From the Leadership Institute Marketing Summit: Meet the Innovators

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Innovation is more than just a product but mindset that transcends beyond incremental to radical improvements. In this rapid global economy progressive companies should apply this philosophy to every process and function so customers receive a real value proposition. Most importantly, playing on the edge creatively informs you that your right path may not be where everyone else is gathering.

Session moderator Terrilynn Million Short of Marley Engineered Products led a tremendous panel discussion with dynamic marketing pros, including Sonja Fields (Georgia-Pacific), Michael McNeil (Royal Phillips) Cherilyn Williams (Marriott International) and Charece Williams (PepsiCo).

"Innovation has been at the core of what we do since the company was founded," said Cherilyn Williams, Director, Portfolio Marketing Strategy and Planning, Marriott International describing how the chain started as a nine-stool root beer stand. "We’ve been a leader in defining hospitality and the hotel experience constantly evolving with our customers to adapt to their needs. Whether it’s technology, delivering messaging or retrieving data, innovation is a part of every facet of our business that drives us forward."

"If you’re not practicing and getting better, then you’re behind," shared Charece Williams, Senior Marketing Manager, National Portfolio Promotions, PepsiCo. "Much of our growth can be attributed to our innovation mentality. Our brands define who we are but we’re also looking at knowing what consumers are into and how we can speak to them. We extend our brand by what we know they enjoy and by providing great experiences."

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