Tariff-driven media shifts, female wealth boom & AI mentions: what CMOs should watch

Tariff-driven media shifts, female wealth boom & AI mentions: what CMOs should watch

Hello wonderful people!

🏌️ If you’re a golf lover like many of us at Flynn, Sunday was as good as it gets. Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose at the Masters in a playoff to capture the green jacket and complete a career Grand Slam. No, we’re not talking about baseball. In golf, the Grand Slam is reserved for professional golfers who win every major: the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open (aka “the British Open”).

Only thirteen professional golfers have ever completed a career Grand Slam in men’s or women’s history, and Rory was able to add his name to the list this past weekend. It was a story of sheer determination and resilience. Nike summed it up pretty well with a video tribute after the final putt hit the bottom of the cup.

Now, let’s tee up the top marketing stories this week. And if you’re pressed for time, don’t worry, here’s the scoop in less than a minute.

👉 TL;DR:

  • Tariffs are more than an economic headline—they’re a strategic pressure test for marketers. Brands that stay nimble, customer-centric, and ROI-focused will come out ahead.
  • Women are set to control $34 trillion in wealth by 2030, yet most financial brands aren’t speaking to them effectively. To win, marketers must ditch outdated playbooks and deliver personalized, jargon-free, and goal-driven experiences that reflect real financial journeys.
  • If your brand isn’t feeding AI models, you’re not part of the AI search conversation.

🎯 Navigating tariffs & turbulence

In today’s evolving economic landscape, uncertainty is the only constant and brands are taking notice. Ad Age recently gathered perspectives from advertising leaders on how tariffs and the broader economic climate are reshaping brand and media strategy. The verdict? Agility is everything.

Shifting budgets to what performs: Brands are reallocating spend toward performance-driven channels like retail media and digital platforms, where results are measurable and ROI is king. Every dollar has to work harder.

Messaging that meets the moment: With inflation and tariffs pushing prices up, consumers are more price-conscious than ever. Expect to see more value-focused messaging—think affordability, utility, and smart purchasing decisions.

Rebalancing the media mix: Traditional media (TV, print) is seeing budget pullback in favor of high-efficiency channels that offer granular targeting and better attribution. Digital isn’t just winning—it’s dominating.

Consumer behavior is evolving: People are hunting for deals, prioritizing essentials, and being more selective. That means brands need to double down on promotions, loyalty, and transparency to stay relevant.

Volatility can drive innovation. These shifts are an opportunity to reimagine how we connect with audiences—strategically, empathetically, and efficiently.

📌 Read the full article here: Ad Age


đź’° Unlocking the $34 trillion female wealth market

A recent Ad Age article underscores a transformative shift in the financial landscape: women are poised to control an estimated $34 trillion in wealth by 2030. This surge is driven by factors such as increased earnings, entrepreneurship, and a significant generational wealth transfer. Yet, many financial institutions remain anchored in outdated models that fail to resonate with this burgeoning demographic.

Key insights for financial marketers:

  • Personalized engagement: Women often seek financial advice that aligns with their life goals and values. Tailoring services to address specific needs—such as career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancies can foster deeper client relationships.
  • Educational empowerment: Providing resources that demystify financial concepts without condescension is crucial. Empowering women with knowledge builds trust and positions brands as allies in their financial journeys.
  • Authentic representation: Marketing efforts should reflect the diversity and dynamism of women’s experiences. Moving beyond stereotypes to showcase real stories can enhance brand relatability and loyalty.

As the financial influence of women continues to ascend, brands that proactively adapt to these evolving needs will not only capture market share but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable financial ecosystem.

đź“– Read the full article here: Ad Age


🤖 Leaning into generative AI for brand mentions

As generative AI becomes a go-to for consumer discovery, your brand’s visibility in tools like ChatGPT and Gemini is the new SEO frontier. A recent Search Engine Journal piece breaks down how to earn those AI-generated brand mentions:

  • Make your site crawlable – Ensure your robots.txt doesn’t block AI models.
  • Use credible sources – Quote stats and experts AI trusts.
  • Own your “About” page – It’s often where AI pulls brand content from.
  • Join the conversation – Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and Wikipedia shape AI training.
  • Track & optimize – Watch for AI-generated traffic and double down on high-performing pages.

đź“– Full article: Search Engine Journal


That’s Cool!

Coors Light’s “Obstructed Brews” campaign turns baseball fans’ obstructed views into a chance for a free beer. Fans at games with blocked views can upload photos to receive a complimentary Coors Light, offering a fun way to reward loyal fans despite less-than-ideal seating. See more here.


New Work Alert! 🚨

Check out the Maxfli TV spot we just produced for DICK’S Sporting Goods, which aired this past week during the Masters. It features pros like Ben Griffin, Fred Funk, Lexi Thompson, and Sean Foley, along with some of the thousands of everyday golfers who’ve made the switch to the new Maxfli Tour Series. Plus a voiceover by golf analyst (and former Masters champion) Trevor Immelman. Roll that beautiful footage! 🏌️⛳️

Podcast episode: DICK'S Sporting Goods: Maxfli "Switch"