The Great Human Rebrand: Beyond Labels in the Age of AI

EP 98

10/30/2025

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Summary & Highlights

Sue Bethanis hosts Merry-Carole Powers, a recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion with over two decades of experience shaping global brands and corporate cultures. As the former Creative Director for Sustainability, Purpose, and DEI at Deloitte and founder of Unicorn Kreative, Powers brings a unique perspective on transcending societal labels to unlock human potential in business.

 

Topics of Discussion:

  • The evolution from traditional DEI approaches to individuality-based human development
  • How to leverage personal “zones of genius” to create effective human-AI partnerships
  • Practical strategies for leading without labels in organizational settings
  • The difference between identity (surface-level categories) and individuality (deeper human traits)
  • Essential skills for thriving in an AI-driven workplace: strategy, empathy, and discernment
  • Breaking down divisive departmental labels (MQLs vs SQLs) that create organizational silos
  • Addressing AI anxiety by helping employees discover and amplify their uniquely human strengths

 

The conversation reveals practical approaches for organizations to move beyond checkbox diversity toward developing each person’s unique talents, passions, and capabilities. Powers emphasizes that while AI excels at replication, human originality, strategic thinking, and authentic empathy remain irreplaceable assets that become more valuable as automation advances.

Guest Profile

Merry-Carole Powers is the author of The Great Human Rebrand: How to Step Out of the Labels That Divide Us and Into the Humanity That Unites Us. A creative leader with extensive experience at global organizations including Deloitte, Vanguard, and Leo/Publicis Worldwide, she specializes in embedding human-centered values and inclusive practices into business strategy.

 

As founder of Unicorn Kreative, a Philadelphia-based company, Powers helps organizations unlock human and business potential through strategic storytelling, culture building, and purpose-driven creativity. Her work focuses on helping people transcend limiting labels and embrace their authentic strengths for both personal and professional success.

 

Powers advocates for a fundamental shift from identity-based categorization to individuality-focused development, arguing that true diversity lies not just in demographic representation but in recognizing and cultivating the unique talents, abilities, traits, and passions each person brings to their work.

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