In this episode, host Andrew Davidson speaks with Brian Jones, President of Merrick Bank, about how to grow a business while staying true to its mission. Brian shares his career journey, with over three decades of experience at the intersection of law and banking. The conversation looks at how the bank's sub-prime customers are navigating economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and what that means for financial services today.

They also discuss key moments in the bank’s growth, including acquisitions and rebrands, and how Merrick is thinking about its future. Brian also offers his perspective on what’s ahead for financial services, and the critical shifts he believes will define the next five years.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your thoughts on the conversation, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Brian Jones, President, Merrick Bank .

In this episode, Mintel explores the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions, unpacking how the industry is evolving beyond traditional definitions of beauty into a space where health, emotion, and authenticity take center stage. We dive into three key trends shaping the future:

• Metabolic Beauty: where beauty meets health at a cellular level, and products evolve into personalized, preventative tools powered by biomarker testing and bio-intelligent technology.
• Sensorial Synergy: where beauty shifts from results-driven to experience-led, using sensory innovation to influence mood, emotional wellbeing, and daily rituals.
• Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Touch Revolution: where consumers move away from hyper-polished perfection and toward beauty that feels real, expressive, and authentically human.

Together, these trends highlight a fundamental change: beauty is no longer just about appearance; it's becoming a tool for wellness, emotional connection, and self-expression. From diagnostic skincare to immersive sensory experiences and a renewed focus on human creativity, brands will need to rethink how they deliver value and connect with consumers.

Download the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions and get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply these predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the future of beauty, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director of Insights, Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Clare Hennigan, Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel.

Rosalia Di Gesu, Associate Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel.

In this episode, host Andrew Davidson speaks with Melissa Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer at Fifth Third Bank, about the strategic acquisition of Comerica and what it means for brand integration in today’s competitive banking landscape. Melissa shares how the bank is balancing scale with authenticity—leveraging customer experience, community engagement, and AI-driven insights to build trust and drive growth. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of merging brands, and how a clear, customer-centric strategy can turn acquisition into long-term value.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about Fifth Third Bank's acquisition of Comerica, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Melissa Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Fifth Third Bank.