Hearts & Minds

Sally Rooney’s pledge to donate book proceeds to a banned group puts publishers and partners in a reputational bind—caught between commercial success and legal risk, most are choosing to wait and watch.

In high-stakes diplomacy, mood trumps planning—Trump’s unexpectedly genial demeanor turned a tense White House meeting with Zelensky into a rare moment of calm and cooperation.

A budget food chain’s £1 reward for reporting shoplifters cleverly turns a retail problem into a loyalty-building PR win—simple, effective, and headline-grabbing.

AI is fast becoming a master persuader—shaping opinions, debunking conspiracies, and redefining comms. The future isn’t just tech-driven; it’s influence-driven.

A smart attendance dashboard meant to boost productivity has backfired, sparking backlash over surveillance, broken trust, and reputational risk. Transparency, it turns out, is not optional.

JD Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds sparks a media frenzy and MAGA tourism boom, leaving locals torn between short-term profits and long-term brand erosion in a classic clash of culture and commerce.

Despite summer’s lull, the world doesn’t pause—news breaks, people work poolside, and the so-called silly season is anything but. 

Before approving data-led reports, scrutinize the methodology—Henley & Partners’ flawed millionaire migration claims show how unchecked data can damage credibility.

M&S and Tesco sparked national buzz with quirky summer sandwiches, blending nostalgia, tax intrigue, and clever branding. Their low-key launches hit the zeitgeist, proving that playful innovation—done right—can dominate headlines and consumer chatter.

The ASA, funded by the ad industry, bans controversial ads monthly—often sparking media buzz. For brands, silence and swift apology are best; fighting back risks escalating into public backlash and reputational damage.

Attacking inconvenient data may be a political tactic, but in business, it’s a reputational risk. Dismissing stats can backfire fast—turning a dip into disaster and spotlighting flaws you'd rather keep dim. Think twice before shooting the messenger.

Rebranding may promise fresh appeal, but it’s a risky, costly move that demands more than impulse. As LSEG considers a name change, the real question is: will it fix anything—or just sacrifice trust for a shiny new label?