Branding as a Cultural Force - by Robin Landa (Hardcover)

About the Book

Branding as a Cultural Force invites readers to reimagine branding as a force for good, one that shapes culture, sparks movements, and drives meaningful social impact.

Book Synopsis

The most powerful brands don't just capture attention--they ignite change. Branding as a Cultural Force invites readers to reimagine branding as a force for good, one that shapes culture, sparks movements, and drives meaningful social impact.

Going beyond traditional branding, Robin Landa explores how companies play pivotal roles in shaping culture, advancing causes, and forging emotional connections with their audiences. While most branding guides focus on commercial success, this book emphasizes how brands can align with their audiences' values to drive social transformation. Through real-world case studies and practical strategies, it reframes branding as a tool for influence, advocacy, and activism.

A standout feature of this book is a series of exclusive interviews with leading voices in branding, design, and advertising. These creative professionals share how they craft resonant campaigns, establish cultural legacies, and stay grounded in core values, offering insights for building brands that stand for more than just profit.

Branding as a Cultural Force provides actionable guidance on telling authentic brand stories, aligning with consumer values, and creating shareworthy campaigns. With a distinctive focus on the intersection of brand purpose and cultural impact, this book challenges readers to rethink branding as a vehicle for systemic change.

Review Quotes

While most branding books polish corporate platitudes, Robin Landa's delivers a bracing thesis: that brands, to endure, must rise from commerce to culture. Her case is lucid, timely, and--thankfully--free of the usual jargon.--Leland Maschmeyer, cofounder and CEO, COLLINS

As trust in traditional institutions declines, consumers today demand more from brands. Those that commit to social purpose are achieving new levels of brand loyalty. Through firsthand accounts from the shapers of the world's most innovative brands, Robin Landa's book expertly guides us through this new paradigm in a way that's not only inspiring but actually achievable.--Greg Braun, retired dep. global chief creative officer, Commonwealth/McCann

Branding as a Cultural Force is a comprehensive study of branding for today's world. It provides a fresh take on the subject, bringing new insight through interviews with major players. Jam-packed with acumen and encouragement, Landa's latest is a must-have guide for personal growth and success in a competitive field.--Steven Brower, professor emeritus, Marywood University

Most branding books sedate. This one slaps. Robin Landa drags branding howling into the twenty-first century, colliding with culture and building backbone. This book is about brands with hard opinions, campaigns with guts, and stories that make a difference. This is no manual for inventing a company mascot. It's a call to stop being irrelevant. The bar is low. Step over it.--Brian Collins, cofounder and designer, COLLINS

Wow! This book is a practical tool for branding agencies and is excellent for use in an academic setting. It includes questions to ask clients guiding modern branding companies in strategy sessions. Landa gives examples of forward-thinking companies who have incorporated cultural values into their branding.--Diane Gibbs, University of South Alabama and host of Creatives Ignite podcast

About the Author

Robin Landa, a distinguished professor at Kean University, is a globally recognized expert in branding, design, advertising, and creativity. She has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Carnegie Foundation's "Great Teachers of Our Time." Her commentary has appeared in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Inc. She is the author of more than twenty-five books, including most recently Shareworthy: Advertising That Creates Powerful Connections Through Storytelling (Columbia, 2024, with Greg Braun).