Elida Beauty’s Post

I was recently interviewed by CEO Update and got to talk about all the good work we are doing at Consumer Brands Association. Having joined the association a little over a year ago, it was exciting to reflect on the incredible growth we’ve had – we recently announced nine new members including Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, Diageo and Kimberly-Clark – and the value we are delivering for the CPG industry. As I say in the piece, “some of the big, complicated things members are wrestling with are state-related: packaging, recycling and state regulatory initiatives around additives and chemicals. And then you have a whole range of federal issues. There’s really bad framing around inflation and the consumer products business. Politicians like to be pointing fingers at us and I think that’s not correct. So, part of it is being a voice for companies trying to drive facts into the discussion and tell the big story about the role of the industry in the economy.” And telling the industry’s impactful story is what I remain focused on.   Read more here:

2.5 WEEKS OUT! Get your tickets to “Making Moves” at the end of NBWA now! https://lnkd.in/gjfnCytG This is a different kind of conference. ALL of the sessions are keynotes. And there is ample time to network. The speakers – both vets and up-and-comers in beer & bev alike -- will not just share trade secrets and indispensable industry information. They’re also going to divulge things about their company culture. About exactly how one leads. About mistakes they’ve made, and learned from. Quantifying those intangibles can make a big difference, especially in an industry like beer, which is losing share to spirits.     If you’re a woman in the beer industry, you should come for the top-rate information and awesome networking opportunities. If you’re a man in the industry, guess what -- you should come for the top-rate information and awesome networking opportunities. Check out the list of speakers (https://lnkd.in/gjfnCytG -- scroll down for agenda), and sign up!

HARK! I come bearing amazing news. Now, each and every one of you can access great wisdom. Simon Fleming-Wood is a brilliant mind, and he and a merry band of whip-smart marketing talent are available on a project-by-project basis. Note -- for those of you that want to better nurture your brand but can't invest in a full brand marketing team -- 621 Consulting is a great way to access killer talent without taking the full plunge. In tough times, brand teams and budgets are often slashed. Those that continue to manage their brands during downturns win longterm. While 621 has a broad bench, and experience across the marketing spectrum, the expertise they bring to brand building is particularly useful on a fractional basis. Simon and Scott are the best of the best. This is a true gift to the world.

🎶 Reflecting on a Week of Harmonious Strategy and Spirited Innovation 🍷 This past week, the gentlemen (and woman) of MKM took a deep dive into strategic development, attending a seminar that was, on the surface, about aligning our voices to the future of consulting. In reality, it was a masterclass in team building, resilience, and, let's not forget, appreciating the finer notes of a well-aged wine. As the most melodious consulting firm in the industry, we've always believed in hitting just the right note in everything we do. This week was no exception. Our strategy seminar was filled with insightful discussions on innovative consulting practices, interspersed with sessions that tested our vocal cords and our capacity to appreciate the complexity of a good Cavæ. Highlights included: - Keynote speeches that somehow always circled back to the importance of a robust wine list in fostering client relationships. - Breakout sessions on leveraging our unique talents in a market saturated with monotone solutions. - A fantastic formal dinner, which highlighted the excellence of our culinary divisions’ ability to mix fine dining, global politics, and humor into the most well-balanced blend. We emerged from the week more united than ever, ready to face the challenges of the consulting world with a song in our hearts and a strategic plan that's as refined as our taste in beverages. To our clients, rest assured, we're equipped to provide solutions that are both innovative and, when necessary, capable of being delivered in perfect harmony. To those who joined us on this journey, thank you for sharing in our passion for blending the art of music with the science of strategy. To future clients and MKM members, we say: the stage is set, the bar is high, and our doors are always open for a consultation or a duet, whichever you need most. Here's to the next chapter where our paths may cross, possibly over a score or a Scotch. Until then, keep singing, keep strategizing, and, above all, keep savoring every moment. #TeamBuilding #Innovation #MusicalManagementConsulting #MKM

 ‘Is Doing Good Actually Doing Any Good?’ panel event on Friday for SXSW Sydney with CEO Skye Lambley. Great discussions around corporate morality and what it really means as a business to drive positive change. Mixed with a range of other incredible panelists from UTS Business School, Impact Economics and Policy, moderated by Catherine King (Chief Strategy Officer Leo Burnett Australia) Some key takeouts from Urban List - we couldn't have said it better ourselves! ✏ As a brand, if you stand for something, get comfortable with the fact that it’s not for everyone and some backlash from opposing positions is inevitable. You will be questioned on things—ensure your team is trained up and bring your customers and/or audience on the journey. ✏ As a brand, it should be all about ‘Double Materiality’, meaning if you’re not practising what you preach internally then don’t put it out externally. What you stand for should be part of your brand fabric and values. ✏ The difference between real activism and brand activism is a brand has to think about the bottom line, which means ‘Woke Capitalism’ can be a dangerous marketing ploy—it’s all about what brands do when no one is looking. Doing good should lead to community prosperity, not just economic growth. ✏ Be the change you want to see. In an increasingly polarised world, it’s time to step up and be brave. ✏ Many Australians work for small and medium-sized businesses, who makes up the critical fabric of our society and are already engaged and implementing more sustainable business practices—and there’s a lot we can learn from them. #sxswsydney #corporatemorality #pragency

After nearly a month here a consistent feeling about the business environment is clear, both in the wineries we visit and businesses more broadly: there is a genuine sense of camaraderie, even a shared experience. It's not a tactic....it is part of the culture. Not all is perfect--there have been moments when businesses and their leaders would no doubt find the world much easier if people didn't get in the way. But those examples are few and far between. The vast majority of businesses exude a warmth that envelopes people, whether employees or customers or other stakeholders. It further enhances the beauty of an already magnificent country. Decency abounds. #businessasaforceforgood #sustainability #business #doingwellbydoinggood #sharedexperiences #camaraderie #societalimpact

A good book, providing a history of Anheuser-Busch Brewing and the Busch family. The author, journalist William Knoedelseder, gives a detailed biography of the family behind the Budweiser brand, concentrating on the eventual takeover of the company. The author covers each era of the family’s work. It’s starts with the industrializing of the brewing industry and Budweiser’s rise to national dominance. The prohibition era followed by the World War II boom years show the family’s ability to adapt to circumstances. But, by the time of the fourth generation the weight of legacy and the dangers of singular familial management were apparent. The slow and steady decline of the brand was matched by the failures of the Busch family to match their previous accomplishments. A great book for understanding the relationship between business cycles and firm management.

As most of you probably know, it was International Women's Day last week, a day where our feeds are inundated with posts celebrating the occasion. Over the past few years, companies have started to see the value in celebrating the day, and typically like to make a fuss. But, there’s one thing they all have in common - they’re performative. That’s why I wanted to share my favourite IWD campaign from Molson Coors Beverage Company, a Canadian beer company that recently announced a multi-year partnership with the Women’s Hockey League. The brilliance of their campaign comes from the fact that they actually solve a problem. I’ve left the video below so you can see for yourself, but I’ll give you a quick overview. 👇🏻 👱🏻♀️ For a game played on IWD, Molson switched around their logo with the player's name, solving a long-standing problem - a female player's ponytail covering her name on her jersey. It may seem silly or trivial, but it’s yet another instance where we see that the game (and the world) isn’t designed for women. Do you think Lionel Messi or LeBron James would have their names covered while they play? 🏒 Molson wanted to fix this. Solving this small issue allowed each player to be seen and recognised out on the ice, and also feel valued by their team and their fans. Rather than superficially celebrating with Social Media posts or gifts, Molson showed their appreciation by actually solving a problem. It’s yet to be confirmed whether or not this will be a permanent solution, or a limited edition change to celebrate International Women’s Day. Let’s hope it stays, otherwise, is this yet another performative campaign? https://lnkd.in/ePRGbvhn

Check out this article on Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks and be sure to vote! I know who I voted for! #Hilanddairy #besticecreamever

We're thrilled to share that our panel is up for inclusion at SXSW 2024, and we need YOUR support to make it happen! 🗳️🚀 Our panel proposal, “Cheers for Change: Social Impact in the Liquor Industry” has been submitted for consideration, and we believe it's a conversation that needs to take center stage. 🌟🍹 In a world where social responsibility and profitability are often seen as opposing forces, our panel aims to dive deep into the innovative ways spirits brands are reshaping their operations to drive meaningful social change while staying profitable. 🤝💰 Led by a dynamic lineup of industry experts, visionary entrepreneurs, and insightful investors, including Danny Lafuente, CEO @Simple Spirits Company, Connor McKenna, Portfolio Director, Pronghorn, Sophie Kelly, Sr. Vice President of North American Whiskeys Portfolio, and Baileys, Diageo, Emmett Strack, Content Associate, Park Street Imports. But we can't do it alone! We need your votes and support to make sure our panel takes the stage at SXSW. Your vote will make a difference in amplifying this vital conversation and spreading the message that businesses can indeed be a force for good. 🗳️📢 Click the link below to cast your vote for our panel and share with your network! Voting closes August 20th so vote while you can:  👇👇 https://lnkd.in/e9EkJy9V Together, we can inspire positive transformation within the liquor industry and beyond! 🌎🥂 #SXSW #SocialImpact #BusinessForGood #CheersForChange #content #causemarketing #bethechange #spiritsindustry #spiritsmarketing