Lives of Tomorrow

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with Forecast Director Lisa White about Connected Creativity and why human connection, craft and shared experiences matter more as AI and digital life expand.

They explore how brands can respond to changing consumer needs through co-creation, sensory experiences and emotional design. Listen to discover how to spot emerging trends, create more meaningful brand experiences and use AI transparently without losing the human touch.

WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with VP of Creative Intelligence Andrea Bell about their White Paper on why Gen X is one of the most commercially important yet overlooked consumer groups today.

They explore how brands can better understand Gen X’s spending power, priorities and pressures across work, intergenerational families and the time crunch. Find out how to make this diverse group feel understood, respected and relaxed through food, alcohol, beauty, vacations and luxury experiences.

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with WGSN Head of Retail Forecasting Laura Saunter, about why service is becoming retail’s biggest differentiator where the human is becoming more valuable than ever.

They explore how AI is changing the role of store associates, why beauty is leading the way, and which customers and markets may shape the future of retail service. Listen in to find out how your customers want to feel, be seen and served.

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks with IWSR President and Managing Director Marten Lodewijks about how consumer behaviour is moving from excess to intention across beer, wine, spirits, ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic categories. 

Marten explains how wellness, inflation and generational change are reshaping beverage habits. They also explore why premiumisation still matters, where simplification is winning and why the best products are the ones people want to come back to. Hear why people still want enjoyment while increasingly wanting simpler choices, better quality and less friction.

In this episode, host Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN, is joined by Andrea Bell, Vice President of Creative Intelligence at WGSN, to explore the Sentient Consumer white paper. They discuss how GenAI will personalise shopping by 2028, the shift toward emotional and sensorial intelligence and the neurological impact of digital task-switching. Find out why the future of brand trust depends on integrating AI with human judgment.

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by WGSN Senior Commissioning Strategist of City by City Joanna McGinn to unpack how travel is transforming from passive escapes into meaningful journeys. They explore the forces reshaping the 2026 to 2029 travel landscape, including wellness, creative migration, noctourism and the growing demand for local connection.

If you are a brand, hotel and or retailer, find out how to meet travellers where they are and where they will be as they seek awe, friction and experiences that feel culturally rooted rather than globally standardised.

How are Millennial women’s priorities changing alongside their attitudes to wellness and beauty? WGSN and Grazia collaborated on The Generation Grazia report revealing what Millennial women want and strategies to address their needs meaningfully in the long-term. 

Grazia Editor-In-Chief Hattie Brett and WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discuss why so many women feel frustrated by companies marketing to a younger version of themself. Find out how brands can adapt to resonate with them through tangible solutions and capture their spending potential.

Luxury travel is emerging as a powerful growth engine as consumer spending shifts from traditional goods to meaningful, wellness-driven experiences. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Mandarin Oriental's Alex Schellenberger explore the transformation of the affluent consumer, the rise of "meaning-led" hospitality, and how heritage brands are leveraging AI and human expertise to redefine elite service in the modern era.

From the rise of meaning-led hospitality to the integration of AI in elite service, we explore how heritage brands are redefining relevance today where everyone wants to be recognised. Listen in to find out how generosity is the new luxury and how to empower recovery in the sector.

This episode is the second in a three-part series recorded live at Shoptalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi featuring our host, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and CEO of JOSEPH Barbara Campos. As part of our exploration into the Future Consumer 2028, Barbara shares her strategic vision for JOSEPH, discussing how the brand is navigating the shifting luxury landscape. 

They delve into the evolution of accessible luxury, the power of age-agnostic branding and how JOSEPH is strategically balancing its timeless heritage with the demands of a modern, global consumer. Join us to understand the values driving the future of the luxury sector.

This episode is the first in a series of conversations with leaders in luxury retail. Join WGSN CEO, Carla Buzasi and chairman of the board and co-founder of footwear brand Axel Arigato, Albin Johansson, at the ShopTalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi 2026.

They discuss the future of retail, diving deep into how modern brands are cultivating loyalty with Gen Z. Listen to uncover strategies for balancing aspirational design with accessible pricing, fostering powerful brand communities and future-proofing the retail experience for tomorrow’s consumer.

This interview was recorded prior to Albin's transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board. References to his role throughout reflect his position at the time of recording.