As traditional growth channels lose efficiency and predictability, and AI reshapes the landscape, what actually drives growth in 2026?

Luxury brands are often early indicators of cultural shifts. This piece explores four recent campaigns and what growing companies can learn about translating culture into action.

AI changes the way thinking shows up at work, with the rise of AI slop and lazy thinking. So how can leaders encourage rigorous thinking?

January can be a good moment to pause and articulate what you want the year to feel like, not just what you want to achieve. A vision board can help clarify direction, priorities, and the kind of life you’re designing alongside your work

Why old marketing playbooks fail startups and how to build a brand and growth engine in your first 100 days. Real frameworks and case studies.

Luke Ackerknecht, CEO and Co-founder of Alpha Grid, shares how his team is using data and AI to accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure.

Alpha Grid’s platform helps developers and operators make smarter pricing, and design decisions—ultimately improving ROI and accelerating buildout. Think of it as a revenue optimization platform, powered by machine learning.

Rafael Dutra, founder of Joplins and former Googler, shares how eco-luxury sunglasses can scale through sustainability, AI, and a partnership-first mindset.

Joplins is redefining sustainable eyewear by crafting high-quality sunglasses from biodegradable and recycled materials—blending coastal style with optical performance and a commitment to climate-conscious design.

In this episode, we explore Rafael’s journey from burnout to entrepreneurship, how he uses AI to scale solo, and why abundance, not competition, drives the future of circular fashion.

Hosted by Veronique Lafargue, Marketing Advisor and Founder of Maison Lafargue.

Learn how Shingai Samudzi, founder of Asoba, is using AI-powered forecasting, optimization, and policy to reimagine energy distribution in Africa through virtual power plants.

Sway is redefining sustainable packaging with compostable, seaweed-based alternatives that seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing processes. From replacing plastic poly bags in the fashion industry to collaborating with major brands, Sway is proving that regenerative materials can scale without compromise.

What if packaging could disappear like the skin of a fruit? Meet Pierre Paslier, co-founder of Notpla, who went from designing plastic bottles to pioneering seaweed-based packaging that replaces single-use plastics. In this video, we explore Notpla’s journey—from kitchen experiments to winning the Earthshot Prize and partnering with brands like Just Eat.

As the demand for lithium and other critical minerals skyrockets, Alkali Labs is rethinking extraction—using synthetic biology to recover these essential materials from industrial waste streams. By engineering microbes to selectively absorb lithium, they offer a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional mining, helping power the EV revolution without the environmental toll.

Jason Marks, CEO and Co-founder of Telo Trucks, shares how his team is rethinking the electric pickup truck for city living and adventure.

Telo Trucks has designed a compact EV pickup that fits within the footprint of a MINI Cooper while delivering the utility of a full-size truck. With a 152-inch length, Telo challenges the traditional trade-offs between size, power, and efficiency. Since its launch in June 2023, the company has secured over 5,000 pre-orders, and built an engaged community of fans.

In this discussion with Lauryn Menard, we discuss her path from designing for iconic brands like Apple and Google to founding GOB, a company creating the world's first plant-based earplugs from mycelium.

She explains how GOB found its product-market fit, the innovative potential of mycelium a sustainable, high-performing material, how she built relationships with investors and celebrity influencers like Billie Eilish’s team and built a team of industry rockstars to bring her vision to life.

Methane, a greenhouse gas with 87x the warming potential of CO₂ over 20 years, poses a significant challenge—but Alga Biosciences is turning it into an opportunity for farmers to lead the fight against climate change.

Paul Lambert, CEO of Quilt shares his journey from Google to climate tech, building Quilt to transform home heating and cooling. By leveraging advanced heat pump technology, Quilt cuts emissions while offering an aesthetic, efficient system that customers are proud to showcase.

In this episode of the Xooglers in Climate Founder Series, Brendan Hermalyn, CEO of Thalo Labs, discusses his journey from NASA to tackling carbon emissions through innovative decarbonization technologies.

He shares how Thalo Labs is addressing the carbon challenge in the built environment with real-world hardware and software solutions.

Cynthia Wu, founder and CEO of Taro AI, shares her journey into the climate tech space, along with her approach to achieving product-market fit and leveraging customer insights.

In this Xooglers in Climate Founder Series, Peter Light, CEO of Lumen Energy, shares how his company is transforming commercial real estate by simplifying clean energy deployment. Discover insights on navigating the complexities of decarbonization, product-market fit, and scaling a climate tech startup.

Most teams are built for execution – yet, carving out time for strategic thinking can take them to the next level. In this article we explore practical tools and models that help leaders foster a culture of strategic insight, empowering teams to analyze scenarios, navigate change, and align their actions with big-picture goals.

Data visualization is a powerful tool for communicating complex ideas in a clear, impactful way. Whether we're tracking progress on key initiatives, demonstrating ROI, or clarifying product positioning, the right visuals can make our message more engaging and easier to understand.