Cultural Innovation Movements

If you are a brand or creator planning to grow your own community, save this post for your next brand strategy session – Follower counts are overrated. What truly matters for your brand is a community that talks back. In the last 5+ years of building my personal brand along with Like Mind Tribe, I’ve learned this the hard (and beautiful) way. We often chase vanity metrics, namely likes, views, followers. But the brands that actually grow focus on: + trust + conversations + creating spaces that people want to return to My top 3 learnings about community building that most people ignore are👇 1/ Stop broadcasting. Start involving. Don’t just talk to your audience, co-create with them. Ask for their input. Let them choose the next product, workshop, or event theme. Your content should feel like a conversation, not a monologue. 2/ Trust builds in silence. Show up even when it’s quiet. The real connection begins when no one’s clapping. Be consistent with your presence. Show your progress, not just your polished wins. 3/ Give them a space beyond social media. DMs, Zoom rooms, meetups, or even a close friend's story list; These micro-interactions are where loyalty is built. If you want retention, give them a room where they feel seen. ———— I’ve met: → strangers who are now collaborators → community members who became accountability partners → even businesses that were born from casual coffee chats at our meetups That’s what happens when you value: Impact >>>>> Followers Whether you're building a brand or just starting out as a creator – Don’t just aim for attention. Create belonging. What’s the biggest challenge you face in building your community? Let’s tackle it together! #drishtiispeaks #community #branding #strategy #growth #socialmedia #content

"Woah!” Tomoko-san told me. “It’s so strange. In Japan, we say American culture is egalitarian. But after living in the US for two years, I now see their decision-making is much more hierarchical than ours.” Dirk from Germany confirmed: “Americans pretend they are egalitarian with their open-door policies, first-name basis, and casual dress, but when it comes to decision making - the boss makes the decision and everyone falls in line.” These quotes hit the core of a global leadership truth. Culture shapes two critical dimensions: 1. The Leading scale looks at how much deference or respect is shown to an authority figure. In egalitarian cultures, it’s ok to disagree with the boss even in front of others. It’s ok to email or call people several levels below or above you without putting the boss in copy. In hierarchical cultures, an effort is made to defer to the boss, especially in public, and communication follows the hierarchical chain. 2. The Deciding scale looks at whether we make decisions slowly over time by groups (consensual cultures) or whether decisions are made quickly by individuals (usually the boss) but then may be changed frequently as more information arises (what I call top-down cultures). These two dimensions create four very different leadership styles: 1. Hierarchical and top-down cultures (hello, China, India, Mexico, Russia, and Saudi Arabia) where deference/respect to authority is high and decisions are made by the boss. 2. Hierarchical but consensual decision-making (like Germany and especially Japan) – decisions are made slowly over time by groups, but deference to formal hierarchies is strong. 3. Egalitarian cultures that make quick top-down decisions (enter the United States or Australia), where anyone can speak up, but the boss still calls the final shot. 4. And then Consensual, egalitarian cultures (that's you, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden), where decision-making is slow, inclusive, and everyone’s voice holds weight. Each style is effective on its own. But a lot can go wrong when working across cultures, and these methods collide. Global leadership requires mapping your style to where you are and adapting like your success depends on it. Because it does. So, what quadrant do you lead in? Explore the map of your team here: erinmeyer.com/tools #TheCultureMap #GlobalLeadership #CrossCulturalLeadership #ErinMeyer #CultureMatters #LeadershipTruths

After the dinner I organised between Chinese investors and Saudi officials, a Saudi advisor messaged me. "The dinner was excellent. But the Chinese laughing loudly at how the Arabs were eating hot pot was inappropriate. It could damage the partnership." I had already noticed this during dinner and quietly addressed it with the Chinese delegation. They were genuinely surprised, in Chinese culture, laughing together over food mishaps builds rapport. They thought they were being warm and inclusive. But in Arab business culture, laughing at someone's unfamiliarity with food can be read as mockery, not friendliness. Both sides had good intentions. Neither understood how the other would interpret the moment. This is why I spend so much time on cultural briefings before bringing delegations together. One moment of misunderstood laughter can undo months of relationship building. The Saudi officials remained professional throughout, and the Chinese investors sent enthusiastic follow-up messages about collaboration. To an outside observer, the dinner looked successful. But I know that trust develops or breaks in these small cultural moments, not in formal negotiations. My Saudi contact is now arranging cultural training for Chinese workers joining an Aramco project next month. We'll use this as a case study, not as criticism, but as learning. After twenty years of facilitating cross-border partnerships, I've learned that cultural intelligence determines deal success far more than financial terms. The consultants who studied the Middle East will never catch these moments. Cultural fluency comes from being in the room, reading the signals, and managing both sides in real time. Successful partnerships require someone who understands what each side actually means, not just what they say. #CrossCulturalBusiness #MiddleEastBusiness #SaudiArabia #ChinaBusiness #CulturalIntelligence #InternationalPartnerships #BusinessStrategy #GCCMarkets #DealMaking #BusinessNegotiation #GlobalBusiness #MarketEntry #BusinessLeadership #StrategicPartnerships #CulturalAwareness

The tides are turning fast in ad agency land. What’s ahead in 2025? Some thoughts. The Creator Economy. - It is projected to be worth $528 billion by 2030. That will include a lot of revenue from brand deals which in turn will eat into the advertising agency pie. AI - Coke’s new Christmas ad, a remake of their well-known truck ad, was made in AI. It has received a lot of backlash. But if a brand the size of Coke is willing to dive in and experiment that is a shot across the bow to take note of. Ignoring it, or shouting at a story about it won't make it go away. It is here for the long haul. Sadly, AI will create casualties, aside from ill prepared ad agencies it will really hit animation and VFX production companies hard and I suspect advertising music studios could feel the impact of AI-enabled music composing programs, allowing for fast production of advertising-length tunes. Social Media's Continued Dominance - Now the “go-to” media of the masses, most people now turn to social for their news and information. That was evident in the recent U.S. elections. So who could stay in the race? Here are some thoughts - but please remember I do not have a crystal ball, and my name is not Nostradamus. ⚫ First and foremost - agencies/studios that can develop smart, clever ideas and the writing that goes with them, the ones who can think differently, will stay ahead of the curve. ⚫ Small, nimble agencies will become the leaders in the industry when it comes to creativity and innovation. Many major brands are now working with smaller agencies. Big agencies are not nimble enough to pivot fast and are beleaguered by overheads. ⚫ Niche-focused agencies could see the benefits of change. Agencies that focus on specific demographics and audiences, ones that have a deep and entrenched understanding of them and can offer brands insightful creative & strategic thinking. ⚫ Agencies that work closely with those in the Creator Economy. It would make sense to see “Creators” as an extension of a creative department. ⚫ Hybrid creative/production agencies who can both create and make the work. One-stop shops. ⚫ Agencies that understand how to create engaging videos for social - fast and effectively. I envisage the need for much more ‘social first’ brand videos. ⚫ Agencies that embrace AI and wrangle it to their and their client’s advantage. ⚫ Smaller creative agencies that work in unison with in-house agencies, providing fresh, outsider perspectives, and work collaboratively with them to deliver the best results. Again, just some of my thoughts. But one thing is for sure, the tides are turning in the advertising industry. And just like the Titanic, where there were not enough lifeboats, ensure you have identified where yours are ahead of impact. ... Have any thoughts on this? Please comment below. 🤘⚡🏴☠️ ... #advertising #creativity #brands #

Day 76 🌍 Hybrid Architecture: The Future of Design? In a rapidly globalizing world, architecture is evolving beyond traditional boundaries. A new trend, Hybrid Architecture, is emerging as a unique fusion of Arabic and Western design elements, creating spaces that resonate with both cultural heritage and contemporary innovation. This cross-cultural approach doesn't just merge two styles; it brings together the best of both worlds. From the intricate details and courtyards found in Arabic architecture to the minimalism and open spaces seen in Western designs, hybrid architecture is shaping a future that respects tradition while embracing modernity. 🔸 Why is this the future? 1. Global Appeal: Hybrid designs attract diverse audiences, blending familiar elements from various cultures. 2. Sustainable Innovation: Incorporating local materials and climate-sensitive designs from both architectural traditions can lead to more sustainable buildings. 3. Functional Aesthetic: By combining beauty with functionality, hybrid architecture can enhance the way we interact with our built environment. Imagine a world where every building tells a story of cultural fusion, where spaces honor their roots while pushing the boundaries of design. Hybrid architecture is more than a trend; it’s a vision for the future of how we live and work. 🌟 As an architect inspired by this approach, I'm excited to explore the endless possibilities of intercultural design. Let's discuss how we can bring this vision to life in our communities and projects. #Architecture #arabic #western #European #HybridArchitecture #FutureOfDesign #CulturalFusion #Innovation #Sustainability #ArchitectureTrends Photos created by AI Midjourney

Cultural sustainability at work - Are you ready for it? 🌱🌍 A single workshop, seminar, or keynote is a great start to spark curiosity and raise awareness about the importance of cultural understanding, but it is just the beginning. Achieving cultural sustainability is an ongoing journey that requires long-term commitment. While attention spans and program durations are getting shorter, lasting change demands a continuous investment. 🔄 As the year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to reflect and ask: How can we do better in 2025? 📅🤔 Whether your organization is just starting out or already on the path to cultural sustainability, these 5 steps can accelerate your success: ↗️ 1. Connect cultures – Celebrate cultural identities by sharing heritage, traditions, and food, and use digital platforms to enhance the experience. 💻 2. Pay attention to differences – Take time to observe how people from diverse cultures work, lead, and communicate with one another. 👀 3. Promote early learning – Integrate cultural training into the onboarding process to build cultural awareness from day one. 🌅 4. Encourage open dialogue – Don’t shy away from cultural differences. Exposure to diverse perspectives is key to trust and innovation. 🗣️ 5. Commit to real inclusion – Don’t focus on diversity and inclusion only for the benefits. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. ✅ What additional steps would you recommend to promote cultural sustainability at work? 🤝 #culturalsustainability #globalmindset #culturalintelligence #culturaldiversity

Consumer Insights, thy name is Consumer Observation “You see, but you do not observe….Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details.”-Sherlock Holmes Brands, in their zest to win consumer’s heart and market share, are going all guns blazing to understand consumer behaviour. Technological advancements & multiple data sources are adding to the many ways which brands are leveraging to better understand their consumers. As much as the ways & means of capturing consumer data evolves, there is no substitute to observing & listening to consumers first hand through home visits. Afterall, consumers are real human beings and not just a data point!! The art & science of observing consumers called as ethnography helps humanize consumers for the brands serving them. A brand which has leveraged ethnographic research methodology effectively for consumer observation to fuel product innovation is Loreal. Having entered Indian market in 1992 and facing challenges from the likes of HUL, P&G, Dabur etc. Loreal, very early, understood the need for ‘close encounters’ with Indian consumers for India specific product innovation – ‘Indo-vation’. Brand has been investing in understanding consumer need through multiple ways including regular consumer home visits. And these in-the-moment, in-context consumer observation exercises have helped discover unmet consumer needs thereby triggering innovation opportunities. It was one such consumer home visit which led to the launch of Garnier Fructis Shampoo+Oil, during 2009-10. While visiting consumers, brand custodians observed that young girls realised the importance of oiling their hair as practiced by their mother but never found the time to do it. Loreal launched Garnier Fructis Shampoo + Oil eliminating the need of two separate haircare routines, thereby saving time for its consumers. No surprise that the product became highest-selling Garnier Fructis variant within a short time of its launch. Getting to know consumers is not a rocket science. All that it needs is a brand with a sincere desire to know consumers and a consumer insight gathering approach which views consumers as they are – human beings with a complex weave of emotion & rationality. Fun fact: One of the earliest success stories of ethnography driven product innovation is 3M. In the 1920s, 3M engineer Richard Drew spent several days at an auto assembly plant, observing how the workers were using his company’s sandpaper. His observations about how workers were using the product and challenges faced by them led to the birth of 3M masking tape!! #ConsumerInsights #ConsumerBehaviour #MarketResearch #Marketing #ProductInnovation

India's Thriving Startup Ecosystem: A Closer Look at What's Driving the Growth In a recent report by Startup Genome, India ranked fourth globally in the number of startups that have secured funding exceeding $50 million. This impressive ranking highlights India's emergence as a prominent player in the global startup landscape. With more than a decade of active involvement as a founder and investor in India's dynamic startup landscape, I see several underlying dynamics that are propelling the startup ecosystem in India: 🚀 Educational Foundation: India's robust startup ecosystem is built upon a foundation of structured, rigorous education. This educational bedrock nurtures knowledge, problem-solving skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. 🚀 Entrepreneurial Heritage: India's cultural DNA is rich in entrepreneurial spirit, with a legacy of small businesses and family enterprises. Many Indian households have a tradition of running small businesses, reflecting an inherent association with business dynamics and a willingness to embrace calculated risks. 🚀 Expansive Consumer Base: India's vast population provides a distinct advantage. With 1.4 Bn billion people, it offers a broad and diverse customer pool. This demographic abundance enables startups to test innovations within a vast market, facilitating rapid scalability. The diversity of the market also allows multiple business models to find traction. 🚀 Tech-Driven Momentum: Technology is central to nearly every startup endeavor. India with its deep prowess across multiple domains is a natural technological epicenter. Tech leaders are able to drive innovation and build skilled teams to tackle complex challenges. 🚀 Role models : The presence of accomplished role models in the startup arena has played a pivotal role in inspiring budding entrepreneurs. India boasts of thousands of successful start-ups that have won the trust of consumers, the confidence of investors and local and international acclaim. This has made entrepreneurship not only acceptable, but aspirational. The best and the brightest want to turn entrepreneurial. India's startup ecosystem has taken remarkable leaps, overshadowing mere funding milestones to cultivate an environment where each successful wave of entrepreneurs is helping build and boost the next. It is a sea change in under a decade and I am optimistic that this growth has just started. What else is driving the great Indian entrepreneurship rush?

What’s the secret to building a thriving community? I’m still figuring it out. But after 12 months of building the Lightbringer community, which has grown to 671 members across 16 countries, I’ve started to uncover what it truly takes to bring people together around a shared vision: getting paid to tell our stories, inspiring lives through our words, and creating impact on a global scale. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has been a stepping stone. Through it all, I’ve uncovered powerful truths about what makes a community thrive. Some lessons were anticipated, others caught me off guard but every single one has been transformational. Let me share a few that have made the biggest difference: 1️⃣ Empower Others to Lead A community is strongest when everyone feels ownership. When members step into leadership roles, their contributions ripple out and energize the entire group. 2️⃣ Foster Genuine Connections Thriving communities aren’t built on numbers, they’re built on relationships. The deeper the connections, the more resilient and impactful the group becomes. 3️⃣ Celebrate Every Contribution Even the smallest act of generosity adds value to the whole. Recognizing and celebrating these moments fosters a culture of gratitude and inspires others to give. 4️⃣ Create a Shared Vision A community without a shared purpose is just a crowd. When members rally behind a unifying goal, their efforts amplify each other, creating something far greater than the sum of its parts. 5️⃣ Adapt and Evolve Change is inevitable, but growth is a choice. Communities that listen, adapt, and evolve stay relevant, even as the world shifts around them. 6️⃣ Lead with Service True leadership in a community isn’t about control, it’s about care. When leaders serve their members, trust flourishes, and the community thrives. In a world that can often feel divided, our community has taught me this: Alone, we flicker; together, we shine. This is just the beginning. I know there’s so much more to learn about building communities that last. If you’re a community leader or part of a thriving group, I would love to hear from you. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about growing or leading a community? #StrongerTogether #BuildingCommunity