Stylus Future Thinking
Take a fascinating journey into the future as Stylus experts, alongside industry thought-leaders and commentators, unpack tomorrow’s trends and unearth bold new opportunities.
Wed, October 02, 2024
Pop Culture & Media Futures 24/25
In this episode, Stylus’ Senior Trends Editor for Pop Culture & Media, Annie Corser, unpacks the key directions & significant trends featured in our Pop Culture & Media Futures 24/25 report. From the resurgence of retro gaming and apps revitalising social connections, to AI synthfluencers and a Gen Z-led revival in romance publishing, we explore how these directions are impacting the future to come.
Fri, September 06, 2024
Neuro Beauty: The Skin-Mind Connection
In this episode, Stylus’ Head of Beauty, Lisa Payne, and Assistant Trends Editor for Beauty, Maya Regan, discuss the beauty industry's fascinating shift towards neuroscience. As consumer interest grows in cosmetics and fragrances designed to interact with our neural pathways, brands are delving into the intricate skin-mind connection and increasingly exploring new avenues of wellness through a multifaceted sensorial lens.
Tue, August 06, 2024
2024 Olympics: Sports Marketing Insights
In this episode, Stylus’ senior trends editor for Retail & Brand Comms, Rebecca Hobbs, unpacks the cutting-edge sports marketing strategies emerging from the highly anticipated Paris Games, as discussed in our report Olympics & Paralympics 2024: 10 Big Ideas for Sports Marketing. We explore how brands are creatively tackling themes such as parenthood, resilience, subcultures and more, with Rebecca highlighting some standout examples.
Mon, June 17, 2024
Solutions for the New Climate Era
In this episode, we join Stylus’ content director & sustainability lead, Emily Gordon-Smith, delving into the insights from our latest macro report, Solutions for the New Climate Era . We explore the evolving consumer lifestyles in response to climate challenges and discuss how essential products, services, and spaces are being reimagined to support this adaptation.
Fri, April 26, 2024
Food & Beverage Trends 24/25
In this episode, we join Stylus’ content director, Mandy Saven, and delve into the pivotal developments and insights currently emerging in the food and health space. We discuss the essential topics all brands need to know about – from the rise of ultra-processed foods and the popularity boom of weight management drugs like Ozempic, to AI’s impact on agritech and future-proofing the food of tomorrow.
Thu, March 28, 2024
AI Futures: Insights from SXSW 2024
In this episode, we join Stylus’ Annie Corser, senior editor of Pop Culture & Media, and Julia Errens, senior Pop Culture correspondent, to discuss the key trends and insights within AI that emerged from this year’s SXSW festival (March 8-16).
Fri, February 23, 2024
What is Soft Living?
In this episode, we join Consumer Attitudes trends researcher, Nienke Creemers, and founder of wellness lifestyle brand Thy.self, Chloé Pierre, in discussing the growing appeal of ‘soft living’ – a movement where people seek fulfilment beyond their career and financial accomplishments. Our conversation delves into the origins of this trend, the resistance it encounters from older generations and various communities, and strategies for brands to adapt to consumers' growing interest in adopting a slower-paced lifestyle.
Fri, February 02, 2024
CES 2024: Insights & Trends
In this episode, we delve into some of the key themes and exciting products that caught our attention at CES 2024 in Las Vegas (January 9-12). From ground-breaking AI advancements to impressive displays of emerging technologies, CES 2024 showcased the future of consumer electronics. Our Consumer Attitudes team talk about the main themes they observed – such as the widespread presence of artificial intelligence and its integration with mobility, building trust in technology, and the importance of brands addressing sustainability and larger global issues.
Thu, December 07, 2023
Key Trends for 2024
On this episode we look ahead to 2024 and explore some of the key trends that Stylus experts think every brand needs to know about next year. We speak to four Stylus experts – across Consumer Attitudes, Technology, Fashion, and Food & Beverage – about the reports they produced for Stylus's annual Look Ahead series. In the Look Ahead, Stylus reveals 30 emerging trends that take in changing consumer motivations, global marketplace shifts, and nascent innovation across multiple industries, and draw out the key actionable insights that will inform your business decisions in the next 12 months and beyond.
Mon, August 14, 2023
Embracing the New Era of Spirituality
In this episode, we talk to Alexander Alich – founder and director of the FoxFire Institute of Shamanic Studies, and a doctoral researcher looking into the experiences and practices of western shamanic practitioners. Alexander discusses the increasing rise of shamanism (now the fastest-growing religion in the UK), and how this burgeoning spiritual interest may stem from current concerns around eco-anxiety and a need to reconnect with the natural world. Also joining us is Emilia Morano-Williams, Stylus’ senior trends editor for Consumer Attitudes and Technology, to explore key insights emerging from our recent report, Redefining Faith: Spirituality’s Next Chapter.
Thu, June 08, 2023
How to Buy an NBA Team (With Crypto)
In this episode, we talk to Flex Chapman, co-creator of Krause House – a DAO (decentralised autonomous organisation) with a dream of buying an NBA sports team. Flex discusses Krause House’s ambitious mission to disrupt the traditional and exclusive sports ownership model through sales of social and non-fungible tokens – finally giving power back to the basketball fan community, and bringing the first ever fan-governed team to the NBA. Also joining us is Mandy Saven, Stylus’ Content Director, to discuss the key insights emerging from our latest report, The New Sports-Leisure Landscape.
Thu, May 04, 2023
Designing for Disability
In this episode, we talk to Mark Barlet, founder of AbleGamers, a US non-profit dedicated to improving accessibility in the video game space. Mark discusses the challenges and opportunities of combating social isolation through play, and offers brands advice on amplifying the call for greater accessibility across all industries. Also joining us are Stylus’s senior editor of Pop Culture & Media, Annie Corser, and head of Product Design, Dewi Pinatih, to discuss our latest Macro Trend series of reports, Disability Futures.
Tue, March 28, 2023
SXSW 2023: Key Trends & Insights
In this episode, we talk to Alanna Roazzi-Laforet, founder of Decrypt Studios – a production studio dedicated to bringing artists, designers and thinkers to the metaverse. Also joining us are Stylus’ Annie Corser, senior editor of Pop Culture & Media, and Julia Errens, senior Pop Culture correspondent, to discuss the key trends and insights that emerged from this year’s SXSW festival (March 10-19).
Tue, February 21, 2023
Future of Healthcare: Personalised MedTech
In this episode, we talk to Anna Blakney, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia in the Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering. Anna runs a lab developing next-gen RNA vaccines and therapies, and we discuss her work and the future of personalised medicine. Also joining us is Emilia Morano-Williams, Stylus’s senior editor of Consumer Attitudes and Technology, to talk through the latest medtech innovations.
Fri, December 09, 2022
Rethinking the Over-50s: What Brands Need to Know
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Clinton, author and former president of Hearst Magazines. Michael discusses his book Roar , a blueprint for taking your life in a new direction post-50, and what businesses need to know about the needs and ambitions of modern Gen X and Boomer consumers. Also joining us is Katie Baron, content director at Stylus, to bring us up to speed on the key trends that will impact retail and brand comms in 2023.
Thu, October 27, 2022
Creativity in a Volatile World with WeTransfer
In this episode, we’re joined by Damian Bradfield, co-founder and chief creative officer of global file-sharing platform WeTransfer. He discusses the brand’s work with artists and creatives, as well as its current research – the Ideas Report and the Emerging Creative Hubs Index – that shines a light on trends driving the creator economy. The episode also features Emily Gordon-Smith, Stylus’ content director and sustainability lead, exploring the key looks and trends from this year’s Fashion Week shows.
Mon, September 05, 2022
The End of Consumerism?
Jon Alexander, co-founder of the New Citizenship Project, joins the podcast to discuss his book, Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us. It argues that humans are collaborative, creative, caring citizens by nature, and brands and governments need to stop treating us as simple consumers. Lisa Payne, Stylus’ head of Beauty, also joins to talk about the latest innovations in the beauty sector.
Tue, August 16, 2022
Cost of Living: How Brands Can Make a Difference
Ben Downing, global managing director of ethical media strategic partnerships at Havas Media Group, discusses the latest Havas Meaningful Brands report, and how companies can help consumers struggling with the global impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Marian Berelowitz, US senior editor at Stylus, also joins us to talk about the current state of diversity and inclusion in advertising and media.
Mon, July 25, 2022
What Does it Mean to Be ‘Woke’ in 2022?
Journalist and author Dorian Lynskey joins Future Thinking to talk about his podcast series Origin Story, in which he explores the meaning behind key political and cultural terminology – including ‘woke’. And Julia Errens, Stylus’s Pop Culture & Media editor, discusses the upcoming Barbie movie.
Tue, April 26, 2022
Marketing Imperatives in a Post-Covid World
Molly Baker, founder and chief executive of US marketing agency Indie Consulting, discusses key marketing necessities every brand needs to understand to drive growth in a post-Covid world. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, April 05, 2022
Innovations Changing the World with the Tony Blair Institute
Jess Northend, policy lead at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, joins Future Thinking to explore innovations that are changing the world – from AI to biotech to crypto – and how brands and organisations can keep up with the pace of change. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, March 22, 2022
SXSW 2022 Special
Future Thinking was in Austin, Texas last week for the annual SXSW festival, where we spoke with brands including extended reality (XR) specialists Spatial, wireless tech giant Qualcomm, and the Human Rights Foundations, and a host of start-ups showcasing their innovations at the SXSW Creative Expo. Also featuring insights on key SXSW trends from Stylus experts.
Tue, March 01, 2022
The State of Tech with Benedict Evans
Benedict Evans, independent analyst, and former partner at US venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, joins us to discuss the state of tech in 2022 – covering everything from crypto and privacy to the metaverse and beyond. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, February 22, 2022
Culturally Diverse Engagement with H&M
Donna Dozier Gordon, head of inclusion & diversity at H&M, joins us to discuss the retail brand’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) work, why it makes both ethical and commercial sense, and how socially conscious Gen Z consumers are reshaping the cultural landscape. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and the Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, February 15, 2022
Bruce Daisley on the Future of Work
Bruce Daisley, ex-VP EMEA at Twitter – now host of the business podcast Eat Sleep Work Repeat and author of The Joy of Work – joins us to discuss the future of the workplace post-pandemic. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Thu, December 09, 2021
Forecasting the Future with Ford
Ford’s chief futurist Sheryl Connelly discusses the automotive brand’s 2022 Trend Report, which explores the macro trends set to shape the next few decades of consumer engagement. From the future of family to work and socialising, Connelly reveals how businesses can embrace the power and potential of change. We also examine the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Thu, November 25, 2021
China Trends for 2022
Manya Koetse, editor-in-chief of What’s On Weibo, and Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, discuss key tech, media and consumer trends in China – from what’s shaking up e-commerce, to opportunities in social media engagement. We also explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, November 09, 2021
The Truth About Gen Z with Kelsey Weekman
Kelsey Weekman, editor at Yahoo’s youth culture platform In The Know, reveals the secrets to successfully engaging with Gen Z. Also on the show, Kimberly Joi McDonald, founder of interior design firm Designing Joi, discusses how she advocates for diversity and inclusion in design; and we explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Tue, November 02, 2021
Better Brand Purpose with Ben & Jerry’s
Kerry Thorpe, head of communications at Ben & Jerry’s, discusses all aspects of the ice-cream company’s activist mission – from balancing purpose and playfulness, to ensuring brand fans are engaged long-term. Also, Carlos Silis, founder of Mexican marketing firm The Moonshot Company, talks digital strategy; and we explore the Innovation of the Week and The Next Big Opportunity with Stylus experts.
Thu, October 21, 2021
Key Trends for 2022
A special edition of Future Thinking exploring key trends that will impact brands and consumers in 2022. Amanda Ho, CEO of conscious travel platform Regenerative Travel, and Sam Field, Director of Creative Technology at Yahoo Creative Studios, offer insight and inspiration for the year ahead; and Stylus experts discuss Stylus’s Look Ahead 2022 series of reports.
Tue, October 05, 2021
Tackling Toxic Tech with Paul Carr
Paul Carr – tech journalist, author, and co-founder of Chairman Mom, an online community for working women – gets real about the state of Silicon Valley and tells us why and how we need to combat the problem of toxic tech. We also talk to gender-free fashion platform The Phluid Project and identify this week’s next big consumer opportunity for brands.
Tue, September 28, 2021
Charles Arthur on Social Warming
Charles Arthur, ex-technology editor of The Guardian, discusses his new book Social Warming: The Dangerous and Polarising Effects of Social Media. We also talk about the bottom-line benefits of touting your sustainable credentials with UK platform Compare Ethics, and find out how the BeBot is cleaning up US beaches.
Tue, July 20, 2021
Reinventing Social Media
In this episode, Stylus speaks to Rex Woodbury, principal at Index Ventures, and Julia Errens, Editor of Pop Culture & Media at Stylus, about the reinvention of social media in the post-pandemic era.
Tue, June 29, 2021
Key Trends in Podcasting
In this episode, Stylus talks to James Cridland, editor of Podnews, about the current and future state of podcasting: how the pandemic has changed listening behaviours, what brands need to know about getting into podcasting, future trends in audio, and much more.
Thu, June 17, 2021
The Best Stuff on the Internet
In this episode, Stylus speaks with Matt Muir, communications consultant and creator of Web Curios (a weekly newsletter that spotlights the most interesting stuff online), to discuss how brands and creatives can take inspiration from internet culture for their own work.
Tue, June 08, 2021
How to Fix the News
In this episode, Stylus talks to Lindsey Wehking, Associate Director of Strategy at Nonfiction, about one of the biggest issues of our time: how to make sense of the world when news, journalism and communication in general has become toxic and divisive.
Wed, June 02, 2021
What Brands Need to Know About Latinx Consumers
In this episode, Stylus talks to Ana Flores, founder of We All Grow Latina, a network of young Latina creators and entrepreneurs. Ana discusses how marketers can evolve their engagement with Latinx communities, and what brands need to know about today’s young Latinx consumers.
Tue, May 25, 2021
How Creative Conflict Can Boost Your Business
In this episode, Stylus talks to Ian Leslie, journalist and author of Conflicted: Why Arguments Are Tearing Us Apart And How They Can Bring Us Together. Ian discusses how conflict can be a good thing for your business. With Estella Shardlow – Senior Editor of Consumer Lifestyle, Stylus.
Tue, May 18, 2021
Adapting to the Pace of Change
In this episode Stylus talks to Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious, about adapting to the pace of change as a brand. When technology, media and culture move so fast, how do you actually grab the opportunities out there and make tangible use of them?
Tue, May 11, 2021
Turning Passions into Businesses
In this episode, Stylus talks to Jaime Schmidt, founder of deodorant and personal care brand Schmidt’s Naturals, about turning passions into businesses, and the skills and strategies that brand founders need to know.
Tue, May 04, 2021
Gaps in the Market – Five Consumer Challenges that Brands Need to Solve
This episode features five brilliant thought-leaders – Michael Miraflor, Josh Constine, Jarrod Dicker, Cherie Hu, and Sam Freedman – answering the question: what’s a consumer problem or challenge that you don’t think has been solved yet? What their answers reveal are consumer pain points that need to be addressed – essentially, unlocking new markets and roadmaps for brand growth. With additional comment from Stylus analysts.
Tue, April 13, 2021
The Business of Post-Pandemic Wellness
In this episode Stylus talks to Rick Stollmeyer, co-founder of Mindbody about the business of wellbeing. What new opportunities for consumers and brands are emerging in the post-pandemic fitness and wellness space? With Estella Shardlow, senior editor of Consumer Lifestyle – Stylus.
Tue, April 06, 2021
Decoding the Post-Covid Traveller
In this episode, Stylus talks to Jimmy Carroll, co-founder of Pelorus. Jimmy discusses the state of post-Covid travel – what kinds of experiences will consumers want as vacationing returns to the agenda? With Mandy Saven, Director of Consumer Lifestyle at Stylus.
Tue, March 30, 2021
Why Sex is a Self-Care Essential
In this episode, Stylus talks to Sam Freedman, co-founder and CEO of Curate Beauty, about how sexual wellness is becoming a booming industry, and the opportunities it offers for beauty brands in particular. With Lisa Payne, Senior Editor of Beauty at Stylus.
Tue, March 23, 2021
The NFT Opportunity
In this episode, Stylus is joined by Robby Yung, chief executive of Animoca and Stephen Graves, UK managing editor of Decrypt Media, to discuss NFTs, or non-fungible tokens: what are they, why are they taking off right now, and what can brands do with them?
Tue, March 16, 2021
Sex After Covid: New Pleasure Priorities
In this episode, Stylus talks to Liz Klinger, co-founder and CEO of sex tech company Lioness, about how the pandemic has affected consumers’ sex lives. With Elspeth Taylor, Consumer Attitudes & Technology Assistant Editor at Stylus.
Tue, March 09, 2021
Gut Health: 2021's Key Wellness Imperative
In this episode, Stylus talks to Lisa & Alana Macfarlane, founders of The Gut Stuff, about gut health, and why consumers are clamouring for products and advice on supporting their microbiomes. With Laura Swain – Food & Beverage editor at Stylus.
Tue, March 02, 2021
The Psychology of Fun
In this episode, Stylus talks to Dr Travis Oh, assistant professor of Marketing at Yeshiva University, about the psychology of fun: how can brands help consumers seek happiness in these troubled times? With Elspeth Taylor, Consumer Attitudes & Technology assistant editor at Stylus.
Tue, February 09, 2021
Nurturing New Talent for a Fashion Industry in Flux
In this episode, Stylus talks to Shanu Walpita, lecturer in Fashion Communication & Innovation at the London College of Fashion, and Keanan Duffty, associate professor of Fashion at The New School in New York, about how fashion education is undergoing a radical makeover. With Emily Gordon-Smith, director of Consumer Product at Stylus.
Tue, February 02, 2021
The Past, Present & Future of Super Bowl Ads
In this episode, Stylus talks to Tim Nudd, editor in chief of Muse by Clio, which is part of the Clio Awards (the annual advertising awards programme) about the Super Bowl and the past, present and future of Super Bowl advertising.
Tue, January 26, 2021
Understanding Fundamental Consumer Needs
In this episode, Stylus is joined by Fiona Atzler, Senior Director at global strategy and innovation consultancy Egg Strategy, to discuss how brands and businesses can navigate complexity in the year ahead by understanding – and acting on – fundamental consumer needs.
Tue, January 19, 2021
What’s Next for Media and Publishing?
In this episode, Stylus is joined by Jarrod Dicker, VP of commercial technology and development at the Washington Post, to discuss the current and future state of media, journalism and publishing.
Tue, January 12, 2021
Are Robots the Future of Mental Healthcare?
In this episode, Stylus is joined by Alison Darcy, founder and CEO of Woebot, to discuss how our mental health needs are increasingly being served by artificially intelligent bots.
Tue, December 15, 2020
Trinny Woodall on Stress-Busting Beauty
In this episode, Stylus is joined by Trinny Woodall – beauty entrepreneur and Insta-influencer, and previously one half of fashion makeover team Trinny & Susannah – to discuss how the beauty industry is taking on the challenge of de-stressing consumers. With Lisa Payne, Senior Beauty Editor, Stylus.
Tue, December 08, 2020
Gen Z Fashion: New Rules of Engagement
In this episode, Christian Ward is joined by Hasna Kourda, founder of 'digital wardrobe' app Save Your Wardrobe, and Katie Baron, director of Consumer Engagement at Stylus, to discuss Gen Z fashion and retail trends – specifically the use of new tech tools that encourage more conscious consumerism.
Tue, November 17, 2020
Thomas Heatherwick on the Power of Biophilia
In this episode, Christian Ward is joined by designer Thomas Heatherwick and Stylus’s senior editor of Product Design Dewi Pinatih to discuss the power of biophilia – how nature can contribute to better workplaces, buildings and cities.
Tue, November 10, 2020
Can ‘Made to Order’ Save Fashion?
The fashion industry is in a state of flux, but new digitally driven innovations are pushing it forward. In this episode, Christian Ward talks to Ben Demiri, co-founder and CEO of PlatformE , and Saisangeeth Daswani, head of Advisory – Fashion, Beauty & APAC at Stylus, about how made-to-order technology is shaking things up.
Tue, November 03, 2020
The Rise of the Creator Economy
We’re in the middle of a revolution in consumer creativity, driven by platforms like TikTok , Twitch , Patreon , Substack and OnlyFans . In this episode, Christian Ward talks to Josh Constine, Principal Investor & Head of Content at early stage venture capital firm SignalFire , and Julia Errens, Pop Culture & Media Editor at Stylus, about what’s fuelling this creativity renaissance, and how brands can play a part.
Tue, October 27, 2020
How Brands are Powering-Up Voter Participation
At this year’s Stylus Trends Intelligence Summit (Oct 20-22), Christian Ward hosted a conversation on the responsibilities that brands have in taking a stand and impacting their communities. Four industry thought leaders offered penetrating insights on how to make a difference, with particular focus on the upcoming US election, but also looking at many of the other issues that have impacted society over the course of this challenging year.
Tue, October 20, 2020
What Happened to the Big Idea in Advertising?
Has advertising, in the age of programmatic placement, big data and hyper-personalisation, lost sight of the “big creative idea”? Christian Ward talks to Michael Miraflor, a marketing consultant whose previous roles include Global Head of Futures & Innovation at Blue 449, a Publicis Media agency. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the International Radio and Television Society and is a contributor to MediaPost and Luxury Daily.
Tue, October 13, 2020
The Future of Music
In this time of global uncertainty what does the future hold for the music industry? Christian Ward talks to Cherie Hu, founder of Water + Music about how the industry is changing in response to the pandemic, what that means for artists and performers and how brands can play their part.
Tue, September 22, 2020
The New Rules of Online Community-Building
Consumers are turning away from big, open social media platforms towards more personal, private community spaces. In this episode Christian Ward talks to Greg Isenberg, co-founder of Late Checkout about what this means for brands, consumers and start-ups alike.
Tue, August 04, 2020
Why Inclusivity is the Future for Food Brands
Today we take a look at the racism pervading the food industry and why it’s critical that brands foster an inclusive food culture for all consumers. Emilia Morano-Williams talks to academic, journalist and artist Anna Sulan Masing and chef, author and activist Zoe Adjonyoh about what it means to decolonise the food industry and the importance of multiple narratives.
Tue, July 28, 2020
Beauty Brands in the BLM Era: The Inclusivity Imperative
African and Caribbean women reportedly spend about 80% more on cosmetics and double the amount on skincare as their non-Afro Caribbean counterparts, and yet are still underserved in this market. Christian Ward talks to Founder of SevenSix Agency Charlotte Williams and Stylus’ Senior Beauty Editor Lisa Payne about the beauty brands getting it right and the how others can follow suit.
Tue, July 21, 2020
Disrupt the Status Quo: Transformative Storytelling for Brands and Business Leaders
How do you create a culture of inclusion and be a better leader in these challenging times? Christian Ward talks to founder of The New Quo Christina Blacken, and Stylus’ Pop Culture & Media Editor Julia Errens about how narrative intelligence drives behaviour, why inequality is stifling innovation and the potential of transformational leadership.
Tue, July 14, 2020
Get Your House in Order: Fostering Inclusive Culture in Business
How can brands and marketers take action to support Black Lives Matter in meaningful, long-term ways? Christian Ward talks to marketing consultant Sonia Thompson and strategic marketing consultant Lexie Perez about the work that needs to be done internally to support deeper structural change, and why your team needs to look like the people you’re serving.
Tue, July 07, 2020
Racial Bias in Technology
With some tech giants now stepping away from facial recognition because inherent bias, what is and can be done to address this critical issue? Emilia Morano Williams talks to founder and CEO of AI for the People Mutale Nkonde about how racial bias is contaminating AI and what a racially inclusive future for tech could look like.
Tue, June 30, 2020
Gen Z Revolutions: How to Reach the Activist Generation
How are Gen Z reacting to this extraordinary year? Christian Ward talks to founder of Gen Z insights agency Imagen, Jay Richards about the brands winning respect by investing in social causes, and how they can be the ones to maintain the momentum of now and demand long-term change.
Tue, June 23, 2020
Brands & Black Lives Matter: How to be More Than Just an Ally
How can brands put themselves on the line to become more than just an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement? Christian Ward speaks to journalist Ernest Owens and Director of Creative Strategy at Vox Media Amber Davis about how to move beyond lip-service to bring about the systemic changes needed.
Tue, June 02, 2020
Innovation in a Crisis: How Brands Can Emerge Stronger
Is it possible for businesses to emerge from the coronavirus crisis stronger and more resilient than before? Christian Ward talks to founder of Plan, Kevin McCullagh about the challenges all business must navigate to adapt to the current crisis.
Tue, May 26, 2020
How to Navigate China’s Post-Pandemic Retail Landscape
What are the concerns of Chinese consumers and how are they shifting as the country re-opens following Covid-19 lockdown? Emilia Morano-Williams talks to Nancy Zhang, head of partnerships for China-focused ecommerce company BorderX Lab, and Saisangeeth Daswani, Stylus’ Advisory Head of Fashion, Beauty and APAC, about what international brands should know before entering the market, the history of revenge buying and what messaging will resonate with Chinese consumers post-pandemic.
Tue, May 19, 2020
Wellbeing in the Age of Coronavirus
How is coronavirus shifting our approach to wellbeing in lockdown and beyond? Christian Ward talks to founder if St Iris, Sanela Lazic and Stylus’ senior Beauty editor Lisa Payne about the integral role that beauty can play in our quest for balance, happiness and respite.
Tue, May 12, 2020
Tapping the Consumer Subconscious
How can brands get to grips with their customers’ subconscious behaviour – and why do they need to? Christian Ward talks to CEO of Neuro-Insight Shazia Ginai and Kate Johnson, Stylus’ senior editor of Technology and Consumer Attitudes about the gap between perceived and actual behaviour, the importance of storytelling in prompting action and the ethics of tapping into the consumer subconscious.
Tue, May 05, 2020
What Does 'Clean Beauty’ Actually Mean?
Having shed its hippie roots, what does ‘clean beauty’ mean today? Christian Ward talks to wellness guru and founder of Romilly Wilde, Susie Willis and Lisa Payne, Stylus’ senior Beauty editor about what makes a product truly natural, the surplus ingredients to avoid and clean beauty in a post-pandemic world.
Tue, April 28, 2020
Sustainable Fashion in a Post-Pandemic World
Hailed as the sustainable saviour of the fashion industry, what do rental and re-sales look like in a post-pandemic world? Christian Ward talks to industry guru and chairman of resales venture My Wardrobe HQ, Jane Shepherdson, and Emily Gordon-Smith, Stylus’ director of Consumer Product about the brands diversifying and using their resources for good, giving consumers space to reflect on their choices and the longer-term future of sustainable fashion.
Tue, April 21, 2020
The Rise of Anti-Social Social Media
From TikTok challenges to Discord communities, the social media landscape is becoming increasingly nuanced - how can brands keep up and add value? Christian Ward talks to digital content expert and founder of SW Projects Sara Wilson about the value of tapping into niche groups, why now is the time for experimentation and the lasting impact of Covid-19 on digital content.
Tue, March 31, 2020
How Brands Can Work with Gen Z
Gen Z are a unique force, distinctly different to any previous demographic. In this episode Christian Ward talks to Jay Richards, founder of Imagen, and Katie Baron, Stylus’ Director of Brand Engagement about how to access brutally honest insights from this cohort, what status means to them and how to win their loyalty.
Tue, March 24, 2020
Luxury Beauty’s Meaningful Future
How can brands create products that truly resonate with luxury consumers? Christian Ward talks to founder of Veronique Gabai Beauty, Veronique Gabai and Stylus’ senior Beauty editor Lisa Payne about wellness, sensoriality and the quest for meaning in luxury beauty.
Tue, March 17, 2020
The Rise of the Sober-Curious
With almost half of the drinking-age public no longer drinking, shrewd brands are elevating low and no alcohol drinks beyond the everyday. Emilia Morano-Williams talks to founder of booze-free craft cocktail makers Curious Elixirs John Wiseman, and Stylus’ US trends analyst and resident mocktail enthusiast Emily Seger about what’s driving people to scale back on their drinking and how brands can build relationships with these teetotal consumers.
Tue, March 10, 2020
Trippy Care: How Psychedelics Can Improve Your Wellbeing
What’s driving the renaissance in psychedelic drug use, and what can brands do to get involved? Christian Ward talks to co-founder of psychedelic retreat Synthesis Myles Katz, and Stylus’ senior editor of Consumer Attitudes and Technology Kate Johnson about unleashing creativity, tapping the subconscious and - above all - avoiding the bad trip.
Tue, March 03, 2020
Four Fashion Trends for 2020 and Beyond
What are the forces shaping the fashion industry in 2020? Christian Ward talks to fashion expert and Stylus’ catwalks consultant Sue Evans and Stylus’ head of Consumer Product Emily Gordon-Smith about the four trends you need to know; from the future of catwalks and buying less to the menswear revolution and super-quiet luxury.
Thu, February 27, 2020
How can Brands Respond to Global Volatility?
From Brexit, to climate change, to the impact of the coronavirus, the only constant in world affairs right now is uncertainty. Christian Ward talks to journalists Janina Conboye of the Financial Times and Mary-Ann Russon of the BBC to explore how businesses can respond and adapt to the wider trends that are fuelling, and being fuelled by, this instability.
Tue, February 18, 2020
How Your Home Can Make You Healthier
In our hectic lives how can we ensure that our homes are optimised for wellbeing? Christian Ward talks to brand consultant and interiors guru Suzanne Imre and Stylus’ Product Design senior editor Dewi Pinatih about how we can turn our homes into sanctuaries for calm, and the opportunities this presents for brands.
Tue, January 28, 2020
Will Resales be Bigger than Fast Fashion?
The global resales industry has grown 21 times faster than the retail apparel market over the past three years, and brands are starting to take notice. Christian Ward talks to Andy Ruben, CEO of resales business Yerdle and Rebecca Hobbs, Stylus’ Retail editor about the drivers behind this paradigm shift in ownership and its potential to solve the crisis in fast fashion.
Wed, January 22, 2020
The Tech Trends to Watch: CES 2020
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas offers a peek at the products set to shape our future lives. Christian Ward talks to Imagination’s global creative technology director Simon Levitt and Stylus’ assistant editor of Technology and Consumer Attitudes Elspeth Taylor about the best of the tech they saw at the show this year, from the near-future of flexible screens and mixed-reality displays to the bleeding edge of flying cars and compostable batteries.
Tue, January 14, 2020
How to Seduce the Super Rich
In this episode, we take a look at the habits of the 1% – who are in reality a much smaller cohort than that. Tessa Mansfield talks to luxury and wealth specialist Winston Chesterfield and Stylus’ senior Product Design editor Dewi Pinatih about the crazy world of high, very high and ultra-high-net-worth consumers. Who are they, where are they, and how can brands woo them?
Tue, January 07, 2020
What is the Future of Luxury Travel?
What do holidays look like when money is no object? Christian Ward talks to Managing Director of luxury concierge company Quintessentially Travel, Jenny Graham and Stylus’ Assistant Editor of food & beverage, travel & hospitality Laura Swain about the trends fuelling the future of luxury destination travel, and the art of crafting truly high-end travel experiences.
Tue, December 17, 2019
Is Drone Racing the Sport of the Future?
Sitting squarely between the physical and digital arenas, drone racing is quickly becoming a world-class sport. Christian Ward talks to Nicholas Horbaczewski, CEO & founder of The Drone Racing League and Claire Murray, Stylus’ advisory strategist about the phenomenon that’s enticing world-class pilots to take part and tens of millions of people globally to tune in, and the opportunities to get involved.
Tue, December 10, 2019
Who Are the World's Top Brands?
2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Ranking. Christian Ward talks to the company’s Global Chief Learning & Culture Officer Rebecca Robins and Stylus’ Media & Marketing Editor about what makes a great brand now and how that is set to change in the future.
Tue, December 03, 2019
The Future of Travel
What does the future of travel look like in a world where a new generation of travelers are demanding a more diverse, hands-on, eco-conscious set of experiences? Christian Ward talks to David Plotz, CEO of Atlas Obscura and Emilia Morano-Williams, Stylus’ assistant editor about the cross-generational quest for intellectual experiences, the appeal of dark tourism and where this desire for adventure is heading.
Tue, November 12, 2019
How Soil Can Save the World
While it’s not something that gets a great deal of attention, soil really does have the potential to halt the climate crisis. Christian Ward talks to farmer, coder and physicist Abby Rose, and Stylus’ Head of Food & Beverage, Travel & Hospitality Mandy Saven about the little-discussed key to our planet's survival, and what we can do as businesses and consumers to help.
Tue, November 05, 2019
Brands as Change Leaders: Decoded Future Panel
Companies who place purpose at the heart of their brand are reaping the rewards of loyal customers as well as piece of mind. In an inspiring panel recorded live from Decoded Future New York, Christian Ward talks to the brands leading the way in terms of sustainability and social impact - Ben & Jerry’s, Airbnb, Patagonia and Vita Coco. They share their lessons learned and insights behind what it means to effect change.
Tue, October 29, 2019
The Supercharged Store: In-Conversation @ Decoded Future
A new type of omni-intelligent technology is bridging the gap between e-commerce and in-store shopping. In a conversation from Decoded Future New York, Stylus’ head of Retail Katie Baron talks to co-founder and CEO of Neighbourhood Goods Matt Alexander about the retailers powering immersive, seductive self-made shopping environments.
Tue, October 22, 2019
How E-Waste Will Create the Next Gold Rush
As natural resources run out the commercial opportunities of waste as a readily-available alternative are being unlocked by innovative businesses like Lylie's, which creates fine jewellery out of gold salvaged from e-waste. Christian Ward talks to founder Eliza Walter and Stylus contributing editor Sioban Imms about the realities of creating covetable products with a conscience, making things to be un-made and responsibility as an expectation.
Tue, October 15, 2019
Inclusivity Matters: How Brands Can Get It Right
How can brands generate authentic experiences for hyper-diverse audiences? Christian Ward discusses the important issues around inclusivity and connecting with Muslim women with Kate Johnson, Stylus’ senior editor of consumer attitudes & technology and Nafisa Bakkar, co-founder of Amaliah - a content platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Muslim women.
Tue, October 08, 2019
Can Design Weeks Ever be Sustainable?
Coinciding with the global climate strike, London’s latest Design Festival referenced sustainability as one its key themes - but did its actions really measure up? Christian Ward talks to Stylus’ Senior Product Design Editor Dewi Pinatih and designer, curator and editor of London Design Guide Max Fraser about the feasibility and future of design weeks in a time of climate crisis.
Tue, October 01, 2019
How Brands Can Keep Up with Online Culture
This week we take a look at the state of online culture and the trends that brands should be paying the most attention to, including meme mechanics, the gaming opportunity and trolling as an engagement strategy. Christian Ward talks to Chris McCrudden, Senior Planner at Edelman and Julia Errens, Stylus’ Media & Marketing Editor about the ever-evolving cultural conversation and how brands can ever hope to keep up.
Tue, September 10, 2019
Why Artifice, Illusion and Personal Avatars Will Electrify Future Retail
How can brands tap into the consumer desire for artifice and illusion, and how does this desire marry with the pursuit of authenticity? Christian Ward talks to Head of Strategy at BBH Ben Shaw and Katie Baron, Stylus’s Head of Retail about the opportunities of immersive mixed realities, the rise of AI avatars and the symbiotic relationship between retail and gaming.
Tue, September 03, 2019
Scent for Wellbeing: Five Future Fragrance Trends
Thanks to leaps in neuroscience and cognitive understanding, scent is moving beyond the cosmetic to something that can augment our physical and mental health. Christian Ward talks to fragrance specialist Lizzie Ostrom (AKA Odette Toilette) and Stylus’ senior beauty editor Lisa Payne about the five trends set to change the face of fragrance.
Tue, August 27, 2019
The Future of Mixed-Reality
What will happen when digital content escapes the confines of the 2D screens of today and creates an interactive layer all around us? Christian Ward talks to spatial computing pioneer and founder of argodesign Mark Rolston and Stylus’ consumer attitudes and technology senior editor Stephen Graves about how brands can unlock the creativity needed for a world where every instance is an opportunity to connect with their consumer.
Tue, August 20, 2019
Beyond Body Positivity: Why Brands Need to Shape Inclusive Representation
The plus size market is worth $21 billion globally – and yet most brands are still missing the mark when it comes to truly inclusive body representation. Christian Ward talks to author and editor Bethany Rutter and Stylus’ media & marketing editor Julia Errens about the necessity of cultural exposure, who gets to have a narrative and how we can move from positivity to inclusivity.
Tue, August 13, 2019
How Gen Z Will Change Food Culture
Sober-curious, flexitarian, keto or vegan, Gen Z are pushing the boundaries as never before when it comes to their diets. Christian Ward talks to flavour consultant and Masterchef champion Steven Wallis and Stylus’ head of food, beverage, travel & hospitality Mandy Saven about the impact this generation are set to have on the future of food, what brands can do to get ahead and what exactly is moon milk?
Tue, August 06, 2019
Why We Need to Talk About the Menopause
By 2020 more than 50 million US women will be 51 or older - the average age of the menopause - and yet this market remains underserved by mainstream brands – why? Christian Ward talks to founder of MegsMenopause , Meg Mathews and Lisa Payne, Stylus’ senior beauty editor about why all brands need to be aware of the needs and concerns of older consumers, and the opportunities for engagement in this traditionally neglected market.
Tue, July 16, 2019
Luxury For All: How Sharing will Shape the Future
How can luxury brands adapt to increasing consumer desire to rent rather than own products, and express their identities in more fluid and personalised ways? Stylus’ Tessa Mansfield talks to Henrietta Thompson, co-founder of luxury design rental platform Harth, and Ella McDougal, Stylus’ product design researcher about the practical need for temporary things, living more lightly and the end of ownership.
Tue, July 09, 2019
Fashion’s Digital Future
Will we soon live in a world where people are willing to pay for clothes that only exist in digital form? Christian Ward talks to Kerry Murphy, founder of digital fashion house The Fabricant, and Stylus’ assistant fashion editor Lianne Piroddi about virtual value, the notion of ownership and the reality of fashion’s digital future.
Tue, July 02, 2019
Controversy, Craft and Crucibles of Innovation: Key Trends from Cannes Lions 2019
Now in its 66th year, the Cannes Lions festival of creativity brings together creatives and storytellers from across advertising and marketing for a week of thought-leadership and networking. Fresh from the festival, Stylus’ consumer attitudes and technology senior editor Stephen Graves and Havas Group’s chief insights and analytics officer Maria Garrido talk to Christian Ward about the controversy surrounding this year’s event, the growing responsibilities of the industry and what emerging markets can teach us about innovation.
Tue, June 25, 2019
How CBD Is Fuelling the Anxiety Economy
CBD has burst onto the consumer scene, promising to soothe nerves, erase insomnia and even improve your sex life – but what is it and how can brands harness its moment? Christian Ward talks to Stylus’ US trends reporter and resident CBD expert Emilia Morano-Williams and Marisa Schwab, co-founder of CBD wellness brand The Chillery about the hype, the misconceptions and the opportunities of this much-discussed compound.
Tue, June 18, 2019
Is there a Future For Packaging?
Busy lifestyles, evolving shopping habits and consumer demand for sustainable solutions are throwing up countless challenges for packaging design. Christian Ward talks to luxury packaging consultant Vincent Villeger and Stylus’ product design senior editor Dewi Pinatih about how brands can balance function, brand story and sustainability.
Tue, June 11, 2019
The Traveller’s Guide to Sustainability: Decoded Future Panel
As demand for sustainable travel continues to snowball, travel and hospitality brands are creating inventive eco-concepts that offer guests increased flexibility and comfort. In a panel from Stylus’ Decoded Future event in London, journalist Deborah Cicurel talks to Stylus’ Head of Food & Beverage, Travel & Hospitality, Mandy Saven, founder of Bouteco, Juliet Kinsman and Aaron Hocking, managing director EMEA of Intrepid Group about how brands can win in this space.
Tue, June 04, 2019
What Makes Brands and Broadcasters 'Friends with Benefits'?
The co-mingling of retail and media is an essential sweet spot for brands right now. Christian Ward talks to broadcaster, journalist and producer of The Collector’s House (Matches Fashion’s podcast) Danielle Radojcin, and Stylus’ Head of Retail Katie Baron about how to harness tech’s audio moment, the prestige of creating a cultural archive and finding your niche.
Tue, May 14, 2019
What our Stuff Says About Us
In an age of ‘peak stuff’, can we become more mindful of our consumption by measuring the things that we touch? Christian Ward talks to author and ethnographer Paula Zuccotti and Stylus’ Consumer Attitudes and Technology researcher Elspeth Taylor about looking beyond demographics to engage with consumers on a deeper level.
Tue, May 07, 2019
Extinction Rebellion: How to Harness the Momentum
A more responsible outlook is now imperative for business and consumers alike. Christian Ward talks to Sara Arnold, Extinction Rebellion coordinator and founder of Higher.Studio , and Stylus’ director of Consumer Product Emily Gordon Smith about activism, the future of consumption and why we need unprecedented mobilisation to save the world.
Tue, April 30, 2019
How to Create Passionate Brand Ambassadors
Is there still value in engaging with influencers? Are the days of celeb-endorsements over? And how do you turn your own employees into effective advocates? Christian Ward gets the answers to these questions and more from branding expert Professor Jonathan Wilson and Stylus’ Media & Marketing Editor Julia Errens.
Tue, April 23, 2019
Capturing Creative Magic: Key Trends from Milan Design Week
The leading event on the international design calendar, Milan Design Week is the biggest trade fair of its kind in the world. Christian Ward talks to festival regulars Caroline Jacob, CMF expert at Seymourpowell and Stylus’ senior Product Design editor Dewi Pinatih about the installations and brands that stood out this year, and how to create a truly memorable (and Instagramable) brand experience.
Tue, April 16, 2019
Why Brands Need to Put People First
In an age where many brands are disconnected from their customers, how can they win back that valuable connection? Christian Ward talks to author, speaker and head of innovation at Zenith Media Tom Goodwin and Stylus’s media & marketing editor Julia Errens about the new metrics that matter, what advertising can learn from music and why brands need to listen to their hearts.
Tue, April 09, 2019
How Indie Brands Are Disrupting the Beauty Industry
The beauty landscape is being upended by the demands of a new generation of savvy consumers – we call them the Skintellectuals. Christian Ward talks to Mark Curry & Colette Newbury, co-founders of Be For Beauty and Stylus’ senior beauty editor Lisa Payne about how to engage consumers in this era of information parity, and the lessons to take away from this fast industry in flux.
Tue, April 02, 2019
Beyond the Comfort Zone: Key Trends from SXSW
SXSW’s reputation as a barometer of tech culture has relevance for any brand, business or individual interested in the future of our digital lives. In this episode Christian Ward talks to festival regulars Neil Davidson, CEO of HeyHuman and Stylus’ Media & Marketing Editor Julia Errens about the key trends from this year.
Tue, March 12, 2019
Creating Designs for Life
How can we teach kids the skills they’ll need for jobs that don’t exist yet? How can designers create lasting products for consumers who want new things more than they need them? Christian Ward talks to CEO of Tech Will Save Us and Stylus’ Product Design senior editor Dewi Pinatih about the toys that are prepping Gen Alpha for their unknown future, and how thoughtful design can forge long-term relationships with products.
Tue, March 05, 2019
The Beauty of Self-Care
As the boundaries between health and beauty break down, brands and consumers will prioritise beauty from the inside out in 2019. Christian Ward talks to Managing Director of Rituals Penny Grivea and Stylus’ Senior Beauty Editor Lisa Payne about the rise of wellness and what's next for this booming sector.
Tue, February 26, 2019
Why Creatives are Quitting Our Cities
Rural areas, suburbs and exurbs are set to become the crucible for a new wave of creativity and development. Christian Ward talks to author and ethnographer Karen Rosenkranz and Stylus’ Consumer Lifestyle Senior Editor Stephen Graves about the impact and opportunities of this creative migration.
Tue, February 19, 2019
Surviving the Publishing Apocalypse
How can books win the attention of today’s distracted consumer? Christian Ward talks to author and journalist Molly Flatt and Stylus’ Media & Marketing Editor Julia Errens about the benefits of human curation and keeping things slow, the role for iteration in publishing and books as a tailor-made panacea for our times.
Tue, February 12, 2019
Democratising Flavour
2019 will see complexity of flavour enter the everyday sphere, moving further away from 'foodie elitism'. Christian Ward talks to the Tate’s Head of Coffee Thomas Haigh and Stylus’ Acting Head of Food, Beverage & Hospitality Anna Masing about democratisation and ethics at the table.
Tue, February 05, 2019
Why Physical Retail is Getting Real
2019 will be the year successful brands prove they have an eye on more than just a financial prize. Christian Ward talks to Senior Retail Project Director Craig White and Stylus’ Head of Retail Katie Baron about collaboration, wildcard retail and what club culture can teach us about creating cutting-edge retail destinations.
Mon, January 28, 2019
How Fashion is Mainstreaming Sustainability
2019 will be the year that sustainability truly goes mainstream in the fashion industry. Christian Ward talks to author Tamsin Blanchard and Stylus’ Director of Product Emily Gordon-Smith about who is driving the change and how brands and retailers can keep apace.
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