By: Nick Hinckley of FMK Agency
Let’s start with the truth: nobody gets this right all the time. Not us, not you, not anyone. Diversity and equity are big, messy, complicated things. They force us to confront our blind spots, question the status quo, and—here’s the fun part—make mistakes. A lot of them. But that’s the point, isn’t it? You stumble, you learn, you get back up, and you try again. Because failing at something worthwhile beats coasting through something meaningless.
It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. And yeah, we mess it up sometimes. We get things wrong. But we also believe in failing forward, in learning as we go, and in doing the work that matters, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Recognizing the Irony—and Owning It
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: I’m a white guy in my 40s. My business partners are white, in their 40s and 50s. And here we are, passionately advocating for diversity and equity. The irony isn’t lost on me. But here’s the thing—maybe that’s exactly why it matters.
I know I’ve lived a life of privilege. I know that entitlement is baked into my reality in ways I probably don’t even fully understand yet. And instead of running from that truth or pretending it doesn’t exist, I want to own it. I need to own it. Because recognizing my privilege doesn’t mean I can’t advocate for change—it means I should advocate for change.
Can entitlement and deep passion for equity live in the same space? I think so. In fact, I think they have to. The moment we start believing that only the marginalized can speak up for themselves is the moment we give up on what allyship is really about. It’s not about centering ourselves; it’s about using what we’ve been given—our platforms, our resources, our privilege—to create space for others.
So yeah, I get it. It’s easy to roll your eyes at two white guys talking about inclusivity. But isn’t the point to get everyone—especially those with influence and privilege—on board? To make this less about optics and more about action? That’s where my passion comes from. Not from guilt, but from a deep belief that equity is worth fighting for, no matter where you come from or what your story is.
Why Diversity and Equity Matter (Even When They’re Hard)
Diversity and equity aren’t just moral imperatives—they’re business imperatives. They push us to think differently, create boldly, and connect meaningfully. And while the journey is rarely smooth, the destination is always worth it. Here’s why:
- It Makes the Work Better: Diverse perspectives lead to stronger ideas. Period. When we bring more voices into the room, we create campaigns that resonate on a deeper, more authentic level. And when your audience feels seen? That’s when the magic happens.
- It Builds Resilience: Inclusivity isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about creating a foundation that can weather change. The brands that embrace diversity today are the ones that will thrive tomorrow because they’re rooted in something real.
- It’s Good for Business: Here’s a not-so-secret secret: inclusive campaigns perform better. They reach broader audiences, drive higher engagement, and build loyalty that lasts. If that’s not a win-win, we don’t know what is.
- It Helps Us Avoid Facepalm Moments: Let’s face it—we’ve all seen those tone-deaf ads or awkward brand apologies. Diversity isn’t just about doing good; it’s about not stepping into the avoidable. A little inclusivity can save you from a lot of PR disasters.
- It’s About Progress, Not Perfection: Nobody nails this on the first try—or the hundredth. But the point isn’t perfection; it’s progress. It’s showing up, falling down, and having the guts to get back up and try again. As cliché as it sounds, the only way forward is to keep swimming.
Owning Our Imperfections
At FMK, we’re not here to pretend we’ve got it all figured out. We’re human, and humans are messy. But here’s what we can promise: we care. We care about doing better, about making room for voices that have been left out, and about helping our clients do the same. We’re not afraid to admit when we get it wrong, and we’re committed to learning from every misstep.
Inside our walls, we’re working every day to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to the table. We celebrate the weird, the bold, and the different because we know that’s where the best ideas come from.
And when it comes to our work? Inclusivity isn’t an afterthought. Whether we’re amplifying marginalized voices or crafting campaigns that speak to everyone, we’re always asking, “How can we do better?”
Embracing the Messy Middle
Here’s the thing about diversity and equity: they’re never finished. There’s no endpoint, no final victory lap. It’s all messy, ongoing work. And while that can feel daunting, it’s also kind of amazing. Because every step forward—even the wobbly, awkward ones—brings us closer to something bigger than ourselves.
So, we’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep failing and trying and failing again. We’ll keep asking the hard questions, having the uncomfortable conversations, and building the kind of campaigns that matter. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.
At FMK Agency, we know that the best work doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from persistence. So let’s keep swimming, stumbling, and striving. Together, we can build something extraordinary. Something bold, inclusive, and beautifully imperfect. And isn’t that the point?
