In this year-end wrap episode of Women Lead, Nadia Koski sits down with Verena Gründel, Host and Director of Brand & Communications, at DMEXCO, and one of Germany’s Top 100 Most Influential Women, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on where media, marketing, and communication are heading next going into 2026.

As the industry reflects on a year shaped by rapid innovation, awards season, and cultural shifts, Verena shares her perspective on the trends, tensions, and transformations that will define 2026. From standout purpose-driven campaigns and industry events to the real, practical role of AI beyond the hype, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters.

Together, they explore how generative AI is changing creativity, search, and shopping behavior, why ROI and brand visibility are becoming more critical as budgets tighten, and whether we’re already seeing signs of AI fatigue—or simply a recalibration toward more emotional, human storytelling.

Beyond industry trends, Verena opens up about her own personal branding journey: the habits, mindset shifts, and internal barriers she had to confront to show up consistently and authentically in a fast-moving, highly visible environment. She also shares why listening, asking better questions, and communicating with intention may be some of the most underrated leadership skills today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping consumer behavior and what this means for creativity, search, ROI, and brand visibility in 2026.
• Why authenticity and consistency are becoming essential in personal branding, and how visibility can be approached as a service, not self-promotion.
• How curiosity, listening, and intentional communication can drive stronger insights, relationships, and business outcomes.

This is a forward-looking and future-proofing conversation with one of the industry’s most influential voices, perfect for understanding how to navigate the rapidly changing trends and workflows in media, marketing, and leadership.

LINKS & RECS

DMEXCO Podcast with Verena Gründel

Early Adoptr Podcast with Jess Carlin & Kyle Corliss

Connect with Verena on LinkedIn

Learn more about DMEXCO, Europe's leading digital marketing and tech event & trade fair

Produced and Hosted by Nadia Koski
Engineered by Phil McDowell / YUNE

Get in touch with us ontact the show at womenleadpodcast@the-digital-distillery.com or go to the website.

Find us on LinkedIn & Instagram.