Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1618 - Marketing, AI, and the Future of Capitalism with Philip Kotler

What if the way we think about markets is fundamentally changing? And what if the bigger question isn’t just how we sell—but what kind of economy and society we are building?On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian sits down with Philip Kotler—widely regarded as the father of modern marketing—for a far-reaching conversation on marketing, artificial intelligence, and the future of capitalism.In Part 1, Kotler reflects on the evolution of marketing—from the classic 4Ps (product, price, place, promotion) to a broader, more human framework centered on People, Purpose, and Planet. As consumers grow more informed and skeptical, branding, pricing, and values are playing an increasingly central role in decision-making.In Part 2, the conversation turns to AI and its growing influence on consumer behavior. As people rely less on traditional advertising and more on AI-driven insights, marketers face a new reality—one that demands a balance between technological efficiency and human creativity.But this discussion goes far beyond business.In Part 3, Kotler explores the state of capitalism itself, raising critical questions about inequality, wealth concentration, and the limits of GDP as a measure of success. He introduces the idea of an “index of the common good” and points to Nordic models as examples of more balanced, humane economic systems.Finally, in Part 4, the focus shifts to democracy—its current challenges, declining civic engagement, and the growing disconnect between institutions and citizens. Because ultimately, economic systems and political systems are deeply intertwined—and both are under strain.This episode asks a bigger question:In a world shaped by AI, shifting markets, and rising inequality… can we build a system that is both innovative—and humane?