Month: June 2023

How do you transform how the world sees people while thoughtfully bringing advertisers along on your journey? 

This was the question we faced as we set out to determine how to integrate our partners into Content for Change, Paramount’s initiative that aims to counteract bias and stereotypes through our content. We are using data-driven insights to transform our creative ecosystem—from the content we produce to the creative supply chain that powers it to the culture that underpins everything we do.

Sounds like something you’d want to be part of, right? Well, our partners wanted to as well. And we knew we needed to make sure that we were being intentional and strategic in figuring out a way for them to join us. It had to feel significant, meaningful and most of all, authentic.

Over the course of a year of planning, we determined that we would approach a limited number of partners who are dedicated to change, and we would lean into our core areas of expertise – branded content, thought leadership, events and our creative supply chain. And we want our partners to likewise bring their expertise and assets to the table so that 1+1=3. More impact. More opportunities. More change.

So, as we get ready to go out to partners to support the program, here are a few of our takeaways:

If it takes too much explaining, it’s not the right solution. It has to feel natural, and people have to be able to see the connection points.Trust the process. The first, second or even third answer isn’t always the final solution. But on something as impactful as this, you need to take the time to get it right.Stay open to the possibilities. This initiative is new and how we’re looking to approach our partnerships is new, too.

Driving progress. Improving lives. Building true partnerships. This is change.

For more information on how to get involved visit our website.

KeyBank recently sponsored the Black Economic Success Trust (B.E.S.T.) in downtown Denver on June 9 and 10. The event provided the opportunity for entrepreneurs, business leaders and other professionals to access resources focused on helping them grow their careers and businesses. The conference covered four economic development areas – small business, workforce, leadership development, and youth economic empowerment – with educational sessions such as “The State of Black Business in Colorado” and “Diversity is Not Enough: How Inclusion and Equity Drive Lasting Change.”

KeyBank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Helena Haynes-Carter, facilitated a panel discussion with leaders in the community which resulted in some great conversations and revelations. Haynes-Carter noted three key takeaways from the event:

For organizations to successfully the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to drive business results then they must move beyond prima facie efforts, understand power structures and intentionally rebalance systems.Global and domestic marketplace pressures, continue to compel corporate, governments and communities to work collectively to meet societal challenges. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities are poised to lead the next ventures in innovation and growth. Together, allies and BIPOC leaders are needed to realize solutions that expand economic benefits to historically disadvantaged groups.The Black Economic Success Trust Summit was the prelude to a five-year, data-driven strategic planning process that will align priorities and promote accountability with governments, corporations, and community groups to further economic expansion.

Over 15 KeyBank employees from departments that included mortgage, corporate responsibility, payments, and retail, along with top leadership, attended B.E.S.T. events throughout the two days. KeyBank proudly supports the efforts of B.E.S.T. and appreciates the time put into this gathering of like-minded people. Participating in events like B.E.S.T. is key to learning and growing as an organization and community.

The mission of B.E.S.T. is to minimize the traumatic effects of racism in BIPOC communities by strategically leveraging partnership to dismantle systemic barriers that impede building wealth. B.E.S.T. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. More information on B.E.S.T. can be found here.

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