It’s 2026, and a lot of the things social media professionals have relied on for years are starting to break.

In this episode, I’m unpacking the biggest shifts I see coming for brand social teams as we head into a new year. From AI pressure and shrinking resources to the rebirth of creativity and storytelling, these aren’t surface-level predictions or trend-chasing takes. They are the real strategic shifts social leaders need to understand if they want to stay relevant, build influence, and actually drive brand value in the next era of social. If you are a social media manager, director, or content leader feeling the tension between algorithms, AI, leadership expectations, and creativity - this episode is your reset.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why social teams will be asked to do more with less and how to respond strategically
• How AI is changing content, platforms, and even word-of-mouth discovery
• The growing importance of long-form storytelling and YouTube for brands
• How fandom, community management, and real connection will separate winning brands
• My honest take on unhinged, Gen Z-style brand social and where it may be heading
• Why the most successful brands in 2026 will focus on being memorable, not just visible

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Episode #41