H.L. Ray

Activist, Athlete, Connector, Entrepreneur, Foodie, Gay, Global soul, Idea generator, Single, World traveler

Some of the things on my mind this week: • Inspired cultures, inspired leaders, inspired businesses – cultures driven by stress vs those that are driven by inspiration – what is the impact of each? • Global talent discoverability - so much talent out there that doesn't get seen or heard (thinking musicians but could be broader). Is there a tech solution? • Content and its many forms from art to advertising - how are the two connected, if at all? If so, what does that mean for how content is created and then distributed? • LGBT issues – is there a way to collectively tackle a set of LGBT issues globally? Is it possible to think globally and act locally with these issues? • Scaling access to ‘clean food’ • Will Mariah Carey ever get her voice back…no, seriously :) I am a small town boy, with big city dreams. I was born in Mississippi, raised in Alabama and thankfully my journey brought me to NYC. (We’re going first person for this bio!) The path from Bama to NYC was not a straight one. I took the long way around and spent my years post undergrad and in grad school living, working and studying in various countries, namely Spain, Mexico, Chile and China. My professional focus was on business development in emerging markets from grassroots sustainable initiatives to multinational market entry projects. Once I landed in NYC, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to work for an entrepreneur who had disrupted ticketing distribution in the live entertainment space by going through corporations (B2B2C). Enter the very sensible shift from international development to entertainment. I joke about the contrasts, but the common thread between these two seemingly different areas is that they are both infiltrated with incredibly passionate people. In my current role at Gilt Groupe, I’ve worked with the team to develop programming that allows partners to reach Gilt's coveted member base in an organic way via strategic native advertising campaigns and influence marketing activations. Partners range from non-endemic brands (Samsung, Veueve Cliquot, Sony Music, Warner Brothers) to talent (Lady Gaga/Tony Bennett, Lily Aldridge, Maroon 5, Betty Who). I’m lucky that I have been able to work in areas that I truly love, including activism, music, sports, theatre, fashion, and global connectedness. I’m also a lover of (trying) to lift heavy things. I’m beyond thrilled to be here at TED Global in Rio. Only great things can happen when so many inspired, open minds come together.

Learning, Innovation, Community, Connectivity, Diversity, Active Living, Activism

Branded Entertainment, Content & Strategy, entrepreneurship, Influence Marketing, Inspired Collaboration, Live Entertainment, Music, Native Advertising, Ticketing