By Dwayna A. Haley, EVP, Consumer Brands and Tasia Langston, SVP, Consumer Brands
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that ColorComm is more than just a conference—it’s a community. The energy in the room, from hallway chats to the sessions themselves, was contagious. As professionals and newcomers alike gathered to explore how we can advance diversity and inclusion, the space felt both supportive and empowering. The conversations, grounded in openness and honesty, were a reminder that progress in the industry is not a destination but a journey. We left feeling not only inspired but also motivated to take action. Sharing this experience with Diana Littman, MSL U.S. CEO, made it even more memorable.
This year’s ColorComm theme, “breaking new ground,” deeply resonated. The conference centered sessions around opening new doors, challenging old ways of thinking and embracing diverse perspectives to spark innovation, our highlights below.
Lead Authentically
One of the most important lessons we took away from ColorComm was the value of leading authentically. Whether hearing from seasoned leaders or those reentering the workforce, the message was clear: be true to who you are and align your actions with your values. Being authentic in our leadership means not only being transparent but also being prepared—delivering new, strategic ideas and thinking before clients have to ask. It’s about setting the tone for deeper trust and stronger collaboration.
Create The Environment You Want
The sessions at ColorComm reinforced that real impact is the result of emotional intelligence coupled with curiosity in leadership. Speakers emphasized the importance of bringing imaginative and bold thinking to everything we do. Each conversation highlighted that creating the right environment and fostering a safe space yields a team energized to push the envelope. Whether in leadership or community engagement, it’s about thinking bigger and doing bolder work.
Align Your Words with Action
The conference reaffirmed that to lead effectively today, we must be flexible, shifting our focus and workflow to meet the changing demands of the business world. It’s about being agile, whether in internal culture or client relationships. As leaders, our ability to pivot and adjust to new challenges while staying true to our values is critical. It ensures that we’re not just reacting to change but proactively shaping it.
ColorComm Conference was a reminder that impact in leadership occurs by being intentional, progressive and adaptive in how we show up every day. By continuing to lead with authenticity, create inclusive environments and back our words with actions, we’re ready to break new ground together in everything we do.