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034: Navigating Brand Deals During DEI Rollbacks

Season #4

In this episode of The Contract Playbook, host Casey Handy-Smith sits down with Brittany Bright, founder of The Influencer League, to discuss the current challenges around DEI rollbacks in brand partnerships. Brittany shares her personal experiences managing creators and how she navigates brand deals while ensuring they align with her creators' values.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to The Contract Playbook
Casey introduces the episode’s shift in focus, discussing the importance of addressing DEI rollbacks within the context of brand deals, especially for Black creators.

00:20 - Season Focus and Current Industry Issues
Casey talks about the DEI rollbacks happening across large brands, explaining how they have affected creators, talent managers, and agencies since the beginning of 2025.

01:45 - Introducing Brittany Bright and The Influencer League
Brittany shares the mission of The Influencer League, an online platform that uplifts and educates creators of color, particularly Black creators, and their journey in the influencer marketing industry.

03:25 - Interview with Brittany Bright
Casey dives deep into the conversation with Brittany, where they explore the impact of DEI rollbacks, their implications for creators, and the ethical concerns that arise when navigating brand partnerships.

04:32 - Navigating DEI Rollbacks in Brand Partnerships
Brittany opens up about the growing concerns around DEI rollbacks in major brands, highlighting how these rollbacks impact creators, especially those who have worked with brands for years. She shares her personal insights on why some brands have retreated from their DEI commitments and how creators can best handle these shifts.

22:31 - The Importance of Mutual Morality Clauses
Brittany and Casey discuss the importance of including mutual morality clauses in brand deals. These clauses offer protection for both the creator and the brand in situations where a brand or creator comes under public scrutiny.

26:48 - Advice for Creators and Brands
They provides crucial advice to both creators and brands on how to navigate this difficult terrain. She encourages creators to prioritize their values and not shy away from walking away from deals that may conflict with their moral compass. She stresses the importance of being selective and aligned with brands that truly support DEI initiatives.

31:04 - The Future of The Influencer League
Brittany shares exciting news about The Influencer League’s rebranding, including new initiatives and tools for creators to help them thrive in the creator economy, including the launch of an AI-powered platform aimed at leveling the playing field.

37:16 - Closing Remarks and How to Connect
Casey wraps up the episode with final thoughts from Brittany on maintaining authenticity in brand deals and how to push forward in the creator space, despite challenges like DEI rollbacks. Brittany also shares how to connect with her and The Influencer League.

Key Takeaways:

  • Navigating Rollbacks: Brittany and Casey discuss the impact of DEI rollbacks by brands and how creators can handle the ethical concerns around these changes. Creators should continue to be vocal about their values and selective about their partnerships.
  • Mutual Morality Clauses: They emphasize the importance of negotiating mutual morality clauses in contracts. This protects both parties in the event of public backlash or reputational damage and gives both sides the ability to exit the partnership under certain conditions.
  • Creating Ethical Partnerships: Advice is given on how to make sure brand partnerships align with your values and beliefs, as well as how to walk away from deals that don’t feel right for your personal or professional integrity.
  • Empowering Creators: Brittany emphasizes the need for creators to stay empowered in their careers by making decisions that benefit their long-term growth and mental health.
  • The Importance of Education: The Influencer League is dedicated to educating creators on industry standards, helping them navigate brand deals with confidence, and ensuring their work is valued and properly compensated.

Resources:

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🎧 Tune in now and gain valuable insights to help you thrive in your creator career, even amidst the shifting landscape of brand partnerships.