The Broadmind Business & Innovation Tracker

How innovative brands leverage sustainability, AI, and customer experience to drive growth and deepen consumer loyalty.

Mar 31, 2025

In this edition of PSFK’s Business and Innovation Tracker from Broadmind, we explore how top brands are creatively integrating sustainability, artificial intelligence, and strategic service enhancements to redefine their industries. From Mercedes-Benz and Porsche pioneering new paths in electric vehicle sustainability, to Apple's AI-driven health ambitions, and Amazon's experiments with conversational shopping, these stories illustrate how innovative thinking, smart technology, and thoughtful customer engagement can position companies to thrive amid shifting market dynamics.

While PSFK’s recent report on corporate sustainability highlighted how some industries seem ready to step back from their environmental promises, the automotive world is actually doubling down.

For example, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius just outlined a bold, tech-driven strategy built around electrification, software innovation, and sustainability. At the heart of it is their impressive new CLA electric car, offering nearly 500 miles per charge—but beyond that, Mercedes is positioning sustainability as their core competitive advantage, investing heavily in battery recycling tech and their own in-house software platform.

Speaking of battery recycling, Porsche just kicked off a smart new pilot program to recover valuable materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium from used EV batteries. It's all about reinforcing their commitment to the circular economy and reducing dependence on volatile raw material markets—especially with tougher EU battery regulations coming soon.

But some analysts wonder if some aspects of the EV movement - like ultra-fast charging - is really what EV drivers need. After all, most charging happens overnight or during long stops. It's an interesting point: maybe the real game-changer is convenience, not speed.

Now, shifting gears to Apple who, according to Bloomberg, are up to something cool, too, especially if you’re into health tracking. They're working on a new AI health coach, set to roll out next spring with iOS 19.4. It'll give you personalized tips on sleep, food, and mental health, based on data from your iPhone and Apple Watch. Sounds handy—and it's Apple's way of making health tech more personal, blending data and privacy.

And here's Amazon experimenting again: this time with AI chatbots designed to help you shop. You talk to these bots to find products, rather than just scrolling or searching. Early reactions are mixed: some folks say it makes shopping slower. But here's what's smart about it: Amazon learns a lot about how customers shop through these conversations. So even if the chatbot feels a little clunky today, Amazon might be onto something big tomorrow.

Now, switching gears to retail, let's look at Costco. Reports confirm that shoppers are gravitating toward its private label, Kirkland Signature. It makes sense—people want quality products without feeling ripped off. Costco gets that, and it’s why they're confidently opening 28 new warehouses next year, while also upgrading their digital experience to keep things easy and personalized.

Which companies is PSFK’s Broadmind.ai service tracking this week? CAG, FRCOY, RH and VOLCAR B. Sign up and track your clients and competitors.

Tractor Supply is another retailer quietly crushing it. In a recent interview their Vice President of Customer Loyalty, Insights & Engagement highlighted their loyalty program called Neighbor's Club with nearly 40 million members—mostly pet and livestock owners. And it's powerful: the VP, Neil Scott Tenzer, explained that the rural-focused-home-improvement company sends billions of personalized messages each year, blending small-town friendliness with big-tech insights. It’s working, especially as more people look toward self-sufficiency and hobby farming.

Speaking of brands making smart moves: Tiffany & Co. just launched a new sustainability push called 1837 Tiffany Blue Conservation. They're turning that iconic blue color into a symbol of their commitment to protecting the planet. Clever move, actually—using their heritage to stay relevant in a world that increasingly cares about environmental responsibility.

On the travel side, we've got airlines trying to win back customer loyalty. Delta Airlines just rolled out some thoughtful perks for business travelers—like letting companies reclaim unused ticket value easily, and offering around-the-clock dedicated support. It’s simple: Delta knows business travelers crave flexibility and personal attention, and this is their way of delivering exactly that.

Similarly, United Airlines is doubling down on making passengers feel genuinely taken care of. They've got new features like biometric check-in and a "Connection Saver" to help people avoid missed flights. Plus, their staff now gets training specifically designed to help them handle problems with empathy. It’s United's way of showing they get what travelers really want: a mix of smart tech and genuine human connection.

And staying with travel just a moment longer: Google is launching a suite of AI-powered travel planning features across its platforms, transforming how travelers organize their trips. For example, the company is also introducing an AI itinerary builder in Search that generates custom travel plans based on simple prompts like ‘plan a family trip to New York focused on food and museums’. This tool creates complete itineraries with maps, reviews, and suggested activities.

And finally, let's talk Disney. You know how visiting their parks feels like stepping into a completely different world? Well, that's the whole idea. An analysis piece in Fast Company describes how the company has fine-tuned their Disney Bubble concept, where everything—hotels, food, experiences—keeps guests happily spending within their universe. It works, and Disney knows it. They're constantly tweaking things, like their Lightning Lane reservation system, to keep that bubble feeling fresh and worth the premium.

That's what I've got for you today. Thanks again for listening to PSFK's Business and Innovation Tracker—catch you next time!