Christena Pyle, Chief Equity Officer at dentsu Americas, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In a conversation with Jack Myers for his Legends & Leadership series, she shared her deep insights into the state of DEI in the advertising industry and her unwavering belief that investments in diversity are paying dividends.
"We're three years out from George Floyd," Christena remarked, acknowledging that while some pledges have waned, savvy marketers are aware that consumer sentiment is evolving and as responsible advertisers, "they must meet it with a conscious approach toward our planet. The advertising industry," she emphasizes, "needs to keep pace with this sentiment on its DEI journey." Christena advises focusing on cultural nuance, fluency, and relevancy to understand the consumer sentiment of the future. This approach aligns with how dentsu approaches marketing on behalf of its clients.
This article serves as an introduction to the remarkable work of Christena Pyle and dentsu Americas while highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry. Readers are encouraged to explore the full podcast interview to delve deeper into Christena's insights and experiences.
Christena's belief in the power of the new generation is inspiring. She understands the importance of balancing fresh ideas with seasoned experience. At dentsu, they are nurturing a new generation through talent programs, preparing them to be the future leaders who will best serve clients. One of the standout achievements is dentsu's partnership with Howard University, where they embed into the curriculum and upskill students in areas like data management and analytics. This initiative not only broadens the talent pool but also fosters meaningful partnerships with educational institutions.
The importance of belonging and connection in the workplace is another key aspect of Christena's vision. Dentsu has made a commitment to flexible hybrid work, emphasizing the significance of community, which is essential for retaining talent and maintaining a sense of connection among employees. Christena is a strong advocate for business resource groups (BRGs), pointing to their role as centers for community belonging and connection, especially in a hybrid working reality. She believes that these groups can be a source of innovation, creativity, and cultural insights when given the necessary investment and support.
As the advertising industry undergoes fundamental changes, Christena is both excited and cautious. She wants to ensure that the industry remains committed to its people and empowers them to be part of the generative AI movement. Her vision for future industry leaders includes empathy, connectivity, and a welcoming attitude toward individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond her professional life, Christena recently got married to Omnicom Group executive Rosemary Kalonaros, and they are both deeply invested in the advertising industry's health and legacy. They share a commitment to advancing the visibility of LGBT individuals and are dedicated to making a positive impact within their respective spaces. "It does make it interesting being at two different holding companies. There has to be firewalls in the household. And we're happy for the firewall, so we can talk about anything else but work," she muses.
Christena Pyle's dedication to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is evident in her work at dentsu Americas and her inspiring vision for the future of the advertising industry. Her insights and passion for change are not only transforming the industry but also shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. View the full conversation above and here.