"It's about embracing the things that make you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable."
Musician, actor, and activist Janelle Monáe joined Cheddar on Monday to talk about an ad campaign she's working on with Belvedere Vodka that emphasizes inclusion and diversity.
"We have a shared vision about making this world much better. Inclusion is at the top of my list. Inclusion for women, minorities, and my brothers and sisters in the LGBTQIA+ communities," said Monáe.
The venture, which began last year, is called "A Beautiful Future," and involves a coordinated limited edition bottle, a social media campaign, and a video series led by female directors.
The bottle is available beginning this month.
"It's the whole idea that inclusiveness is really the mainstream now," said Rodney Williams, the president and CEO of the vodka brand.
The campaign began at a 2018 brunch co-hosted by Monáe and Belvedere. The event was in support of Monáe's Fem the Future movement, which aims to encourage those who identify as women working in the media, cinema, and arts fields.
"It's really to highlight women's voices, and to say — hey — we're noticing that there is a gender gap. And there's not a lot of women who are behind the cameras. I'm in front of them, where are the producers? Where are the engineers? Where are we?" said Monáe.
"We're here. And we can compete at a high level, but we have to be given those opportunities."
Ben Geman, Energy Reporter at Axios, joins to discuss the latest Middle East tensions, Brent crude price swings, and why gas prices aren’t falling with oil.
Al Root, Associate Editor at Barron's, joins to discuss Tesla’s robotaxis going live in Texas—what it means for autonomy, safety, and the EV race ahead.
Dena Jalbert, M&A expert and CEO of Align Business Advisory Services, on the state of U.S. M&A: deals worth $1–$10 billion (including debt) are surging.
Jeremy Jansen, Head of Supply Chain at Wells Fargo, unpacks the ongoing trade talks between the United States and China as consumers still wonder about tariffs.
A group of Democratic Texas lawmakers is asking Elon Musk to delay his rollout of driverless ‘robotaxis’ in the state this weekend to assure the vehicles are safe enough.
The billionaire slated to takeover the controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers has built a career leading businesses investing in everything from sports franchises to artificial intelligence.
IBM Fellow Jerry Chow talks IBM’s expansion of the Quantum Data Center in Poughkeepsie, installing Heron processors that deliver utility‑scale performance.
