Author: Jillian Rameau

The conference room at Mahindra Group’s Mumbai headquarters used to buzz with debate during marketing campaign reviews. Teams would spend hours analyzing spreadsheets, arguing over customer segments, and second-guessing their targeting strategies. Today, those same decisions happen in minutes.The Indian conglomerate is among a growing wave of companies deploying artificial intelligence to transform how sales and marketing teams make critical business decisions. Decision-making in sales and marketing is accelerating. Whether it’s a salesperson deciding their next move, a manager reshuffling customer assignments, or a leadership team shaping strategy, fast, reflexive action—driven by real-time insights—is increasingly key to relevance and results,…

A growing number of people without diabetes are strapping on continuous glucose monitors, devices originally designed for diabetic patients, as they seek to optimize their health through real-time blood sugar tracking. The trend has accelerated following the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first over-the-counter glucose monitor in August, but medical experts question whether the benefits justify the investment for healthy individuals. The Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System represents a watershed moment for glucose monitoring technology, making these devices accessible to anyone 18 and older without a prescription. Previously available only to diabetes patients, these wearable sensors track glucose levels continuously…

The lure of offering something for nothing has become increasingly irresistible in modern business. From software companies to health clubs, organizations deploy free trials, freemium models, and complimentary services as their primary weapon for customer acquisition. Yet mounting evidence suggests this strategy carries hidden dangers that can fundamentally undermine a company’s long-term viability. New research in consumer psychology reveals that once customers anchor on free as their reference price, it becomes extraordinarily difficult to convince them to pay later. This phenomenon extends beyond mere penny-pinching — it fundamentally alters how consumers perceive and value products. The freemium model, popularized by…

The pastel-colored Stanley tumblers that sparked overnight lines and social media frenzies are facing their first real test as the viral phenomenon shows signs of cooling. But Graham Nearn, the company’s chief brand officer, is betting that a shift from trend-chasing to deeper emotional connections will keep the 113-year-old brand relevant. After explosive growth that saw Stanley’s annual sales skyrocket from $70 million in 2019 to $750 million in 2023, the company is navigating a familiar challenge for viral brands: how to sustain momentum when the initial buzz fades. The same social media platforms that propelled Stanley to cultural icon…

Apple Inc. is facing its most significant artificial intelligence crisis to date, with promised upgrades to its Siri assistant delayed until 2026 and a rare executive shake-up signaling deep-seated problems in the company’s approach to AI development. The tech giant confirmed Friday that features that would supercharge Siri with the ability to work with other apps have been postponed by at least a year. These capabilities, which Apple showcased last summer showing Siri juggling multiple apps to help users plan their day, represented the cornerstone of the company’s AI strategy. “We’ve also been working on a more personalized Siri, giving…