I just returned from Riga, Latvia, where I had the honor of speak at TechChill about Storytelling in a Crisis. I am putting the finishing touches on a blog post about my talk, so make sure you’re following me on LinkedIn as it will be posted in the next week or so.

I also had the great pleasure of attending InnovateX last week, an evening event featuring inspiring marketers from Ocado, Lucky Saint, Knoops, and more. I even got to try cricket! No, not the game, but the bug, in a chili con cricket dish from the UK startup YumBug. And you know what? It was really good.

On the marketing front, it’s a busy time with the Super Bowl, the Grammy’s, Valentine’s Day, Trump and Elon’s antics, innovations and in-fighting across AI leaders, and more. And of course buyers and rumors around TikTok’s fate in the United States continue to swirl.

I didn’t plan it this way, but we have 14 stories and as Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th, consider this my love letter to you. Let’s dive in.

This Week’s Marketing Stories

A curated mix of breaking news, insights, and trends, each with actionable takeaways to inspire your brand storytelling.

1. 50 States, 50 Stories: Small Businesses Take Center Stage at the Super Bowl

Google is using its Super Bowl ad buy to shine a light on small businesses leveraging AI to work smarter. Instead of one national ad, Google Workspace is launching 50 localized commercials, each spotlighting the story of a small business from a different state. From ranchers using AI to track livestock to a small-batch salt company optimizing operations with Gemini, these ads show the power of AI for small businesses.

Key Takeaway: AI is becoming a powerful tool for brands and storytelling is a great way to showcase different use cases in an easy to understand way. Read more

2. Big Tech Players Emerge as Likely Partners for TikTok US

As the U.S. government pushes for a resolution on TikTok’s fate, major tech companies are emerging as potential buyers. Oracle, which already manages TikTok’s U.S. operations, remains a top contender due to its ties to the Trump administration. Amazon is reportedly considering a bid to integrate TikTok’s reach into its e-commerce strategy, while Microsoft has also been linked to discussions. Meanwhile, ByteDance is lobbying for an alternative solution that would allow it to retain control through a joint venture with U.S. investors. With only 52 days left before the app could face a permanent ban, negotiations are intensifying.

Key Takeaway: This saga is far from over. As I continue to advise, TikTok’s uncertain future underscores the importance of brands maintaining a diverse social media presence to mitigate platform risks. Read more

3. Boycotts and Backlash: The Changing DEI Landscape

Target is facing backlash after rolling back its DEI initiatives, sparking calls for boycotts. At the same time, Black-owned brands that sell through Target are urging consumers to reconsider, highlighting the complexities of corporate DEI strategies. This shift follows mounting pressure from conservative activists and the White House’s executive orders against DEI programs.

Key Takeaway: Brands that publicly commit to DEI and then backtrack risk losing consumer trust. Marketing success hinges on long-term authenticity. Read more

4. Elon Musk Launches $94.7 Billion Bid to Buy OpenAI from Sam Altman

Elon Musk has submitted a staggering $94.7 billion bid to buy OpenAI, claiming he wants to return it to its original open-source, safety-driven mission. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman immediately dismissed the offer with a sharp response on X, joking that OpenAI would buy Twitter for $9.74 billion instead. The quip instantly went viral, earning Altman industry-wide praise for his confidence and ability to handle Musk’s power play with humor. The move underscores the ongoing feud between Musk and Altman over the future of AI and OpenAI’s transition from a nonprofit to a commercial powerhouse.

Key Takeaway: When faced with an over-the-top bid, Altman’s bold and witty response turned the narrative in his favor, reminding brands that confidence, humor, and standing your ground can be just as powerful as a billion-dollar offer. Read more

5. Elon Musk’s X Sues Major Advertisers Over Boycott

X (formerly Twitter) has expanded its lawsuit against brands like Lego, Nestlé, and Colgate-Palmolive, accusing them of an illegal ad boycott after Musk’s takeover. The lawsuit claims that the advertisers conspired to withdraw funding, causing billions in lost revenue. This case could set a precedent for how brands navigate ad placement and platform alignment.

Key Takeaway: This is wild. It’s my opinion that companies should be free to decide where they advertise and that they should be also free to express their opinions about the safety of social media platforms. I predict that brands will continue to make values-based marketing decisions, but legal challenges could reshape how companies engage in ad boycotts. Read more

6. Every Super Bowl 2025 Ad – My Favorite Picks

The best part of the Super Bowl? Not the game—the ads! I watched every single one and pulled together my favorite picks based on great storytelling, creativity, and impact. From nostalgic remakes to quirky humor to powerful messages, these ads stood out among the rest:

• Coors Light’s “Slow Monday” – A brilliant continuation of its larger campaign, highlighting the post-Super Bowl Monday slump with humor and relatable storytelling. Watch here
• Dove’s “These Legs” – A heartfelt, data-backed ad advocating for girls in sports, showing how body image criticism impacts their participation. Classic Dove storytelling with a powerful message. Watch here
• Google Pixel’s “Dream Job” – This one got me. A father uses Gemini AI to prepare for a job interview while caring for his daughter. Emotional, relevant, and a great showcase of AI in everyday life. Watch here
• Hellmann’s “When Sally Met Hellmann’s” – A hilarious remake of When Harry Met Sally’s iconic scene, proving that a good sandwich can be that good. Sydney Sweeney’s cameo adds the perfect touch. Watch here
• Hexclad’s “Unidentified Frying Object” – A creative and quirky ad claiming that Hexclad pans are so strong, they must be made by aliens. Fun, memorable storytelling. Watch here
• Homes.com’s “Not Saying We’re The Best” – A relatable (and hilarious) ad for marketers navigating legal approval processes. If you’ve ever worked on ad copy, you’ll get it. Watch here
• Little Caesars Pizza’s “Woah” – Eugene Levy’s eyebrows star in this unexpected but clever take on how good that first bite can be. Love the fresh storytelling twist! Watch here
• Nike’s “So Win” – Not the flashiest ad, but a strong brand moment for Nike, keeping its Just Do It storytelling alive while celebrating women in sports. Watch here
• Novartis’s “Your Attention Please” – A bold, cheeky take on breast cancer awareness, flipping the narrative on how we “check out” women’s bodies. Smart, impactful storytelling. Watch here
• Ram Trucks’ “Goldilocks and The Three Trucks” – A clever, modern twist on a classic fairytale, seamlessly integrating product features through storytelling. Watch here
• Ray-Ban and Meta’s “Who Eats Art?” – Featuring Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, and Kris Jenner, this ad humorously showcases the new Meta x Ray-Ban smart glasses in a quirky art-world setting. Watch here
• Stella Artois’s “Dave & David” – Classic Super Bowl storytelling with humor and celebrity power. Matt Damon and David Beckham discover they might be long-lost brothers, bonding over Stella Artois. Watch here
• Taco Bell’s “The Fans” – A feel-good ad celebrating real Taco Bell fans, with celeb cameos and high energy. Love the nod to brand fandom and community engagement. Watch here
• Uber Eats’ “A Century of Cravings” – Matthew McConaughey hilariously theorizes that football was created just to sell food, with support from Kevin Bacon, Greta Gerwig, Martha Stewart, and more. A+ storytelling. Watch here

Key Takeaway: The best Super Bowl ads aren’t just flashy – they tell compelling stories, evoke emotions, and create lasting brand moments. Whether through humor, nostalgia, or heart, these ads prove that great storytelling wins every time. Watch all of the Super Bowl ads here: Read more

7. Google’s Black History Month Activations Celebrate Creators, Art, and Culture

Google is rolling out a suite of Black History Month initiatives across YouTube, Google Play, and Google TV, highlighting Black creators and entrepreneurs. The campaign includes curated playlists, artist-designed Chrome backgrounds, and a focus on Black-owned apps.

Key Takeaway: Brands that engage in authentic, year-round storytelling about diverse communities build stronger emotional connections with their audiences. Read more

8. Heinz Welcomes Its New ‘Chief Mustard Officer’ – And It’s Music Producer Mustard

At the Grammys, Heinz introduced music producer Mustard as its new Chief Mustard Officer, blending food and music culture. The partnership includes a new mustard flavor and a diamond-encrusted mustard bottle and an epic soundbite, reinforcing Heinz’s playful and culturally relevant marketing strategy.

Key Takeaway: The best brand partnerships feel organic. Mustard’s name and love of grilling makes him a natural fit for Heinz. Read more

9. How Much Does a Super Bowl Ad Cost – And Is It Worth It?

A 30-second Super Bowl ad now costs around $7 million, but does it deliver ROI? While the cost continues to rise, Super Bowl ads offer unparalleled reach and cultural impact, provided they are executed well.

Key Takeaway: Super Bowl ads are high-risk, high-reward. The key to success is not just buying the slot but making a memorable and effective ad. Read more

10. Instagram to Let Users Rearrange Their Profile Grids

Instagram is testing a long-requested feature: the ability to rearrange posts on a profile grid. This update, aimed at giving creators more control over their visual branding, could impact how businesses present their content.

Key Takeaway: Social media aesthetics still matter. Brands and influencers will need to rethink their content strategy for an optimized grid layout. Read more

11. LEGO Proposes Fun Ideas to Creatively Pop the Question

LEGO is offering a playful twist on proposals just in time for Valentine’s Day. The brand has unveiled imaginative ways to pop the question using its signature bricks, from a rocket ship hiding a ring to a heart-shaped box revealing a wedding scene. LEGO’s Bouquet of Roses set also provides a creative way to conceal a ring among the blooms, reinforcing the idea of “building a future together.”

Key Takeaway: By blending creativity with visual storytelling, LEGO taps into emotional marketing and brand nostalgia, reinforcing its role in life’s milestone moments. Read more

12. Most Americans Oppose Corporate DEI Rollbacks

A new Morning Consult report reveals that 67% of Americans believe corporate DEI initiatives are important, including a majority of Republican respondents. Despite this, some brands are scaling back diversity efforts, citing political pressure.

Key Takeaway: Data shows that DEI remains a consumer priority, making it risky for brands to abandon these commitments. Read more

13. OpenAI Launches ‘Deep Research’ AI Agent for ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced a new research tool within ChatGPT that performs multi-step investigations on complex topics. Designed for professionals in fields like finance, science, and policy, this feature automates research, compiles citations, and presents findings.

Key Takeaway: AI is no longer just a tool for answering quick questions – it’s becoming a fully-fledged research assistant, capable of multi-step analysis, source verification, and summarization. For marketers, I am curious what this means for things like market research, competitive analysis, trend spotting, and how we analyze our performance reporting over long periods of time. Read more

14. YouTube Is Now Even Bigger on TVs Than Phones

For the first time, people are watching more YouTube on their TVs than on their phones. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan shared that viewers now stream over 1 billion hours of content daily on their television screens. With features like Watch With for live commentary, an updated TV interface, and a dominant position in streaming, YouTube is evolving into a full-fledged competitor to traditional television.

Key Takeaway: YouTube’s shift to TV signals a major opportunity for brands and creators to rethink content strategies, optimizing for larger screens and longer watch times. I’ve been a big fan of YouTube for a long time (I have two channels personally). I believe brands should be looking more at YouTube as a place for educational or entertaining episodic content, in addition to the hygiene SEO-optimized content of sharing ads, FAQs, tutorials, and more. Read more

My Stories

Here’s two great blog posts on brand storytelling – one that’s more how to with examples and a personal story from yours truly:

1. 5 Tips For Jumpstarting Your Brand Storytelling Efforts: Stories captivate our attention by bringing ideas, opinions, and emotions to life in a powerful, memorable way. However, as time, technology and consumers have evolved, how do companies tell stories that resonate today? Read more
2. The Story Of A Cake, KLM, And An Unexpected Customer Experience: During a flight with KLM, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a piece of cake in-flight and even more excited to discover the story behind it. Read more

Here are two new posts from my travel and lifestyle blog and YouTube channel. I just hit 1,000 subscribers on YouTube, which is so exciting (even if I am still struggling to fix a strange issue to get into the partner program)!

1. Discovering Newquay: My First Time Experiencing Cornwall’s Coastal Charms: Cornwall has always been high on my travel wish list, and Newquay proved to be the perfect introduction to its rugged beauty. From dramatic cliff walks to stunning beaches, this coastal town delivered more than I ever imagined. Read more
2. What Is London Like In January? Join Me For Great Walks, Museums, Restaurants, And More! If you’re curious about what life in the London looks like in January – where to walk, what to see, the best spots for a cozy meal, and a few unexpected moments along the way – this video is for you.

Unlock More of My Stories

🌍 Website: JessicaGioglio.com Your one-stop shop for all my books, speaking engagements, and blog posts on marketing and storytelling.

📚 Books:

• The Power of Visual Storytelling: Learn how to shape a visual story around your brand using images, videos, GIFs, infographics, and more. Get your copy here.
• The Laws of Brand Storytelling: The definitive guide to using storytelling to win over customers’ hearts, minds, and loyalty. Grab it here.

📱 Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter/X
• Instagram
• YouTube

Let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Until Next Time

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here for marketing trends, storytelling inspiration, or both, I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.

Keep telling the stories that matter, Jessica