NERDS Collective

04/10/2023

🚨 NEW WIN ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

We’re excited to announce our latest collaboration with the iconic JanSport!

Our partnership is focused on a specific mission - identifying JanSport strategic target, refining its cultural positioning, and devising a dynamic ‘Back to School’ connection plan that amplifies its cult status.

By integrating cultural intelligence with creative innovation, we’ve crafted a suite of multimedia canvases that are visually engaging and strategically aligned with the cultural codes of our strategic target. The journey doesn’t stop there – we’ve also partnered with renowned platforms like Culted and The Face to ensure that JanSport’s story isn’t just told by the brand.

Stay tuned for more!
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, VF Corporation, JanSport, a VF Company

18/09/2023

🚨 Live Now: Back2Skool ft. Rap Music & Cultural Academic - Dr. Joy White

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We're thrilled to announce that we are live with another insightful episode of Back2Skool. Today, we are honored to have Dr. Joy White, a critically acclaimed author and a beacon in the field of rap music studies and cultural academia.

Dr. White has carved a niche for herself by being at the forefront of studies that delve deep into the socio-economic implications of the UK's rap music economy, especially focusing on the Grime music scene.

In this live conversation, we are exploring:
💡 The intricate narratives of young black lives in the inner city, shedding light on their experiences and journeys.
🌆 The substantial role brands can play in uplifting and supporting underprivileged communities, fostering growth and positivity.
🎶 Insights into the vibrant landscape of inner-city black enterprise culture, unveiling stories of innovation and resilience.

If you are keen on diving deep into the nuances of rap culture, youth culture, and understanding the potential avenues of positive change through brand involvement, this episode is a must-listen. Join us now to engage in a powerful dialogue with Dr. Joy White, a leading voice in rap music and cultural studies! 🚀

Listen here to our latest episode of Back2Skool ft. Dr Joy White, author of Urban Music and Entrepreneurship: Beats, Rhymes and Young People’s Enterprise, th...

03/08/2023

🔮💡 "Exploring the Impact of Gen Z's 'Beta Pioneers' on Brands & Society" 🌐🚀

In a recent article authored by our founder Luke Ashley Hodson for The Drum he dives into an intriguing subset of Gen Z - the 'Beta Pioneers.' Merging diverse cultural aspects, they're pioneering new cultural territories and reshaping our approach to creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. 🎭🔀

Brands today are encouraged to foster exploration and creativity, embrace surprise, and adapt to this new mindset to connect with this influential group. Aligning with the exploratory ethos of the 'Beta Pioneers' could be key to nurturing meaningful relationships and fostering a more innovative future. 🌟🚀

Dive into the full article for a deeper understanding ➡️ https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/07/28/introducing-the-beta-pioneers-how-gen-z-s-unabated-exploration-impacts-brands

Luke Hodson of youth culture agency Nerds Collective identifies a new open, exploratory approach to culture in gen Z, influenced by tech’s ‘open beta’ approach.

21/07/2023

🚨Live Now: Back2Skool ft. Futurist - Will Higham
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We're gassed to announce that we're currently hosting another riveting episode of Back2Skool. Our guest today is none other than Will Higham, a renowned futurist, strategist, speaker, and the CEO of Next Big Thing.

Will has made a name for himself by accurately forecasting future industry trends and empowering businesses to remain competitive in their respective sectors.

In this live episode, our conversation is centred around:
💡 The necessity for brands to adapt in order to maintain relevance in the face of today's rapidly changing landscape

🔮 Key trends that are set to bring about significant transformations in our world in the next five years

🏗️ Will's views on the ongoing transition away from traditional power verticals and the resulting implications for businesses and society

If you're interested in understanding Gen Z's behaviours, trends, and insights, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Gain an edge in this increasingly dynamic marketplace by tuning in now to hear from one of the most insightful minds in future prediction! 🚀
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If you’re interested in understanding future industry trends you gotta check out our latest episode of Back2Skool.Check out EP04 as I chat to the main man Wi...

02/06/2023

🚀 LIVE NOW: ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ ft. Head of Cultural Conversations, Chivas Regal UK – Oyin Akiniyi
The wait is over! Join us for a dope episode of ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ, now live, featuring the cultural pioneer Oyin Akiniyi!
A staunch advocate for 'the culture', Oyin possesses priceless knowledge to help brands overcome challenges in this dynamic landscape.

In today's live episode, we delve into:
3️⃣ Three crucial pillars for crafting a successful cultural strategy
👥 Synchronizing team culture with brand culture, highlighting the advantages of incorporating demographic and cultural representatives within marketing teams
👟 Oyin's captivating journey working alongside notable brands such as Nike and Boiler Room

Get Inspired! Tune in now 🤓
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Chivas Regal UK | Pernod Ricard | Bacardi | Heineken |

Back2Skool: The podcast decoding youth + culture EP03 ft. Oyin Akiniyi, Global Head of Cultural Conversations – Chivas Regal. Check it out here now.Oyin is a...

31/05/2023

🚨ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ ft. Head of Cultural Conversations, Chivas Regal UK – Oyin Akiniyi

Join us for an exciting episode of ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ featuring Oyin Akiniyi, going live this Friday!

Oyin is a passionate advocate for street culture and has invaluable insights into navigating the challenges brands face in this space.

In this episode, we'll explore:

3️⃣ Three key pillars of a successful cultural strategy

👥 Aligning team culture with brand culture, including the benefits of having
demographic and cultural representatives in the marketing team

👟 Oyin's experiences working with renowned brands like Nike and Boiler Room

Tune in for a dose of insight and inspiration! 🤓

22/05/2023

“People from my background can make something happen from nothing” Dillon, 22, London

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CERTI-FILED 007:
Dillon is a visual artist using photography, painting and poetry to explore themes of identity, belonging and empowerment, producing images and prose that marry beauty and boldness with raw emotion. Proudly representing Newham, he channels his creativity to inspire others around him, encouraging other young East London creators to use their voice, through his own impactful work.

Follow, support and check more of Dillon's work

10/05/2023

🌍 The power of is on the rise!

Check out our founder Luke Ashley Hodson latest article for the The Drum In this article, Luke explores how GenZ is challenging the Eurocentric landscape of pop culture, embracing their cultural roots, and shaping their identities through niche interests. This shift is fostering a more inclusive society, breaking barriers, and empowering underrepresented voices.
Exploring the balance between local and global, modernity and tradition, they're creating a fusion of cultural influences that promotes understanding and empathy.

Brands, it's time to not just acknowledge but empower these diverse cultural expressions. This isn't just a trend; it's Gen-Z redefining cultural norms and values.
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Luke Hodson of Nerds Collective explores how younger generations rediscovering their cultural roots are redefining brand credibility.

14/04/2023

🚨 ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ ft. Author & Cultural Connoisseur - King ADZ - LIVE

ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ: The podcast decoding youth + culture EP.2 is now live featuring the legendary King ADZ – the streetwear VETERAN, published author, documentary maker, and cultural connoisseur.

King ADZ and I discuss the origins of street culture and …

🎨 The changes he made to tap into his creativity more effectively.
✍🏻 How writing is the genesis of creativity: the pure source!
🤝🏻 What brands must focus on value trades when engaging culture
🧢 How Streetwear is the number one global youth expression
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Back2Skool ft. Author & Cultural Connoisseur - King ADZBack2Skool: The podcast decoding youth + culture latest EP.2 features the legendary King ADZ – the str...

24/02/2023

🚨ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ ft. CMO, JD Sports - Nadia Kokni

Our new podcast show ʙᴀᴄᴋ2ꜱᴋᴏᴏʟ is live & direct.

Check out EP01 for my conversation with Brixton-born marketing legend Nadia Kokni 🏆.

Nadia shares how a south London gal became the CMO on the show!

We talked about the following:

💰 How JD Sports has transformed into a £9bn European business
👥 Why an accurate customer understanding is so important
💥 Why the JD sportswear core consumer is so important within the youth ecosystem
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| | | JD Sports | adidas | Foot Locker | Nike | SNIPES | ASOS | Zalando

Check out EP01 for my conversation with Brixton-born marketing legend Nadia Kokni 🏆.Nadia shares how a south London gal became the CMO on the show!We talked...

14/02/2023

🤓 DROPPING NEXT WEEK 🤓
𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘬2S𝘬𝘰𝘰𝘭, a podcast series decoding youth and culture, will be going live next week!

The podcast will ft. CMOs, academics, marketing leaders, cultural engineers, futurists and consumers to help unpack Gen-Z's motivations, mindsets, ideologies and associated sub-cultures.

This podcast aims to provide you with the cultural intelligence you need to show up authentically at the heart of youth culture whilst playing a purposeful role.
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