About this episode
In today’s world flooded with AI-generated content and “AI slop,” one quality stands out as the ultimate differentiator: Brand Authenticity.
AI is a powerful tool, but it can’t replicate humanity. Half of consumers say AI content feels “off” or inauthentic. So how can your brand leverage AI without losing the human touch? Joanne explores how to let AI handle efficiency, while humans own creativity, storytelling, and emotional connection.
In this video, global brand strategist and thought leadership coach Joanne Z. Tan unpacks:
✅ What brand authenticity really means (beyond buzzwords)
✅ How brands like Cracker Barrel and Coca-Cola show the risks of losing authenticity
✅ Why “social-first” brands are outperforming others with double-digit growth
✅ How AI is changing consumer perception—and why humans must lead creativity
✅ Practical steps to protect your brand identity, vision, and trust in the AI era
To read it as a 3-min blog
To watch it as a 10-min video
Why does authenticity matter more than ever? According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in institutions is dropping, while trust in brands is rising. Consumers are no longer just buying products—they’re investing in purpose, values, and honesty. Brands that “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” are the ones building loyalty, stability, and real human connection.
🔑 Questions to consider for your own brand:
What do you truly stand for?
How do your brand promises align with your actions?
Where should humans control, and where should AI support?
If you want to rise above the AI noise and build a brand that people trust, follow, and love, this video will give you the frameworks and insights you need.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Why Brand Authenticity matters now
2:45 – Trust shift: from institutions to brands
5:10 – What authenticity looks like in practice
8:20 – The AI dilemma: efficiency vs. human connection
12:15 – Case studies: Cracker Barrel & Coca-Cola
15:40 – Building an authenticity strategy for the AI Age
About the author, Joanne Z. Tan
Joanne Z. Tan is the Founder & CEO of 10 Plus Brand, Inc., a brand strategist, thought leadership coach, and speaker. She helps executives, board members, entrepreneurs, and organizations decode their Brand DNA, create authentic brand identity and content to build brand equity and lead their industries in the AI age. Trained in law and business, Joanne was a former journalist, and an award-winning photographic artist. She had a liberal arts education from Brandeis University before earning a law degree. Joanne's passion is to build brands for leaders and their organizations with her analytical, holistic, and strategic design thinking, as well as her art
