Welcome back, friends. Today, I'm thrilled to shed light on a pioneer in the marketing landscape, a true innovator who has masterfully woven together technology, humanity, and a commitment to inclusion to redefine the essence of brand strategy - Cheryl Guerin, the Executive Vice President at Mastercard.

Over her two-decade tenure in the industry, Cheryl has not only shaped Mastercard's global marketing efforts but also established the company as a beacon for purpose-driven marketing. She has brilliantly understood the potency of human connection, authenticity, and diversity in marketing, thereby redefining Mastercard's approach to Human-to-Human marketing.

Perhaps the most influential aspect of Cheryl's leadership is her emphasis on what Mastercard calls the "Decency Quotient" or DQ. This unique principle underscores the importance of a safe, respectful work environment that encourages everyone to contribute their best. It is this focus on decency and inclusion that has enabled Mastercard to cultivate a culture which recently earned them the top spot on DiversityInc's Top 50 list for diversity. This remarkable achievement isn't just an accolade; it is a testament to Cheryl's transformative leadership, and the culture of inclusion she has helped instill at Mastercard.

Cheryl's path to creating an inclusive brand strategy is both intriguing and inspiring. From her initial days in the ad agency world to her current role as EVP at Mastercard, Cheryl's career has been a journey of resilience, innovation, and purpose. Her commitment to using her marketing prowess as a force for good has given birth to several impactful programs such as True Name, a ground-breaking initiative that allows transgender and non-binary individuals to use their chosen name on their payment cards.

The True Name initiative is an embodiment of Cheryl's commitment to inclusive marketing, providing a sense of belonging, pride, and safety for many. Similarly, Cheryl's leadership in the Strivers Initiative, a program to support women-owned small businesses, particularly those underserved, is another hallmark of her ability to use marketing as a tool for positive societal change.

Cheryl's deep understanding of marketing's future also extends to embracing cutting-edge technology. Mastercard's Artist Accelerator program, for example, combines technological tools with a people-centric approach, helping musicians navigate the digital age. These initiatives highlight Cheryl's foresight in understanding how technology can serve to deepen human connections, transforming marketing practices along the way.

For Cheryl, her ultimate goal is to blend the power of technology, the art of human connection, and the mission of inclusivity into the fabric of Mastercard's brand strategy. Her focus on Human-to-Human marketing underscores the importance of authenticity and human touch in business, setting a higher bar for the marketing industry.

As we delve deeper into the universe of marketing, Cheryl Guerin stands as a luminary, a pioneer reshaping the contours of the industry. She beautifully weaves together the threads of diversity, inclusion, and purpose to create a tapestry that represents the future of marketing, setting an example for us all in the ever-evolving digital realm.