What Next?

Todd Irwin, a brand strategist and founder of Fazer, brings his creative background to the forefront as he discusses the transformative concept of depositioning. He argues for a shift from mere brand differentiation to problem-solving, emphasizing how brands can win by addressing customer pain points. Todd critiques the marketing industry's obsession with differentiation, using Apple as a prime example. With insights on the rise of AI and the importance of strategies that focus on solutions, he inspires both agencies and entrepreneurs to adapt for growth.

Veronika Kryuchkova, Global Head of Capability Building for the Reckitt Marketing Academy and host of the Get Superpowered podcast, shares insights on thriving in a human-plus-machine world. She defines high-agency professionals as those who combine belief, action, and ownership to shape their careers. Veronika introduces the concept of a Capability Stack, emphasizing intentional skill development. She advocates for continuous micro-reinventions as powerful growth strategies, illustrating how small, consistent improvements can lead to significant career advancements.

Christian Godden, Head of Strategy at Malmö FF and former strategic director at BBDO Nordics, dives into the vital role of community in football. He shares how Malmö FF operates on 'human currency,' prioritizing community engagement over financial resources. From innovative educational programs to building resilience through trust, he explores how sports foster belonging. Christian argues for balancing data with genuine relationships, emphasizing that technology should connect, not isolate people. This conversation reveals the power of community in shaping a club's identity.

Dr. Katie Best, a leadership coach and consultant linked with LSE and King's College London, shares her insights on overcoming leadership challenges. She clusters these challenges into managing oneself, teams, and leading change. Katie emphasizes the importance of communication in a hybrid workplace to avoid burnout and enhance performance. Her SOLVE model advocates for a structured approach to problem-solving. She also highlights the significance of understanding team dynamics and aligning cultural values to drive engagement and success.

Ross Benes, a Senior Analyst at eMarketer and author of '1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America,' dives into the consequences of media deregulation. He argues that while this shift has flooded the market with infomercials and reality TV, these 'trashy' formats resonate with millions. Ross also highlights how the rise in sports rights fees has opened doors for less mainstream sports. The conversation shifts to the migration of online personalities to traditional media, exemplified by Bari Weiss's new role at Paramount, marking a significant media trend.

Omar Imtiaz, Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce on the transformative impact of AI on human work. With a background in computer science and IT, Omar argues the importance of the shift from technology-driven to human-centered transformation with AI enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing them. Advocating for a collaborative approach where AI and humans work together, he reminds us that meaning, purpose and emotional engagement is the future of the workplace, unleashing a completely new generation of creativity.Omer joins us in his personal capacity. The opinions shared are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Salesforce. Nothing here is confidential, proprietary, or advice; it’s a general discussion of industry topics.#AI #Creativity #Futureofwork

Joe Marchese, co-founder of Human Ventures and Casa Komos Brands Group on the importance of The Attention Economy. The founder of TrueX and former president of advertising revenue for Fox Networks Group who oversaw billions in annual revenue across Fox Broadcast, FX, National Geographic and Fox Sports, including the Super Bowl and World Series, lays out a more effective advertising strategy as the industry shifts from impression-based metrics to real engagement. The value of human relationships and trust in a business world increasingly influenced by AI, he says, must place cultural adjacency and experiential marketing at its core. It is integrity through a human lens, he argues, which will become critical in the marketing of the future.#Business #Human #Marketing

Dr. Mohan Gundeti, pioneer in pediatric robotic and laparoscopic surgery on his innovations in digital surgery, AI, and telerobotics. The first surgeon to perform reconstructive bladder surgery in a child argues for the future of robotic surgery in minimally invasive surgeries, including pediatric patients as young as four months. The use of AI and machine learning to diagnose health conditions and enable remote surgeries, he says, could potentially reduce kidney failure in children and increase global health equity. As a student at the Leadership in Society Initiative at the University of Chicago Graham School, he also argues the case for personal enhancement by training himself for marathons and practicing gratitude.#Medicine #Robotic

Nick Restrepo, Vice President of Sales at World Emblem, on his journey into heat applied decorations in the garment industry.  Today creativity and personalization driven by AI is spreading everywhere. Using the evolution from traditional sewing to heat-applied dimensional branding as an example, Nick argues the impact of technology, particularly AI, in personalization and streamlining the process. His insights in leadership stress humility, transparency, and client relationship-building, but time, he concludes, is the ultimate currency.

Rick Yvanovich, visionary business coach and serial entrepreneur, on his journey from an accountant to transformational business coach. The author of Business as Unusual, How to Thrive in the New Renaissance, and trusted advisor to driving growth and change around the world argues that being an architect of change, is about blending purpose and performance. He calls for personal accountability in leadership and as a team member, making the choice to shape your life and aligning your own sense of purpose in your organization's success.