AI & The 2026 New Consumer A To Z
In August 2025, I had the opportunity to speak at Tapestry’s headquarters in New York City and deliver one of my most comprehensive keynotes yet — an A-to-Z guide to the trends transforming how we live, work, and consume. Over the course of the talk, I drew from my 25 years in business — from launching my first company during the dot-com boom to leading Suzy through today’s AI revolution — to share hard-earned lessons and a clear framework for future proofing in the years ahead.
The themes resonated not just because they’re timely, but because they connect the dots between technology, culture, and the economy in a way business leaders can act on immediately.
Why the AI Moment Feels Like 1999 All Over Again
When I graduated college in 1999, the Internet was just beginning to reshape the world. Within a few short years, we saw billion-dollar valuations for companies with barely a business model, explosive user growth, and then — just as quickly — a market collapse.
The parallels to today’s AI moment are striking. Right now, hundreds of AI startups are emerging, chasing market share, investor attention, and rapid adoption. Twenty-five years from now, most of them will be gone — but a handful will become the Amazons and Googles of this new era.
The lesson? We’re living in a boom-and-bust cycle that rewards adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to pivot when the hype fades.
The Personal Experiment That Changed My Approach to AI
While many companies delegate AI exploration to their R&D teams, I believe leadership must understand it firsthand. That’s why I started by solving a personal problem: staying alive as long as possible.
I gathered 25 years of my health data — medical records, lab results, Apple Watch stats — and trained a custom AI “healthbot” to act like a top Johns Hopkins physician. The insights it provided were personalized, actionable, and in some cases, surprising.
From there, I built other AI “agents” for personal finance, family organization, and more. These systems didn’t just give me answers — they automated tasks, sent emails, scheduled appointments, and connected with one another.
The takeaway for anyone, at any company:
Start with a specific problem.
Organize the relevant data.
Build a targeted AI solution.
Learn the technology hands-on so you can apply it strategically in business.
The A-to-Z Framework: 26 Trends Shaping the Future
The heart of my keynote was an A-to-Z roadmap of the trends reshaping the business landscape. While I won’t detail all 26 here, these highlights illustrate the scope of change we’re facing:
A – AI & Gen Alpha
AI is no longer niche — it’s woven into daily life. Gen Alpha (ages 0–15) will be the first generation to know no world without it. Their expectations for instant, personalized, conversational interactions will redefine how brands engage.
B – Barbell Economy
Growth will concentrate at the extremes: value and luxury. The middle market will shrink as AI-driven wealth disparity accelerates.
C – Coding
Software development is no longer the moat it once was. AI can now write production-level code, shifting the competitive advantage toward brand, IP, and storytelling.
D – Data
Proprietary, high-quality data is the “secret ingredient” in AI. The open web is table stakes — unique datasets unlock true differentiation.
E – Education
Traditional memorization-based learning is obsolete in the AI era. Critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability are the skills that matter.
F – Family Matters
With first-time parenthood now averaging over age 30, consumer behavior is shifting — extended city living, delayed family expenses, and prolonged discretionary spending are all growth areas.
G – Google Disruption
Search is moving from keyword queries to conversational AI prompts. Brands must optimize for AI model recommendations, not just SEO.
I – Influencers
Social influence is shifting from traditional celebrity to creators — and now, even virtual influencers generated entirely by AI.
J – Job Loss
Automation will eliminate deterministic roles, while amplifying the value of creative, strategic talent.
P – Personalization
AI can now scrape public data and tailor messaging instantly. This changes marketing, sales, and customer service forever.
S – Shopping with Agents
Consumers will increasingly rely on AI agents to source, curate, and purchase products, bypassing traditional search and e-commerce flows.
T – TikTokification of Media
Algorithms now reward content quality and engagement over follower count. Anyone can break through with the right creative.
Z – Gen Z
Gen Z is now running households and shaping purchasing decisions. Brands must speak their language — which means mobile-first, creator-driven, and authenticity above all.
The Skills That Will Matter Most
One of the most important themes of the talk was the shift from the knowledge economy to the creative economy. AI can now do what once required human expertise: write contracts, analyze data, even diagnose illnesses.
What it can’t do well — at least not yet — is apply judgment, creativity, and critical thinking in ways that inspire and connect with other humans.
If you’re an individual looking to stay competitive or an organization seeking to build a resilient team, prioritize:
Storytelling – to make ideas memorable and persuasive.
Creativity – to generate novel approaches in a sea of AI-generated sameness.
Critical Thinking – to evaluate, synthesize, and make sound decisions in uncertain environments.
Adaptability – to pivot as technology and market conditions shift.
The Consumer Lens: Where AI Meets Culture
AI isn’t just a business tool — it’s a cultural force. Whether it’s wearable devices like Ray-Ban Meta glasses blending digital layers into our physical world, or the rise of live commerce merging entertainment with shopping, technology is influencing how people behave, spend, and connect.
In this keynote, I challenged brands to think not just about what AI can do for them operationally, but how it can transform customer experience. That means:
Meeting consumers where they already are — on mobile, in short-form video, in interactive digital spaces.
Leveraging AI to make every interaction more personal, timely, and relevant.
Using technology to deepen brand equity, not dilute it.
Why Future Proofing Starts Now
I closed the talk with a challenge: the AI revolution is here, and it’s accelerating faster than the early Internet ever did. Waiting on the sidelines means falling behind.
Future proofing requires:
Active Experimentation – Learn AI hands-on, even outside your core business.
Strategic Focus – Pick a few high-impact problems to solve deeply.
Skill Building – Invest in creativity, commåunication, and adaptability.
Data Strategy – Identify and secure proprietary datasets to power your AI advantage.
Cultural Relevance – Align with emerging generations’ behaviors and expectations.
The leaders who embrace these principles will not just survive the AI era — they’ll define it.
Final Thoughts
The period between 2025 and 2030 will be remembered as one of the most disruptive — and opportunistic — windows in modern history. Like the dot-com boom, fortunes will be made and lost. The difference this time is the speed and scale of change.
AI has leveled the playing field for those with ideas, resourcefulness, and the will to learn. Whether you’re a startup founder, a corporate leader, or an individual contributor, your ability to adapt now will determine your relevance tomorrow.
