Right now there are waayy more questions than clear answers or direction as relates to cultural leadership. For example, here are some areas that I think are worth exploring:
- What’s the best and most useful definition of cultural leadership?
- Is it even reasonable/worthwhile to expect brands to “lead” when it comes to culture?
- Does the concept of cultural leadership exist at cross-purposes to the main function of the enterprise, i.e., to sell more stuff?
- To what extent is the inability of companies to lead culturally related to the inability of big companies to innovate?
- What’s the relationship between cultural leadership & Havas Media’s idea of meaningfulness?
- How does risk factor into cultural leadership? If it’s not risky, can it really be considered leadership? I suggest: No risk, no leadership. See Pepsi/Beyonce.
- How does cultural leadership map to other indicators of business health such as volume, profit and market share?
- The inspiring of consumer passion/fandom/cult status as a leading indicator?
- Is the role of the brand best served as that of an amplifier, i.e., bringing cultural undercurrents to a mass audience?
Are there other questions that you think are much more germane to this discussion? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
