Strategy of discipline: Coles guides copy and narrative strategy across AMC Networks, bringing brand clarity and emotional resonance. Her work shows that everything begins with the right copy, which serves as a leadership discipline that defines brand identity and cultural relevance.
Justin Stockman
VP of Content Development & Programming, Bell Media
Steamy hit: The runaway popularity of gay hockey romance Heated Rivalry may have taken the world by surprise, but not Canadian production house Bell Media’s Justin Stockman. When developing the series, he prioritized ownership and creative control by fully financing the project in-house; it’s since been sold across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and earned a rare 10/10 IMDb episode rating.
Canadian icon: With a content strategy built on smart risk-taking and strong IP, Stockman leads both Canada’s top streamer, Crave, and top broadcast network, CTV. Under Stockman’s leadership, programming now feeds into a 5,500-hour global library, while deals with the likes of Seth Rogen and Elliot Page continue to expand Bell Media’s international reach.
Lauren Solomon
Senior Director of Global Brand & Marketing, Spotify
That’s a wrap: If you’ve seen your Spotify Wrapped at any point over the past nine years, you’ve felt Lauren Solomon’s influence. As the senior director of global brand and marketing, she’s kept the yearly event fresh, feeling like a cultural phenomenon rather than a repetitive tradition and finding new ways to connect with music fans.
New sounds: Solomon guided Spotify’s “Trust in Your Sound” Grammy campaign, which ties into the platform’s longstanding support of the Best New Artist category. Ahead of the awards, billboards went up from Louisiana to London with childhood pictures of headliners such as Olivia Dean celebrating their journeys to the top of the industry. It culminated in Spotify’s first TV spot during the Grammys, narrated by Elton John.
