In this first video recorded episode of the E36 Podcast (now available on YouTube), Ayofemi Kirby sits down with Caribbean-American creative director and multimedia artist Laura Alston—a longtime E36 collaborator whose work consistently lands with clarity, beauty, and cultural precision.

Together, they explore what it means to practice slow culture in a world obsessed with speed, sameness, and the algorithm. Laura shares her journey from Ivy League art programs—where graphic design was dismissed as “not real art”—to building a career defined by accessibility, cultural nuance, and design systems that help small teams move like full-scale studios.

They discuss:

• The shift from elitist art spaces to design that’s clear, inclusive, and meant for real people
• How lived experience, community, and cultural nuance shape powerful visual language
• AI as a creative collaborator—not a threat—when used with intention and originality
• Why templates and design systems are a form of empowerment, not a shortcut
• The future of thoughtful design in a noisy, overproduced digital world

If you’re a cultural organization, community-centered brand, or designer of color trying to build work with purpose—not just aesthetics—this episode offers real tools, real insight, and real affirmation.

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It’s been a while since the last episode, and a lot has happened. This summer, I opened Galerie36, a contemporary art gallery and creative space in Dakar, Senegal. But today’s episode isn’t about that—it’s about a rediscovery.

While searching for the syllabus to one of my favorite graduate school classes—Communications Theory with Dr. Rhonda Zaharna at American University—I came across an old email to myself with the subject line grad speech. I had completely forgotten writing it. The speech was drafted more than ten years ago, during one of the hardest periods of my life, and yet reading it now, I was struck by how relevant the words still feel today.

In this episode, I share that speech—written originally for my fellow graduates but, in truth, meant for all of us. Because we are all communicators now. We all hold platforms, we all have audiences, and what we choose to say matters.

You can read the full speech here and learn more about E36 here.

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In this episode, Ayofemi sits down with cultural strategist and leader Kemi Ilesanmi, founder of KGI Projects, for a timely and layered conversation on creative leadership, transformation, and the power of African diasporic futures. Originally recorded in February 2025, but even more resonant today, this dialogue explores what it means to hold space for artists, communities, and institutions in a moment of deep flux.

Together, they reflect on the shifting cultural landscape—from the reconfiguration of traditional cultural, civic, and community institutions to the rise of African and Black diasporic narratives as central forces in shaping global culture. Ayofemi also shares why she chose to wait before releasing the episode, trusting the timing and sensing that this conversation would land more powerfully in a moment of even greater urgency and resonance.

Tune in for reflections on purpose, cultural care, and the creative responsibility of this moment—and why now, more than ever, inspiration and interdependence are the way forward.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

Download the (unedited) transcript here. 

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In this episode of The E36 Podcast, host Ayofemi Kirby, Chief Strategist of ElevenThirtySix Strategies, dives into the concept that creativity, rather than change, is life’s true constant. 

Ayofemi shares how she's navigated an overwhelming influx of information by returning to a personal commitment to creativity. Consider how you can harness your creative thinking to reshape the future, even in times of upheaval. You’ll also discover why destruction often precedes innovation, and how trusting in your own creative power can keep you grounded when everything else feels uncertain.

Show notes and resources: 

• 1:30 - Dr. John Demartini - the quality of our days and the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of questions we ask ourselves. 
• 2:30 - Creativity as a guiding principle and core value
• 3:16 - Change happens to us, creativity is under our control
• 4:06 - Throughout human history, it is through creativity that we have been able to shape and reshape our realities over and over again.
• 4:45 - In every act of destruction there is an act of creation. 
• 6:36 - How to use creativity to help you get unstuck.  

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In this episode, we tackle Trump’s proposed crackdown on DEI programs—a move that’s sparking heated debate for its impact on workplace culture and marginalized communities. We discuss the pitfalls of superficial “box-checking” approaches to diversity, explore how organizations might respond if forced to rethink their commitments, and examine whether this brash policy could unintentionally trigger more authentic, lasting inclusion.

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In our debut episode of The E36 Podcast, we’re diving into TrendWatch 2025—our flagship report highlighting the key trends shaping cultural institutions, nonprofits, and creative businesses this year. From AI-driven personalization and cashless societies to experiential experiences and the rise of small treats culture, these trends are redefining how we connect with audiences, inspire communities, and amplify impact.

Join us as we unpack the insights from our recent webinar, exploring why understanding consumer trends isn’t just for big brands, but essential for reimagining engagement in museums, cultural nonprofits, and creative enterprises.

We’ll break down:

•Why trends like narrowcasting and mobile transactions are driving deeper audience connections.

•Real-world examples and actionable takeaways to apply these trends to your work.

•How these insights create opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that sets the stage for your 2025 strategy. Don’t forget to check out the full TrendWatch 2025 report and webinar replay on the E36 Exchange platform for even more inspiration. Learn more at itseleventhirtysix.com.

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