Managing Partner, Innovation & Consumer Technology
MEC
Currently serving as Managing Partner, Innovation and Consumer Technology, Whitney Fishman Zember is responsible for helping MEC and its clients understand the role technology plays in driving the evolution of consumer behavior and how to leverage new and emerging technology to connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways.
Whitney has introduced new client communication tools, revamped thought leadership programs, architected a Start-up Management curriculum that provides a direct connection to the growing start-up community, and created an agency-wide “Project Innovation” initiative.
Launched in 2015, Whitney’s PROJECT INNOVATION concept has become MEC’s investment in helping marketers deliver on their innovation initiatives. While many brands aspire to be leaders in innovation, they often fail to provide a definition of how their company defines innovation, or a uniformed understanding of how that definition serves as a 'North Star' that provides direction for the brand and brand teams to focus their innovation efforts.
PROJECT INNOVATION is an interactive workshop designed to help clients define innovation to uncover how it can be harnessed to future-proof their business. It starts with a brief to align the company’s objectives and expectations, and results in a customized innovation mission statement and strategic roadmap on how best to achieve the vision with the support of MEC. Whitney has led sessions for many global clients and has opening up new avenues for marketers to embrace emerging technology opportunities.
Whitney is also the mastermind behind numerous client summits and curates content that not only inspires, but ensures a clear path for future impact. She is sought out as a technology expert; and has been published across Forbes, Fast Company, Wired, and more. She earned her place on Forbes' 30 Under 30 List in 2013 for her role leading the Innovation & Consumer Technology team. Her natural curiosity, passion and dynamism has made her a fast leader in the industry. And her keen ability to develop and identify critical intelligence and insights on technology, new media opportunities, consumer behavior, and communication trends is guiding marketers through the evolving communications landscape.
According to Whitney, “Most bad decision-making comes from a place of fear…fear of making a mistake, of looking ill-prepared or dumb in front of a colleague or boss, or simply fear of admitting when they don’t know something. My role is to help people make better decisions through education and inspiration. To go beyond the ‘buzzword bingo’ of technology. To humanize the core ideas and opportunities in order to help our agency and our clients find the confidence via knowledge and empowerment to take smart risks, try new things, and uncover ways to leverage the power of technology to connect with people in empowering, engaging ways.”