Content chief touts consumer connection as strategy

“If you’re building a business today where you only care about making a dollar you will fail. The younger generation expects you to have a higher calling.”

Emmerich shared examples of how Refinery29 was able to capitalise on this shift by positioning itself as an ally to users in their vulnerable moments. For instance, she noted the company has been able to expand its audience by creating a space for marginalised communities to share their stories without shame or stigma.

“Some of our biggest successes were truly because we noticed a vulnerability, but we met it through the lens of allyship,” she said. “The audience is reclaiming their power, and you’ve got to be on the right side of it or they will cancel your ass.”