Hi Reader

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, where Aldi snowploughs are saving stranded pub-goers, podcasts are moonlighting as TV shows and the Big Mac is now doubling as an economist. This update has it all – from millennials storming the C-suite to brands learning why being boring is very, very bad. So, grab a coffee (or a Big Mac, no judgment), and let’s find out more.

Enjoy!

Protecting entrepreneurs from burnout

With long hours, high stakes and often little support, business owners can face chronic stress that threatens not only their ventures but their wellbeing. This interesting story from The Conversation outlines why the ‘rise and grind’ culture could be counterproductive. It’s a reminder that sustainable success requires looking after the most valuable asset in any business: the founder.

Is it time to learn Mandarin?

The biggest social story this week is a marked shift in user behaviour. RedNote, the Chinese social platform, is experiencing a surge in new sign-ups as rumours as a potential TikTok ban in the US becomes increasingly likely. It’s made for some fascinating cultural exchanges and, for entrepreneurs, could prove useful for e-commerce opportunities.

At the same time, Meta’s decision to scale back its DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives has led to a sharp backlash, with Google searches for ‘delete Facebook’ skyrocketing by 5000%. Both events highlight a growing discontent with the social media giants, as users begin exploring alternative platforms and reconsidering their online loyalties.

Bing goes undercover

In other Google-related news, it looks like Microsoft has cloaked its search engine Bing in Google clothing. Presumably the idea is to trick inattentive searchers into sticking around and discovering Bing’s features – because, let’s face it, old habits die hard, and Google dominates the search game with over 80% of the market. So how did Bing do it? PC World has the story.

Why being boring can kill a business

Adam Morgan and Peter Field’s fascinating white paper manages to put a cost to the price of being dull. Based on IPA data, the report highlights how uninspiring advertising can drain effectiveness and lead to a huge amount of lost revenue and market share. For example, if you produce a lacklustre advertising campaign in the UK, it costs you roughly £10mn more in media spend to have the same commercial impact as an interesting one. Dullness doesn’t just cost you attention, it costs you results.

The rise of the millennial C-suite

LinkedIn’s 25 Ideas That Will Change the World in 2025 doesn’t contain many surprises for the canny entrepreneur but it does make a couple of interesting points. The one that caught my eye was that millennials are on the brink of overtaking Gen X in the C-suite globally. What kind of leadership style will this usher in – one that prioritises empathy and diversity, perhaps – and will it be better for business?

Aldi to the rescue

Here’s a smart example of responsive marketing that’s perfectly designed to get headlines: Aldi uses a snow plough to reach guests snowed in at Britain’s highest pub. In an era of VR trickery and high-concept experiential activations – like Apple’s brilliant promotion for the Severance show this week – it’s refreshing to see some old fashioned tabloid-style PR get an airing.

What the Big Mac can teach us about global economies

The Big Mac Index, created by The Economist, might seem like a quirky gimmick, but it’s a surprisingly insightful tool for understanding global economics. By comparing the price of a Big Mac in different countries, the index highlights purchasing power and currency valuation in a simple, digestible (sorry) way. The latest interactive version goes further, letting you explore the nuances of currency strength and cost-of-living disparities worldwide.

Why you should film every podcast you make

Podcasts are evolving into "superformats," blending long and short content that increasingly relies on video alongside audio. According to New York Magazine, the real cultural epicentre for podcasts in 2024 wasn’t Spotify or Apple – it was YouTube. As the go-to hub for podcasts-as-video, YouTube is transforming how audiences unearth and consume shows. If you’re not recording video or creating shareable clips of your podcast’s standout moments, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to expand your reach and tap into this new wave of content discovery.

When to switch leadership mode

Leadership shifts as your business grows. This framework breaks down the traits and styles that work best at each stage, making it easier to adapt and keep things moving forward.

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Drop me a line

As always, thanks for reading. Whether you’re rethinking your leadership style, plotting your next podcast move or just dreaming that you might get stranded in a pub one day, I hope something here lit a spark. Got a story, trend or curious insight you think belongs here? Hit me up – this newsletter is always better with a dose of your genius. Until next week, keep making things happen.

Cheers!
Adam

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