Alan kicks off the series with our “crystal ball confessionals.” Unlike our usual one-on-one interviews, today you’ll hear snippets of Alan's conversations with industry leaders at Deloitte Digital’s exclusive ‘Collaborate with Certainty’ and ‘Engage with Certainty’ brunches at Cannes.

Hear from Celia Salsi, global head of product marketing at YouTube, on why attention, relevance, and trust are crucial for brands striving to stand out in a crowded market. Next, Kaya Yurieff, team leader for the creator economy at The Information, explores creators' complex and evolving identities. Rounding out the conversation, Kenny Gold, Deloitte Digital’s head of social and creator, moves the focus to AI, reminding us that, despite technological advances, the true impact of creators remains grounded in authentic human connection.

The conversation continues with Emma Simkiss, associate director of brand and marketing at the International Olympic Committee, on how authentic fan engagement is measured by meaningful interaction and loyalty, not just numbers. Michelle McGuire Christian, chief commercial officer for Converge™ by Deloitte for Sports, explains how using data and AI can unlock deeper personalization. Finally, David Geisinger, Marketing Technology, Data & Operations offering leader at Deloitte Digital, discusses a future where technology transforms fans from passive spectators into active participants, building vibrant two-way communities.