Entries by The Kaleidoscope Group

Something to Ponder…My Mom would have loved Anthony Bourdain

Politics aside, people love talking about their food.  If you really want to start a conversation, begin talking about food and my guess is you will not stop talking until you start eating. Long before I knew who Anthony Bourdain was, I knew the power of food to bring people together.  I witnessed it in […]

Healthcare System Executive Recruitment

I recently read an alarming and, quite frankly, shocking New York Times Article entitled “Fewer Women Run Big Companies Than Men Named John,” which indicates that fewer S&P 1500 firms have female CEOs than male CEOs named “John”.   And when considering racial and ethnic diversity, the problem becomes even more acute.  A 2013 survey by […]

From Films to Feels

The 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival showcases Latino talents from all over the world with 40+ short and 50+ feature-length films. This has developed into a staple for Chicago moviegoers and creates the perfect opportunity to indulge in a colorful culture and participate with local and international filmmakers. All the films are shown in their […]

Wake Up & Smell The Bias

Unless you’ve spent the the last month in hiding or a coma, you have likely heard the story of two Black men, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, being arrested by Philadelphia police in response to a Starbucks’ Manager calling 911 after two minutes of their “loitering.” (Some would call it waiting.) (Full story) The reaction […]

Starbucks® – Remaking More Than A Drink

I was teaching my Integrated Marketing Communications Execution Class at North Park University in Chicago and I asked my students to come up with an ad campaign to help Starbucks® through its recent crisis. These students had some great ideas, yet many of them were hesitant to address the issue of discrimination head on. This […]

No Such Thing as Bad Publicity..?

It’s become increasingly apparent that any type of media companies or brands develop is open to deep scrutiny from the public eye. So why do we continue to experience tone-deaf, casually racist marketing initiatives? Previously, our Chief Marketing Officer for the Kaleidoscope Group, Chris Bintliff, outlined “3 Ways to Avoid Diversity Disaster’s in your Marketing” […]

I Really Do Have a Halo! Huh, Who knew?

No, really, I do…But not the kinda halo you’d think I mean… I am 41. Yep, there I said it. I am officially in my 40’s. The problem is not so much my age, as it is my skin wrinkling, weight gain, hair thinning, and oh, that lovely white ring I get around the top […]

Something to Ponder…Black Panther, a Superhero for All

As a marketer, I think there is a lot we all can learn from the recent movie, Black Panther. First, we can gain an understanding as to why some Black people are so excited about this film. Second, we can discuss why some White groups are boycotting this film. Third, we can use the Marvel […]

All the Colors of the World

As a Designer for The Kaleidoscope Group I often find myself putting on different lenses to see through the many eyes of the people our work impacts to, hopefully, best understand their perspective. I do so in the hopes to create meaningful work not just for some, but for everyone. I recently read “How To […]

In The Spirit Of Diversity and Inclusion

Ok, I am pretty uncomfortable writing this blog post, but in support of my team, in the spirit of diversity and inclusion and for my love and devotion to the company I work for, The Kaleidoscope Group, here goes… Jodi Matas, Marketing Director…What does that really mean to me? What do I want others to […]