Inclusion and Marketing with Sonia Thompson

The Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup are all happening in 2026 — and they’re not just sporting events. They’re cultural events powered by identity, influence, community, and the underrepresented audiences shaping modern fandom. The brands that win next year won’t be the ones with the biggest budgets — they’ll be the ones with the deepest cultural understanding and the strongest consumer trust. In this episode of Frictionless Growth Marketing, Sonia Thompson — inclusive growth and customer experience strategist — sits down with Cesar Martinez, Chief Commercial Officer at Sonoro, the largest multicultural podcast network in the world. Together, they break down: • Why major 2026 cultural moments (Super Bowl, Olympics, World Cup) require a new marketing playbook• The identity-led communities driving modern sports fandom — and why they’re essential for brand growth• How to connect meaningfully with Latino, Gen Z, and multicultural audiences (without pandering or stereotypes)• Why cultural competency is now a growth strategy, not a “nice to have”• The risks of getting it wrong — and the long-term benefits of getting it right• How brands of ANY size can show up in culture (even without a big-game budget) If your brand wants to grow in 2026 and beyond, this episode will show you exactly how to remove friction, build trust, and create marketing that resonates in moments that matter. Because the brands that understand and participate in culture will win next year and beyond. Work with Sonia Unlock sustainable, frictionless growth in your business: Friction Finder™ Growth Audit — Identify the friction points pushing customers away and learn exactly how to fix them - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/frictionfinder/ Frictionless Growth Roadmapping Session™ — Build a clear, confident plan for sustainable growth with today’s customer - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/roadmapping/ Inclusive Growth Retainer — Partner with Sonia to optimize your customer journey, marketing, and experience for long-term growth - https://www.frictionlessgrowthlab.com/retainer Links from the episode: Sonoro - https://sonoromedia.com/ Cesar Martinez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesar-martinez-1b34376/

Consumers today aren’t just buying products — they’re buying alignment, transparency, cultural fluency, and trust. And trust has officially become one of the most powerful growth marketing levers a brand can pull. In this episode, Sonia Thompson — inclusive growth and customer experience strategist — breaks down what three real-world stories from LinkedIn, Disney, and Ralph Lauren reveal about the new rules of brand–consumer trust and how they directly impact growth, loyalty, and long-term revenue. From algorithmic bias to cultural accuracy to identity-centered storytelling, these case studies show exactly why frictionless, values-led, inclusive marketing isn’t optional anymore — it’s a competitive advantage. You’ll learn: Why trust is now a core growth metric and a deciding factor in customer acquisition and loyalty How Disney’s Moana backlash demonstrates the business impact of cultural accuracy and responsible creative decisions What Ralph Lauren’s evolution teaches us about identity-driven brand building and long-term growth Why LinkedIn’s algorithmic bias debate highlights the rising expectations around responsible AI and inclusive design How representation, transparency, and cultural fluency shape modern customer experience The specific behaviors today’s consumers reward — and the ones that create friction, backlash, and brand erosion If you want to build a frictionless growth engine that resonates with today’s identity-led, culturally connected consumers, this episode gives you the clarity and direction you need for 2026 and beyond. The LinkedIn post and article referenced from LinkedIn staff - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sakshirjain_putting-members-first-testing-and-measuring-activity-7397384012421451776-M7A8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADoGrYBxCncTQK1uoD5k0MgXOrx3330CMI

In this short reflection episode, Sonia Thompson — inclusive growth and customer experience strategist — shares the 2025 marketing shifts she’s most grateful for… and what they signal for brands heading into 2026. This year, marketers saw consumers use their voices and their wallets more boldly than ever, brands standing firmer in their values, and more companies finally recognizing the power of growth communities — the underrepresented and underserved groups who are shaping culture, influence, and buying behavior. Inside the episode, you’ll learn: Why consumer activism accelerated this year (and what it means for trust and loyalty) How values-led brands like Costco, GAP, and Levi’s grew by staying true to what they stand for The rise of growth communities — and why they represent one of the biggest opportunities for modern marketers Why frictionless marketing isn’t a trend… it’s the future What these shifts mean for your 2026 growth strategy If you’re focused on inclusion, customer experience, brand trust, or growth marketing, this episode will help you understand the cultural and strategic forces that will define the year ahead.

Even the most well-intentioned brands have hidden friction points buried throughout their customer journey — small, avoidable moments that quietly push ideal customers away. In this episode, Sonia Thompson, Inclusive Growth & Customer Experience Strategist, breaks down the most common friction patterns she uncovered while reviewing 50 brand websites across industries, markets, and brand sizes. You’ll learn how gaps in representation, inclusive language, accessibility, and customer experience create invisible barriers that limit growth, reduce conversions, and weaken customer trust. Sonia shares real examples, surprising insights, and practical takeaways to help you identify (and eliminate) the friction costing your brand valuable engagement, loyalty, and revenue. If you care about inclusive marketing, customer acquisition, growth marketing, or building a customer experience designed for belonging, this episode will show you exactly where friction hides — and how removing it can transform your results. Get the roadmap billion-dollar brands use to win today’s customers - https://inclusionandmarketing.com/roadmap/

Even the most well-intentioned brands have friction hiding in their customer journeys — small moments that quietly push ideal customers away. In this episode, Inclusive Marketing and Customer Experience Strategist Sonia Thompson reveals her Friction Finder Growth Audit framework to uncover and fix the hidden friction blocking your customer experience and limiting brand growth. Get the Inclusion & Marketing Newsletter -- www.inclusionandmarketing.com/newsletter