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Our Thought Leadership
Strengthen your long-term strategies by incorporating macro trends and broader industry insights. In our blog posts we share our thought leadership on various aspects of the Consumer Experience Journey plus other topics to enhance your decision making.


2026 Macro Trends: Five Divergences Hiding in Your Data
Are you still planning for an "average" consumer that no longer exists? In 2026, the top 20% are spending freely while the bottom 60% have hit a ceiling. Retailers are splitting into value fortresses and experiential destinations. Brands are squeezed between insurgents and private label. This report maps five divergences hiding in your data - and what to do about them.
uzmakrauf
Jan 2117 min read


Bigger Decisions, Tighter Budgets: Why You Need a Learning Plan in 2026
A comprehensive framework for building 2026 learning plans that get funded. Includes 8-step process, client priorities, and strategies for CPG and CE brands to turn budget constraints into competitive advantage.
uzmakrauf
Sep 30, 20258 min read


In an Era of Instant Answers — Great CXOs Must Compete on Questions
This HBR-backed blog explores five question types and strategic questioning CXOs can use to improve decisions and loyalty.
uzmakrauf
May 20, 20257 min read


The New Branding Battlefield: When Corporate Goliaths Meet Individual Davids
In the proverbial David versus Goliath battle of branding, David has not only found his sling but has also acquired drones, social media,...
uzmakrauf
Feb 7, 20243 min read


Staying Ahead of the Curve: Decoding Unpredictable Customer Behavior
In the ever-evolving landscape of consumer behavior, one thing remains constant: change. Today's customers are more diverse, digitally...
uzmakrauf
May 24, 20233 min read


Trading Down or Trading Up: How Is Your Brand Managing Shifts in Consumer Loyalty?
Persistent inflation has sparked significant behavior changes across American income groups. The ongoing budget pressures have resulted...
uzmakrauf
May 11, 20232 min read


U.S. Population Growth hits record lows in 2020-2022
👪 US Census Bureau’s Dec’22 report found, for year ending Jul 1, 2022 population growth has stalled. This has implications for people...
uzmakrauf
Jan 11, 20232 min read


Consumers are bifurcated – some pulling back, while others spend more. Why?
With record high inflation, lower income households are now cutting back or trading down, while higher income continue to buy almost like...
uzmakrauf
Sep 1, 20222 min read


What behavior changes are consumers now making to manage record high inflation?
Consumers are having to adapt in this high inflation environment. 🛠 2 out of every 3 (66%) consumers are changing how they manage their...
uzmakrauf
Aug 23, 20221 min read


Do you know why managing Consumer Confidence is so critical for managing inflation?
It’s because people behave based on how they “feel”. If we feel things are going to get worse, and prices will go up ↠ we could start...
uzmakrauf
Aug 6, 20221 min read


Inflation hit a new 4-decade record of 9.1% in June 2022 vs last year — are Millennials responsible?
Ongoing steep price hikes continue (Fuel +60%, Energy +42% and food +10% vs last June). These are due to a mix of high consumer demand...
uzmakrauf
Jul 17, 20222 min read


The creative, hidden ways companies pass on rising costs to customers
During these inflationary times, companies are getting creative in how they pass on rising costs to their customers. Actual increases for...
uzmakrauf
Feb 16, 20222 min read


Are winning the shifts in macro trends part of your business strategy?
Do your business plans consider macro trend shifts? As example, US Household formats are shifting — there may be ways for you to engage...
uzmakrauf
Jan 12, 20222 min read
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