10 items found for ""
- CJC Insights | PR & Communciations
Creating Space For All People and All Stories We are an award-winning consultancy and strategic communications agency moving brands forward with creativity, connection, and community. Get In Touch Our Case Studies "Working with Chanel and the team at CJC Insights has been an invaluable experience for Fairview. The team’s expertise in venture capital and private equity, especially during critical moments, has been vital." Read More Read More Fairview Capital “I walked into a boardroom nearly 20 years ago to run a senior leadership meeting at a Fortune 500 company and 5 minutes in was blown away by the youngest voice in the room. That young voice was Chanel Cathey and she has been speaking up and out, making a difference in our industry and the world since that day. Chanel is humble yet bold. Always learning, yet already wise. Gentle and kind, yet mighty. She has the rare combination of traits that make her a unique talent and leading thought leader paving the way to the future in the PR industry today.” Billee Howard Founder + CEO/BRANDthro "Collaborating with CJC Insights unlocked a new level of value for the client we served together. Chanel's ability to keep one eye on strategy and the other on the details sets her, and by extension her team, apart. After working with CJC Insights, it was clear that their team understands what it means to truly partner with clients. Their thoughtful approach, candor, and commitment to high standards keep them at the top of my list." Justin Carr Founder + Principal / Carr & Company “I seriously recommend CJC Insights to female founders looking to amplify their brand presence, make a splash, or be recognized for their major business milestones. Chanel always delivers a smart press strategy, gives honest feedback, and has the connections and foresight to tell powerful business and lifestyle stories. I have no doubt that her guidance helped us land a Fast Company Innovation Award.” Melisse Gelula Co-Founder, Well + Good “CJC Insights has been a transformational powerhouse in the way my company has been viewed by the broader media industry, thanks to exceptional connections that have elevated my business to the next level.” Kori Hale CEO & Co-Founder, CultureBanx Back Arrow to Previous Testimony Forward Arrow to Next Testimony Testimonials in Studio We’re reimagining what it means to invest in emerging startups. We invest our communication expertise to amplify the narratives of high-potential businesses led by diverse founders to help scale their impact. Partner With Us in Sights We collaborate with leading brands, emerging startups, movement-building nonprofits, and visionary investors by offering strategic communication and PR strategies that make lasting impressions and impact. Partner With Us PR & Media Relations We craft compelling narratives and secure impactful media coverage to amplify your brand's mission and message. Media Training Brand leaders get equipped with the skills and confidence to deliver powerful messages and navigate media relations effectively. Communications Strategy We leverage our data-driven insights and creative thinking to create tailored strategies that achieve meaningful results. Positioning & Messaging Redefine your brand's unique voice and reimagine a compelling narrative that deepens connections. Strategic Partnerships & Introductions Leverage our powerful network to build connections and unleash your brand’s growth potential. Executive Positioning & Thought Leadership We support brands by establishing their executives as industry leaders and trusted voices. DEI&B Advisory & Communications Effectively navigate sensitive topics, foster inclusive dialogue, and align communications with your brand’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Reputation Management We proactively monitor and protect your brand's reputation to maintain stakeholder trust. Our Capabilities Read More Luminary "I considered Chanel a part of the Luminary team for the entirety of working with her and credit a lot of our early success in the press to her relationships, influence, and true understanding of who Luminary is, our ability to create impact, and our reach. She is part of our story and always will be!" - Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO, Luminary Read More digitalundivided "As the organization rapidly expanded to meet heightened demands, Chanel deftly led all media and communications efforts, ensuring our message resonated powerfully across influential platforms. CJC Insights' expertise was instrumental in driving digitalundivided’s meteoric rise and unlocking new avenues for founders.” - Lauren Maillian, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Former Board Chair & CEO of digitalundivided Read More Read More Read More Esusu “CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.” - Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder, Esusu Read More
- Our Services | CJC Insights Strategic Consulting
in Sights We collaborate with leading brands, emerging startups, movement-building nonprofits, and visionary investors by offering strategic communication and PR strategies that make lasting impressions and impact. Partner With Us in Studio We’re reimagining what it means to invest. We invest our communication expertise to amplify the narratives of high-potential businesses led by diverse founders to help scale their impact. Partner With Us Experience the Power of in Studio inStudio is a new way for emerging companies to scale their impact by leveraging our expert support, influential network, and suite of services while in the growth stage. With a hybrid equity model, CJC Insights reimagines how agencies collaborate with and invest in startups. We’re excited to make our inStudio program available on an annual basis to a select number of companies that qualify. 1: Invest The inStudio program allows us to offer our services to emerging companies through an innovative investment strategy that breaks down the financial barriers that would make accessing expert support nearly impossible in the early growth stages. 2: Advise With aligned interests and a rock-solid alliance, companies in the inStudio program enjoy our advisory services, which are designed to optimize your communication efforts, help you make the most informed decisions, and stay one step ahead of the competition. 3: Scale With proven expertise and tailored strategies, we help you establish a strong brand presence, unlock growth opportunities, strengthen your brand for fundraising, and expand your impact. “Her strategic communications and public relations agency has led communication efforts for BIPOC-owned unicorn startups with billion-dollar valuations.” - Forbes PR & Media Relations We craft compelling narratives and secure impactful media coverage to amplify your brand's mission and message. Media Training Brand leaders get equipped with the skills and confidence to deliver powerful messages and navigate media relations effectively. Communications Strategy We leverage our data-driven insights and creative thinking to create tailored strategies that achieve meaningful results. Positioning & Messaging Redefine your brand's unique voice and reimagine a compelling narrative that deepens connections. Strategic Partnerships & Introductions Leverage our powerful network to build connections and unleash your brand’s growth potential. Executive Positioning & Thought Leadership We support brands by establishing their executives as industry leaders and trusted voices. DEI&B Advisory & Communications Effectively navigate sensitive topics, foster inclusive dialogue, and align communications with your brand’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Reputation Management We proactively monitor and protect your brand's reputation to maintain stakeholder trust. Our Capabilities “Chanel is so much more than a publicist - she's a confidant, business strategist, relationship builder, and dot connector who continues to get things done. I have known Chanel for over a decade, and she has always deeply understood the unique challenges that Black founders encounter and how to stay resilient. She cares about her clients and knows what she’s doing. Her sound advice, business acumen, and uncanny ability to anticipate the other side's next move and navigate the intricacies of PR set her apart." - Tod A. Wilson Founder, Mr Tod’s Pies (First Winner of CNBC’s Shark Tank)
- CJC Insights and Fairview Capital | Strategic Partnerships
Fairview Capital Fairview Capital is a leading private equity and venture capital firm founded three decades ago by visionaries Laurence C. Morse, Ph.D., and JoAnn Price. Fairview is one of the largest minority-owned investment management firms in the United States, with more than $10 billion under management since its inception. The firm invests on behalf of institutional investors, including the world's leading foundations, endowments, and public and private pension plans. Headquartered in West Hartford, CT, and with a presence in San Francisco, CA, Fairview Capital is recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit, diverse leadership team, unmatched data insights, and inclusive investment approach. Our Opportunity Fairview Capital has distinguished itself as a beacon of innovation and diversity in the competitive landscape. On the cusp of its 30th anniversary, Fairview Capital sought the expertise of CJC Insights to create a media relations and external communications strategy to complement a new brand identity. We partnered to share their brand and narrative in media, underscoring the firm's dedication to excellence, diversity, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership. We wanted to be bold, top of mind, and amplify Fairview's brand in a powerful way that aligned with the firm's culture and ethos. "Working with Chanel and the team at CJC Insights has been an invaluable experience for Fairview. The team’s expertise in venture capital and private equity, especially during critical moments, has been vital." - JoAnn Price, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Our Approach Our approach is distinctive and strategic, roooted in collaboration. CJC Insights embarked on a strategic partnership to enchance Fairview Capital's brand identity with Carr & Company. This involved a comprehensive brand refresh and redesign, including the launch of a new website, logo, photography, and more with agency partners. Our team worked closely with the Fairview team to implement a communication strategy that elevates Fairview's market presence and brand story through compelling messaging, milestone announcements, strategic partnerships, and leveraging Fairview's proprietary research and insights for thought leadership. We managed all media relations efforts for the firm. We reimagined ways to publish and share research reports and curated immersive experiences to engage industry stakeholders and press. "Chanel's deep understanding of the ecosystem, coupled with her exceptional media relationships, helped expand and hone Fairview's messaging. Together, we've not only elevated our brand but also further championed diverse managers, founders and missions. We're proud to have collaborated with CJC Insights and look forward to continued success together." - Aakar Vachhani, Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Our Results CJC Insights helped to significantly amplify and elevate Fairview Capital’s media footprint and industry visibility. We harnessed Fairview's major firm announcements and new partnerships, synergizing them with insights from their industry-leading research. This fusion created thought leadership moments that resonated across the market, netting billions of media impressions. Communications Strategy: Fairview’s Annual Market Review of Woman and Minority-Owned Firms gained extensive coverage with announcements in renowned publications like Fortune, Bloomberg TV, WSJ, Black Enterprise, and more, further establishing Fairview as a trusted authority in the private markets. PR & Media Relations: In 2022, we assisted in announcing a groundbreaking $400 million investment from Steve and Connie Ballmer alongside three other prominent firms. This underscored Fairview's excellence in executing fund-of-funds strategies and delivering outstanding investment returns. The partnership announcement with Ballmer Group garnered widespread attention from top media outlets including The Today Show, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and others. We supported the announcement that America’s largest mutual life insurer, New York Life, acquired a minority ownership stake in Fairview. Strategic Introductions: We connected the team with industry movers and journalists. We curated an evening of connection with reporters and editors from the Wall Street Journal, Pensions and Investments, Bloomberg, Forbes, Barron’s, and more.
- About CJC Insights | Our Mission and Team
Our Vision & Values We envision a world where authentic storytelling paves the way for more equitable and inclusive industries. Collaboration We foster a collaborative environment that encourages diverse perspectives, collective problem-solving, and shared successes. Access We create access to the resources necessary to help our brands thrive in a competitive world. Equity We are committed to fairness, justice, and equality in all aspects of our work and life. Empathy Empathy helps us better understand unique challenges and goals. We create tailored strategies that resonate, build deep connections, and drive mutual success. Authenticity Authenticity drives us. Forming strong connections with our clients assures that we can create exceptional results and enduring partnerships. Impact We leverage the power of communication, dynamic campaigns, and innovative strategies to drive positive social progress and shape a more equitable world for all. Chanel Cathey is the Founder and CEO of CJC Insights, an award-winning consultancy and strategic communications agency that moves mission-driven brands forward with creativity, connection, and community. Founded in New York City in 2018, CJC Insights represents startups, nonprofits, and powerhouse clients nationwide in advocacy, technology, venture capital, private equity, and more. The agency has a proven track record of partnering with diverse founders to help them launch and scale businesses to unleash their potential. Chanel’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Adweek, PR News, and more. A recipient of ADCOLOR's 2020 Change Agent Award, Chanel and her agency have been recognized for reimagining brand stories and creating a more inclusive industry. CJC Insights was named to the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list, The Observer’s PR Power 50 List, and has consistently been awarded to The PR Net 100 honor list alongside many of the world’s leading PR firms. Additionally, Chanel was an adjunct professor at Fordham University and founding member of The PR Net's BIPOC Mentorship Program, guiding a generation of college students seeking careers in marketing and public relations. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Chanel spent over a decade working in media relations and communications for iconic global brands like Viacom (Paramount), ABC News, and Unilever. As a contributor to Fast Company and Advisor for the Wall Street Journal’s Women in the Workplace Series, Chanel is passionate about curating content, conversations, and national events about the future of work, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Chanel advises several startups and serves on the Boards of Directors for nonprofit organizations. She graduated with a BA from Fordham University and received her MPA, specializing in Management and Policy, from New York University. Our Founder Chanel Cathey, CEO Our Founder "In a field of talented and driven people, Chanel always stands out—as a leader, as a team player, as a professional dedicated to making a real difference through her work. The enterprise value Chanel creates -- wherever she goes -- is extraordinary. Behind it all, she’s a masterful brand strategist. She listens, she learns, and she acts, transforming people, places, and ideas into more meaningful and impactful versions of their true selves. She changes how brands show up in the world." - Ross Martin, President of KNOWN Recognition The dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity extends beyond Chanel’s professional endeavors. As a recipient of ADCOLOR's Change Agent Award, she has been recognized for her impactful contributions. Cathey is also a contributor to Fast Company, and serves on the Advisory Board for the Wall Street Journal’s Women in the Workplace Series, helping to curate national events and conversation around the future of women and work. Additionally, Chanel is a founding member of The PR Net's BIPOC Mentorship Program, offering guidance to college students seeking careers in marketing and public relations. Testimonials “CJC Insights emerged as a leading PR resource and connector for female founders and people of color launching and leading businesses. Chanel’s bold leadership style, passion for inclusive storytelling, and energy to drive change are evident as soon as you meet her, and it’s her expertise and collaborative approach that continues to impact organizations and their cultures in a positive way." Tiffany R. Warren Founder and President of ADCOLOR "CJC Insights is a boutique agency that has consistently been awarded to The PR Net’s highest agency honor list, The PR Net 100, alongside many of the world’s leading PR firms. Their impressive client work and their commitment to DEI in the industry and the wider world are commendable. Founder Chanel Cathey was a part of our inaugural BIPOC Mentorship Program, and the agency’s work consistently champions this cause, as well as women’s leadership. CJC Insights is positively affecting the marketing and communications field, while providing strong results for their growing client base." Lisa Kay Smith Founder and CEO, The PR Net "A relentless advocate and savvy strategist for female founders and minority-owned businesses, Cathey saw demand for her insights “explode” after George Floyd’s murder. ... Cathey was the only PR honoree—alongside CNN’s Don Lemon, trans activist and creative Janet Mock, and the founders of Black Lives Matter—at the Adcolor Awards, which “honor the diverse achievements of diverse communities in advertising, marketing, PR, media, and entertainment.” Michael Kaminer The Observer’s PR Power 50 list Back Arrow to Previous Testimonial Forward Arrow to Next Testimonial
- Esusu Partnership | CJC Insights Collaboration
Esusu Esusu is the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower residents and improve property performance. Esusu’s rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. This allows renters to build and establish their credit scores while helping property owners mitigate against initiating evictions, powered by differentiated data and insights. Founded in 2018, Esusu reaches millions of rental units across all 50 states in the United States. Their transformative approach not only addresses immediate financial challenges but also strives to dismantle barriers that hinder housing accessibility for working families and financial inclusion for underserved communities. Our Opportunity Esusu is fueled by an unwavering commitment to bridge the credit gap. The founding team reached out to Chanel at its earliest stage to lead the communications strategy. Esusu sought to revolutionize the credit-building landscape for marginalized communities but needed a press strategy and messaging to raise awareness. Esusu understood how important strategic communications is at the earliest stage for venture fundraising, partnership curation, credibility, brand visibility, and scale. Our Approach CJC Insights served as the agency of record from launch, and for over five years led messaging development, communications strategy, media relations, awards, press and thought leadership. CJC Insights was the driving force behind Esusu's messaging and communication strategy, leveraged strategic media placements to amplify the company's founding story and approach. Our deliberate approach propelled Esusu into a position of prominence within the financial technology landscape. Through thoughtfully curated thought leadership initiatives, Esusu gained credibility as a transformative advocate for housing equality and financial well-being. “CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.” - Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu Our Results From the launch of Esusu, CJC Insights has been the creative force behind the brand's compelling narrative. For years, we meticulously crafted and executed a comprehensive communications strategy that has elevated Esusu's profile globally. Esusu transitioned from a pre-seed stage to raising $150 million, achieving a $1 billion valuation, and becoming one of the few Black-owned tech companies to reach unicorn status. Our intentional approach propelled Esusu into a position of prominence within the financial technology landscape. Through thoughtfully curated thought leadership initiatives and speaking opportunities, Esusu gained credibility as a transformative advocate for housing and financial access. Communications and Partnership Strategy: CJC Insights delivered top-tier visibility that significantly supported Esusu's fundraising, scaling, and growth. Our press office managed all announcements, especially for partnerships with Operation Hope, Freddie Mac, Goldman Sachs, and Related. We brought Esusu’s story to the floor of the NYSE with live interviews and to Nasdaq and the billboards of Times Square. We amplified the significance of partnerships with renowned investors like Serena Williams and Jeff Weiner and secured coverage in influential outlets. CJC Insights' role in Esusu's transformation underscores our capacity to elevate brands and amplify their stories on a global scale. PR & Media Relations: We secured billions of media impressions with coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company, Inc., CNBC, Bloomberg, AfroTech, Black Enterprise, Cheddar, Insider, Yahoo!, Real Deal, and more. Our team managed awards, landing Esusu on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List, the Forbes Fintech 50 list (twice), Fast Company's 2022 Most Innovative Companies List, Insider's 100 People Transforming Business, and more. Esusu was also featured among LinkedIn's Best Top Startups in 2022 and Affordable Housing Finance’s Young Leaders Award, reaffirming its status as a rising star in the industry. Additionally, Esusu was honored on the Philanthropy 100 and Worth Magazine’s Worthy 100 list, celebrating its dedication to creating positive change. Thought Leadership: CJC Insights played a pivotal role in catapulting Esusu through the power of storytelling. The founding story is more than a news hook, it’s studied and taught through Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB case studies to a feature in the Atlantic Magazine. Our expertise in crafting compelling narratives, honing communication strategies, and orchestrating targeted press outreach resulted in Esusu's transformation from an early-stage startup to a billion-dollar unicorn. “CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.” - Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu
- CJC Insights and Digital Undivided | Empowering Women in Tech
digitalundivided Founded in 2012, digitalundivided is the leading non-profit leveraging our data, programs, and advocacy to catalyze economic growth for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs and innovators. The goal is to create a greater world where all women of color own their work and worth. The legacy of ProjectDiane inspires expanded research efforts, conducted by women of color and focused on women of color in entrepreneurship and the businesses they lead. Programs -- START, BIG Pre-Accelerator, BREAKTHROUGH, Do You Fellowship, and the New C-Suite -- mobilize community, resources, advisory, and investment to support women of color founders at all stages of their entrepreneurial and funding journeys. Our Opportunity For too long, Latina and Black women entrepreneurs have faced an uphill battle in securing business capital and accessing funding. Since 2012, digitalundivided has been on a mission to catalyze economic growth for these trailblazing entrepreneurs, harnessing the power of data, programs, and advocacy. This visionary nonprofit is the force behind the transformative ProjectDiane study, the first research initiative to shed light on the stark funding disparities faced by women of color in the venture capital arena. Amidst the global pandemic's unprecedented challenges, digitalundivided recognized the pressing need to amplify its mission, programming, and leadership profile through a dynamic communications strategy. It enlisted the expertise of CJC Insights to shape its brand narrative and position the nonprofit as a preeminent authority, navigating the complexities of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The shared goal? To increase funding opportunities for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs, unleashing their full potential as economic powerhouses. Our Approach For over two years, CJC Insights served as the PR agency of record for digitalundivided, spearheading all thought leadership initiatives, messaging strategies, press outreach, and media relations. We embarked on our partnership by engaging in a deep immersion process, closely collaborating with the organization to understand its mission, vision, and objectives. Our approach was rooted in collaboration, enabling us to align with their overarching goals seamlessly and swiftly secure media placements and event integrations. We led with building awareness for research insights, the introduction of the new CEO Lauren Maillian, and a slate of newly launched grant and visibility programs created amidst the pandemic. Our responsive media plan touched on the myriad issues impacting entrepreneurs during the pandemic, aiming to build community and highlight the transformational businesses and founders at the core of digitalundivided's programs CJC Insights also focused on Project Diane, the groundbreaking report that ignited a movement. While the research was frequently quoted, it was often not credited. Our team pushed for research credit and orchestrated the organization's inaugural virtual press conference for the release of the Project Diane report, centering the organization's legacy and the transformative research. “The CJC Insights team were invaluable partners in amplifying digitalundivided's mission, groundbreaking new initiatives, and far-reaching impact during a pivotal period for the organization. Their strategic communications leadership played an indispensable role in empowering Latina and Black women entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth opportunities, and elevating their voices amid the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and national racial reckoning." - Lauren Maillian, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Former Board Chair & CEO of digitalundivided Our Results CJC Insights developed and implemented a comprehensive external communications and messaging strategy for digitalundivided. This strategic partnership helped to increase brand visibility and engagement and leveraged research and thought leadership to build urgency around the need for economic growth for diverse founders. PR & Media Relations: We generated billions of media impressions with extensive coverage in prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Inc., Forbes, USA Today, Worth, and more. Project Diane was featured on CNN Business, GMA, CNBC, TechCrunch, Black Enterprise, Insider, Fortune, Vogue Business, AfroTech, and other media outlets. The research was referenced in some of the year’s buzzy business stories including a CNN op-ed by Serena Williams "Silicon Valley Is Wrong About Black Women Entrepreneurs" and the Fortune cover story titled "Billions Women Founders are Crashing the Billionaire Club." Our team supported digitalundivided CEO Lauren Maillian’s vision to create a new power list for women of color launching Cosmopolitan's New C-Suite Power List. A milestone initiative with celebrity judges Venus Williams and Quinta Brunson identifying the next generation of powerhouse women of color entrepreneurs with a Cosmo cover story, multi-page features in magazines, and an Undivided We Rise Summit at Hearst Tower with the founders. Communications Strategy & Partnerships: Supported communications and coordination for dozens of founder- focused activations nationwide to launch digitalundivided’s Breakthrough with JP Morgan Chase's Advancing Black Pathways in cities including Los Angeles and New Orleans. Launched the InvestHer Summit with the Nasdaq Foundation convening entrepreneurs and investors in Martha's Vineyard and during Essence Festival in New Orleans. Announced a custom START program by digitalundivided x She Runs It advancing women of color founders in marketing, media, and tech. Thought Leadership: Secured speaking opportunities for digitalundivided's leadership and founders at prestigious events, including the WSJ Women In Series, Worth Magazine's Women & Worth Summit, Money 20/20, and more. "As the organization rapidly expanded to meet heightened demands, Chanel deftly led all media and communications efforts, ensuring our message resonated powerfully across influential platforms. CJC Insights' expertise was instrumental in driving digitalundivided’s meteoric rise and unlocking new avenues for founders.” - Lauren Maillian, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Former Board Chair & CEO of digitalundivided
- CJC Insights and Luminary | Empowering Women Leaders
Luminary Luminary is a global powerhouse in professional education and networking, dedicated to elevating, enhancing, and propelling women and their allies forward throughout every phase of their professional journeys. Founded by Cate Luzio, Luminary is a membership-based platform committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community. With a focus on uniting professionals, entrepreneurs, corporations, and organizations, Luminary transcends age, industry, career level, and gender, offering multifaceted professional development opportunities for women at all stages of their careers. Our Opportunity At its earliest stage, Luminary recognized the importance of establishing a strong communications foundation for its launch. Enlisting the expertise of CJC Insights, Luminary's Founder and CEO, Cate Luzio, collaborated closely with us to establish the foundational messaging and media relations approach. The objective was clear: to differentiate Luminary's unique mission, founder's story, membership community, partnerships, and programming model. Our Approach At CJC Insights, we pride ourselves on taking a dynamic and hands-on approach to crafting communications and branding strategies for our clients. When Luminary enlisted our support, we didn't just scratch the surface – we delved deep into the core of Luminary's identity, meticulously analyzing its values, mission, and vision. This deep dive allowed us to create a clear and consistent messaging framework that resonated across all communication channels, ensuring that Luminary's voice was heard in the industry. We centered our strategy around the member experience and the power of community, promoting Luminary's physical space as more than just a venue but as a dynamic networking and events hub where individuals could work, launch, and grow their businesses. A cornerstone of our strategy was leveraging Cate Luzio's compelling founder story. By strategically positioning Cate as a prominent voice in the industry, we bolstered Luminary's visibility and credibility, solidifying its leadership position. Through our close collaboration with Luminary's team, we developed a robust communications strategy that not only highlighted Luminary's unique offerings but also aligned seamlessly with its mission of empowering women at every stage of their careers. One key aspect of our approach was our role in announcing key partnerships and acquisitions for Luminary, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We navigated these uncertain times, steering Luminary towards continued growth. Additionally, we supported communicating the fellowships and corporate partnerships, positioning Luminary as a trailblazer. "From building the brand story for launch to helping to craft the positioning and difference in our B2C and B2B businesses, to managing through the early part of Covid, CJC Insights was an asset. I considered Chanel a part of the Luminary team for the entirety of working with her and credit a lot of our early success in the press to her relationships, influence, and true understanding of who Luminary is, our ability to create impact, and our reach. She is part of our story and always will be!" - Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO, Luminary Our Results Our partnership with Luminary yielded significant results. From its inception to navigating the early challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our media efforts and communications advisory supported the growth of Luminary’s vibrant community that continues to lead the industry. PR & Media Relations: Through CJC Insights’ strategic media outreach, Luminary garnered prominent press placements in Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Worth Magazine, Now This, Business Insider, Women’s Health, Cheddar, and more. CJC Insights secured leadership recognition for Cate Luzio on Inc.'s Female Founders 100 and Forbes' Next 1000 lists. Introduced Cate as a sought-after contributor for Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider, Worth and more. Thought Leadership: Cate also spoke at numerous events, including the Massachusettes Conference for Women, Women & Worth Summit, BlogHer, WIN Summit, and Female Founders Collective, ultimately making Luminary the destination organizations and founders wanted to bring their events to. Communications Strategy & Partnerships: Our collaborative efforts helped launch and communicate dozens of initial corporate memberships with industry giants like Unilever, UBS, Verizon, and others. We also supported Luminary’s communications with the acquisition of organizations, including Declare. These partnerships not only expanded Luminary's reach but also enhanced its offerings, further cementing its position as a leading force in women's professional development. Researched and co-wrote the inaugural Women In the Workplace study with Luminary’s Chief Impact Officer and Bustle Digital Group. With guidance from CJC Insights, Luminary has increased engagement, fostered meaningful connections, and empowered women to advance their careers and achieve their goals. By prioritizing the member experience and emphasizing the power of community, Luminary has become more than just a networking platform – it has become a catalyst for women's professional development and networking. "Working with Chanel and CJC Insights was something I didn’t even know I needed when I was launching Luminary. Once we were introduced, I realized how critical her services would be. Not only did she understand what I was going to build with Luminary, the company itself was super aligned with our mission." - Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO, Luminary
- Case Studies | CJC Insights Success Stories
Through the power of story, we reimagine investing in businesses led by diverse founders by helping them amplify their narratives and scale their impact. "Working with Chanel and the team at CJC Insights has been an invaluable experience for Fairview. The team’s expertise in venture capital and private equity, especially during critical moments, has been vital." Read More Fairview Capital Read More "Chanel Cathey's exceptional dedication and expertise were pivotal in our transformative rebranding journey at the Public Housing Community Fund. Her pro bono collaboration brought a fresh, clear identity that resonates deeply with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents and infused our mission and vision with renewed clarity and purpose, capturing the essence of our programs and the diverse communities we serve." Alex Zablocki Executive Director, Public Housing Community Fund “Chanel Cathey is a laser-focused strategist with a big vision for what is possible—and the bona fides to make moon-shots happen for her clients. I trust her deep expertise and depend on her clear-eyed truth-telling. She’s the comms leader you want for the hard parts behind the scenes, and for the best public parts, you’ll toast with champagne!” Ann Shoket CEO TheLi.st / Founder New Power Media “The better you are at your job, the more you need Chanel. She will expertly transform your accomplishments and value into a pitch that editors will pay attention to. She helps you organize your communication priorities into achievable steps. My experience working with Chanel is both enjoyable and effective; I leave every meeting we have with clear action items that drive results.” Tammy Tibbets Co-Founder and CEO, She's The First "I've had the distinct privilege of knowing Chanel Cathey for nearly a decade, initially crossing paths during my tenure as CEO of Well+Good, and subsequently collaborating in my current board director role at Wellness in the Schools. Her exceptional communication skills and her innate ability to dissect and highlight a brand's unique selling propositions that truly set her apart. Chanel's brilliance shines in her capacity to enhance the messaging of founders, articulating differentiators. She adeptly guides her clients in sharpening their narratives, ensuring that their message is consistently impactful, whether addressing board members, rallying internal teams, engaging with the press, or maintaining cohesion across all these audiences. In essence, Chanel's contribution transcends mere advisory; she is a catalyst for transformation, empowering brands to articulate their essence with clarity and confidence." Alexia Brue Co-Founder, Well+Good Impact Advisory Work We’re demonstrating our commitment to social impact by lending our expertise to causes and initiatives we care about. We are committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and nonprofits. Testimonials Read More Luminary "I considered Chanel a part of the Luminary team for the entirety of working with her and credit a lot of our early success in the press to her relationships, influence, and true understanding of who Luminary is, our ability to create impact, and our reach. She is part of our story and always will be!" - Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO, Luminary Read More digitalundivided "As the organization rapidly expanded to meet heightened demands, Chanel deftly led all media and communications efforts, ensuring our message resonated powerfully across influential platforms. CJC Insights' expertise was instrumental in driving digitalundivided’s meteoric rise and unlocking new avenues for founders.” - Lauren Maillian, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Former Board Chair & CEO of digitalundivided Read More Read More Read More Esusu “CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.” - Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder, Esusu Read More
- Contact CJC Insights | Reach Out to Our Team
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- CJC Insights | Onboarding Form
First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Company/Organization Name* Industry* Brief Description of Your Organization's Product / Service(s) or Mission* Anticipated Start Date* Month What specific support do you require?* PR & Media Relations Media Training Communications Strategy Positioning & Messaging Strategic Partnerships & Introductions Executive Positioning & Thought Leadership DEI&B Advisory & Communications Reputation Management Other What is your ultimate vision for your brand's success and your ideal outcome from a dream collaboration in the next year? What challenges are hindering your brand's growth?* What is your budget for this support?* Are you a start-up? If yes, are you interested in equity-based pricing?* Yes, and we're interested in equity-based pricing Yes, but we're not interested in equity-based pricing No, we're not a startup Submit Discovery Call Questionnaire Thank you for considering CJC Insights. To better understand how we can support your brand, please provide the following details. Our team will follow-up once your response is submitted.