In this data-driven and historically rich presentation, Maurice Cherry tackles one of the design industry's most persistent questions. Drawing from his viral SXSW presentation and years of advocacy, Maurice breaks down the systemic barriers, educational pipeline issues, and recruitment failures that have kept Black creatives out of the industry's monoculture. This is a strategic roadmap for companies, organizations, and educators who are tired of empty DEI promises and want to build genuinely inclusive creative environments.
We often look at awards and accolades as the finish line, but what happens when the trophy doesn't pay the rent? In this candid and necessary talk, Maurice Cherry pulls back the curtain on the "prestige trap" of the creative industry. He explores the disconnect between visibility and financial viability, the mental toll of being a "first" or an "only," and why we need to redefine what success looks like for marginalized creators. This is a vital talk for creative leaders, freelancers, and agencies grappling with burnout and retention.
Creating content is easy; creating a legacy is hard. As the creator of Revision Path, the first podcast acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Maurice Cherry shares the blueprint for building a digital platform that stands the test of time. He discusses the importance of archiving cultural history, the power of niche community building, and how to create media that serves as both a resource and a record for future generations.
The last few years have thrown everything at us—global health crises, political instability, and shifting economic landscapes. How do you maintain creative output when the world feels like it's burning down? Maurice Cherry offers a "state of the union" for creatives, blending personal anecdotes with high-level strategy on how to design with empathy and resilience during times of chaos. This talk helps teams navigate uncertainty without losing their humanity or their creative spark.
Not every designer starts in art school. As a mathematician turned creative, Maurice Cherry discusses the power of the non-traditional background. He illustrates how analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving—skills often siloed in STEM—are actually the superpowers of creativity and modern design leadership. This topic is perfect for organizations looking to bridge the gap between their technical and creative teams or for audiences navigating a career pivot.
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