The marketing and advertising world is in burnout crisis. Shannon outlines signs of burnout and some of the primary causes, including digital overload, multitasking, unsustainable demand and unrealistic expectations, role creep, generative AI, and more. Finally... how do we fix it?

Why are brands getting so weird?

In this episode, Shannon traces the rise of unhinged marketing through the lens of postmodernism and surrealism—two art movements born from periods of cultural instability.

Discover how marketers use chaos, irony, cynicism, and disruption to resonate in a fragmented, meme-driven media landscape.

Shannon discusses two recent studies that illuminate surprising realities in the industry and the culture at large:

• Collage Group's “Beyond Pride” suggests that, despite media narratives and brand hesitancy, the risk of consumer backlash to Pride Month campaigns has been over-exaggerated. Consumers want Pride Month communications and advocacy from brands, and they take note when corporations backtrack.

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• “Unlocking Neurodiversity: A Creative Advantage," by Understood.org in collaboration with the 4As and Havas, reveals that nearly half of creatives in marketing, advertising, PR, and media are neurodivergent—and they're masking in the workplace, and suffering from discrimination and lack of accommodation. Shannon shares her personal experiences, tips for leadership, and more.