Lola Bakare’s Post

I still can’t believe she said yes… I still can’t believe I was almost too scared to make the case. (Always more powerful than merely making the ask). I still can’t believe my Kogan Page Publishing all star designers updated our art so quickly! Cindy Gallop THANK YOU! I hope everyone joins me in thanking you by investing what they can in MakeLoveNotPorn on Wefunder! #mlnp #purpose #hypewomen #actuallyhypewomen #awake #pinchme #responsiblemarketing

Prediction: We are going to see more “fall person” grooming/hiring at the highest levels of marketing organizations than perhaps ever before in the next few months… Big splashy hires - celebrated with aplomb - only to be made the fall person for failing to fix a business problem marketing alone couldn’t fix in 5 years, much less half of one. That said, sometimes, a “fall person” job can be the right move, wouldn’t you say? Have you ever signed up to be the “fall person” and ended up falling forward once you did? Not to say this was him but Richard Dickson is sure as heck falling into the Gap Inc.! (If you aren’t studying his moves right now, you should be.) #planning #takingtheL #marketingleadership #cmos #responsiblemarketing

You're not a "make-it happen because someone said so" -er. You're a leader. The "someone who said so" may not admit it, but they hired you because they need you to keep them from doing less bad shit and more good shit without having to be close to ALL of the details. Isn't that what your reports, vendors, and support staff do for you on the days that go best? So do what you know. Be a real person. "Yes people" may get more fistbumps and air high fives, but they sure as heck don't get more promotions...and no one should have to suffer all three of those conditions. #makeyourcase #todissentistoprotect #dontcapsizetheboatjustrockitalittle #ifyouMUSTbeayespersonbeaYESANDperson #responsiblemarketing

But seriously, what would it take to create a marketing events ecosystem where substance counts more than prestige? The amount of times I hear “oh we have to go with who our sponsors decide should speak”… So if the sponsors decide… We’re all pushing for sponsor-approved change? Cool….cool cool lol

I always chuckle when people ask what industry I'm most interested in. I could be bored and miserable presenting to a fashion client and all lit up and learning more in 10 minutes in a commercial real estate meeting than I might watching an entire fashion show. ITS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE....and this question I can answer easily.... I like the intellectually generous, passionate, vibrant, joyous, curious, and unapologetically intense ones. If those kind of people are involved...I can imagine marketing work of any sort be absolutely thrilling. #perspective #bloomwhereyouareplanted #crossfunctionallearning, #responsiblemarketing

🤔”Nothing about us without us..” (I get it, we dig it..but like…is it enough?) 💡Don’t “try” to be of service. Learn what is of service from those you’d like to serve. (Seems obvious, but it really isn’t. Take a 30 second beat and let that cringe wash over you. Mine didn’t even take 30 seconds! 😅 we are not perfect, but this small mindset shift - not only does this give more agency to communities in need….this also teaches well meaning empaths that theirs tears, however moving, are not appropriate persuasive tools. I’ve seen many an Aha moment ignite when one realizes that what is needed by others is more important than what they really reallly want to give others instead! Empathy and lived experience are two very nice things, don’t get me wrong! They are just two entirely different things that are often confused - to the detriment of the do gooders. (That’s why I talk to you all so much by the way..those with minds and hearts im the right place have soooo much power. If my musings can help you harness that power even 5% more a quarter…(or more!) Well…let me stop…you get it. It matters. 🫶🏾 #empathy #service #underminedaudience #historicalexclusion #responsiblemarketing

Conference Organizer: I know! I so hate that we don't have budget for speakers too...something really has to change and I am pushing this conversation internally, TRUST me. Email from Conference Organizer 7.5 hours after your keynote: Lola, thank you so much for attending! (I guess they meant speaking?) We have some exciting sponsorship opportunities that we're sharing with VIPs before official announcements! Here's my scheduling link, talk to you soon!!