In 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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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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In 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.

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In 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.

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In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with Dr. Eliza Filby, historian of generational change, bestselling author of Inheritocracy and Founder of The Generational Blueprint, to examine how work, identity, and power are being rewritten across generations. Eliza breaks down the forces reshaping the future of work, from multi-generational workforce dynamics and economic interdependence inside families to AI workforce disruption and the rise of the inheritance economy. She explores how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are shifting expectations around ambition, personal identity, and work, and why human skills in an AI world are becoming the real currency of progress.

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In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Christina Panos, Chief Marketing Officer at The Corcoran Group, to discuss how emotion, trust, and creativity drive modern real estate brand strategy. Christina shares how Corcoran’s marketing uses emotional storytelling, community insight, and agent partnership to reach Millennial and Gen Z home buyers who want clarity and connection. She also discusses real estate and AI, social platforms, and the next era of real estate marketing trends across a shifting housing landscape.

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