Culture, Creativity, and Connection: Highlights from the PTTOW! NXT Summit
Last week, one of Monday Talent’s very own, Aziza Yaropa, joined some of the most inspiring minds in marketing, culture, and creativity at the PTTOW! NXT Summit, an experience that felt equal parts think tank, wellness retreat, and creative recharge. From sunrise runs to powerhouse panels, every moment underscored why cultural fluency and human connection continue to define the future of marketing.
Opening Ceremony: The Power of Real Culture
The summit’s opening ceremony ended on a high note with Kenny Mitchell, CMO of Levi’s, who set the tone with a resonant message: the most impactful marketing doesn’t just mirror culture, it creates it. Mitchell spoke about the importance of grounding campaigns in the realities of real people, not fleeting trends. His message was clear: authenticity drives impact, and cultural relevance is earned, not borrowed.
The Run: Conversations Beyond the Conference Room
Led by extreme athlete Charlie Engle, the Mini Marathon quickly became a standout experience. Participants stretched, ran four miles, and perhaps most importantly, connected on a more human level. For Aziza, who is an avid runner herself, it was a refreshing reminder that the most meaningful professional relationships often form outside traditional networking spaces. Sometimes, the best ideas (and conversations) come mid-stride.
Creativity as the Great Connector
One of the final sessions Aziza chose to attend was a breakout that explored the art of brand partnerships. This conversation emphasized that the most powerful collaborations are often the least expected. The discussion highlighted how creativity, bold, surprising, and deeply human, remains the connective tissue between brands, ideas, and audiences.
Closing Ceremony: Building a Brand with Purpose
The summit closed with an inspiring fireside chat featuring Winnie Harlow, a Jamaican-Canadian model, activist, and spokesperson for the vitiligo community, moderated by Sammy Rabstein, PTTOW!’s Chief Product and Communications Officer. Harlow shared her journey as a founder, speaking about her Jamaican roots and the creation of her beauty brand, Cay Skin, particularly her SPF product, inspired by her personal realization about the importance of sun protection. Her story was a masterclass in turning lived experience into purpose-driven innovation.
As the summit wrapped, one theme echoed across every conversation: great marketing is about more than metrics or messaging. It’s about impact showing up authentically, thinking fearlessly, and building real connections along the way.
Mouth Off With Monday is just the start of the conversation. For more insights, talent trends, and behind-the-scenes of the industries we work in, connect with us!
