as well as the CEO and Founder of the integrated marketing communications firm M Worldwide. The episode features an interesting conversation between Michelle and Gao Zong about the consequences of racist stereotypes on young minds and the negative effects it has on self-image.
Follow the Minnesota Zoo: @mnzoo
023: 3 Fearless Questions with Stanley Lumax
Stanley Lumax is the current Group Director at Translation LLC in New York, where he manages major sport and culture accounts such as the NBA, Champs Sports and Apple Music. In this episode, our student host Kiara has the opportunity to interview Lumax where he shares his experience becoming aware of his own race as a small child and discovering his love for Black artists and activists such Tupac and Assata Shakur. Stanley also shares his insights on the importance of diversity in the creative industry– a topic on which he has also written an article for Adweek.
Follow Translation: @wearetranslation
022: 3 Fearless Questions with Neal Sharma
In this episode of 3FQ student host, Gabby Cohen, interviews Neal Sharma on questions of race, exclusion and diversity. Neal is the CEO and Co-Founder of DEG, a full-service digital consulting agency. Listen to Neal’s interesting answers to our 3 Fearless Questions, as he shares his personal experiences regarding his awareness of race.
“I think the core of leadership and creativity is empathy. It’s very hard to communicate with somebody if you aren’t willing to put yourself in their shoes. The BrandLab’s devotion to increasing the diversity—and in turn the level of empathy—of the marketing industry makes me optimistic about the next generation of marketers.”
—Neal Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of DEG
Follow DEG: @degdigital
021: 3 Fearless Questions with Eric Quint
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, student host Erianna has the opportunity to interview Chief Design Officer of 3M, Eric Quint. Eric oversees 3M’s global design organization and has been on the cutting edge of innovation and creative collaboration. Eric also serves on The BrandLab's Board of Directors. Listen to Eric’s interview, where he outlines the importance of diversity of thought in creating solutions that change people’s lives.
Follow 3M: @3M
020: 3 Fearless Questions with Dessa
In this episode of 3FQ, we have the chance to talk with the iconic and multi-talented singer, rapper and writer, Dessa. From her experience of being invited to Doomtree to seeking out diversity in her creative process– Dessa offers us an insightful look into themes of diversity, creativity and belonging.
Follow DOOMTREE: @DOOMTREE
Follow Dessa: @dessa
019: 3 Fearless Questions with Sonya Roberts
Formerly at ConocoPhillips and now the president of Cargill Proteins, Sonya Roberts manages growth, new ventures, and strategic pricing. Sonya has years of experience working in marketing and is a board member of The Brand Lab. In Sonya’s interview, she shares with us the experience of being a minority as a child and a time she felt excluded in the workforce.
018: 3 Fearless Questions with Darnell Brisco
Named as one of the 15 Most Innovative Agency Executives by Adweek, Darnell Brisco has worked on strategy, content creation, execution, and business development for innovative social media campaigns across 300 film and television accounts during his career. Brisco is currently the vice president of accounts at McBeard. In Darnell’s interview, he shares his childhood experience as a minority and the comforting feeling of being included in college activities.
017: 3 Fearless Questions with Lili Hall
Lilli Hall is the president and CEO of KNOCK, a creative agency she found in 2001. Hall has served on the board of directors at The Enterprising Women Advisory Board, Juxtaposition Arts, and Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In Lili’s interview she tells us about adapting to new cultures and the diversity within KNOCK.
016: 3 Fearless Questions with Robert Clifton Jr
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions converses with Robert Clifton Jr., Chief Creative Officer of the agency Ten35 and co-founder of the consortium Contender. Clifton discusses his experience with discrimination in the workplace and in society, and he explains how people with different backgrounds and thoughts bring unique points of view to the table.
015: 3 Fearless Questions with Alex Steinman
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions chats with Alex Steinman. Currently, Steinman is the senior communications advisor for Betsy Hodges’ mayoral campaign, the president of MPLS MadWomen, and blogger behind Strong Like Mama.
In this podcast, Steinman reflects on how diversity impacted her childhood as she grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis and compares her childhood experiences with her time as a professional working in advertising.
014: 3 Fearless Questions with Karen Pavlin
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions discusses diversity with Karen Pavlin, managing director of global sales and marketing at Xerox Corporation. Pavlin touches on having children of color today, the mindset of inclusion and exclusion, and showing up in a predominantly white male industry as a black female.
013: 3 Fearless Questions with Tom TD Dixon
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions taps Jack Link’s Chief Marketing Officer Tom Dixon to answer the #3FQ. Dixon discusses ways he has learned to look beyond usual parameters to bring new creativity to his work.
012: 3 Fearless Questions with Tyrone Brooks
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions plays hardball with Tyrone Brooks. Isabela learns how Brooks went from an internship with the Atlanta Braves to director of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Pirates before becoming senior director of Major League Baseball’s new front office and field staff diversity pipeline program.
011: 3 Fearless Questions with Maggie Q
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions has Maggie Q in the crosshairs as Isabela interviews the international blockbuster actor, known for her roles in “Mission: Impossible III,” the “Divergent” films, and the TV series “Nikita.”
010: 3 Fearless Questions with Donald Thompson
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
Today on The BrandLab’s 3 Fearless Questions, Akshara talks with Donald Thompson. Donald has had a brilliant career as a business strategist, author, investor and entrepreneur. He’s currently the CEO of the integrated marketing firm Creative Allies and serves on multiple boards.
009: 3 Fearless Questions with Dedrick Asante-Muhammed
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
Student host Erianna Jiles returns to 3 Fearless Questions to interview Dedrick Asante-Muhammed. Dedrick is the Director of the Racial Wealth Divide Project at CFED, The Corporation for Enterprise Development, where his work includes the Racial Wealth Divide Project. His professional experience also includes work for the NAACP and Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.
008: 3 Fearless Questions with Arwa Mahdawi
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
Today on 3 Fearless Questions, student host Chanda Dennis speaks with Arwa Mahdawi. Awra is a freelance journalist, brand strategist, and a regular contributor to The Guardian. Earlier this year she launched the website “Rent-A-Minority,” a satirical look at how many business leaders talk about and think about minorities.
*Note: At the time of this recording Arwa was the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at Cummins & Partners and that is reflected in the interview.
007: 3 Fearless Questions with Christopher Campos
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
Olivia House from The BrandLab talks with Christopher Campos. He is a leader and expert in cross-cultural marketing and the co-founder of hive ideation. He is currently the Managing Director of Growth Strategies and Development at Arnold Worldwide, where he leads a team tackling new initiatives to help clients reach a multi-cultural and total market audience.
006: 3 Fearless Questions with Lisa France
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
Today on The BrandLab's 3 Fearless Questions, Erianna Jiles talks with Lisa France. Lisa has had a successful career as a reporter, writer, and editor. Lisa is now a Senior Producer with CNN's Digital's Entertainment Section and is the host of the online pop culture series "Lisa's Desk."
005: 3 Fearless Questions with Jeff Jones
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
In this episode of 3 Fearless Questions, Isabela Torres talks with marketing leader Jeff Jones. Previously, he was a partner and president at advertising agency McKinney and held several leadership positions with companies like Gap Inc. and Coca-Cola. Jeff has a proven record in global marketing strategy and has been the Chief Marketing Officer at Target since 2012.
004: 3 Fearless Questions with Carol Watson
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
In this episode of "3 Fearless Questions," Ellen Walthour talks with Carol Watson. Carol serves on the Board of Directors of Advertising Women of New York and the Mosaic Committee for the American Advertising Federation. She is a tireless advocate for diversity in the ad business and recently launched the cross-cultural career hub www.thrivev.com.
003: 3 Fearless Questions with RT Rybak
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
In this episode of "3 Fearless Questions," Ingrid Sabah talks with R.T. Rybak, the 46th mayor of Minneapolis. R.T. has roots in journalism, activism, and politics, and is currently serving as Executive Director of Generation Next, a nonprofit working to eliminate the achievement gap among students of color.
002: 3 Fearless Questions with Brother Ali
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
In this episode of "3 Fearless Questions," Alicia Jimerson talks with hip-hop artist and cultural activist Brother Ali. He is a member of the Rhymesayers Entertainment collective and often uses his music to speak about racial and economic injustice.
001: 3 Fearless Questions with Jimmy Smith
Welcome to The BrandLab's "Three Fearless Questions" created and produced by students of The BrandLab.
In this episode of "3 Fearless Questions," Olivia House talks with advertising legend Jimmy Smith. Jimmy has orchestrated award-winning campaigns for brands like Nike and Gatorade. Since 2011 he has been Chief Executive and Chief Creative Officer of Amusement Park Entertainment.