LLYC presents Navigating the age of polarization

LLYC IDEAS, the Knowledge Leadership Center of the global Marketing and Corporate Affairs firm, has just released Navigating the Era of Polarization, the 41st issue of UNO Magazine. In this edition, LLYC professionals, academics, and renowned journalists analyze the global rise of polarization across 14 articles, discussing its effects on both society and business.

Over the past few years, societies have become increasingly fragmented and polarized. Differences in opinions have become increasingly polarized, making it harder to find common ground on various issues, whether political or otherwise. This global, cross-cutting phenomenon profoundly impacts companies’ operations and brands’ reputations. Consequently, businesses must strive to understand the roots and dynamics of polarization, interpret it, and determine how to navigate this landscape to protect their stakeholders, interests, and values while minimizing the risks it poses to social cohesion and democracy. 

One of the main focuses of this issue is data. Specifically, the technological tools developed by LLYC—based on big data, artificial intelligence, and linguistic models—are highlighted, offering insights derived from active monitoring of social conversations.

The latest edition of UNO features a conversation between LLYC’s Global CEO and Partner, Alejandro Romero, and Adriana Cisneros, CEO of Cisneros Group and President of the Cisneros Foundation. Together, they discuss leadership in a polarized environment, drawing lessons from two influential figures: José Antonio Llorente and Gustavo Cisneros, who always advocated for dialogue, consensus, and building bridges between opposing ideologies. 

The issue also includes an interview with Martin Baron, former Executive Editor of The Washington Post, who notes, “Polarization has always existed, but it used to be based on verified facts. Today, polarization often revolves around the very authenticity of those facts. Journalism must continue reinventing itself, and people will ultimately grasp the difference between verified and unverified information.”

“We’ve seen an increasing divide in European and American societies lately, which has ramped up the aggression and conflict in public conversations,” writes Luisa García, Partner and Global Chief Operating Officer of LLYC. “In this kind of atmosphere, individuals and businesses must tread carefully to protect their reputations and how they communicate. This polarization touches every part of life, shaping everything from marketing approaches to how brands are perceived.”

The expert panel contributing to this issue of UNO includes Luis Miller, Senior Scientist at the Spanish National Research Council; Patricia Fernández, Clinical Psychologist at Ramón y Cajal Hospital; and Martín Rodríguez Yebra, Managing Editor of La Nación in Argentina.

LLYC contributors include Mike Houston, Partner and CEO of LLYC US; Miguel Lucas, Global Senior Innovation Director; Yndira Marín, Operations Director for the US; Pablo García Berdoy, Public Affairs Leader for Europe; Juan Carlos Gozzer, Partner and CEO of LLYC Latin America; Conceição Zagalo, LLYC Portugal Board Member; Gemma Gutiérrez, Managing Director of Marketing Solutions Europe; Sandra Ortiz, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Business Development in Peru; and Ramón González Férriz, Editorial Advisor at LLYC.

Visual artist Marisa Maestre returns to illustrate the pages of UNO, delighting readers with her signature blend of art and insight.