Vessels Newsletter - Spring 2025 Edition

Welcome back to the Vessels newsletter! Serving a monthly dose of cultural intelligence designed to help you stay aligned with what matters most in this rapidly shifting world.

We’ve got your trends, insights, and takeaways curated with intention. Let’s dive in.

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What’s Evolving | Trends to Watch

Wellness Reframed

Wellness is being redefined. It’s no longer just about physical health—it’s about cultural identity, emotional safety, and community belonging.

Hyper-Local Storytelling

Micro-communities are shaping the narrative. Stories that resonate are now being told from the ground up, not the top down.

Nostalgia 2.0

Nostalgia is going deeper, with brands and creators tapping into personal, generational, and cultural memory in more nuanced ways.

Eco Realism Over Greenwashing

Consumers are calling out performative sustainability. What they want now: real, transparent, and responsible eco-practices.

Community-Based Collaborations

People want to see brands partner with collectives and groups who actually live the values they preach.

AI + Human Connection

Audiences expect digital innovation—but not at the cost of humanity. AI should enhance cultural nuance, not flatten it.

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In the News | Culture Current

AI Coaching Is Booming

AI-powered personal development platforms are trending, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Expect this space to keep growing.

The VC Gender Gap

42% of U.S. businesses are woman-owned. Yet just 2.4% of venture capital goes to female founders. The gap is still too wide.

YouTube Surges Past Disney

With a 53% share increase since 2023, YouTube is poised to become the top media company. Viewership among adults 65+ is up 96%.

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Cultural Forecast | What We’re Tracking Based on ‘Conclave 2025’

    •    Faith communities are not monolithic

    •    Progressiveness vs. tradition is a real tension

    •    Symbolism and ritual still matter

    •    Community and belonging are core drivers

    •    Ethical leadership resonates deeply with religious audiences

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Cultural Dispatch | Thought to Hold

“Leadership is grounded in humility, compassion, and ethical courage—these values can inspire global movements across cultures, faiths, and generations.”

— Pope Francis (1936–2025)

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Thanks for being here. We’re passionate about helping leaders, creators, and communities stay rooted and responsive in a fast-moving world. Stay tuned, and stay connected:

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