The Broadmind Business & Innovation Tracker
How leading companies across automotive, retail, finance, fashion and hospitality sectors are leveraging AI, culture, and immersive experiences to push innovation forward.
From Google applying transformative AI to everyday shopping experiences, to innovative partnerships from BMW and LEGO reinventing entertainment, this edition of PSFK's Broadmind explores the strategies big brands like BYD, Mastercard, and Marriott are using to redefine their industries and build stronger connections with consumers.
First up, BMW is giving classic music lovers something to celebrate. They're bringing live-streamed symphony performances from the London Symphony Orchestra straight into their cars, starting with a big event—the BMW Classics concert happening June 15 at Trafalgar Square. This is all part of BMW's bigger goal around what they're calling NEUE KLASSE, improving everything from battery tech to unique in-car experiences, making luxury even more distinctive.
Switching gears, let's talk EVs—and specifically, BYD's impressive growth. The Chinese automaker has actually pulled ahead of Tesla in annual revenue—$107 billion this past year compared to Tesla's $97.7 billion. And to keep up momentum, BYD is building a massive factory in Zhengzhou that's literally the size of San Francisco. Seriously: When it's up and running, it'll crank out a million vehicles every year. Clearly, scale is becoming just as important as innovation in electric vehicle competition.
Now let’s turn to Snapchat and LEGO’s partnership—called "Bricktacular"—which has earned recognition at the Digiday Awards. Their augmented reality project let Snapchat users build LEGO creations virtually in their real-world settings. It was a huge hit—over 1 million unique builds and 8 million minutes of user engagement. It just goes to show how immersive experiences really resonate with people.
And related to this is news from Roblox: Creators on the platform are making way more money selling digital avatar items directly to their fans than through branded deals. In fact, Roblox handed out over $280 million just in last quarter to creators. So even as brands pile in, the real power in this digital economy stays with creators selling straight to users.
And staying in digital spaces, Mastercard is stepping up its plans to integrate cryptocurrency and blockchain into mainstream financial systems. They're currently looking to hire someone who’ll build out partnerships and digital-asset products, making cross-border payments easier and faster. Clearly, Mastercard sees digital assets as more than just a trend—it's how money is evolving.
Here's something interesting about how AI is changing retail advertising. Google teamed up with a retail media company called Addition on a hyperlocal campaign right in New York City. Basically, Google’s AI shows shoppers which nearby stores actually have the items they're browsing for online. This is another step by Alphabet to weave AI into everything they do, helping them compete even harder against retailers like Amazon.
In Retail, Uniqlo - Fast Retailing's popular fashion brand - is doing something meaningful in India by launching a Community Skill Centre in Dwarka. Over the next few years, they'll train around 2,700 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with skills like retail operations, sewing, and digital literacy. Alongside internships at nearby Uniqlo stores, it’s a move that speaks volumes about how the brand sees its role in community empowerment.
In the US, luxury brand Thom Browne opened a beautiful new store in Palm Beach at the Royal Poinciana Plaza. Staying true to Browne's classic prep style, the space also incorporates local mid-century architecture and charm. Prada Group, which owns the brand, seems to really get how blending high-end fashion with thoughtful local design makes for a memorable shopping experience.
Finally, let's talk luxury homes. Marriott is doubling down on branded residences—basically homes offering hotel-quality amenities and services. As more folks seek living spaces that blend hospitality and lifestyle offerings, Marriott is clearly trying to lead the pack here, expanding aggressively to meet growing demand.