Gaetane Lewis

Reflecting on "The Playlist" and My Path Ahead in Music Tech Recently, I watched Netflix's "The Playlist," a series about the birth of Spotify, inspired by the sweeping transformations in the music industry. As an Black female founder in the music tech space, I couldn't help but resonate deeply with the narrative, yet also reflect on how different my journey has been from those portrayed on screen. In the series, and indeed in much of the industry, we see an overwhelming focus on profits and control, often at the expense of the artists who create the music we love. It strikes a chord with me that the people who often benefit most financially from music are those who market and distribute it, rather than the artists who create it. As a startup founder, my journey has been filled with significant challenges. Unlike the seamless funding experiences often depicted in tech narratives, I've had to develop a strong platform, a detailed business plan, and a substantial user base just to get initial meetings. This experience stands in marked contrast to the more readily available opportunities seen elsewhere in the tech industry. Relationships and networking play a crucial role, yet gaining access to the right networks as an Black woman has required relentless perseverance and advocacy not just for my business but for the community of artists we serve. It's more than about creating a platform; it's about altering an ecosystem that too often undervalues its most vital contributors. As I build my company, my goal remains unwavering: to empower artists to understand not just the value of their music, but how to safeguard their creations and their legacy. We're here not just to innovate but to advocate, ensuring that the artists' voices aren't just heard, but are also respected and compensated fairly. To my fellow entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers in the tech and music industries: let's continue to challenge the status quo, build inclusively, and support one another. Our creations have the power to inspire change and drive progress, and together, we can ensure a future where every artist can thrive from their art. #MusicTech #StartupLife #Innovation #DiversityInTech #ArtistsRights #ThePlaylist #Entrepreneurship #MuSample

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Four years ago today, we issued a call to action in response to the performative solidarity shown across the PR industry. While firms and organizations made public commitments about their support for Black talent, the reality told a different story. In the years since we've seen attacks on #DEI efforts seep into every industry, including our own. The vital work of creating #equitable, #inclusive workplaces has faced backlash, but this only reinforces its necessity. Now, we're putting the PR industry on notice - you have one year to get your houses in order. True change requires sustained commitment, accountability, and transparency when it comes to uplifting, cultivating, hiring, and promoting Black talent. This can't be done alone. We'll need the ongoing support of our industry colleagues and allies to drive meaningful progress. Expect to hear and see more from us in the coming year. If you're interested in being a part of or supporting our efforts, sign up via the interest form here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUdgTp #HoldThePRess #BlackinPR #PRDiversity

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We will be live at exactly 8:PM WAT today, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Please join us on Instagram live @tosyne_layande as we have an in-depth conversation on deciding the kind of impact you want to make, and breaking it down into smaller and achievable goals. #clarity #visioning

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Honoring Juneteenth: A Continued Commitment to Justice ✊🏾 This #Juneteenth, we remember and celebrate the bravery and resilience of those who fought to abolish slavery. However, the struggle continues... Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we renew our commitment to justice and equality. We must continue to work together to dismantle structures of oppression and ensure that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. 📣 What steps can you take today to promote justice and equality? #JusticeForAll #BlackHistory #CivilRights #EmancipationDay #EqualityForAll #RacialJustice #Inclusion #Diversity #BlackLivesMatter #SocialJustice #FreedomForAll

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I am in the process of building out a course for people who want to be better public communicators, including a course on how to get in TV (specifically honing your pitch, producing a good segment and what to do once on air). IN the process, I came across a clip of me talking about my first TV job. Take a look.. can any of you relate? (Note: this was taken from a live speech which is why there are 30 years of hairstyles and eyebrows. You're welcome)

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My three-part series about how phenomenal Black entrepreneurs in beauty built, scaled and funded their businesses rolls out today. Check it out: #blackbeauty #blackentrepreneurs #blackbusiness

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In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into the findings and insights presented in Andrew W. Kahrl’s eye-opening book, “The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America.” Kahrl uncovers the deeply rooted inequities in the American tax system and their devastating impact on African American communities. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, Kahrl reveals a history of systemic overtaxation and discriminatory practices that have stripped Black Americans of their wealth and property, perpetuating the racial wealth gap that persists today. The financial toll of overtaxation on Black Americans has been staggering. Kahrl conservatively estimates that it has cost the community over $275 billion, based on current data showing that Black and brown neighborhoods are over-assessed by 10-12% compared to white neighborhoods of similar property value. This translates to an additional $100 in annual property taxes for every Black American homeowner today, a burden that has persisted since the end of Reconstruction and has consistently disadvantaged African Americans, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes.

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Four years ago today, when we decided to engage in Hold The PRess, we knew that true change in the #PRindustry would require radical #transparency as a first step. When we called on agencies and firms to openly share their #diversity data in the way we specified, it was because we recognized a harsh reality - most weren't even tracking that information, let alone prioritizing the creation of safe, #equitable spaces for Black talent. Frankly, our industry has long been guilty of offering little more than lip service when it comes to supporting Black professionals. This is a reality drawn from the lived experiences of myself and so many of my peers, and the numbers we uncovered only confirmed it. Transparency was necessary because we knew that until agencies, firms and industry organizations were forced to confront the stark realities within their own walls, true progress would remain elusive. The backlash we've seen to efforts like ours in recent years has only underscored the vital importance of this work. Those who seek to undermine it reveal the depth of the challenge we face. But we remain undeterred. We know that creating equitable, inclusive workplaces is not optional - it is an absolute necessity. In the four years since our initial call to action, we've made some progress, but there is still so much more to be done and it has to be done together. If you're interested in being a part of or supporting our efforts, sign up via the interest form here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUdgTp

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ABIBIMAN | BATTLE FOR THE ANCESTRY HOME (Movie Concept Poster Design) -------------------------- 👨‍🎓 Abibiman Meaning Abibiman is a Ghanaian word that means "Land of the Black Man" or "Land of the Africans." It is a term that is often used to refer to Africa as a whole, or to specific parts of Africa that are inhabited by black people. 🌍 Historical Context The term Abibiman was first used in the 19th century by the Akan people of Ghana. It was used to distinguish their land from the land of the Europeans, who were colonizing Africa at the time. ✊🏿 Cultural Significance Today, the term Abibiman is still used by many Africans as a symbol of their pride and identity. It is a reminder of their shared history and culture, and of their connection to the African continent.

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In the second episode of series two of my podcast, I find myself back discussing AI. In looking for images to co_present my PHD assignment with AI, I came across an absence of black women in a large pool of AI tools. I was saddened by the amount of AI tools out there. There's a LinkedIn group called 'There's an AI for that'. AI tools for everything and very little black presence. Once again we will be left behind if we do not get involved now. Forget the fear of AI or the ethics or the worry etc, they will work themselves out. We are human beings, we always win. We are still at the start of this revolution and can get involved now. So I'm encouraging Black parents, teachers to get your young people in creating these tools and also black investors to invest in young black people who may want to get involved. Otherwise our grandchildren will be back here in 100 years making the same call about the absence of representation. https://lnkd.in/eCgr8RwS #AI #Artificialintelligrnce #representation #storytelling #ownership #identity

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Today, I woke up curious. A question popped into my head. Why don’t I know many Black marketers? My network features Black doctors, Black founders, Black creatives, and Black entertainers (musicians, athletes, etc). It appears we’re still struggling with diversity in marketing, but let’s look at the statistics. 📈The population of self-identified Blacks has grown by 32% since 2000, reaching 14.4% of the U.S population. (Pew Research Center) 🔑According to Ad Age, Blacks are approximately 7.2% of the marketing industry workforce. 😩More than a third (35.7%) of Black Americans believe that brands always represent Black people the same in advertising. (Ad Age) 💰African Americans were spending $1.2 trillion annually. (Nielson Market Research) Shout out to Slauson & Co. for being thoughtful in their approach to investing in underrepresented founders and ideas. Plug to Backstory Consulting for helping mainstream brands tell more impactful Black stories. For more insights, click below.

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Stop winging your media interviews. I know you're a seasoned executive. I know you've done countless press briefings. But even the most experienced spokesperson can get tripped up by a tough question or a high-pressure situation. The reason for the problem: Journalists are trained to ask probing questions and elicit newsworthy soundbites. If you're not equally prepared, you risk misspeaking or missing opportunities. But you only need a focused media training session to: -Refine your key messages -Anticipate difficult questions -Practice bridging techniques -Get professional feedback Don't let your hard-earned media opportunity go to waste. Invest in preparation and walk into every interview with confidence and control. #PublicRelations #PRAgency #StrategicCommunications #CrisisCommunications #MediaRelations #SocialMediaManagement #ExecutiveTraining #BrandStrategy #ReputationManagement #ThoughtLeadership

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As a seasoned PR professional, the recent news about Amanda Seales and Issa Rae's relationship struck a chord with me. Their situation underscores the unique challenges that can arise within Black creative spaces in the entertainment industry. I took time last night and watched the entire interview, so I wanted to share my thoughts: Navigating sensitive situations like this requires a delicate balance of reputation management, understanding power dynamics, and advocating for inclusivity. Amanda's point about the power imbalance between her and Issa on the set of "Insecure" is crucial for challenging the "mean girl" narrative and understanding the complexities of their relationship. This situation also presents an opportunity for open discussions about fostering supportive environments in the industry, especially for Black women. By encouraging honest communication and focusing on future opportunities, a skilled PR professional can guide their client through challenging times while promoting a more equitable industry culture. As a fan of both Amanda and Issa's work on "Insecure," I believe their talents should remain at the forefront. While acknowledging the emotional impact of their situation, focusing on their career goals and showcasing their abilities is key. Navigating relationships within the entertainment industry requires a balance of professionalism, empathy, and strategic thinking. As a Black woman in PR, I am committed to helping clients find their way through these challenges, prioritizing their well-being and success while advocating for a more supportive and equitable industry for all. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this situation and how we can continue to support Black women in the entertainment industry. Let's keep the dialogue open and constructive.

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🚨 Tiffany Haddish's first memoir, "The Last Black Unicorn," led to a defamation lawsuit from her ex-husband. This experience offers valuable insights for authors and professionals in the publishing industry: • Tiffany claims editors changed details without her knowledge. • She reportedly didn't notice the changes until reading for the audiobook. • She claims she never stated that her ex-husband abused her. While it could be true, I find it very difficult to believe. Either way, here are some critical lessons for all stakeholders in the publishing industry: Authors • Meticulously review every draft, especially the final manuscript. • Clearly communicate personal boundaries and sensitive topics to editors. • Consider legal consultation for memoirs containing potentially controversial content. Editors • Maintain transparent, ongoing communication with authors. • Document all significant changes and obtain explicit author approval. • Exercise extreme caution when editing sensitive or personal narratives. Publishers • Implement robust fact-checking and legal review processes. • Establish clear guidelines for handling sensitive content in memoirs. • Develop a system for final author approval before publication. Readers • Approach memoirs with a critical eye, understanding the complexities of personal narratives. • Recognize that memoirs may contain unintentional inaccuracies or editorial changes. Legal teams • Conduct thorough reviews of memoirs, particularly those involving public figures. • Advise on potential legal risks and mitigation strategies. Tiffany's second memoir was released last month, likely with heightened attention to these issues. Would you purchase it knowing this? Heather Asiyanbi, what are your thoughts?

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Breaking Free From Sterotypes by Thaliya Martinez I am a Black American who comes from a rich blend of Puerto Rican, Spanish, Dominican, and Trinidadian descent, with a stronger connection to my Puerto Rican and Trinidadian roots. It's not uncommon for people to question why my last name is Martinez or why I don't fit their preconceived notion of a stereotypical Puerto Rican, especially due to my darker skin tone. However, what they fail to see is that my entire name reflects my Spanish background, and it's disheartening when my name is mispronounced. Puerto Rico itself is a vibrant and diverse place, encompassing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. It's essential to understand that Puerto Ricans come in various shades, including those with black ancestry, as well as black individuals from Spain. People often express surprise when they see my family, unable to believe that we have different skin complexions. But ethnicity is not solely defined by appearance. It's a multifaceted concept that encompasses heritage, culture, and personal experiences. It's disheartening when people make assumptions based on superficial judgments. We should all remember that diversity exists in every corner of the world, and it's our duty to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes. Instead of allowing others' perceptions to define us, let's proudly embrace our unique backgrounds and inspire others to celebrate the beauty of diversity. Together, we can break free from the limitations of societal expectations and create a more inclusive and accepting world. Olivet Nazarene University

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Wakanda Dream Lab is a collective that bridges the worlds of Black fandom and #Blacktivism for Black Liberation by building on the aesthetics and pop-culture appeal of Wakanda to develop a new base of activists, artists, and fans for Black Liberation. 🌟 We’re thrilled to partner with Wakanda Dream Lab to co-present Juneteenth Reality Hack and Black Terminus AR Immersive Art Exhibit. 🚀 Joining forces with Wakanda Dream Lab, we’re on a mission to bring technology to marginalized communities and create a future where innovation knows no boundaries. 🔍 With their visionary approach to technology and social impact, we’re working together to ensure that redlining stays out of the metaverse and segregation has no place in spatial computing. 💡 Together, we’re building a world where everyone’s dreams can take flight. 🌐 Dive into the world of Wakanda Dream Lab and discover how they’re pioneering change through technology and creativity: Wakanda Dream Lab. Stay tuned for more updates as we break down barriers and unleash the power of innovation! 💫 #JuneteenthRealityHack #TechForAll #InnovationForEquity #BreakingBarriers

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