InKroud Agency

Let's discuss something vital—understanding the differences and intersections within AAVE, Internet Slang, and Generational Slang.?By conflating AAVE with "youth culture" or "youth speech," we reinforce harmful ideas that Blackness is immature or something to grow out of to become professional. While Black people are usually the source of whatever is the zeitgeist, it's important to remember that Black culture transcends trends. It's essential to grasp the roots and context of these words before shaping what the industry deems as "trendy" messaging. By doing so, we can celebrate culture without veering into appropriation. Let's honor and uplift the voices behind these vibrant expressions because words truly hold power! ???

I want to thank Theresa Sarbeng [she/her] for putting together such an impactful panel yesterday on “Culture’s Grip On Marketing” here at OLIVER Agency. ? A special thank you to the Panelists Gary J. Nix Ari Bines Davina Rajoopillai & Sherine P. for bringing their expertise and insightful perspectives during the conversation. ? It was an privilege to co-facilitate this discussion alongside Tyra Jones-Hurst, Founder Of InKroud Agency ? The impact of culture on branded marketing is profound—especially when it comes to revenue and brand perception. ??Brands that want to remain competitive must prioritize diverse representation in: - Your Marketing Strategies - Client Engagement - Senior Leadership These three areas increase client retention, drive revenue, and position your brand as an authentic authority in your space. ?? ?? How can brands improve their cultural representation in marketing? Drop your thoughts in the comments???? #MarketingStrategy #BrandPerception #DiversityInMarketing #InclusiveBranding #MarketingLeadership #ClientEngagement #RepresentationMatters

Excited to share insights from Ayana Williams, OLIVER's new Social Media Manager, who recently spoke with HuffPost about the climate change anxieties and pressures faced by Gen Z. Williams highlights the need for all generations to collaborate, emphasizing the importance of collective action over generational divides. Discover more about her thoughts and those of other Gen Zers driving change in our communities. Read the full article here ???? https://lnkd.in/emUyE7Kc ?? #GenZ #ClimateChange #Collaboration

Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. RIP Duo Keyshauna Renee Lingo. And yes, that is their government name. In all seriousness, Duolingo's social media campaign around the "death" of their mascot was a major viral moment! Why? Because they're dedicated to producing relatable, quality content that aligns with their brand values and resonates with their audience.???? Plus, they trust their social media team to do their thing, which is something more brands need to embrace. Not every post will go viral, but those test-and-learn moments are key to evolving your social strategy so you can achieve a viral moment. So, let's keep it real, keep it engaging, and keep it innovative!?

Let's keep it all the way ?? Kendrick Lamar dominated the Super Bowl #halftime stage last night. But the real OG's of #advertising know that we wouldn't have the phenomenal show we know and annually anticipate today without the comedic mind of Keenen Ivory Wayans and his 'In Living Color' cast. The ‘In Living Color’ halftime show at Super Bowl XXVI marked a turning point, inspiring a shift in the approach to halftime entertainment, which set a new precedent for diverse and culturally relevant acts to thrive! #InKroud #Superbowl #MediaBuy

Our Founder, Tyra Jones-Hurst absolutely rocked the IAB Annual Leadership Meeting stage at the "Building a Sustainable Media Ecosystem: Data Ethics and Environmental Responsibility" panel. ???? Creating a sustainable ecosystem ain't just about hugging trees—it's about committing to ethical data practices too! The panelists dove into the challenges of data bias, and Tyra really drove home the importance of ethical frameworks in decision-making. It's all about making sure our media practices are not just effective, but fair and inclusive too! Here are three key gems we took away from the panel: 1?? **Technology as a Force for Inclusion & Sustainability** AI and language processing tools can drive diverse representation and accessibility, while energy-efficient technologies reduce media’s environmental impact. However, ethical oversight is crucial to mitigating AI’s risks. 2?? **The Critical Role of Inclusive Data Ethics** Responsible data collection and analysis ensure fair representation, fostering audience trust and business growth. Brands like Procter & Gamble are proving that eliminating bias in data leads to stronger engagement and better decision-making. 3?? **Long-Term Business Sustainability Requires Ethical Leadership** Companies that prioritize ethical, environmental, and inclusive practices gain a competitive edge—attracting top talent, driving innovation, and staying culturally relevant in an evolving media landscape. Shoutout to our amazing panelists:? Teresa Elliott, Chief Revenue Officer Ad Results Media? Tyra Jones-Hurst, Managing Partner, OLIVER Agency & Founder, InKroud Agency? And our fab moderator: - John Osborn, Global Director, Ad Net Zero???? #InKroud #MediaEthics #Sustainability #Inclusion #FutureOfMedia

#IABALM is only 4 days away! Wondering which topics will be discussed this year? Some of the sessions include: ?? Transforming Measurement: Unlocking Cross-Platform Effectiveness with Jeff Ratner (Quigley-Simpson), Maggie Zhang, Ph.D. (Amazon Ads) Liz Roche (Albertsons Media Collective), and #IAB's Angelina Eng ?? Outcomes: Promised Land or Panacea? with Jay Askinasi (Roku), Michael Kassan (3C Ventures), Kevin Krim (EDO), Alan Moss (Amazon Ads), and Donna Speciale (TelevisaUnivision) ?? Building a Sustainable Media Ecosystem: Data Ethics and Environmental Responsibility with Teresa Elliott (Ad Results Media), Laurel Rossi (Infillion), Tyra Jones-Hurst (OLIVER Agency & InKroud Agency), and John Osborn (Ad Net Zero) ?? Enhancing In-Store Retail Media to Align with the Shopper Mission with Mario Mijares (7-Eleven), Lauren L. Lavin (GroupM), Megan Ramm (Uber Advertising), and Kevin Dunn (LiveRamp) ?? Unlocking the Potential of CTV: Navigating Fragmentation and Standardization for Scalable Success with Cara Lewis (dentsu Media), Mike O'Donnell (VIZIO), Ryan McConville (NBCUniversal), Vlad Stesin (Optable), and Yakira Young See the full agenda ?? https://bit.ly/iabalm2025

Channeling our inner Zendaya at the Golden Globes alllll day EVERY day. The InKroud Team hit the ground running into 2025?and we are NOT ???? SLOWING ???? DOWN ????! We love what we do, and we the best to do it. ? May our wins be bigger, opportunities be brighter, and our year be iconic ? Claiming it!

?? *AHT, AHT!* Let’s talk about it! 2024 was REAL, y’all. Like… *real real.* The InKroud team didn’t just show up; we SHOWED OUT. We made moves, broke barriers, and kept y’all guessing. Period. But baby, we’re just getting started. 2025? Oh, it’s UP from here. MAJOR things are on the horizon, and trust, you don’t wanna miss this ride. Innovation, growth, and maybe even a lil sprinkle of razzle-dazzle—because that’s how we do it. So buckle up, fam, because the InKroud journey is YOUR journey, and we’re taking this thing to the next level together. Let’s get it! ?? #endofyear #newyear

Excited to share that I recently wrote an article on DEI and AI, highlighting the potential conflicts between AI's rapid pace and the deliberate cultivation DEI requires. Please have a read and let me know your thoughts! One key point I didn't include in the article is the crucial role DEI practitioners play. Here are a few shout outs about my fellow DEI Champions leading the charge: They bring love to the table They're exceptional strategists, listeners, educators and galvanizers They keep an eye on current events and its impact on employees They understand the roots and nuances of biases They understand your business so to embed DEI in every function They understand regional and some global legislation They’re perseverant in challenging circumstances They achieve/do a lot within budget constraints They initiate tough conversations and foster growth They amplify culture, a key driver of employee retention and revenue growth I love my team, and I’m grateful for our leadership and colleagues at OLIVER Agency who embody respect, kindness, and I got your back mentality. My DEI crew:?Ben Musgrave, Melanie O'Hagan, Amina Folarin, love you. #cantstopwontstop #DEIWillNeverDie??#AI #Diversity #Inclusion #CultureChampions