Ad Age is marking Women’s History Month 2024 by publishing a series of guest essays from women industry leaders who share their personal journeys and career lessons. Today, Elizabeth Campbell, the VP of U.S. Marketing, McDonald’s Corporation, shares her thoughts on learning from diverse points of view—and getting out and exploring the world in sneaks.

I embrace creativity by stimulating diversity of thought in the people around me. I surround myself with people who do not think or look like me because I want to learn from their diverse points of view.

My advice is to be open to people who will challenge your thoughts—but they must also allow you to challenge theirs. Open yourself up to differing opinions without losing your voice in the discussion.

The intention is for the discussion to open your ability to see the differences within all of us—so that we allow that collective creativity to stimulate the world.

For fun, I inspire my creative juices through what I like to refer to as a “community walkabout.” I hit the streets in my sneaks and explore the uniqueness within a community. I want to see and experience the heartbeat through street art, streetwear, festivals, restaurants or just everyday people moving around with their family and friends.

I have done community walkabouts domestically (New York City is my fave because it is constantly changing) and I have done them internationally in South Africa, Egypt, Thailand and Rwanda, to name a few. 

My advice: Get out and explore the world in sneaks.