Consumers today aren’t just buying products — they’re buying alignment, transparency, cultural fluency, and trust. And trust has officially become one of the most powerful growth marketing levers a brand can pull.

In this episode, Sonia Thompson — inclusive growth and customer experience strategist — breaks down what three real-world stories from LinkedIn, Disney, and Ralph Lauren reveal about the new rules of brand–consumer trust and how they directly impact growth, loyalty, and long-term revenue.

From algorithmic bias to cultural accuracy to identity-centered storytelling, these case studies show exactly why frictionless, values-led, inclusive marketing isn’t optional anymore — it’s a competitive advantage.

You’ll learn:

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  Why trust is now a core growth metric and a deciding factor in customer acquisition and loyalty

  
  


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  How Disney’s Moana backlash demonstrates the business impact of cultural accuracy and responsible creative decisions

  
  


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  What Ralph Lauren’s evolution teaches us about identity-driven brand building and long-term growth

  
  


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  Why LinkedIn’s algorithmic bias debate highlights the rising expectations around responsible AI and inclusive design

  
  


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  How representation, transparency, and cultural fluency shape modern customer experience

  
  


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  The specific behaviors today’s consumers reward — and the ones that create friction, backlash, and brand erosion

  
  

If you want to build a frictionless growth engine that resonates with today’s identity-led, culturally connected consumers, this episode gives you the clarity and direction you need for 2026 and beyond.

The LinkedIn post and article referenced from LinkedIn staff - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sakshirjain_putting-members-first-testing-and-measuring-activity-7397384012421451776-M7A8/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADoGrYBxCncTQK1uoD5k0MgXOrx3330CMI