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Impact Makers

Impact Makers

By: Andrew Wardlaw Caitlin McLean Alex Berteanu
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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
  • Ambient All-Stars

    Ambient All-Stars
    Jun 4 2026

    The ambient aisle is the backbone of every supermarket, boasting a range of formats including cans, packets, jars and pouches. But in a world of ‘dinner for tonight’ shopping, the proposition risks being left behind. Look more closely, however, and something magical is happening.

    We sit down with Tiago Quaresma of The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine, a brand that has turned canned fish into something joyful, collectible and even giftable. We also speak to David Gadd, Design Director at Mars Foods, about how Ben’s Original Street Food has helped create something ambient rarely delivers: genuine discovery.

    Plus, the latest and greatest from a supermarket in Brazil, and the rise of the ‘preppers’, a growing TikTok-fuelled subculture that treats ambient food not as an afterthought, but as a survival strategy.

    Whether you're a marketer, innovator or simply someone who appreciates a well-stocked cupboard, this episode explores why the future of food innovation may be hiding in the most overlooked aisle of the supermarket.

    Follow us on Instagram @impactmakerspod
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    52 mins
  • 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
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