All About The Mix

This week, we're joined by Akiel Gallina - a creative producer who recently moved from Toronto to Berlin, Germany in pursuit of a change in environment and career. Here's what we covered: [04:50] Experience moving to a new country during the pandemic and starting from ground zero [11:20] Rejecting the culture of over-working [17:40] The importance of not having your identity completely tied to your career [21:40] Reassessing your career and passions during the pandemic [26:30] How do you approach personal branding without focusing too much on your career? [35:40] Experience navigating the ad industry as Black men and feeling the need to conform [47:59] Advice to those thinking about moving to a new country Follow Akiel on Instagram and check out his portfolio Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 18! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [08:55] Controversy surrounding Rachel Nichols' comments on race [20:16] TikTok allows creators to apply for jobs with partnering companies through the platform [26:25] An influencer loses her broadcast reporting gig due to backlash on Twitter about her privilege [33:20] Should case studies from the Cannes Festival be more widely accessible? Positive highlights of the week [42:20] Black Owned Toronto opens their first retail store in the Scarborough Town Centre Check out the AdWeek article about the creative team's efforts towards making Cannes case studies more accessible: https://www.adweek.com/creativity/this-creative-team-is-taking-on-the-might-of-cannes-lions/ Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 17! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [05:40] Bumble’s CEO announces a full paid-week off to manage employee burnout - can this work for other companies/industries? [14:30] A viral tweet suggests putting in extra work on weekends while you're young is best for your career  [24:45] Coca-Cola under fire for the name restrictions of their “Share a coke” campaign for Pride Month [33:00] Victoria Secret tries to reinvent their brand with a deeper focus on inclusivity [40:20] Venmo spends 100k on 100 lucky followers Positive highlights of the week [43:26] MLSE and Scotiabank open up the arena as a pop-up clinic for vaccines Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 16! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [03:55] Juneteenth is officially a federal holiday in the U.S and brands had deals ready to go [11:10] Should we be celebrating Canada Day this year given the constant mistreatment and injustice towards indigenous communities? [20:10] Spotify steps into the social audio space with Greenroom - why is every social platform doing this? [27:21] Rant on LinkedIn “influencers” Positive highlights of the week [34:26] Jordan Brand adds to the progression of WNBA athletes [38:22] A 100% driver-owned ride hailing app has launched in NYC to compete with Uber/Lyft [41:22] An HBO intern’s mistake goes viral - reflecting on mistakes we’ve made during internships Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Jenna Tharani - a Strategy Manager in Global Partnerships at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Here's what we covered: [05:00] What does a strategist actually do? [10:50] How has the business of sports evolved during the pandemic? [21:00] Are we making progress with the brand promises of diversity improvements from 2020? [27:09] Why do DE&I efforts keep falling on BIPOC employees? [38:53] Does your support of a brand depend on their values? [42:39] Are there brands that advertise during Pride Month well without being performative? Follow Jenna on Instagram Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 14! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [05:15] The mistreatment of employees is catching up to employers now that service workers are opting out of their jobs [12:50] EXTRA gum celebrates post-pandemic behaviour in their ad - is it appropriate or tone deaf when the pandemic isn’t “over”? [23:05] Has Clubhouse peaked in popularity? [29:00] Basecamp fumbles the bag with their new policy changes [37:42] Consumer sentiments on Airbnb and Uber changing as prices increase with service quality decreasing [45:50] Burger King using augmented-reality in such an impractical way - who’s the ad for? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Teresa Tam - a freelance designer/art director, and former associate creative director for an ad agency in Toronto. Here's what we covered: [03:10] In an ad agency, what is the difference between an Art Director and a Designer, and how do they work together? [07:30] Which brands stand out the most in terms of design and which one’s could use help? [15:50] How do you future proof a design system for a brand? [26:30] Navigating working freelance, client-side, and for agencies [36:16] How can we improve the relationship been marketers and designers? [45:20] How do creatives feel about rankings within the ad industry? Follow Teresa on Instagram and LinkedIn Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 12! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [02:20] Reactions to the Derek Chauvin trial and the Las Vegas Raiders tweet [13:05] McDonald’s announces a new BTS meal - why aren’t we seeing other QSR’s implement celebrity collabs like this? [22:51] Rogers fumbles the bag with a nationwide power outage - Missed opportunity from other telecommunication brands? [26:55] Rolling Loud festival announced for July - when will we be comfortable in large gatherings like this again? Uplifting news of the week [36:25] The viral #JoshFight and the randomness of social media Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 11! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [10:05] Follow up on NFT’s - How can you sell a moment that hasn’t happened yet? [17:57] Continuous performative allyship amongst ad agencies - the receipts are overdue. [31:15] Strategy’s 2021 Creative Report Card results are in - a ranking system for advertisers and creatives. [38:40] Freshii upgrades their product offering and introduces vitamins and supplements. Uplifting news of the week [43:13] Google’s new ad for the vaccine, saying farewell to virtual lockdown activities. Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 10! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [02:34] Brands inserting themselves in the Suez Canal memes. Is there a right/wrong way to do it? [09:30] Krispy Kreme giving away a free donut every day for vaccinated customers [16:10] Will we start to see brands offer more incentives to vaccinated customers? [22:30] How brands are getting involved in NFT’s and what the future might look like in this space [35:58] Spain is piloting a 4-day work week. Could we see this happening in Canada? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Ash Phillips & Miro LaFlaga - founders of creative agency Six Cinquième in Montreal. Here's what we covered: [04:00] How the agency Six Cinquième got started and what’s its overall purpose. [13:45] Is it important to have the label “Black-owned” or can it hold you back? [23:30] How can more Black people start their own agencies? What’s the path that Ash and Miro took? [36:49] Collaborating with over Black-owned agencies and the importance of having your own lane. [46:05] What’s next for Six Cinquième? Get in touch with Ash & Miro and learn about Six Cinquième @Sixcinquieme | sixcinquieme.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Fatma Othman - a social engagement lead for a large QSR company. Here's what we covered: [05:05] The differences working in social media for agencies vs client side [07:40] The challenges of being a social media marketer and why it's not as easy as many think [16:03] Breaking down the Burger King tweet that used a sexist joke, from a social media marketer's perspective [26:05] A recent study highlights how women of colour feel less welcomed in marketing environments [34:09] Why do diversity efforts always fall on POC’s? [40:00] Discussing the general response to George Floyd’s murder last year and on-going police brutality Follow Fatma @xphat Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 7! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [03:35] Importance of International Women’s Day and how brands can genuinely participate [10:10] Burger King’s tweet sparks outrage for using a sexist joke to push their community efforts [16:05] Twitter roles out “Super Follow”, a new revenue modal for social apps. Is this the beginning of paying for socials and will it take off? [29:00] Ads for “the new normal” - at what point will ad messaging shift to a more celebratory tone? [33:30] Reflection on a year of being in lockdown - how comfortable will things be when we’re vaccinated? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Stephanie Small - a Creative Operations Manager in advertising and the creator of BLACK TAXI. Part talent incubator, part employee resource group, the goal of BLACK TAXI is to find, hire, and retain Black talent in the Advertising industry. Here's what we covered: [03:56] Getting started in D&I and the progression in that space so far [10:17] Ad agencies and their performative support of D&I efforts [22:00] What is BLACK TAXI and how did it start? [42:30] What was it like being responsible for something as big as BLACK TAXI? What kind of pressure did that create? [45:55] What does the future of BLACK TAXI look like? [49:07] How did POCAM (People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing) start and what’s the future of the organization? Keep up with Stephanie and connect with her on LinkedIn   Learn more about BLACK TAXI: www.agency.taxi/blacktaxi Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix conte

Season 3, episode 5! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [03:30] Aunt Jemima is rebranded as “Pearl Milling Company”. Was this a good strategy? [16:10] Kendall Jenner getting dragged for her latest tequila venture due to cultural appropriation. Is there a way for those outside of a culture to attach themselves in a respectful way? [23:40] Clubhouse is next up - what do we think of the platform and how might brands make use of it? [44:07] Recognizing new packaging design across fast-food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King. Which brand could use a refresh right now? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 4! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [04:50] Overall thoughts on the SuperBowl ads this year. Which ones were the standouts and which ones fell flat? [17:30] Research in Canadian advertising has shown that over 50% of BIPOC employees have reported discrimination. What can agencies learn from this? [31:10] Analyzing the Gorilla Glue girl incident and the expected brand response in viral accidents. [37:50] Microsoft’s latest patent might allow chatbots to replicate a deceased loved one you can interact with. Tech going too far? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 3, episode 3! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [02:25] What’s going on with GameStop stock and how Robinhood fumbled the bag [12:25] What do we expect from companies during Black History Month? [20:36] Sports leagues and their performative ally-ship [27:32] What’s going to be the tone for SuperBowl ads this year (pandemic, social justice, usual humour, etc)? [35:17] A viral NoFrills anime ad sparks frustration considering the mistreatment of workers Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Patrick James, a recent graduate and current account coordinator for an ad agency in Toronto. Here's what we covered: [02:20] The journey from a BBA at Laurier to an ad agency [07:40] What was the experience like graduating and job hunting during the pandemic? [17:05] How you can get stuck in a role thinking it defines who you are [22:01] Navigating companies looking to fulfill a token Black hire right now [28:30] What does ‘culture fit’ really mean and is it being used appropriately? [34:20] Working with the Black Talent Initiative in getting more Black people in advertising/marketing [51:00] How we’ve adjusted mentally and physically to working from home Follow Patrick on Instagram and connect with him on LinkedIn   Stay informed on the Black Talent Initiative: https://blacktalentinitiative.network/ Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickb

Our season 3 premiere and 50th episode is here! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [05:50] Social media apps take a stand against Donald Trump - why did it take so long? [14:30] Do we expect brands to take a political stance? [21:30] The white re-branding of Mahjong and the issues of cultural appropriation within products [32:20] AdAge gets called out for their insensitive article targeting Bozoma Saint John [38:40] Is it ethical for AirCanada to still promote domestic travel during a pandemic? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Our season 2 finale is here! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [02:30] Reflecting on what we’ve learned and what we’ve observed in 2020 [14:16] Less talk more action. Will agencies keep the same energy in 2021? [26:28] What were some of the Ws from brands in 2020? [33:46] GoDaddy taking advantage of employees through a phishing test [37:10] Thoughts on Apple working on a self-driving car by 2024 [41:40] What’s in store for The MAD Mix Podcast in 2021? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner