Bridging Generations: Marketing to Gen Alpha's Diverse World
In this episode, Katie Harbath sits down with Michelle O’Grady of Team Friday to unpack how culture, identity, and technology are transforming the way brands and civic leaders connect with younger generations. They explore the rise of mixed-race identities, the fluid ways Gen Z and Gen Alpha see themselves, and what this means for marketers who want to stay relevant. Michelle shares how her work at the intersection of academia and brand strategy helps companies understand shifting consumer behavior—and why long-term thinking matters more than ever. The conversation also reflects on how politics and pop culture are colliding, and what authenticity really looks like when engaging the next generation.Takeaways* Understanding generational change is essential for modern marketing* Mixed-race identities are rapidly reshaping the demographic landscape* Brands must break out of siloed thinking to stay relevant* Gen Alpha’s worldview will drive the next wave of consumer expectations* Civic engagement is shifting alongside cultural and identity trends* Younger audiences expect authenticity from political and cultural leaders* Cultural fluidity demands nuanced, adaptive marketing strategies* Long-term, relationship-driven approaches outperform quick fixes* Effective engagement starts with meeting people where they already are* Complex, multifaceted identities require more sophisticated brand storytellingChapters* 00:00 Journey from Academia to Marketing* 04:45 Understanding Mixed Race Identity* 07:48 Merging Academic Insights with Brand Strategy* 12:38 The Rise of Gen Alpha* 16:40 Civic Participation and Political Engagement* 20:05 Changing Dynamics of Civic Participation* 23:50 Engaging the Younger Generation in Politics* 29:40 The Courage to Start a Business* 31:38 Complexity in Consumer Behavior* 38:24 Understanding Demographic Shifts* 40:49 Authenticity in Connection Points* 43:32 The Importance of Listening in Communication* 44:00 Long-Term Planning in Marketing and CommunicationAnchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
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The AI-Energy Nexus Powering the Future
In this episode, Katie Harbath sits down with Sarah Hunt, President of the Rainey Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about the energy system powering the AI era. They dig into why AI’s rapidly growing electricity needs are now a national security issue, how state legislators are shaping the future of infrastructure, and what the U.S. must do to stay competitive as countries like China scale their energy capacity at unprecedented speed.Together, they map out the real bottlenecks—permitting, grid modernization, workforce shortages—and the partnerships needed across government, industry, and communities to build an energy foundation strong enough to support innovation. This is a conversation about power, in every sense of the word, and why the choices we make now will determine what’s possible in the decades ahead.Takeaways * AI’s rising energy demand is becoming a central issue for innovation and national security.* State legislators are key players in energy affordability, siting, and infrastructure decisions.* Permitting and regulatory hurdles are slowing critical energy and grid projects.* China is expanding energy infrastructure faster than the U.S., raising competitiveness concerns.* Cross-sector collaboration is essential to meet future energy and AI needs.* Public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation and modernize the grid.* Community engagement is crucial for siting and sustaining energy projects.* A skilled workforce—especially electricians and grid technicians—is urgently needed.* The future of AI is directly tied to how the U.S. invests in energy infrastructure and national values.Chapters* 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection* 03:32 The Rainy Center’s Mission and Focus Areas* 06:15 Understanding Energy Demands in AI* 08:50 Explaining Energy Strains to the General Public* 13:03 State-Level Energy Policy and Legislative Focus* 16:19 Federal Conversations and Policy Overlap* 18:39 Global Energy Race: U.S. vs. China* 25:52 The Future of AI and Energy Infrastructure* 29:17 Partnerships and Collaborations for Progress* 32:42 Convergence of Issues in Technology and Economy* 33:08 Innovative Uses of Technology in MiningAnchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
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How Are Ethics Shaping the Future of Journalism and Tech?
Join us for a critical conversation at the intersection of ethics, journalism, and technology as we explore how the digital age is challenging foundational values.This episode features leading experts: Katy Culver (UW-Madison, School of Journalism and Mass Communication) and Rob Reich (Stanford University, Political Science & Center for Ethics in Society).The worlds of reporting and technology are colliding, forcing us to confront philosophical questions and reassess the values we should prioritize. We dive deep into:* The Ethics of AI and Algorithms: How do new technologies impact truth, transparency, and accountability in news?* Evolving Ethical Standards: Balancing personal morality with professional ethical frameworks in media and tech.* The Role of Education: Preparing future journalists and technologists to navigate complex ethical landscapes.* Community Engagement: How journalism can rebuild trust and drive positive, human-centric change.If you are interested in the future of media, digital ethics, AI bias, and the philosophical challenges of technology, this discussion is essential viewing/listening.Takeaways* The concept of ethics is complex and involves trade-offs.* Ethics in journalism must adapt to the changing media landscape.* AI presents new challenges for ethical decision-making.* Students must be trained for jobs that do not yet exist.* The Omelas dilemma illustrates the struggle between rights and responsibilities.* Tech companies have a moral obligation to consider their impact.* Young journalists are questioning traditional notions of neutrality.* Community engagement is essential for local journalism.* Innovative business models are emerging in response to industry challenges.* There is hope in the creativity and engagement of younger generations.Chapters* 00:00 Introduction to Ethics in Journalism and Tech* 04:48 The Role of Journalism Ethics in Modern Media* 07:42 Tech Ethics: Bridging Philosophy and Practice* 10:15 The Omelas Dilemma: Ethical Choices in Tech* 13:01 Evolving Perspectives on Ethics in Tech and Journalism* 15:38 The Intersection of Journalism and Technology* 18:20 Navigating Personal and Professional Ethics* 20:51 The Future of Ethics in Journalism and Tech* 25:34 The Evolution of Journalism and Ethics* 28:08 The Impact of Algorithms on Media* 33:07 Philosophical Perspectives on Media Responsibility* 37:18 Business Models and the Future of Journalism* 44:15 Hope and Innovation in Journalism* 49:40 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Information Consumption* 50:08 The Complexity of Accountability in Content Creation Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
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Navigating Public Affairs with AI
In this episode, Jeff Berkowitz shares his journey from politics to founding Delve, a consultancy that leverages AI to transform public affairs. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into public affairs, the development of Delve’s AI platform, and insights into the future of AI technology in the industry.Some of the topics we talk about include:* Jeff’s transition from politics to AI consultancy.* The role of AI in simplifying public affairs tasks.* Delve’s development of a full-stack public affairs intelligence platform.* The importance of strategic intelligence in public affairs.* Challenges of integrating AI into public affairs.* Insights into the future of AI technology in public affairs.* The impact of AI on time management and efficiency.* The significance of real-time transcription in public affairs.* The evolution of public affairs with AI technology.* The importance of understanding both technology and public affairs.Learn more about Delve at https://www.delvedeeper.ai Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
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AI Meets Hollywood: The Data-Driven Revolution
In this episode, I interview Bill Skelly about the intersection of AI, data, and the entertainment industry, specifically Hollywood. We discuss the evolution of data usage from politics to entertainment, the role of AI in democratizing data, and the challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Skelly shares insights on how data-driven strategies are transforming film marketing and the importance of proactive policy discussions around AI.Takeaways* AI is still a novelty for many, but it holds potential to democratize data.* Data-driven strategies are transforming film marketing in Hollywood.* The entertainment industry is looking for new approaches to reach audiences.* AI can help strategists interact more closely with data.* The quantity of data has grown, but finding the right data is key.* AI is an augmenter, not a replacement for human roles.* Hollywood is open to new data-driven approaches from political backgrounds.* The long tail of content consumption is expanding with more niche audiences.* Proactive policy discussions are needed to define AI’s role in industries.* AI’s impact on the entertainment industry is still unfolding.Chapters* 00:00:00 Introduction and Background* 00:00:00 The Evolution of Data in Politics* 00:00:00 AI’s Role in Democratizing Data* 00:00:00 Data-Driven Strategies in Hollywood* 00:00:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Entertainment* 00:00:01 Proactive Policy Discussions on AIAnchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Anchor Change, where we help you panic responsibly in a chaotic world. I’m Katie Harbath—a Midwesterner living in DC who’s spent two decades navigating impossible tradeoffs at the intersection of tech, politics, and democracy.
Each week, I’ll break down the headlines, talk with people forging bold paths, and explore how we can face disruption with clarity and courage. This isn’t about hot takes—it’s about finding steady ground when everything feels uncertain.
In a world of complexity, you don’t have to navigate it alone. anchorchange.substack.com