72. How I Built a "Human" Brand in the Age of AI
In this solo episode, Samantha unpacks one of the biggest branding questions of 2026: how to build a business that feels true to you—even with the rise of AI, templates, and overly polished digital trends. She draws from years of branding expertise and corporate campaigns (including time at TBWA) to explain what makes a brand truly stand out today. With real-life brand case studies like Walmart and Vera Bradley, she explores what works, what flops, and how to avoid becoming a “template” brand.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why your brand is more than visuals—it’s your identity and energy
How big brands are returning to their roots (and what you can learn from it)
What Vera Bradley got wrong in their rebrand
The impact of AI on brand voice and visibility
Why doing the deeper work before marketing is non-negotiable
A reminder that branding is human—and that’s what gives you power
Key Takeaway
If you want your marketing to stick in 2026 and beyond, your brand has to be a reflection of your unique essence. That’s what builds trust, creates connection, and cuts through all the noise—especially in an AI-dominated landscape.
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