Our Favorite Moments from the Fast Company Innovation Festival

By: Shannon and Sophia

This year, Cutline sent us to the 2022 Fast Company Innovation Festival, an annual event dedicated to exploring the power and potential of innovation unbound. Hosted at Convene in New York City, the entire event was memorable, with discussions about everything from how to be genuinely inclusive to new digital expectations in the metaverse and beyond. These were the moments that resonated with us most.

Hearing Brian Chesky’s Firsthand Account of Airbnb’s Story

Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb, took to the stage in a one-on-one session to share an honest tale. Brian knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur and waited for the perfect moment: renting out air mattresses for conference attendees when hotels ran out of space. He used some unique tactics to raise capital, even creating a cereal to accompany the 2008 presidential election. 

The concept evolved and eventually took off, of course. Massive growth followed, leading to the decision to IPO. Then, the pandemic hit, giving Brian a chance to pause. He had a revelation: the company was on the wrong track, focused too heavily on growth. Pausing the IPO and centralizing the focus of his teams, Brian set out to create an ideas-driven company that employees want to work for with a service people want. His new motto, “growth is an indication that strategy works,” led to an IPO in December 2020 and set Airbnb on a track for success.

Brian’s story reminds us to avoid the status quo – take the time to pause, step back, and evaluate the structure you’re working against, whether it be a small project or a billion-dollar company.

Learning How to Consistently Approach D&I and Sustainability 

We’ve heard it time and time again: consistency is key. For D&I and sustainability efforts, this rule rings especially true.

During the panel, “Rethinking Representation: The Future of Inclusive Storytelling,” we heard from Ebro Darden, Apple’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Alana Mayo, Orion Pictures’ President, and Tracy Sherrod, Little, Brown Publisher’s VP and Executive Editor, on the importance of companies keeping the promises they made during the social movements of 2020. Alana and Tracy discussed how it isn’t the role of the Black community and other communities of color to convince people to change. It’s on everyone to do their own research and educate themselves, rather than relying on someone to hold their hand through the process. Ebro also shed light on some of the programs Apple has kicked off over the past few years that have helped the company stay in line with their word, which was inspiring to hear, especially from an influential industry giant. The takeaway was that promises are empty without tangible action, and consistent progress is valued over perfection.

We also heard from Gabriela Hearst, Chloé’s Creative Director, and Daniel Humm, the chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park, a famed dining experience, during the “Innovation and Sustainability in Fashion and Food” panel about the growing importance of consistent sustainability action. All companies need to dedicate a clear leader and task-force overseeing sustainability –  it can’t be an afterthought, or a shared responsibility of an existing executive. In the near future, it’ll be more and more likely that brands will begin introducing dedicated roles, like Chief Sustainability Officer, to ensure the work is getting done. 

A Sneak Peek Into the Future of the Metaverse

At the panel, “You, Me, and the Metaverse: How Consumers and Businesses Can Meet on the Internet of Tomorrow,” we expected the panelists to reiterate the message that the metaverse is coming and that we should all be prepared. We were pleasantly surprised when the panelists – from Meta, George Mason University, and k20 Educators – took to the stage to share a realistic outlook on how the use of the metaverse will unfold.

While the metaverse is, in fact, upon us, this group of panelists does not expect us to live in a fully virtual world anytime soon. Instead, we’ll use the technology of the metaverse to learn and participate in experiences we wouldn’t be able to elsewhere. For example, many of us will never be able to physically visit the space station. Some of us will never be able to visit parts of our own planet. None of us can travel back in time. In the metaverse, we could. Beyond recreation, teenagers could learn how to drive in the metaverse, a potentially safer option than getting in a vehicle. And for businesses, coordination among global teams could become easier.

Remembering our Roots

It’s important for brands to shift and grow alongside consumer needs, but it’s also important that they remain true to their mission. 

During a panel, titled “Standing the Test of Time: How Heritage Brands Stay Relevant,” we heard from Mark Smucker, the CEO of Smuckers, about how the company, which was founded in 1897, has remained relevant while staying true to their company purpose of feeding meaningful connections that help society thrive. From charitable partnerships to providing their local communities with meals, the brand has maintained their identity by fostering positive impact and connection with their communities. In the long run, this consistent effort has helped their brand gain organic recognition and retention.

And Finally, Being in the Same Room as…

Judd Apatow – yes, the comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter – who was joined by actor Billy Eichner and Universal Chairwoman Donna Langley to discuss their new movie Bros, which features an all-LGBTQ+ cast.

• In a session about the crowded TV landscape and what’s in store for the future of streaming, Anthony Russo and Priyanka Chopra Jonas discussed the complexities behind their upcoming series, Citadel.

• Jennifer Garner shared her experience as a co-founder of the children’s snack brand Once Upon a Farm, while Jamie Lee Curtis and Jason Blum told us to express more creativity. Jamie said, “Creativity dies with you,” so be as creative as possible, as early as possible.

Thank you, Cutline, for sending us to such an inspirational event. Here’s to more in-person connections and powerful storytelling!