Janelle James

I am an experienced marketing leader, consumer expert, and DEI specialist with a passion for changing the world and inspiring those around me. My work has touched over a billion people. I illuminate, create, build, connect, and improve.

I help brands become more relevant by better understanding people: consumers, employees, suppliers, and investors. Today that works takes many forms... from designing and conducting research globally to uncovering bias that undermines growth to translating emotion into action. My work strengthens big businesses, small businesses, tech companies, writers’ rooms, finance departments, marketplaces… and improves the lives of everyday people.

I've chartered my own path from Brooklyn to Boston, Milan, Chicago, and London. Interesting stops on my journey include conducting research in 15+ countries; living and working abroad 4 times; founding a firm’s first employee resource group and growing it to over 200 people; leading a global brand across 40 countries; developing a class at Roosevelt University; and guest lecturing at UCLA, Harvard, NYU, University of Chicago, and Northwestern in Qatar.

My work and passion have recently driven me to author a Newsweek Op-Ed on how brands can be more authentic in their DEI efforts, an Ad Age Op-Ed on ‘Why DEI is the new digital’, and led me to be named a 2021 Advertising Week ‘Future Is Female’ honoree for my ability to effect organizational change and external impact with marketing and advertising brands and beyond. I also Co-Chair the ARF’s Cultural Effectiveness Council working to advance thought leadership on culture and communications that drive business growth… and host its “Culture Connect” podcast.

I am most interested in the points where people meet business... marketing, innovation, inclusion, and developing careers. Other titles I enjoy include home cook, amateur photographer, hostess, mentor, world traveler, and mother.