First Round’s Nick Tran on Why Brands Should Build Culture, Not Chase It

In this episode of Brave Commerce, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Nick Tran, president and CMO of First Round, a joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors.

The conversation centers around Nick’s perspective that the brands that stay relevant don’t simply react to culture. They help create it.

Nick shares why brands should look beyond traditional marketing playbooks, how shifting consumer behaviors are changing the ways brands connect with people, and why AI’s greatest opportunity isn’t just improving efficiency, but helping marketers do things that weren’t possible before.

Key takeaways:

• Building cultural relevance starts with rethinking where and how your brand shows up.
• Brands that use AI as a growth tool, not just a productivity tool, will be better positioned for what’s next.
• Why an abundance mindset can be a competitive advantage for leaders navigating change.