The TrustMakers

Cultural commentator and Creator Blakely Thornton joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller from Cannes Lions for a no-filter conversation on the evolution of influence and why consistency, humor, and honesty are his non-negotiables. Known for his Met Gala interviews and sharp takes on brand campaigns, Blakely shares how he carved out a trusted voice in a crowded space by staying unapologetically himself.

 Microsoft Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles join Edelman’s Smita Reddy from Cannes Lions to discuss how AI, authenticity, and Gen Z are reshaping brand trust. From product innovation to personal expression, they look at what it means to build influence around shared values and vibrant communities, and discuss differentiation at a time when attention is fragmented.

A.G. Sulzberger, Publisher of The New York Times, joins Richard Edelman at Cannes Lions for a conversation on the role of journalism in rebuilding trust. They discuss the global rise of misinformation, the decline of local news, and why independent reporting remains essential to democracy. A.G. reflects on how The Times is adapting to new formats while staying rooted in truth, empathy, and accountability, and shares what he feels is the most underexamined construct in modern media.

Louise McEwen, CMO of McLaren Racing, joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper at Cannes Lions to discuss how her brand builds emotional connection with fans, drives cultural relevance, and balances heritage with innovation. She reflects on the importance of instilling trust through inclusive experiences and a fan-first mindset, while always honoring the brand’s racing legacy.

Doug Martin, CMO of General Mills, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to discuss how brands can stay personal in a fragmented digital world. He shares how General Mills is shifting from mass messaging to individualized experiences and using data and empathy to meet consumers where they’re at, especially in everyday moments like dinnertime. Doug emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand’s role, staying curious, and delivering real joy without performative action. 

Marcela “Mele” Melero, Chief Growth Officer of Dove Personal Care North America and Dove Masterbrand, joins Edelman’s Smita Reddy to explore the ways brands can stay relevant in the modern age. Mele discusses how Dove is shifting power from the brand to the people by widening the definition of beauty and adapting to societal shifts, such as the rise of AI. She reflects on her own career journey, the importance of taking risks, and how consistency and cultural relevance can drive lasting trust. 

Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, joins Edelman’s Justin Blake to explore the urgent challenges facing independent journalism in today’s volatile information landscape. From the rise of autocracies to the flood of online misinformation and the rapid evolution of AI, Antonio discusses how media organizations can uphold integrity, adapt to disruption, and cut through the noise. “We’re living in a post-truth society,” he says, emphasizing the need for credibility in modern journalism. 

Karthik Ramanna, Professor of Business & Public Policy at University of Oxford Blavatnik School of Government, sits down with Edelman’s Satyen Dayal to talk about his latest book, ‘The Age of Outrage’, and how business leaders can build trust amid an era of global societal grievance.  “You build trust by actually being able to do what you say you’ll do,” Karthik says. 

Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, joins Edelman’s Alex Heath for a conversation on how nonprofits can be successful in today’s environment and the power of partnerships. “Trust is key, partnership is currency,” says Angela.

Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Strategy Group, sits down with Edelman’s Brooks Miller to talk about her work as a quantitative futurist, the biggest threats facing institutions today, and how businesses and brands can improve their strategic foresight. “We all have agency…The future is not pre-determined and that is a good thing because it means we have the ability to shape it,” Amy says.