Richard Edelman on trust, AI, and reinventing his agency’s future

In this episode, Arun Sudhaman sits down with Richard Edelman for a candid conversation on the evolving dynamics of trust, the blurring lines between advertising and PR, and the future of purpose-driven brand communications. Edelman argues that brands must shift from collective "we"-based purposes to individual "me"-focused relevance, reflecting deep societal shifts driven by economic insecurity and AI disruption.

They also dissect how ad agencies are encroaching on earned territory, the opportunities and pitfalls of generative AI, and the critical need for PR firms to pivot from time-based billing to value-based pricing. Edelman offers sharp insights on global market dynamics, the future of influencer and creator strategies, and his vision for scaling trust as a core marketing asset.

A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of communications, culture, and corporate strategy — and how agencies must evolve or risk obsolescence.