The Directions Group

Authenticity Builds Loyalty. Is Your Brand Getting It Right? African American consumers command $1.8 trillion in spending power, yet many brands fall short by relying on performative marketing instead of genuine connection. Success requires authentic cultural engagement, strong leadership, and deep consumer understanding. As Black History Month comes to an end, remember that authenticity is a long-term commitment. In “Bridging the Gap to Drive Long-Term Loyalty Among African American Consumers,” Jared Grandy, a research and innovation consultant, shows that authentic cultural engagement and diverse leadership are strategic imperatives for lasting brand loyalty. This article is a wake-up call to pivot from outdated approaches and harness real cultural insights. ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dA_PnxwY #BlackHistoryMonth #ConsumerInsights #BrandLoyalty #MarketingStrategy #TheDirectionsGroup

Join us TODAY at 2 PM ET for Preparing for the Tidal Wave, where we’ll break down six critical trends redefining consumer health and what they mean for your business strategy. ? There’s still time to register! Secure your access now: https://lnkd.in/gxwuc-Fj #TheDirectionsGroup #TidalWaveWebinar #LifeLenses #HumanHealth #BusinessImpact #IndustryTrends

Our most loyal (and furriest) team members deserve a shoutout today! ?? ???? Happy #LoveYourPetDay to the office morale boosters, Zoom call crashers, and productivity partners. Show us your hardworking ‘colleagues’ in the comments! ????" #TheDirectionsGroup #WeLoveOurPets

??? What a spicy day at our Chili Cook-Off! ?? A big thank you to everyone who braved the chilly weather to join us and share their amazing recipes, laughs, and memories. Special shoutout to our Together committee — your preparation made all the difference! ?? It’s these in-person moments that truly help build connections and strengthen our bonds. Can’t wait to keep sharing, growing, and cooking together! ???? #ChiliCookOff #DirectionsGroupFamily #InPersonConnections #GratefulForYou The Directions Group Will Krieger Chrys L.

The future of health is not a trend. It is a tidal wave. Are you ready? American health is changing fast. Consumers are shifting their priorities. Policymakers and healthcare companies are scrambling to respond. And with a new administration on the horizon, the next wave of public health policies could reshape everything. What does this mean for businesses? A $100 billion demand shift is coming. Consumers will prioritize longevity, quality of life, and prevention like never before. The brands that prepare now will be the ones capturing growth while others struggle to keep up. At The Directions Group, we use Integrated Intelligence to help businesses stay ahead of these shifts by identifying: 1. Future Factors — the key forces driving change in health and consumer behavior 2. Life Lenses — the mindsets shaping how people make decisions 3. New Demand Spaces — the industries and categories poised for disruption This is bigger than healthcare. Food, retail, technology, travel, and finance will all feel the impact. The way consumers shop, eat, spend, and engage with brands is evolving—fast. The question is not if this shift will happen. It is whether your business is ready. Join us for our Tidal Wave Webinar to get ahead of what’s coming next. Register now at https://lnkd.in/guG9Mb36 and receive a link to view the webinar on February 20, 2025, at 2 PM ET. #ConsumerTrends #MarketShifts #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #TheDirectionsGroup

The Tiny Molecule Reshaping Industries—Is Your Brand Ready? What if one little molecule could transform consumer behavior—and disrupt entire industries? Welcome to the Year of the GLP-1. These powerful hormones, once limited to diabetes care, are now changing the way Americans eat, shop, and make decisions. With 1 in 8 U.S. adults already experimenting with GLP-1 drugs and policies expanding access, the impact will be felt across food, retail, healthcare, and beyond. Is your brand prepared for the ripple effects? In our latest blog, we explore why every American brand should care about GLP-1s in 2025—and how early adopters can stay ahead of the curve.

Nearly 7 in 10 Americans now live with a chronic disease—a number that continues to climb. This isn’t just a health crisis; it’s a growing challenge with ripple effects across industries from healthcare to technology. In just a few days, we’re diving deep into how businesses must adapt to the Tidal Wave of changing American health in our " Preparing for the Tidal Wave" webinar. Get a sneak peek into six critical trends that will shape the future of health—and how they will impact your industry.? ??Register now for access?February 20th at 2pm ET! https://lnkd.in/gxwuc-Fj? ? #TheDirectionsGroup #TidalWaveWebinar #LifeLenses #HumanHealth #BusinessImpact #IndustryTrends?Carmen Brace

The Health Tidal Wave is Here ?? America is at a tipping point—chronic disease is on the rise, healthcare costs are soaring, and the gap between lifespan and health span is widening. We’re living longer, but not necessarily healthier. This shift is reshaping industries across the board. Are you ready for the impact? Join us for our exclusive "Preparing for the Tidal Wave" webinar on Feb 20th at 2 PM ET to explore what’s ahead and how businesses can adapt. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gxwuc-Fj #TheDirectionsGroup #TidalWaveWebinar #LifeLenses #HumanHealth #BusinessImpact #HealthTrends Carmen Brace

Healthcare market research is evolving—will you keep up or fall behind? With rapid innovation, shifting patient behaviors, and regulatory changes, staying ahead is no longer optional. The 16th Annual Pharma Market Research Conference (PMRC) is where top minds in Pharma, Biotech, Medical Devices, and Diagnostics research will come together to tackle what’s next. Jeff Hunter, our healthcare research expert, will be there—ready to connect 1:1, share insights, and discuss the trends shaping the industry’s future. Will you be part of the conversation? #HealthcareMRX #TheDirectionsGroup #PMRC #PharmaMarketResearch Pharma Market Research Conference PMRC

?? Are Your Data Privacy Practices Really Airtight? ?? In today’s digital world, even the smallest slip-up in data privacy can lead to catastrophic legal and ethical consequences. But here’s the kicker: Privacy isn’t just the responsibility of the legal or IT team—it’s everyone’s responsibility. On this #InternationalDataPrivacyDay, Dan Argo, our privacy function leader, shares critical reminders for the RESPONSIBLE use of personally identifiable information: ? Who are we receiving data from? Is it a customer in the U.S., a patient, or someone in another region? It’s crucial to know. ? Are we processing it lawfully? Always establish a legal basis—whether it’s a recent transaction or explicit consent. ? What’s the purpose? Market research? Analysis? You need to be crystal clear on the objective behind using the data. ? Who are we sharing it with? Be specific about onward transfers—clients, trusted partners, etc. Transparency is key. ? How are we protecting it? Strong safeguards like encryption, de-identification, and data-sharing minimization are non-negotiable. As new privacy laws emerge across states, staying informed is more crucial than ever. The Insights Association has a State Privacy Law Portal—learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gQau9wyx So, how are you ensuring your data practices are both ethical and compliant? #DataPrivacyDay #TheDirectionsGroup #DataProtection #Compliance #StayInformed