Fast Company

Fast Company’s 2024 Brands that Matter honorees have found ways to establish broader cultural relevance while authentically connecting with consumers. ? It’s never been easy—and maintaining that connection gets even harder when constant messaging makes audiences want to tune out. But the 129 Brands That Matter honorees have cut through the din to deliver their message.? ? This Brands That Matter list includes 66 benchmark brands and 63 honorees in eight categories. And new in 2024, Brands That Matter is also honoring its inaugural CMOs of the Year—10 marketing professionals whose work has helped cement their brands as cultural forces and demonstrates brands at their best. ? ? Read more about the Brands That Matter winners: https://bit.ly/3thGYfY #FCBrandAwards ?[Illustration: Patrik Mollwing]?

Musk became a citizen through his Saskatchewan-born mother in 1989. https://f-st.co/lboY3Hl

Don’t fall for the rhetoric against “DEI” being exclusive, unfair or a distraction. https://f-st.co/Hhq9Sxr

An unsubstantiated online theory has taken hold, suggesting new California laws around child influencers may have to do with some TikTokers' abrupt moves. https://f-st.co/LplmRvb

I had the (novel, for me!) honor of crafting this piece for Fast Company, in which I reflect on my experiences as a chronically ill person in today's workplace. For me, crafting this content is about more than putting my story out there – it's about contextualizing and personalizing something that millions of people grapple with without the privilege of having to speak about it publically. I have that privilege, so here I am! My utmost gratitude to Julia Herbst for her keen editorial eye; I believe a writer is only as good as her editor, and so appreciate your willingness to push me editorially while guiding me toward the best voice and tone for Fast Company! Thank you to Gesche, Brooke and Adrian for connecting me with this opportunity and for giving me the chance to share these thoughts with the Dreamers & Doers? community!! In an effort to ensure I was telling only my own story - rather those of others without their permission – I kept my anecdotes light on details that weren't mine. That said, I want to tip my hat in gratitude to Nate, the first recruiter to whom I disclosed my experience with chronic illness as context for my resume. He responded with empathy and professionalism and made me that much more confident that others out there would do the same. And finally, my sincerest gratitude to my team at Waymark for modeling what an inclusive, accepting, flexible, supportive workplace is, can be, and should be. I am a better marketer and a healthier human because of you. ??

Why Costco (and everybody else) seems to be chasing rich consumers. New Branded for Fast Company https://lnkd.in/gV6t33VG

Google's AI overviews within search results are angering some companies - including Chegg, which has filed a lawsuit. My latest for Fast Company asks whether AI is killing SEO https://lnkd.in/euRbXCSV

"Eighty-four Indonesians freed from scam centers in Myanmar were set to return home Friday." https://f-st.co/IVxyhxk

After being declared eradicated 25 years ago, measles is making a comeback. The good news is, most people who were fully vaccinated have good protection. https://f-st.co/OqwvXbn

Colorado is taking a major step to protect people from air pollutants that cause cancer or other major health problems, called “air toxics.” https://f-st.co/YnD8PGD