Natalie Alberta Dusey

Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People


Natalie Alberta Dusey, Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People, an international advertising agency group, shares her insights on why DEI is the future of advertising, and the challenges she has faced as a woman of colour in leadership...

Natalie Alberta Dusey

Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People


Natalie Alberta Dusey, Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People, an international advertising agency group, shares her insights on why DEI is the future of advertising, and the challenges she has faced as a woman of colour in leadership...

These days, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer just aspirational goals—they are critical parts of business strategies. For advertising agencies, which thrive on creativity and innovation, fostering an inclusive environment is essential for success. Natalie Alberta Dusey, Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People, an international advertising agency group, has been at the forefront of this movement. 

Her experiences in the industry have shaped her approach to building a DEI programme that not only attracts top talent but also drives exceptional performance. In this exclusive interview, Dusey shares her insights on why DEI is the future of advertising, how Meet The People is leading the charge, and the challenges she has faced as a woman of colour in leadership.

Building a DEI programme to attract top talent

Dusey’s journey in advertising has taught her that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical necessities but business imperatives. She emphasises that “a diverse workforce brings a variety of ideas and approaches, which is crucial for generating unique and impactful advertising.” At Meet The People, the DEI programme is built on the belief that merit encompasses a wide spectrum of skills and experiences, moving away from traditional, narrow hiring practices.

Dusey explains that the agency’s approach is focused on valuing different viewpoints, cultural insights, and life experiences. This broad definition of merit has allowed the company to attract talent who are not only drawn to inclusive workplaces but are also eager to grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel valued for their unique attributes. “We’ve seen firsthand how our commitment to DEI has enhanced our performance, creativity, and ability to connect with diverse audiences,” she says.

Reimagining the traditional holding company structure

At the heart of Meet The People’s ethos is a commitment to being a “people-centric” agency group. Dusey explains that the company has reimagined the traditional holding company structure to place its people at the centre of everything they do. “We prioritise the growth, well-being, and unique contributions of each individual in our organisation,” she notes, adding that this approach helps preserve the identities of their agencies while fostering collaboration across teams.

It’s crucial to create an environment where people feel safe to speak up about issues they’re facing

Natalie Alberta Dusey | Global Chief of Staff of Meet The People

A key aspect of this people-centric model is the focus on hybrid skills. “We encourage and value a broad range of professional expertise,” says Dusey. This not only benefits the agency by enhancing its capabilities but also enriches employees’ experiences by allowing them to develop a diverse skill set. Dusey highlights the importance of this approach in an industry that is constantly evolving, with new tools and strategies emerging at a rapid pace. By nurturing a diverse range of skills and perspectives, Meet The People stays ahead of industry changes while maintaining a supportive work environment.

The business case for DEI in advertising

While DEI is often discussed in terms of morality, Dusey is quick to point out that it is also a business imperative. “Our industry thrives on creativity and innovation,” she says. “A diverse workforce brings in a variety of ideas, approaches, and perspectives, which is crucial for generating unique and impactful advertising.” Diversity not only enables agencies to create work that resonates with a wider audience but also positions them to better understand and adapt to evolving market trends.

Dusey cites numerous studies that have shown diverse companies outperform their less inclusive counterparts. She stresses that this adaptability is crucial in the fast-paced world of advertising, where agencies must continuously evolve to stay relevant. Moreover, DEI is essential for attracting top talent. “Today’s top talent is increasingly drawn to workplaces that value inclusivity,” she notes. By committing to DEI, Meet The People is not just doing the right thing—they are positioning themselves as an attractive employer for the best and brightest in the industry.

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