Panel: The Future of AI and Advertising—Insights from Creative Legends

Cheryl Berman stands as a trailblazer in the advertising and marketing world, having left an indelible mark on some of the world’s most iconic brands. Over a 30-year career at Leo Burnett, beginning as a copywriter and culminating as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Berman rewrote industry norms and broke the glass ceiling as the agency's first female board member. She steered celebrated campaigns for McDonald’s, Disney, Hallmark, United Airlines, and many others—her ability to develop emotionally connective, enduring, creative ideas led to her being honored as an Ad Woman of the Year and named among Ad Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising. Cheryl is a published songwriter and has also won nearly every award in the ad industry, including Clios, Addys, Effies, and Cannes Lions of every color.

Today, as the founder and creative leader of Unbundled, Berman leverages her deep expertise to help brands discover their authentic voice and strategic position in a rapidly changing marketplace.. Her creative philosophy centers on uncovering a brand’s foundational truth before unleashing innovative storytelling—a process that deliberately blends the art of creativity with the precision of analytics. By fostering partnerships with data-driven digital firms, Berman remains at the forefront of modern marketing, ensuring ideas not only capture hearts but deliver measurable business results.

Beyond her professional achievements, Berman is respected for her passion for mentoring talent and cultivating collaborative, inclusive environments that fuel creativity and innovation. Elevating and supporting women is why Cheryl founded Leo She and Women on the Rise. Her ongoing commitment is to lasting industry impact and creative evolution, firmly believing the best work is always yet to come.