JUST Branding S06.EP04 - Should Brands Get Political? with Jeroen Reuven
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Mar 12, 2025 The podcast dives into the heated debate over brands engaging in politics. Jeroen Reuven shares captivating real-world examples of brand activism, both triumphs and failures. The discussion highlights how to navigate political engagement without alienating consumers. Key insights are shared on authenticity in advertising, especially amid rising political correctness. Brands like Nike are analyzed for their social responsibility, while Tesla’s relationship with political figures is explored for its branding implications. The conversation is both timely and thought-provoking.
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Annual Gay Ad
- Jeroen Reuven, upon being asked to create a "gay ad" for Miller Beer, felt it was pandering and inauthentic.
- He prioritized casting actors based on talent, not race, and was fired from a project for this.
Nike's BLM Response
- Nike pledged $140 million to Black Lives Matter but Jeroen Reuven saw this as pandering, suggesting a donation to police education would have been more impactful.
- He criticized Nike's "For once, don't do it" ad as inauthentic, noting their previous silence on similar issues.
Joining the Bandwagon
- Delaying participation in social movements makes brand activism appear inauthentic.
- Consider if the cause truly aligns with your brand before taking a stance.