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The Speed of Culture Podcast
Access Granted: Amex’s Jessica Ling explains how the brand is redefining the new premium
In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with Jessica Ling, EVP of Global Advertising at American Express, to explore how Amex is redefining premium for a new generation. Jessica breaks down the shift from exclusivity to experiential access, how the brand consistently delivers emotional and rational value, and what it takes to build modern connection across culture, sports, entertainment, and travel. She also dives into AI and the future of commerce, the power of personalization and connected experiences, and the evolving role of creators and live sport in customer engagement and brand storytelling at scale.
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234. Hard Reset: How Lenovo is redefining AI PCs, edge computing, and trust
29:13||Season 1, Ep. 234In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Milo Speranzo, Chief Marketing Officer for Lenovo North America, live from CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Milo breaks down what it took to deliver Lenovo’s sold-out Sphere showcase, the product story behind AI PCs, servers, wearables, and Motorola, and why edge computing AI privacy now shapes a new hardware refresh cycle. The conversation also explores the Lenovo FIFA World Cup partnership, FootballAI analytics, and Milo’s leadership mantra for 2026: learn, iterate, and be a goldfish.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Milo Speranzo on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
233. Drivers Wanted (again): How Volkswagen balances automation with the human side of mobility
28:05||Season 1, Ep. 233In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton speaks with Rachael Zaluzec, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America. Rachael explains how the Volkswagen ‘Drivers Wanted’ campaign returns as a cultural statement about independence and identity. The conversation explores 2026 Automotive marketing trends, the role of AI in automotive customer experience, and how Volkswagen is blending heritage with modern technology while preparing for the future of autonomous driving Volkswagen strategy.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Rachael Zaluzec on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
232. Brand building: How Lowe's is transforming into a culture-driven, AI-powered lifestyle brand
31:41||Season 1, Ep. 232In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with Jennifer Wilson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Lowe’s, to examine how one of America’s largest retailers is executing a modern marketing strategy rooted in culture, experience, and long-term relevance. Jennifer breaks down Lowe’s brand transformation, from expanding beyond traditional home improvement into lifestyle and community, to using AI in home improvement retail, scaling creator partnerships, and building a powerful retail media network. The conversation offers a clear look at how brands evolve without losing trust, and what it takes to stay relevant as consumer behavior, technology, and culture continue to shift.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Jennifer Wilson on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
231. Power Circuit: How CES Fuses Tech, Culture, and Business into a Global Moment
24:02||Season 1, Ep. 231In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Melissa Harrison, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), live from CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Melissa breaks down how CES grew from a gadget showcase into a cross-industry business hub where enterprise innovation, media, creators, and global partnerships collide. They explore what it takes to build a 13-venue event at this scale, how CTA markets a two-sided marketplace of attendees and exhibitors, the rise of the creator economy at CES, and why AI at CES 2026 marks a turning point from theory to real-world application.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Melissa Harrison on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
230. Smart Bricks: How the LEGO Group is revolutionizing the iconic toy with screen-free interactive play
25:42||Season 1, Ep. 230In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Tom Donaldson, Senior Vice President and Head of Creative Play Lab at the LEGO Group, live from CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Tom introduces LEGO SmartPlay at CES 2026, a new platform powered by LEGO SMART Brick technology that allows LEGO creations to respond to how they are played with, all through interactive LEGO play without screens. The conversation explores LEGO System in Play innovation, long-cycle R&D product development, and how creativity and AI leadership shape the future of play.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Tom Donaldson on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
229. Digital glow-up: How Unilever blends AI, creators, and culture to build desire at scale
28:48||Season 1, Ep. 229In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits with Selina Sykes, VP and Global Head of Digital Marketing and Social-First, Unilever, Beauty & Wellbeing, for a deep look at the company’s marketing transformation. Selina breaks down how Brand DNAI, AI in content creation, digital twins, creators, and cultural insight come together to build “desire at scale.” She also explains how AI agents and agentic shopping will rewrite the future consumer journey, and why authenticity and community matter more than ever in global beauty.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Selina Sykes on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
227. Prompt shift: Top consumer AI trends reshaping search, shopping, and creativity in 2026
55:25||Season 1, Ep. 227In this special edition of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton shares his perspective on the Top consumer AI trends for 2026 and how they reshape daily life, commerce, and creativity. He explains how Consumer AI adoption behavior moves beyond work tools into search, shopping, health, and learning. This reflection covers the rise of the Gen Alpha AI generation, the shift toward a new AI-powered front door of the internet, the growth of Chat-based shopping, and why hyperpersonalization marketing becomes a basic expectation. Matt also explains why this moment signals AI and the end of the knowledge economy and what brands must prepare for next.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Matt Britton on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com
226. Flavor Forward: How Mondelēz keeps Oreo and Chips Ahoy relevant by staying ahead of the curve
25:18||Season 1, Ep. 226In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with Koen Burghouts, President of Sweet Snacking at Mondelēz International, to unpack how one of the world’s largest snack companies continues to grow through culture, speed, and conviction. Koen shares how Mondelēz marketing strategy connects brand, culture, partnerships, and AI to keep iconic brands like Oreo and Chips Ahoy relevant. They further explore Oreo marketing strategy, Chips Ahoy marketing strategy, and what modern leaders must understand about food and beverage brand marketing trends shaping the next decade.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Koen Burghouts on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com