Culture & Code

When algorithm flattens cultural markets, how to create against this backdrop? When everything is “meh,” winners are the surprising, the unexpected, and the different. The problem is, these things succeed in niches - offline communities, small groups, and subcultures. They are created in niches, and usually stay there. In the winners-take-all markets, scaling requires algorithms. Can brands bridge this dichotomy? What are the success stories of innovation in the meh world? Is it even financially possible for a brand to disrupt itself before someone else does? In this episode, Rei and I use once-innovative brands as examples of what happens when disruption goes analog.Meh-ification, the plot thickens? by Beth BentleyWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

Creativity is not just an ideas game. More than anything, it’s a matter of process, organization, and the problem-solving abilities of the “backend” office. McKinsey study found that companies that prioritize creativity have 67 percent higher organic revenue growth than those who do not. Yet, creativity, despite its superior business value, is often siloed in “creative” departments like marketing, design or creative. Creativity is a company-wide mandate, and in this episode, Rei and I talk about how that looks like, which brands successfully implement it, and how to organize for creativity.The Changing Role of Design By Rei Inamoto@toraya.wagashiWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

What is culture? Culture can mean a lot of different things, and in this episode we zero in on our working definitions, along with the brands, consumer behaviors, and trends that we can expect to see more of in 2025Show notes:How to build brand energy by Grace GordonMarcijuš AI StudioDeluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana ThomasWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

Ana and Rei discuss the unpredictability of cultural markets and the necessity for brands to adapt. They predict that 'boring' brands like Duolingo may thrive due to their humorous and relatable engagement. The rise of smart glasses is anticipated, paralleling early tech adoptions. They also touch on the retail renaissance driven by Substack and AI. As they close out the year, the hosts emphasize creativity and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, wishing listeners a happy new year.

Why some rebrands succeed and why some fail? Why do we usually dislike new logos and then slowly get used to them? What are the best and worst rebrands, and how to tell the difference? We are joined by Brian Morrissey, founder of the Rebooting, to discuss how politics, aesthetics and ethics of branding reflect themselves in media, creative fields and brand-building.The Rebooting by Brian MorrisseyWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

What are luxury goods good for? How about a pair of socks or sneakers? In this episode, Rei and Ana talk about apparel’s two opposing forces - product identity and functionality - is deeply embedded in creative, strategic and operational decisions that shape apparel’s business models. Some products, like luxury items, over-index on identity; others, like Uniqlo or Muji, are deeply rooted in functionality. To succeed, apparel brands need to have a mix of both. But what is a good enough product? And can too much identity become a liability? Listen to discover. Nike ad of Saquon’s backwards hurdleWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

What do Banana Republic and Google have in common? By combining brand strategy with merchandising, these brands influenced culture. They grew by building a product universe.In this excerpt from episode 2, Rei and Ana explore product pyramids of these brands, and how they grew through smart product-led branding.Watch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

What do Banana Republic, McDonald’s, and a 1,800-year-old Japanese shrine have in common? By combining brand strategy with merchandising, these brands influenced culture. They grew by building a product universe.In this episode, Rei and Ana explore product pyramids of different brands, and how they grew through smart product-led branding.Related Links:The growth of a Japanese shrine: https://open.substack.com/pub/reiinamoto/p/rethinking-rebranding?r=2e839vMcDonald’s example: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ae/en-ae/anime-campaign.htmlHow to build a product universe: https://andjelicaaa.substack.com/p/how-to-build-a-product-universeWatch us on YouTubeFollow Ana here:Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"Follow Rei here:Rei's LinkedInNewsletter "The Intersection"Rei's global innovation firm I&CO

Discover the fascinating concept of product-led branding, where exceptional products craft brand identities. Explore iconic examples like Nike's Moon Shoe and Levi's 501 jeans. Delve into the five core elements: Value, Wear, Aesthetics, Narrative, and Fandom, that shape consumer connection. Unpack how cultural narratives and emotional ties enhance brand desirability, and hear about the revival strategies of brands like Abercrombie. Join a journey where innovative marketing and community engagement redefine modern branding!