Speaking, Writing, and Other Projects

Speaking & writing about social trends, brands, and culture

Past Speaking Engagements Include:

  • Brand Innovators 2023: Marketing innovation summit panel. A panel with marketers from legendary brands including Chomps, Hopwatr, and Liquid Death

  • SXSW 2017: “Internet Stories.” A talk about emerging gen-z social trends and how marketers can engage meaningfully

  • Anomaly 2018-2020: “Social Trend Talks.” A monthly series that covered current and emerging trends from social media, including the power of K-pop stans, shipping, and brands getting weird online.

Writing:

  • Adweek: UGC is Dead: Why Paid Partnerships are Here to Stay. Some very lucky brands can rely on free UGC from consumers. But shifting online norms and expectations means brands increasingly have to pay or offer incentives to use high quality content from fans and creators

  • Adage: “Direct to Consumer” is the next big influencer trend. Fandoms are an important part of online brand and celebrity culture. The relationship influencers and celebrities have with their fans are becoming more direct, with high profile personalities pursuing monetization opportunities directly from fans audience rather than brand partnerships

  • LBB: Why journalists make great strategists. A chat with LBB about my background as a journalist, and a few hot takes on the current state of strategy.

Jessica Rudis
Three people sitting on stage chairs and speaking into microphones during a panel discussion at a TikTok event called 'Brands and Innovators' with a colorful, circular background.
A woman is speaking on stage at SXSW 2017 event, with audience members seated and listening attentively in a conference room.

Other Stuff:

  • Long Run Branding: A consulting agency for classmate-led startups (@ Northwestern University)

  • YesYouCanHaveMyNotes: A project where I raised thousands of dollars for charity by prompting classmates to make a donation in exchange for my MBA class notes.