SPOTLIGHT: SINGLETON BEATO
Global EVP, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, McCann Worldgroup
Singleton Beato is the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup, where she is responsible for designing and leading strategic initiatives that increase organizational capacity, innovation and growth. With over 25 years of experience as an accomplished executive, Singleton is recognized for her success driving large scale people and organizational change initiatives across a wide range of industries, having held talent leadership roles at J. Walter Thompson, Crunch Fitness International, and Bloomberg L.P.
Previously, Singleton was EVP, Diversity Strategy and Talent Development at the 4A’s where she provided leadership and advice to senior advertising and media agency executives working to create and activate a strategic approach to D&I. Singleton was the visionary and architect of high-profile initiatives including The Face of Talent symposium and the Ad industry’s only Talent Leadership Conference, Talent@2030. She also led the transformation of the renowned Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and the 4A’s Foundation. And, after assuming P&L responsibility for Talent Development and Diversity related revenue streams, Singleton consistently delivered revenue and margin growth for the organization.
Singleton received a MS from Fairleigh Dickinson University and serves on several nonprofit boards for the Brand Erwin Center for Brand Communications, AdWeek’s D&I Council, the AAF’s Mosaic Council and Own The Room as well as the Advisory Board of the Brand + Integrated Communications program. She has received numerous awards and accolades from the AAF, the 4A’s, the ADCOLOR Coalition, the National Diversity Council, and the World Diversity Leadership Summit. Additionally, Singleton was named one of 2019’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine and most recently one of AdWeek’s 2020 Women Trailblazers.
Five Questions for Singleton:
1. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE NYWICI BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
My good friend Judith Harrison asked me to join and I’ve long been inspired by the work she’s done guiding the board, and the organization, over the years. I was thrilled to become a part of this amazing group of rock star women who stand committed to elevating the voice and position of all women across the industry?
2. WHAT PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE DO YOU LIVE BY?
Many people have heard me talk about my mother’s advice to me, decades ago now, about how important it is to be unafraid to take chances in your career journey – not to doubt that you can absolutely accomplish whatever you set your mind to – even if the next move or challenge scares you. Acting on her advice has been instrumental to achieving everything I have throughout my career. I still live by this advice and I’ve passed it along to mentors over the years.
3. WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
That many, many, many years ago I was an actress, singer/songwriter, dancer/choreographer. It probably wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows me now. That was, quite literally, a lifetime ago though so I don’t share that very often.
4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU’VE WATCHED, LISTENED TO AND/OR READ IN THE PAST MONTH?
Top Gun: Maverick. I watched it in an IMAX theater so the audio from the jet engine created this really awesome experience and, of course, the story itself brought on serious feelings of nostalgia. When Tom Cruise showed up in his service dress white uniform, for a brief moment, it was 1986 all over again.
5. WHAT 5 PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, WOULD YOU INVITE FOR DINNER?
Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln, Oprah, My mom who passed years ago and I miss her desperately every-single-day, and Jesus (because I really need some direct answers)
