Brand Global, Adapt Local - by Katherine Melchior Ray

About the Book

Build long-lasting value by crafting brands that transcend cultural boundaries through developing a deep understanding of diverse cultures and consumer preferences.

Book Synopsis

Building global brands provides companies with access to new markets, new opportunities and new ideas that can stimulate innovation and diversify revenue streams. However, with new opportunities comes additional challenges that marketers need to navigate in order to build an international brand.

If a brand wants to thrive in an international market, it needs to understand the different consumers and the nuances of the cultures in which they live. The best brands in the world do this by remaining relentlessly curious about their customers and their markets, immersing themselves in the culture and embracing new and different ways of seeing, understanding and being. Learn how to develop this global mindset and how to build this into your marketing strategy from some of the world's leading global brands such as Nike, LVMH, Nestlé, Shiseido, Natura and Marriott. This book explores the challenges these brands faced across international markets and how they balance remaining true to their brand values with creating local resonance.

Covering everything from how applying cultural understanding to interpreting data delivers exceptional consumer insight to how you can localize campaigns without losing the core brand identity, this book delivers all you need to know about scaling a brand globally packed full of powerful insight from leading marketers.

Review Quotes

"Brand Global, Adapt Local is a refreshing take on the long-acknowledged tension between international economies of scale and demand for cultural authenticity. Katherine and Nataly address this classic debate between economics and anthropology with an immensely readable perspective that is part branding next practice and part personal travelogue. With intensifying anti-globalization debates, this book could arrive at no better time."-- "Rohit Deshpande, Baker Foundation Professor, Harvard Business School"

"Brand Global, Adapt Local is an essential guide for leaders navigating the complexities of global business. Rich with real-world examples, this book invites us to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace the human dimension at the heart of every successful global brand."-- "Emmanuel Pratt, former Chairman, LVMH Japan"

"Brands shouldn't strive to be the same everywhere-they should strive to be strong everywhere. Rooted in purpose, fluent in culture-this book will show you how modern brands win."-- "David Aaker, considered the "Father of Modern Branding""

"In Brand Global, Adapt Local we get wisdom from the trenches. Katherine Melchior Ray has earned her stripes in the most demanding industry in the world: fashion. Her insights on cultural differences alone are worth the price of admission. Eye-opening stuff."-- "Marty Neumeier, Author"

"In the age of AI, speed is easy-relevance is hard. Brand Global, Adapt Local illuminates a critical truth: technological reach is meaningless without genuine human understanding. Katherine and Nataly offer a vital blueprint for navigating the complexities of global expansion to build digitally scalable, yet culturally nimble brands. A must-read for leaders wanting to thrive as technology rewrites the rules of engagement."-- "Miki Iwamura, VP of Marketing, APAC and Japan, Google"

"Some books teach marketing. Some teach psychology. In Brand Global, Adapt Local, Katherine and Nataly teach both-and more. By blending consumer insight, innovation and masterful storytelling, it reveals how cultural intelligence turns good brands into global powerhouses. Whether you're launching a product, shaping a message, or leading a team, this book will change how you think about influence across borders."-- "Jonah Berger, Wharton Professor and bestselling author"

"The best brands don't just adapt to culture-they help shape it. Katherine and Nataly's insights into global branding show how to keep a brand's soul intact while igniting passion across diverse markets. Brand Global, Adapt Local is a must-read for marketers and leaders who want to create brands that not only sell but inspire."-- "Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer, Nike"

"Timely and thought-provoking, Brand Global, Adapt Local offers sharp insights on business, branding, and culture-and what it takes to go glob al today. More than a book, it's an inspiring journey that will leave both the marketer and the traveller in you wanting more."-- "Elisa Riboldi, Chief Marketing Officer, Nestlé Iberia"

"Winning in global markets isn't just about reach-it's about relevance. In Brand Global, Adapt Local, Katherine and Nataly showcase how brands can stay globally strong while locally agile, ensuring they connect with consumers in a meaningful way, no matter where they are."-- "Stephan Gans, SVP Chief Insights and Analytics Officer PepsiCo and co-author"

About the Author

Katherine Melchior Ray lectures on international marketing and leadership at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business. She has over twenty-five-years experience building the world's best consumer brands at companies including Nike, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hyatt, Shiseido and Babbel across the world including in the USA, Japan and Europe. She has guest lectured at Stanford, Wharton, Brown and Portland State University.

Nataly Kelly is Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, based in Boston, MA. Previously she served at HubSpot as Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of International Operations and Strategy, and Vice President of Localization.