The list highlights, purpose-driven startups and tech companies that create consistently positive employee experiences through strong leadership, thoughtful policies, and genuine care for people. The companies on the list provide workplaces where values show up in day-to-day decisions. Employees feel supported and included. And flexibility, wellbeing and growth are treated as essentials, not extras.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

A new study from Tabula makes it clear AI generated ads during the Super Bowl broadcast performed at the same level as those created by humans. AI generated ads in some cases were deemed even more effective than ads created by actual human designers according to the study which was done by researchers from Columbia and Harvard universities. How did AI compete so effectively? One key factor was that they did it by appearing more human, by including certain trust signals.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Brands are a lot like people nowadays, they all have personalities. We talk about them, and there's a variety of different factors that make brands appealing to different generations of consumers, and that level of appeal can change quickly. When it comes to brand momentum the more established your brand is and the more trusted that is, the more brand equity your brand has the less difficult it is to achieve positive brand momentum while the less likely it is to experience random negative momentum.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Threads is part of the Meta family of platforms, the app benefits from being constantly promoted across Facebook and Instagram, along with a strong focus on creators and a steady rollout of new features such as communities, direct messages, long form posts, and experimental tools like games. It's time to add threads to the list of social media platforms you simply must establish a presence on.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

The biggest challenge in video production isn't in the production process itself it's in the creative process, the ideation. 63% site coming up with ideas as their top obstacle, and that's an area where AI tools are proving especially useful. AI is also helping marketers save time in editing and in finding relevant content. It's also being used heavily when it comes to writing scripts. Now, despite widespread adoption, marketers overwhelmingly agree on one thing. AI should assist, not replace, human creativity and nearly all emphasize the importance of maintaining creative control and brand integrity 90% say it's essential.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

As tracking and retargeting become more complex, the opt-in stands out as one of the few moments when a brand can earn a direct relationship with permission. Signups are the first signal that someone is willing to engage, and what a brand does in that moment sets expectations for everything that comes next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Consumers indicated that in most cases, influencer content serves as a trigger that sends shoppers into the research mode to do a deeper investigation. That leads to them getting on that purchase journey. Within that consumers check reviews, compare prices, and look for confirmation elsewhere before opening their wallets. It all starts with the influence made by an influencer.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

What are we buying for Valentine's Day? Chocolate and candles are the most popular gifts, 59% of people say that's what they're buying. Followed by 36% focusing their spend on restaurants and bar experiences. 33% are buying gift cards. 31% are purchasing clothing and accessories.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

The MCSB is launching Michigan's next big idea pitch competition, and they're looking for innovative, high-potential companies to take the stage at the MCSB summit for a shot at a $10,000 prize and statewide visibility. To apply, go to Michigancelebrates.org. You'll need to complete an application online and provide certain key business documents as the application process takes about 30 minutes to complete. Applications close February 27, 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

What's the biggest driver of sales TikTok? It's price. Price is more important than influencer culture when it comes to driving sales in the TikTok shop, the data shows that over half of TikTok shoppers are primarily motivated by discounts. Now of those making purchases from the shop, two in five spent less than $50 and just 2% reported spending more than 500. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.