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Impact Makers

Impact Makers

By: Andrew Wardlaw Caitlin McLean Alex Berteanu
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About this listen

 Impact Makers is the podcast for marketers, innovators and curious minds who think way too much about products — the good ones, the bad ones, and what makes them stick. From beverages to beauty, food to fragrance, and much more, join hosts Andrew Wardlaw and Caitlin McLean as we get into the trends, ideas and cultural signals shaping the future of consumer brands. Expect sharp conversations with the people making it all happen, and insights you won’t hear anywhere else.2026 Impact Makers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Asia Takeover

    The Asia Takeover
    Apr 30 2026
    The centre of gravity has shifted. And brands must take note. In this special episode, guest hosts Coco Wu and Harshita Mullick explore the most exciting ideas in food, drink, beauty, and retail are. And that’s Asia! Tune in to discover why Asia is no longer a market to enter, but a platform to learn from. We cover the rise of China-maxxing – and what it reveals about Western disillusionment. How brands like Luckin Coffee are redefining categories by designing for real behaviour, not imagined lifestyles. And why viral phenomena like Labubu signal a new era of internet-built brands. Featuring special guest: JK Wang, Futurist, who takes us even further into the future, where brands will need to prepare for ‘zero mental effort.’ If you want to understand where growth is really coming from - and how to stay relevant in a world of AI, cultural shifts, and collapsing attention - this episode is essential listening. Follow us on Instagram @impactmakerspod
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    42 mins
  • When AI Takes the Basket

    When AI Takes the Basket
    Mar 26 2026

    Follow Impact Makers for more episodes on product innovation, consumer behaviour, and the future of decision-making.

    In our first fully visualised episode, Impact Makers explores a future that is already taking shape.

    Two shifts are colliding.
    Millions are changing how they eat through GLP-1 medications that reduce cravings and reshape habits. At the same time, AI is learning to shop for us, selecting and ordering what ends up in our homes.

    Featuring behavioural science insight from Dr Paulina Lang and AI strategy expertise from Walter Pasquarelli, this episode examines what happens when hunger changes, habits reset, and decisions start happening without us.

    Backed by new consumer data and real-world signals, from rapid AI shopping adoption in China to shifting attitudes in Western markets, we ask a bigger question:
    If we stop choosing, who, or what, chooses for us?

    For brands, retailers, and product teams, this raises a clear challenge, how do you stay relevant when the consumer is no longer the only decision-maker?

    Impact Makers is the product-obsessed marketing podcast exploring the future of consumer behaviour, innovation, and product experience.

    Credits
    Hosts: Andrew Wardlaw, Caitlin McLean
    Executive Producer: Alex Berteanu

    Production
    Ideal Insight, Cody Leigh-Stannard, Henry Cooper, Nick Twigg

    Design and Presentation
    Aradhana Chand

    Research
    Toluna, VoxPopMe

    Publicity
    Camargue

    Social Media
    Palesa Mthiyane

    Follow us on Instagram @impactmakerspod
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    53 mins
  • New Beauty Frontiers

    New Beauty Frontiers
    Feb 24 2026

    If you want to understand just how quickly consumer needs are evolving, look no further than the beauty category. In this research-led episode of Impact Makers, Andrew and Caitlin draw on insights from 2,500 beauty-forward consumers across nine global markets to explore a powerful shift taking place beneath the noise of social media trends and viral product launches. Beauty is moving beyond surface-level aesthetics toward resilience, regulation, and everyday emotional support. From microbiome skincare and neuro-beauty to climate-adaptive formulas and mood-boosting sensory rituals, the episode unpacks how products are being reimagined to help people cope better, not just look better. Featuring Marie Drago, Founder of Gallinée and an early pioneer of microbiome science in skincare, alongside nano creator Caitlin Costello on the future of trust, inclusivity, and AI in beauty, this episode offers a front-row seat to how cultural, emotional, and physical needs are reshaping the future of brands. In a world that feels overwhelming, beauty is being asked to do something deeper, to help us feel steady again.

    Follow us on Instagram @impactmakerspod
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    51 mins
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