Bear Business: Shaping 2026 – Trends in Brand, Social Media, and AI Automation

In this special Christmas episode of Bear Business, host Chris Barnard from Feedback Fans discusses the business trends that shaped 2025 and what to expect in 2026. Guests Gemma Johnson from Emotion Brands, Vicki Balance from Step Up Socials, and Phil Hughes from PHH Digital delve into the significance of building authentic brands, community-led social media strategies, and the integration of AI and automation in business workflows.

They highlight how businesses can humanize AI, productize services, and leverage social media to create trust and engage with customers. This episode also discusses the emotional and personal benefits of automation and AI adoption, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace technological advancements to free up time and enhance business processes.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Christmas Episode

  • Description: Chris Barnard introduces the special Christmas episode of Bear Business, featuring guests Gemma Johnson, Vicki Balance, and Phil Hughes. The discussion will focus on trends in branding, social media, and AI for 2025 and 2026.
  • Key Points: Overview of the episode’s theme; introduction of guests and their expertise.

Chapter 2: Branding Trends for 2025 and 2026

  • Speaker: Gemma Johnson
  • Description: Gemma discusses the importance of customer voice on social media and the need for brands to engage authentically. She highlights the success of brands like Salt and the impact of AI on branding strategies.
  • Key Points: Rise of customer engagement; examples of successful branding; the role of AI in humanizing brands.

Chapter 3: The Shift in Brand Perception

  • Description: Chris and Gemma discuss how branding has evolved from being a secondary concern to a primary focus for businesses. They emphasize the need for brands to adapt to customer expectations and the importance of authenticity.
  • Key Points: Changing perceptions of branding; the necessity of a strategic approach to customer engagement.

Chapter 4: The Role of AI in Marketing

  • Speakers: Phil Hughes and Gemma Johnson
  • Description: The conversation shifts to the impact of AI on marketing and branding. Phil raises concerns about trust in AI-generated content, while Gemma emphasizes the need for brands to maintain a human touch.
  • Key Points: Trust issues with AI; the importance of humanizing AI interactions; strategies for effective AI use in branding.

Chapter 5: Community Engagement and Social Media

  • Speaker: Vicky Balance
  • Description: Vicky shares insights on the importance of community engagement in social media marketing. She discusses how showing human faces and authentic interactions can significantly boost engagement.
  • Key Points: The value of community in social media; strategies for increasing engagement through authenticity.

Chapter 6: Productization of Services

  • Speakers: Gemma Johnson and Phil Hughes
  • Description: The discussion explores the concept of productizing services to create scalable and repeatable business models. Gemma shares her experience with Emotion Brands, while Phil discusses the implications for various industries.
  • Key Points: Benefits of productization; examples of successful implementation; the importance of systemization.

Chapter 7: The Future of AI and Automation

  • Speaker: Phil Hughes
  • Description: Phil discusses the future landscape of AI and automation in business, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt and embrace these technologies to remain competitive.
  • Key Points: Predictions for AI adoption; the importance of innovation; addressing fears around job displacement.

Chapter 8: Conclusion and Key Takeaways

  • Description: Chris wraps up the episode, summarizing the key themes discussed, including the importance of authenticity, community, and the strategic use of AI in branding and marketing.
  • Key Points: Recap of major insights; encouragement for businesses to embrace change and innovation.

Find Chris on Social Media
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjbarnard/
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@feedbackfans
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@getfeedbackfans

Find Gemma on Social Media
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-johnson-emotion-brands/
Website – https://www.emotionbrands.co.uk

Find Vicky on Social Media
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickyballance/
Website – https://stepup-bcp.uk/

Find Phil on Social Media
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-techuk/
Website – https://phhdigital.co.uk/

Chris Barnard has spent over 15 years delivering exceptional revenue growth for ambitious businesses in the UK, Europe and North America through his marketing technology business, FeedbackFans.com and as an independent business consultant.

By his mid-20’s he was running digital departments for FTSE100 companies in London, eventually leading to a very successful period in digital customer acquisiton for a well-known brand in his early 30’s generating nine-figure revenues with seven-figure budgets. He now puts his experience, knowledge and ideas into good use, supporting challenger insurgent brands and forward thinking businesses to outperform in their sectors, whilst disrupting and improving the marketing, technology and development sectors.

Feedback Fans provides a unique next-generation managed technology and marketing platform that delivers outstanding and out-sized results for businesses in sectors such as finance, retail, leisure, and professional services.

With our unparalleled expertise in creating cutting-edge solutions and environments, we empower our clients and users to thrive and outperform in the digital age.

Chris Barnard is Managing Director of FeedbackFans.com and producer of the Bear Business Vodcast