When it comes to AI and jobs, Boston University law professor James Bessen defined the terms of the debate in a 2015 paper published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
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Walker Smith, Author at Branding Strategy Insider
Bain publishes a good analysis every year of so-called insurgent brands in the U.S. FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) market. For the past few years, these small brands have captured a disproportionate share of annual growth. This year’s analysis reports that in 2025 insurgent brands accounted for 36% of aggregate growth across all FMCG categories, which seems pretty impressive given that they comprise an aggregate share of less than 2%.
Consumers are using AI as a brand hack. Which says as much about consumers as AI. None of which is good for brands absent significant innovation.
I am occasionally asked which metric I consider best for tracking consumers. There’s no hesitation with my answer. It’s new home starts. Let me explain why. First, what is it? The metric of new home starts is exactly what it sounds like—it’s the number of privately-owned homes that began construction in a given period of time. (I prefer monthly.)
From all my years in research and consulting, I think I’ve learned a thing or two about marketing worth sharing. Enduring fundamentals, mostly yet often overlooked. So, this year, I’m sharing some for your consideration. I hope they’re helpful. This week’s thought: Marketing is the conscience of business.