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Dr. Marcus Collins

Best-selling Author, Leading Cultural Translator, University of Michigan Marketing Professor, 2023 Thinkers50 Radar Award Winner, Forbes Contributor and Award-Winning Marketer

Considered America’s leading cultural translator since the success of his best-selling book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, Dr. Marcus Collins is the recognized authority on leveraging the power of culture to influence behavior, inspire collective change, get people to share your vision, and most importantly, move them to take action. Dr. Collins is a professor of marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, former head of strategy at Wieden + Kennedy, New York, and a regular contributor to Forbes. An inductee in the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, he is the architect behind some of the most notable campaigns of the last decade for brands including Nike, Apple, Budweiser, and Beyoncé.

  • Dr. Marcus Collins Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Michigan, USA

  • Dr. Marcus Collins Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Michigan, USA

Suggested Keynote Speaker Programs

FOR THE CULTURE: THE POWER BEHIND WHAT WE BUY, WHAT WE DO, AND WHO WE WANT TO BE

Culture is a word we often use but seldom fully understand. So, why does that matter? Because there’s no force more influential on human behavior than culture. What we wear, what we watch, who we marry, how we vote, what we support, and just ...

Culture is a word we often use but seldom fully understand. So, why does that matter? Because there’s no force more influential on human behavior than culture. What we wear, what we watch, who we marry, how we vote, what we support, and just about every aspect of daily living is informed by—and in many ways governed by—our cultural subscription. Therefore, if we can fully understand what culture is and the underlying physics of how it works, then we can leverage its sway to get people to take action. Of course, this is powerful for marketers, politicians, leaders, managers, and anyone with a vested interest in getting people to move. In this talk, Marcus pulls from both theory and practice—using learnings from his work spearheading digital strategy for Beyoncé to working with Fortune 500 companies like Apple, McDonald’s, and Google—to break down the ways in which culture influences behavior and unpacks how to leverage its power to get people to move.

For the Culture Video - Marcus Collins

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BUILDING A STRONGER CULTURE

No matter what your company or organization aspires to be—more innovative, more inclusive, more creative, more customer-centric, more productive, etc.—your success is 100% dependent on the culture that you create within the culture at large...

No matter what your company or organization aspires to be—more innovative, more inclusive, more creative, more customer-centric, more productive, etc.—your success is 100% dependent on the culture that you create within the culture at large. Afterall, culture is the operating system of humankind. When you understand and operationalize it, it can become your organization’s superpower. In this game-changing talk, Dr. Marcus Collins walks audiences through the fundamentals of culture and how it affects who we are and who we want to be, giving audiences the tools to view any business challenge or opportunity through the powerful lens of culture. He also brings the audience together with group exercises that challenge their thinking, spark new ideas and inspire action.

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LEADING THROUGH THE POWER OF CULTURE

Scholars often refer to leadership as the ability to influence without authority. The most powerful way to do that very thing at scale is through culture—the system of beliefs, norms and symbols that demarcate who we are and what is expected ...

Scholars often refer to leadership as the ability to influence without authority. The most powerful way to do that very thing at scale is through culture—the system of beliefs, norms and symbols that demarcate who we are and what is expected of people like us. Whether you are in a company, an organization or community, culture governs everything. Dr. Marcus Collins helps leaders understand the power of culture in influencing and changing human behavior and to develop it as a leadership tool. Audiences learn how to shape a more innovative, productive, inclusive and empathetic culture in their workplace or organization. Most importantly, they’ll learn how to harness the sway of culture to get people to move and take action.

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Putting the Humanity Back into Customer Centricity

In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever to put the customer at the center of all business decisions. While this truth might be widely held, our ability to build organizations that are readily capable of implementing a customer ...

In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever to put the customer at the center of all business decisions. While this truth might be widely held, our ability to build organizations that are readily capable of implementing a customer centric approach is not as accessible as we might desire. This talk uncovers a perspective for customer centricity and provides actionable strategies for adopting this approach within your organization.

Key takeaways:

  • Understand the benefits of a customer-centric approach, including increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, and how it can drive business growth and success
  • Discover strategies for creating a customer-centric culture within your organization and building a customer-centric team
  • Learn how to apply these strategies to your organization right away

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Brand U: Create Your Own Personal Brand to Achieve Your Professional and Personal Goals

Think of some of the most influential consumer brands of the last 20 years: Apple, Nike, Google, Target, Budweiser—even Beyoncé. Now, learn how to create your own successful personal brand from the award-winning marketing strategist behind ...

Think of some of the most influential consumer brands of the last 20 years: Apple, Nike, Google, Target, Budweiser—even Beyoncé. Now, learn how to create your own successful personal brand from the award-winning marketing strategist behind them. In this transformational learning experience, former head of strategy at Weiden + Kennedy/New York, University of Michigan marketing professor, and bestselling author on the power of culture, Marcus Collins, applies the secrets and strategies of top brands toward achieving both personal and professional success.

Audiences will:

  • Explore what a brand is—and why it can be such a powerful tool.
  • Reflect on their own core values to create an authentic personal brand
  • Develop an “elevator speech” and imagery to articulate their brand’s  value
  • Create an engaging brand story
  • Align their personal brand story with their organization’s brand and goals
  • Learn how to leverage brand to achieve personal and professional goals at any stage of their life or career.

Featuring fascinating stories about brands,  insightful reflections on human behavior and contemporary culture, and interactive exercises from an acclaimed marketer and professor, Marcus Collins’s can’t-miss talk can be tailored to a wide variety of audiences.

 

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About Keynote Speaker Dr. Marcus Collins

Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator with one foot in the world of practice—formerly serving as the Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, New York—and one foot in the world of academia—as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

His deep understanding of brand strategy and consumer behavior has helped him bridge the academic-practitioner gap for blue-chip brands and startups alike. He is a recipient of Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 award and Crain’s Business’ 40 Under 40 award, and an inductee into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement. Most recently, he was recognized by Thinkers50 with the Radar Distinguished Achievement Award for the idea most likely to shape the future of business management. He has also served as a jury for the Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity.

Before joining Wieden+Kennedy, he served as the Chief Consumer Connections Officer at Doner Advertising and led Social Engagement at Steve Stoute’s advertising agency, Translation. Over the course of his career, Marcus has developed a practice for creating culturally contagious ideas that inspire people to take action. His strategies and creative contributions have led to the launch and success of Google’s “Real Tone” technology, the “Made In America” music festival, the Brooklyn Nets, and State Farm’s “Cliff Paul” campaign – among others.

Prior to his advertising tenure, Marcus began his career in music and tech with a startup he co-founded before working on iTunes + Nike sport music initiatives at Apple and running digital strategy for Beyoncé.

Marcus’ work centers squarely on the impact of culture and the power that comes from having great cultural proximity. His best-selling book, For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, examines the influence of culture on consumption and unpacks how everyone from marketers to activists can leverage culture to get people to take action. Throughout the book, he relies on literature, case studies, his work with brands, and academic data to illustrate the “whys” and the “hows” so that readers will be empowered to successfully apply these learnings in their own pursuits.

Marcus holds a doctorate in marketing from Temple University where he studied cultural contagion and meaning-making. He received an MBA with an emphasis on strategic brand marketing from the University of Michigan, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in Material Science Engineering. He is a Forbes columnist and a trusted voice among CMOs and business leaders. But most importantly, he is a proud Detroit native, a devoted husband, and a loving father to Georgia and Ivy.

Testimonials

“Marcus is not only an expert storyteller but a captivating speaker. As we continue engaging in virtual conversations and events, Marcus has the gift of energizing the room as if he were in person. Read More

Ashley

Snyk

“I just wanted to drop a line to share how spectacular Marcus was at our event yesterday. He was truly the highlight of the afternoon and such a dynamic and engaging speaker. So glad that you connected us to him — it could not have been more of a perfect fit!”

Julia

charity: water

“Marcus was absolutely fantastic! Rave reviews from everyone in the audience and brought our show a lot of positive attention.”

Trace

The INSTORE Show

“We had the pleasure of hosting Marcus as our keynote speaker during our annual American Marketing Association conference. Marcus delivered a high-energy presentation regarding cultural consumption that had our audience thinking beyond their traditional marketing messaging and strategies.”

Ryan Winfield

Verizon Media

“Marcus Collins is nothing short of fantastic. As a speaker, Marcus has a way of presenting that often difficult to find… He’s a rare gem when it comes to presentation style, ability to take feedback, area of expertise, and more. Marcus truly listens to what others have to say before responding.”

Jaclyn Ciamillo

Capital One

“[After Marcus’ talk] our team felt inspired to action and empathy. I had goosebumps multiple times – was NOT expecting that at all.”

Shivani

Account Manager, Google

“I was looking for an outside speaker to speak to our marketing leaders and I honestly felt Marcus was the right person with the right message…three things stood out to me: First is his ability and passion for simplicity. Secondly, I am drawn to his ability to engage the room.  Lastly, I appreciate his preparation.”

Trey

Chief of Staff—Growth Marketing, Verizon Media

“Simply put, Marcus is exceptional….exceptionally capable, passionate, multidimensional, super smart, engaging, human, inspiring, relational, real. He has demonstrated all of these qualities as a speaker and team member at Hyper Island. Such a great guy…I can’t say enough.”

Laura

Facilitator and Learning Designer, Hyper Island

“Marcus brought an awesome presence and engagement to the session. I loved his succinct yet powerful slides and message. In particular, I really enjoyed his energy, sincerity & passion. Great to see academic & real life role merged! ”

Toyota Motors Corporation

Next Gen Exec Program

“Marcus Collins brings passion, empathy and a heightened level of innovation and business acumen to the table. His wealth of experience in sales and marketing alongside his personal commitment to diversify & inclusion uniquely qualifies him to speak on an array of business topics across various industries.”

Whitnee

Director, Diversity & Inclusion Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America

“Overall both attendees and our leadership team felt his keynote was engaging, hyper-relevant to our conference/ business, and incredibly informative. Marcus’  professional and academic perspectives on culture marketing helped guide our other sessions and kickstarted our conversations around our marketing approach for the next year. In short, this keynote was everything we were hoping for and then some!”

Media Marketer

 

“Marcus was great as always. He is so easy to work with, so knowledgeable, and he brought the energy that this event really needed. Thanks again!”

Movable Ink

 

Media

Article

Dec 14, 2023

What Marketing Expert Marcus Collins and Fast-food Giant McDonald's Know That Can Help Supercharge Your Sales

When it comes to understanding your customers, there’s more to it than data. According to marketing expert Marcus Collins, it’s...

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Article

Nov 17, 2023

A Full Circle Moment: Marcus Collins Speaks at the Lincoln Center to a Sold-Out Crowd

Marcus Collins found himself in New York City on May 2, 2023 when his highly anticipated book For the Culture...

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Article

Nov 7, 2023

Congratulations to Marcus Collins, Thinkers50 Radar Distinguished Award Winner

Breaking news! Marcus Collins has just been awarded the Thinkers50 Radar Distinguished Achievement Award, solidifying his status as one of...

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Article

Nov 2, 2023

‘For the Culture’ by Marcus Collins makes 2023 Inc Non-Obvious Book Awards Longlist

Marcus Collins‘ book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to...

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Article

Jul 28, 2023

Stop Trying to Reach Everyone: Marcus Collins on Embracing Diversity and Complexity in our Modern World

In a world where we often speak of the mainstream as the holy grail of success, marketing expert Marcus Collins...

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Article

Jun 15, 2023

See why Marcus Collins’ ‘For the Culture’ is an Editor's Pick in Amazon’s Top Business Books of 2023

Marketing guru Marcus Collins has done it again with his new book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We...

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Article

Jun 8, 2023

Hear Marketing Expert Marcus Collins on MSNBC: What does the PGA tour's Merger with LIV Golf mean for the brand?

If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the big news: the PGA tour is merging with Saudi-backed LIV Golf—a...

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Article

Jun 5, 2023

Marcus Collins’ New Book Named to Thinkers50 Best New Management Booklist 2023

Marcus Collins‘ new book For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want...

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Article

May 26, 2023

Marcus Collins’ For the Culture named in Forbes’ 6 Must Read Books for Spring Reading

Looking for an inspiring read this spring? Forbes recently released their top list of “must read” books for Spring 2023,...

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