🎬 Cannes Lions 2025: A Recap from Color Vision
Cannes Lions 2025 reinforced what’s next in marketing. From creator-centric stories to values-first strategies and lived-experience leadership, this year’s festival was packed with moments that matter. Here’s a look at what unfolded—from the Croisette to our own team’s contributions.
✨ Board-Led Moments That Left Their Mark
Joi‑Marie McKenzie moderated the Business Insider‑sponsored CMO Playbook panel at the CMO Insider Breakfast, exploring how CMOs are navigating convergence, AI, storytelling, and cultural relevance alongside industry leaders from Salesforce, Mercedes‑Benz USA, Citi, and e.l.f. Beauty.
Crystal Foote, a founding board member, led a powerful dialogue on “Global Growth Audiences: Inclusion = Dividends” during the Salon Culture Conversations session on June 18 .
Charlene Polite Corley joined Crystal on stage for this panel, supporting its emphasis on cultural relevance and data-driven DEI strategies .
In addition, advisory board members Erin Goldson and Sararuth Delice were in attendance, connecting, networking, and engaging with fellow marketing leaders on emerging trends and inclusive brand strategy.
🔍 Key Moments from the Festival
Reese Witherspoon reframed storytelling as leadership—championing women‑led businesses, underrepresented voices, and the strength that comes from lived experience. The message was clear: empowerment is a strategic imperative, not a buzzword.
Jimmy Fallon & Bozoma Saint John brought energy and insight to the conversation about commanding presence. Their talk emphasized that charisma isn’t just entertainment—it’s a critical tool for delivering meaningful messages.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, reminded listeners that video remains central in a rapidly evolving landscape. Formats like Shorts and AI-powered tools are essential—but creativity, trust, and relevance still define success.
Spotify Beach turned a brand activation into a cultural moment. By integrating creators, music, live energy, and shareable experiences, Spotify demonstrated that experiential marketing is now essential to real engagement.
Alix Earle unpacked Poppi’s ascent to a $2B brand, showing how creator-first storytelling, consistency, and tapping into cultural truths (like gut health) can build extraordinary growth.
Serena Williams underscored the importance of brand purpose. She shared real-world lessons about aligning with partners who reflect core values—not just budgets—and how that alignment amplifies influence and impact.
đź’ˇ Final Takeaway: What It Means for Color Vision
At Color Vision, these insights reaffirm our vision:
Purpose leads. Creativity converts.
Stories grounded in lived experience cut deeper and last longer.
Charisma and presence are strategic levers, not extras.
Experiential initiatives create authentic engagement and extended reach.
Cannes 2025 wasn’t just about industry hot takes. It was a powerful call to elevate marketing with purpose, intention, and clarity. As we continue building programs and guiding partners, we remain inspired—and committed to lead in this evolving landscape.
Thanks to Joi‑Marie, Crystal, Charlene, Erin, and Sararuth for representing Color Vision at Cannes. Your leadership, insight, and presence shaped conversations that resonate well beyond the Riviera.
Ready to learn more about how these trends power our work—or partner with us to bring them to life? Reach out anytime.