1. Balance Efficiency with Sustainable Growth

Panelists emphasized optimizing lifetime value (LTV) and customer retention over pure acquisition metrics like CAC. Setting clear North Star metrics—like appointments, memberships, or AOV—helps align efforts across teams.

2. Community, Content, and Influencers Beat Paid Ads Alone

With paid digital channels becoming less effective, brands are leaning into:

• Community engagement (both online and hyper-local),

• High-quality and low-fi content, and

• Circular influencer strategies using many micro-influencers to build trust and visibility.

3. Scrappy Teams and Clear OKRs Drive Growth

Whether it's globar’s lean, multi-role team or Save the Duck’s ethical store expansion, all panelists agreed that scaling requires scrappiness, focus, and company-level OKRs to guide resource allocation and prioritization.

4. Brand Building Starts with Story and Voice

A strong, consistent brand voice and narrative is essential—especially for offline-first brands. Intentional storytelling, aesthetics, and local relevance help create memorable, durable connections with customers.