Rochelle Nadhiri

“While some companies are still in proof-of-concept mode with AI, WPP has gone all in,” The Drum’s Editor in Chief Gordon Young writes. “As Wall Street questions the short-term return on AI, WPP Open provides a tangible case study for how AI investment can transform a business. In just a few years, WPP has evolved from a traditional agency network to an AI-powered marketing technology company.” Google Cloud CMO Alison Wagonfield, adds: “WPP is a great example of a company that isn’t just experimenting with AI – it is putting it into action.” Check out the full story on WPP's investments in AI and #WPPOpen here: https://bit.ly/3EH7swS

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During the virtual launch of the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Flash Poll: Trust and Artificial Intelligence at a Crossroads, I sat down with Andrew Ng, Founder of DeepLearning.AI, to discuss the report’s findings and their implications for consumers, business, and government. His insights were both inspiring and urgent.   From fear of job loss to skepticism about AI-driven decisions, one theme is clear: knowledge builds trust, and trust drives adoption. As Andrew noted, we’re operating in a polluted information ecosystem, and people hesitate to engage with a technology they don’t yet understand.   A few insights from today’s discussion that stayed with me: - The more people know about AI, the more willing they are to embrace it. - Frequent AI users already see major benefits—faster workflows, more creativity, better problem-solving. - And perhaps most importantly, trust starts in the workplace. Employees look to their employers for guidance.   Andrew reminded me that the future of AI isn’t predetermined. It will be shaped by those who choose to engage with it ethically, boldly, and with purpose.   You can explore the report findings for yourself: https://edl.mn/4iAMCPC

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Lots of great coverage this week, but this article from Hayden Field does an excellent job at highlighting the enormity of interest and momentum behind the AAIF as companies rush towards open governance of agent interoperability for the entire stack. Why does this matter? Because - as Jim Zemlin explains - “When everybody is working collectively on a standard, to help improve the technology so that it’s more secure, so that it can do effective trusted payments, so that it has a better way of communicating in a secure fashion, that’s when the market really gets made.” https://lnkd.in/eTQt4YQD

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The Great Platform Reset Reuters' last Digital News Report delivers interesting data for how we approach financial services communications. I acknowledge that high value information is at a premium in FS and trends may not map other sectors, but it's interesting nonetheless. The media landscape is fragmenting dramatically. According to the Reuters' report, TikTok has now overtaken Twitter/X for news consumption. What this means for communicators and marketers in FS: 1) Multi-platform strategy is non-negotiable 2) Video content is becoming essential - 66% access short-form news videos weekly 3) Trust concerns are rising - 59% worried about distinguishing real from fake news (81% in South Africa) 4) AI skepticism remains high for "hard news" topics like finance Perhaps most telling, only 22% now use news websites as their main news gateway (down 10% since 2018), with younger audiences showing particularly weak brand connections. The winners will be those who understand platform-specific audience needs rather than broadcasting the same message everywhere. #FinancialCommunications #DigitalMediaTrends #PRStrategy #MarketingInsights

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For years, comms professionals have been arguing about the importance of having a seat at the table. I used to argue for it, too. But what if that table isn’t where the real decisions are made? Access matters more than presence. The right relationships - mentors, sponsors, decision-makers - will open more doors than simply being in the room. Influence isn’t about where you sit; it’s about who listens when you speak. So instead of chasing a seat, focus on building connections. Once you're trusted, you can have the influence you're looking for - whether you're at that table, or not. What’s made a bigger impact in your career - title or access? #FridayThought #SeatAtTheTable #Influence

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Recently, I had the privilege of moderating the ‘Mind the Gap’ panel at the USC Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium, alongside communications leaders representing four generations in today’s workplace. Our conversation covered several of the most important issues facing the communications industry today – including the impact of AI, the changing media landscape and the role of business as a force for societal good. This is our moment to both mind and galvanize the gap. With Gen Zs, Millennials, Gen Xers and Boomers listening to and learning from each other, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make our work that much more interesting, insightful and impactful. It is no longer years on the resume that get you to the table but rather life experience, informed insights, and relevancy. The future of our industry truly depends on each of us doing our part to uplift and champion the generations behind and in front of us.    As the inimitable Fred Cook said, “The future of the PR industry depends upon how tomorrow’s leaders tackle today’s critical issues – and Gen Z seems equipped and eager to confront those challenges. If we educate and support them on this mission, our profession will be in good hands.” WATCH THE VIDEO for key takeaways: bit.ly/43QbA8C READ THE REPORT to learn more about issues facing our industry: bit.ly/3FLt7Vv USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Ron Antonette, Kelly McGinnis, Sona Iliffe-Moon, Bill Imada, Kyndall L. Echols, M.A.

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From AI-powered shopping agents to stablecoin-linked cards, the future of commerce is accelerating and transforming at incredible pace. I had a great conversation with my super-smart colleague Godfrey Sullivan about the latest innovations and partnerships that we announced at our recent Visa Global Product Drop, and how these are enabling the next wave of commerce and money movement. Tune in https://bit.ly/4jqZvL9   #AICommerce #Stablecoins #VisaProductDrop #Innovation

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