Crossing the Rubicon: Can AI Make Brands Stronger Without Killing Creativity?

Crossing the Rubicon: Can AI Make Brands Stronger Without Killing Creativity?

Author: Kantar & Saïd Business School, Oxford University June 25, 2026 Duration: 21:49

Marketing is crossing a new frontier, where data, AI and automation are transforming how brands grow.


In this special Cannes Lions episode, Jane Ostler sits down with Mars Chief Brand Officer Rankin Carroll to discuss how brands can navigate this shift, from redefining agency partnerships to building new measurement models across paid, earned and shared channels. Together they explore how technology can enhance brand building, but originality, creativity and human insight remain irreplaceable. 


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How do you separate the fleeting trends from the fundamental shifts that will reshape business? Future Proof is a conversation built on that very question, born from a unique partnership between the rigorous academic world of Oxford University's Saïd Business School and the ground-level market intelligence of Kantar. This isn't about quick tips; it's about deeper understanding. Each episode sits down with a leading thinker or practitioner for an honest, nuanced exploration of the forces changing how brands connect with people. You'll hear discussions that cut through the noise, challenging popular assumptions with data and scholarly insight. We examine everything from the practical implications of new technology to evolving consumer behaviors, always with an eye on what it means for long-term strategy. The goal is to provide a clearer, more evidence-based perspective for leaders who want to make decisions that last. Tune in for a podcast that values substance over hype, offering a rare blend of intellectual depth and real-world application to help you think differently about marketing's future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Future Proof
Podcast Episodes
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From the rise of agentic AI and retail media networks to the evolving role of conversational commerce, the retail ecosystem has transformed in the last few years, opening new opportunities for brand marketers. In this sp…
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