South Africa, Feb. 16 -- Success was shaped by showing up consistently, not sporadically. The environment will always change, but if you're anchored in your truth, you'll connect with the right people at the right time.

That's probably why I've never really been obsessed with trendy (especially this time of year).

When everyone is looking the same way

We're living in an era of unprecedented access to information. Every brand sees the same reports, the same cultural moments, the same "next big thing." Ironically, that access is creating sameness.

Brands aren't making braver choices; they're making safer ones. Not because they lack creativity, but because they're afraid of being left behind. So they follow.

They adopt the language of t...