s.2 Eps 02 - Beth Warren

How do you create a brand that people actually remember? And how is AI changing the way customers discover and connect with brands? In this episode, Beth Warren talks with Tom Roberto, better known as the Technology Shaman, about the past, present, and future of marketing and branding. Beth and Tom start by looking back at their careers and the work they have done shaping retail environments. They share how everything in a physical space, from the layout and lighting to the signs, sounds, and overall atmosphere, can influence how customers feel about a brand. A great retail experience is not just about selling a product. It is about telling a story and creating a feeling people want to return to. From there, the conversation turns to how much branding has changed. Today, customers experience a brand in dozens of places, including stores, websites, social media, search results, apps, and online reviews. Every one of those moments can shape what people think and whether they decide to engage. Beth and Tom also dig into the growing role of AI. As more people use AI to search, shop, compare options, and make decisions, brands need to think differently about visibility. What does an AI platform know about your company? How will it describe your brand? And how can businesses use AI to create more helpful and personal experiences without losing the human connection? They also discuss how younger generations are changing the rules. Younger consumers want brands to feel real, communicate clearly, and stand for something meaningful. They can spot empty messaging quickly, and they are more interested in participating in a brand’s community than simply being marketed to. This lively conversation is filled with personal stories, practical insights, and honest questions about where marketing is headed next. Whether you work in branding, retail, technology, design, or customer experience, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to stay relevant, build trust, and create stronger connections in an AI-powered world.