hello. we’re unconventional. we’re business geeks and creative minds unafraid to break new grounds. inspired by our diverse backgrounds, skills and passions, we deliver with the right formula of cultural intelligence™ + strategy + creativity + purpose. we come with a new challenging perspective. we simply don’t settle for the obvious. we thrive when we unlock the power of culture. 

STRATEGY

CulturIntel Big-data Insights
Size of Prize Analysis
Cross-cultural Strategy
Size of Prize Analysis  
D&I Strategies

CREATIVE

Integrated Marketing
Ad Campaigns
Branding & Creative Services
Content Development
Public Relations

DIGITAL

Digital Strategy
Social Media Marketing
Web and Mobile Development
AR & VR Innovation

COMMUNITY

Custom Platforms
Event Marketing
Community Engagement
Strategic Partnerships

CREATIVE REEL

our origins are unconventional, making us the only independent business strategy and marketing firm founded by a team of 100% former corporate clients.

our CEO and co-founder Lili Gil Valletta arrived to the U.S. at the age of 17 with only a student visa, a suitcase and not a word of English. as a rising star in corporate America, she quickly became one of the youngest female executives at corporations like Johnson & Johnson where over her 10-year tenure she pioneered multicultural marketing strategies and founded de Hispanic employee resource group, HOLA. At J&J she met our co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Enrique Arbelaez who was inspired by the need to innovate and particularly apply technology to innovate in an ever-changing marketplace. and with that the inspiration for CIEN + (Formerly XL Alliance) came to be.

taking learning’s from their corporate careers, they built the company they wish they could have hired; bringing under one roof a team that combines the discipline of big consulting firms with the award-winning power of creative minds. the twist, being leading experts in multicultural markets, cultural innovation and the know-how to empower business leaders to successfully understand, size and unlock the power of culture.

some of our clients still remember XL Alliance, and while we are proud of our XL legacy, we are evolving to go beyond being known as a traditional "marketing and advertising agency.” we wanted to create a fresh brand and experience that captures our vision to become the most comprehensive cultural innovation company turning cultural trends into profits.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BIG DATA
INSIGHTS

CROSS-CULTURAL MARKETING

In trade, academia and even on TV, our voice and leadership transcends marketing campaigns and brand messages. Our analysis, opinion and stories are making the news and shaping the trends that influence today’s business landscape.