esbe Consulting

🤝2.5 million people deleted ChatGPT () because of one deal. The Pentagon approached Anthropic, OpenAI’s competitor, to remove safety features blocking the mass surveillance of Americans and autonomous weapons (i.e., not requiring human intervention). Anthropic refused.

So, the Pentagon signed a deal with OpenAI allowing the military to use its AI for any “lawful purpose” on classified networks. Users were furious. Overnight, people began migrating content away from ChatGPT, and the boycott began.

🎯People want better from brands. AI is no exception. Anthropic put purpose before profit, and it drove growth. It instantly became #1 in the App Store🚀, and we were part of the switch, because driving purpose and impact is what we do best.

🚫 The anti-DEI movement continues to gain momentum. Brand after brand has eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. This has affected many and will affect many more. We'll continue to resist. ✊🏿 ✊🏾 ✊🏽 ✊🏼 ✊🏻

▶️ Swipe for a list of anti-DEI brands. Did we miss any? Comment below. ⬇️

🎨A brand refresh typically creates new inroads with new and existing audiences. It drives engagement and delivers incremental benefits for customers/clients, employees and the organization.
 
🏪Walmart has just unveiled its new logo.🌟 It’s the first brand refresh for the retail giant since 2008, and their new logo looks a lot like their old one. We can’t help but wonder what conversations led to this outcome. 🤔

Can you tell which logo is the new one?
 

Aaaand that’s a wrap!🎁 We wish you a wonderful holiday season and hope you have time to rest, relax, reflect and recharge.

🙌 Thank you for another great year – we cannot wait for the next! Our team will be back on January 6, 2025. See you then. 🎉

Happy Holidays! 💟

🚨Many organizations have abandoned their diversity, equity and inclusion commitments. Walmart is the latest retailer to join the ranks, alongside Starbucks, J.P. Morgan, Chase and others due to pressures from conservatives.

These changes will have significantly affect marginalized communities, both in the workplace and beyond.

💸 As consumers, you can choose which brands you support and where you shop.

💭As DEI practitioners, we must challenge organizations to consider the measurable impact of these changes and determine how they plan to address equity gaps in their organizations. https://reut.rs/4g8WIFf

📅 November 25 marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. This year’s theme is ‘Come Together, Act Now.’

Did you know…

🇨🇦 In Canada, every 2 days a woman or girl is killed. Last year, 187 women were violently killed across Canada.

⬆️ Police-reported cases of intimate partner violence in Canada have risen by 13% between 2018 and 2023, and many survivors are women and children.

🌏 Femicide has been committed in every country around the world.

If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence or at risk of harm, there is help. You can contact the Assaulted Women's Helpline at 1-866-863-0511.

📰 Recently, a federal court case resumed to determine if 45,000 Black public servants can proceed with a class action lawsuit over anti-Black racism in the public service dating as far back as 1970.

The plaintiffs allege the denial of job and promotion opportunities due to their race. They are seeking $2.5 billion in damages for lost salaries and pensions.

✍🏽 Our founder, Sarah Beech, penned a piece for The Toronto Star that explores anti-Black racism in Canada, how and why it persists, and what must change to create equitable and inclusive communities. Read the article online or grab a copy of today's paper https://bit.ly/3Z0z5rx

Why won’t Justin Trudeau’s government give Black employees their day in court? Plaintiffs allege a widespread culture of discrimination dating back to 1970.

Goldfish Crackers has temporarily rebranded to Chilean Sea Bass to capture adult snackers’ attention. 🐠➡️🐟

This isn't their first attempt at grabbing attention with a gimmick, and we know they’re trying to grow sales—but at what cost? We see divided reactions online, with some embracing the change and others feeling confused.

But here’s the real question: What audience insights fuelled this decision and were they the right ones? 🤔

📈 A recent report found that 84% of consumers buy from brands they feel an emotional connection to. We know people buy products from brands they believe in. That’s why gimmicks don’t build loyalty—genuine engagement does. 🎯

Read more 👉https://bit.ly/3NDHGLl

October 17 is , the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth. According to Statistics Canada, 7 out of 10 young people aged 15 to 17 said they experienced some form of bullying.

Sexually and gender diverse youth were most at risk, with 77% reporting they experienced bullying daily or weekly, which affects their mental health and well-being. Our youth need our support. Check in on the youth in your life. Help them feel safe, loved and make sure they have the supports they need. Here are organizations and resources that can help 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️:

✅ LGBT YouthLine connects 2SLGBTQ+ youth (29 and under) across Ontario to resources and community through peer support, training, advocacy, and referrals. (www.youthline.ca)

✅ Egale Canada works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. (www.egale.ca)

✅ Kids Help Phone online and text counselling support to youth across - phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (www.kidshelpphone.ca)