Catalyst Strategy Substack

The Brand Surface Has Moved

While most brand leaders are integrating AI into their apps, agents are moving into messaging. These are not the same strategy.

Feb 24 • Adrian Barrow

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The Algorithm Is Innocent

On strategic patience, algorithmic optimization systems, and the human chain that saved the greatest ad ever made.

Feb 20 • Adrian Barrow

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What Two New American Mayors Reveal About The Current State of Brand Transformation

An Unusual Case Study

Feb 7 • Adrian Barrow

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From Aspiration Architects to Capability Co-Pilots

Why Your Brand Identity Should Be Your AI Strategy

Feb 2 • Adrian Barrow

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January 2026

Your Brand Can't Message Its Way Into Culture Anymore.

Why Experience Innovation Is The New Brand Moat.

Jan 2 • Adrian Barrow

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December 2025

Pain Points & Passion Points

Why AI-Optimized Brands Risk Destroying Customer Value

Dec 3, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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August 2025

Why Corporate Rebranding Keeps Failing

How to Prevent Your Organization Wasting Millions On Rebranding And Getting Fired

Aug 26, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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July 2025

THIS HOTEL ROOM IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

When Perfection Becomes Perfectly Wrong

Jul 19, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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June 2025

Quantum Brands Part 4

For Brands To Become More Valuable They Need To Become More Useful

Jun 19, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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May 2025

Quantum Brands Part 3

The Three Laws of Quantum Brands: How Leading Brands Are Rewriting The Rules of Customer Value Creation

May 12, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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April 2025

Quantum Brands Part 2

How the Physics of The Experience Economy Are Reshaping The Calculus of Customer Value Creation (Part 2)

Apr 22, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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2

Quantum Brands

How the Physics of The Experience Economy Are Reshaping The Calculus of Brand Value Creation

Apr 16, 2025 • Adrian Barrow

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