Lil’ Miquela and Mia Zelu have millions of followers and generate serious income, despite being created with artificial intelligence. A recent article in the NY Times caught our attention and we just had to weigh in on how AI influencers are changing the way customers think about what they can trust. In this episode of the Experience Strategy podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton delve into the intriguing world of AI influencers, exploring their rise, the complexities of trust and authenticity in the digital age, and the implications for the future of influencer experiences. They discuss the evolving nature of social proof, the role of empathy in AI, and how brands can navigate the changing landscape of consumer relationships. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and authenticity in experience strategies, as well as the potential shift towards hyperlocal influencers.

Takeaways

• AI influencers are gaining popularity and generating significant income.
• Parasocial relationships with AI are becoming more common.
• Trust in AI influencers is complex and multifaceted.
• Authenticity is increasingly important in the digital age.
• Social proof is being redefined in the context of AI.
• The role of empathy in AI is a contentious topic.
• Brands need to be transparent about AI-generated content.
• Micro-influencers may become more valuable than traditional influencers.
• Understanding customer needs is crucial for effective marketing.
• The future of AI and human relationships is uncertain and thought-provoking.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI Influencers
02:44 The Rise of AI Personalities
05:54 Trust and Authenticity in AI
08:53 The Evolution of Social Proof
11:53 AI and Empathy: A Complex Relationship
14:48 The Role of Brands and Influencers
17:47 Lessons for Experience Strategists
20:46 The Future of AI Storytelling
23:43 Conclusion and Reflections

Read more

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/03/style/ai-influencers-lil-miquela-mia-zelu.html

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In The New York Times article written by Daniel Currell, the author/consultant contents that Disney's tiered system is designed to target affluent guests, not middle class people. In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Joe Pine, Dave Norton, and Aransas Savas discuss the article about Disney's transformation from an egalitarian experience to a tiered system. They explore the implications of this shift on the middle class, the increasing value placed on experiences, and the desire for connection among visitors. The conversation delves into the role of services, time value, and the exclusivity of certain experiences, ultimately addressing the future of Disney and its expansion opportunities.

This episode is brought to you by The Cargo Agency and Feedback Now.

Takeaways

• Disney has shifted from an egalitarian mindset to a tiered system.
• The value of experiences has increased significantly over the years.
• Wealth impacts the amount of time one can spend enjoying experiences.
• Visitors seek connective experiences with loved ones.
• Services play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience.
• Having multiple channels is a key strategy for growth.
• Club 33 represents the only exclusive experience in the park.
• Time is a critical currency in the experience economy.
• Disney's pricing strategy reflects the value of experiences.
• The future of Disney may involve expansion and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Experience Economy
00:26 Disney's Shift from Egalitarianism
01:44 The Value of Experience and Pricing
05:21 The Impact of Wealth on Experience
06:47 The Desire for Connection in Experiences
09:54 The Role of Services in Enhancing Experiences
12:03 Gamification and the Disney Ecosystem
15:47 The Exclusivity of Club 33
18:03 Time as a Currency in Experiences
21:18 The Future of Disney and Expansion Ideas

Read more

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/opinion/disney-world-economy-middle-class-rich.html?unlocked_article_code=1.iU8.Yl9x.HdJppkkpqYcr&smid=url-share

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

In an August 14th Vogue Business article by Madeleine Schultz , Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, discussed its personalisation strategy and an investment of $600 million for it's new platform. The only problem is: based on the article, we think they got it wrong.

In this episode of the Experience Strategy Podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton delve into the evolving landscape of personalization in retail, particularly focusing on Saks Global's new strategies. They discuss the importance of understanding customer modes, the role of contextual data, and the challenges faced by traditional personalization approaches. The conversation highlights the need for brands to meet customers where they are, especially in the age of social shopping, and emphasizes the integration of online and offline experiences to enhance customer engagement.

This episode is brought to you by The Cargo Agency and Feedback Now.

Takeaways

• Personalization is a form of customization for individuals.

• Saks has invested heavily in personalization strategies.

• Modes thinking is crucial for effective personalization.

• Contextual data is essential for understanding customer needs.

• Traditional personalization approaches may feel outdated.

• Social shopping is a growing trend in retail.

• Brands must meet customers where they are online.

• Integration of online and offline experiences is key.

• Personalization should not just be about demographics.

• The future of retail lies in innovative and brave strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personalization in Retail
02:57 Exploring Hyper-Personalization Strategies
05:55 The Importance of Context in Personalization
09:05 The Role of AI and Machine Learning
11:57 Challenges of Traditional Retail Personalization
14:49 The Shift Towards Social Shopping
17:45 Integrating Online and Offline Experiences
20:48 Future Directions for Retail Personalization

Read more

https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/consumers/inside-saks-globals-personalisation-strategy?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn how to inspire advocacy

https://www.thecargoagency.com

Register for a free pilot program with Feedback Now

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https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com