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As we enter the final stretch of the year, smart leaders are putting the garden to bed—trimming what no longer serves, strengthening healthy roots, and preparing the soil for next season’s growth. The quiet work of pruning and planning now sets up a stronger, more strategic spring.

In this edition of Brain Candy, we’re focused on cultivation: laying the groundwork for AI-driven success, refining brand foundations, and nurturing the kind of content strategies that will help your business bloom in 2026.

- Team RG

Strong Roots, Steady Growth: AI Lessons from Q3

From industry leaders at the AI Conference to Fast Company panels, the message was clear: lasting acceleration starts with a strong foundation. The companies that thrive aren’t necessarily the fastest movers, but those willing to pause, prioritize their core, and commit to steady progress. We dive into how "slowing down to speed up" is becoming a guiding principle in AI and what it means for businesses looking to scale sustainably.

Clone Gardens Don’t Grow: Why Differentiation Matters More Than Ever

When every app feels familiar, brands risk blending into the background. From rounded buttons to muted color palettes, sameness has become the default in digital design. But while uniformity may feel safe, it can also stunt growth. This article explores how differentiation in design builds stronger brand presence, why originality drives loyalty, and what it takes to trim away the unnecessary to reveal something distinct and memorable.

Tending the Algorithm Garden: How AI Is Rewriting Search

AI is reshaping search as we know it—rewarding strategy over shortcuts. Old tactics like keyword stuffing and rigid link-building are being pruned out by smarter algorithms that prioritize context, authority, and real value. In this piece, we break down how AI is shifting the balance from hacks to holistic strategies, and what brands need to do now to ensure their content grows in visibility tomorrow.

New Roots of Trust: How Gen Z Grows Wealth Without Banks

They’re skipping the branch, saying goodbye to PDFs, and managing their money through sleek, social fintech platforms. With in-app investing, gamified tools, and financial advice that sounds like a friend (not a banker), traditional institutions are getting left behind. In our latest article, we review what’s driving the shift, what banks are missing, and what it takes to win Gen Z back before they’re gone for good.

DFIN Owns the Room

Our partners at DFIN are stepping up and standing out with a new campaign designed to support their completely rebuilt virtual data room, Venue. The campaign takes a bold approach to connect with their core audience of young bankers tasked with the make or break duty of setting up the deal room successfully. Their rollout exemplifies how thoughtful planning and targeted execution can make a product launch both memorable and effective.

RG Out in the Field, Harvesting Insights

At the Wilkins Elevate conference, Matt Britton’s Generation AI keynote made one thing clear: AI isn’t replacing marketers—it’s rewriting the playbook. We’re seeing the same shift through our AEO and GEO roadshow, where the future of search is about visibility over clicks and relevance over rank. Smart brands are already adapting, cultivating strategies that connect with both human and machine audiences. Learn more in our most recent insight, Generation AI: What the Next Wave of Search Means for B2B Brands.

Our Head of Strategy, Jen Ogden, returned from Advertising Week with one clear takeaway: marketing will always be about authentic human connection. AI may help us “leap tall buildings”—fueling speed and creativity like never before—but it can’t replace the human leap of intuition and imagination that moves brands forward. As AI-powered agents reshape how people discover and shop, brands will soon need agents to meet agents or risk being left out entirely. And in a more human turn, women in sports are rewriting the sponsorship playbook, building community through authenticity and shared values. Across it all, Jen’s takeaway was clear: connection remains marketing’s greatest accelerant.

Last month, we stepped into the ring (and onto the board) with vYve by Vayner and Chess Boxing World Champion Matt Thomas. In a sport where strategy meets strength, the lesson was clear: success comes from patience, precision, and knowing when to strike. Check out the event recap here.

Rounding up the Chaos

#ICYMI, here are the top editions of our sister newsletter, Chaos Coordinator, from this past quarter.

Topics include B2Me, the rise of Reddit ads, and Chase’s partnership with Hailey Bieber.

Gen Z’s CFO is… Chalamet?

M&A is back, baby.

Hailey Bieber turns credit into couture.