Photo provided:Davos_Asmith_CDC
Adrianne C. Smith is a trailblazing leader in global inclusion, serving as SVP and senior partner, chief inclusion and impact officer at FleishmanHillard. As founder of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective (C:DC), she created Inkwell Beach activations at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Through these initiatives, she redefines access to power by building spaces for underrepresented voices, particularly Black women and people of color, to lead conversations, foster proximity to decision-making, and drive measurable systemic change on the world’s most influential stages.
The inclusion leader sat down with Porsha Monique, founder of Revelence Media, to discuss how Inkwell Beach is redefining access and creating lasting influence within global power circles.
What made the third year of Inkwell Beach Davos stand out?
This was our third year on the mountaintop in Davos, Switzerland during the World Economic Forum. It happens on the first day, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We claim that space intentionally because of its significance for our community, to show up where we haven’t traditionally been and lead global conversations. There’s power in the fringe; serious work happens there with inclusive voices rarely seen on main stages. We had an incredible lineup of leaders from around the world who made a real difference.
You’ve said Can: Diversity Collective exists to shift who has access to power, not just who’s included in the conversation. What does real power access look like beyond visibility?
It’s about shifting mindsets and creating opportunities for the next generation. I’m an advocate for succession planning. Help that next generation of leaders, shift mindsets, lift up communities that traditionally haven’t had access; that expands opportunity for everyone. I’ll create the space and provide access, but what you do with it is on you. I don’t want to create another generation saying ‘I woulda, coulda, shoulda, if I hada.’
What’s the difference between being invited into a room and having real influence inside it?
You can be in a room with your mic muted. Invitation doesn’t equal influence if you can’t make decisions there. The key is what happens in the room you create, even if it starts with five, two, or one person. Change the narrative, shift actions, empower the next generation to live empowered careers. Influence comes from what you build and how you change what’s around you.
How do you ensure these new spaces create measurable shifts rather than staying symbolic?
I don’t ask for permission. Success is measured by who shows up and who builds once there. At Cannes Lions (Cannes, France), in 2017 there were only 200 people who looked like me; now you never experience what I did. That’s power, presence, vision, creating space for more to enter and change the environment, becoming the thermostat in the room. People come to Cannes because they heard about Davos. That’s the influence: opening minds to where people belong and bridging haves and have-nots.
Photo provided:Davos_Asmith_CDC
Why is it especially important for Black women to be in spaces like Davos, Cannes, and beyond?
Black women are nurturers who shape spaces, curate conversations, open minds for the next generation. We empower ourselves but focus on who we’re training and who’s watching. We create safe spaces even for young men who look to us. Coming together fills our cups, inspires us to go back and shape the next generation of men and women, making them feel part of the conversation. We’re great storytellers, reclaiming that art drives business outcomes authentically, especially when history is erased.
Are you expanding Inkwell Beach into year-round programming? What does scaling require?
Yes. We’re planning beyond congested moments, blazing paths for others. Save May 6 for Global AI Adoption Day in New York City, bringing leaders together on AI’s role in job creation, economy, and opportunities. We do quarterly events, harvest sessions for ambassadors. It takes partners who believe in storytelling, inclusion, and impact. DEI evolves businesses positively despite being framed negatively. It affects everything: people drive performance, which drives money.
Photo provided:Davos_Asmith_CDC
How do you measure success personally?
It’s when someone says, “I came to your event and started my business,” or “Inkwell Davos inspired my new platform.” People donate time and money back into the ecosystem. The ripple: activations, groundswell, people starting events at Cannes. We see the power of people showing up. Success is influence, others building because of the space created.
How do you balance authenticity in high-visibility global spaces?
It’s natural. Part of my DNA. Standing on shoulders of ancestors. It’s my life mission and purpose. When locked into God-given purpose, momentum continues, favor flows. It attracts great people who show up for the work. I’m grateful for the team surrounding us.
For leaders wanting to move from performative inclusion to structural impact, what’s the first mind shift?
Think about the people. People drive performance, which drives money. Focus on that foundation. Stay committed to core values, be authentic, consistent. Don’t bend with winds or media headlines. Define values, own them, ensure everyone, from leadership to the person cleaning, believes and storytells them authentically.
Photo provided:Davos_Asmith_CDC
How can readers connect with you and stay updated on Cannes Can: Diversity Collective and Inkwell Beach initiatives?
Follow me on LinkedIn at Adrianne C. Smith (search “Adrianne C. Smith” or visit linkedin.com/in/adriannecsmith) for direct connections, updates, and conversations. On Instagram, find me at @adrianneInsta and the collective at @inkwellbeachcannes and @cannesdiversitycollective (or search “Inkwell Beach Cannes” and “Cannes Diversity Collective”).
For the latest on events like Cannes Lions (typically late June), Global AI Adoption Day, and more, check those profiles or reach out via LinkedIn. We’re in a rebranding phase to unify everything, patience appreciated as we build one central hub for all activities, partnerships, and opportunities. If you’re inspired to get involved, collaborate, or attend, tag us or message directly. Let’s keep building together.
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