Bear Business - Christmas Episode 2025 - Brand, Social Media & AI + Automation Recaps & Predictions

In this special Christmas episode of Bear Business, host Chris Barnard from Feedback Fans discusses the business trends that shaped 2025 and what to expect in 2026. Guests Gemma Johnson from Emotion Brands, Vicki Balance from Step Up Socials, and Phil Hughes from PHH Digital delve into the significance of building authentic brands, community-led social media strategies, and the integration of AI and automation in business workflows.

They highlight how businesses can humanize AI, productize services, and leverage social media to create trust and engage with customers. This episode also discusses the emotional and personal benefits of automation and AI adoption, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace technological advancements to free up time and enhance business processes.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Christmas Episode

Description: Chris Barnard introduces the special Christmas episode of Bear Business, featuring guests Gemma Johnson, Vicki Balance, and Phil Hughes. The discussion will focus on trends in branding, social media, and AI for 2025 and 2026.
Key Points: Overview of the episode’s theme; introduction of guests and their expertise.

Chapter 2: Branding Trends for 2025 and 2026

Speaker: Gemma Johnson
Description: Gemma discusses the importance of customer voice on social media and the need for brands to engage authentically. She highlights the success of brands like Salt and the impact of AI on branding strategies.
Key Points: Rise of customer engagement; examples of successful branding; the role of AI in humanizing brands.

Chapter 3: The Shift in Brand Perception

Description: Chris and Gemma discuss how branding has evolved from being a secondary concern to a primary focus for businesses. They emphasize the need for brands to adapt to customer expectations and the importance of authenticity.
Key Points: Changing perceptions of branding; the necessity of a strategic approach to customer engagement.

Chapter 4: The Role of AI in Marketing

Speakers: Phil Hughes and Gemma Johnson
Description: The conversation shifts to the impact of AI on marketing and branding. Phil raises concerns about trust in AI-generated content, while Gemma emphasizes the need for brands to maintain a human touch.
Key Points: Trust issues with AI; the importance of humanizing AI interactions; strategies for effective AI use in branding.

Chapter 5: Community Engagement and Social Media

Speaker: Vicky Balance
Description: Vicky shares insights on the importance of community engagement in social media marketing. She discusses how showing human faces and authentic interactions can significantly boost engagement.
Key Points: The value of community in social media; strategies for increasing engagement through authenticity.

Chapter 6: Productization of Services

Speakers: Gemma Johnson and Phil Hughes
Description: The discussion explores the concept of productizing services to create scalable and repeatable business models. Gemma shares her experience with Emotion Brands, while Phil discusses the implications for various industries.
Key Points: Benefits of productization; examples of successful implementation; the importance of systemization.

Chapter 7: The Future of AI and Automation

Speaker: Phil Hughes
Description: Phil discusses the future landscape of AI and automation in business, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt and embrace these technologies to remain competitive.
Key Points: Predictions for AI adoption; the importance of innovation; addressing fears around job displacement.

Chapter 8: Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Description: Chris wraps up the episode, summarizing the key themes discussed, including the importance of authenticity, community, and the strategic use of AI in branding and marketing.
Key Points: Recap of major insights; encouragement for businesses to embrace change and innovation.

Find Chris on Social Media
Linkedin –   / cjbarnard  
TikTok –   / feedbackfans  
YouTube –    / @getfeedbackfans  

Find Gemma on Social Media
LinkedIn –   / gemma-johnson-emotion-brands  
Website – https://www.emotionbrands.co.uk

Find Vicky on Social Media
LinkedIn –   / vickyballance  
Website – https://stepup-bcp.uk/

Find Phil on Social Media
LinkedIn –   / phil-techuk  
Website – https://phhdigital.co.uk/