In this inaugural episode, Ana and Rei introduce the idea of product-led branding: what happens when a product is so good that it spins a brand out of it?

They discuss how products themselves—like Nike’s Moon Shoe and Levi’s 501 jeans—build brand identity through unique features and cultural appeal.

Five key elements of product-led branding are Value, Wear, Aesthetics, Narrative, and Fandom.

Ana and Rei also share their respective Hit Lists, a topic or item in culture that's occupying them at the moment.

• Watch us on YouTube

Follow Ana here:

• Newsletter "The Sociology of Business"
• New book "Hitmakers: How Brands Influence Culture"

Follow Rei here:

• Rei's LinkedIn
• Newsletter "The Intersection"
• Rei's global innovation firm I&CO