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Planarian behaviours #26 - Starbucks ☕️ Brewing Up a Banking Revolution 💳 When you think of Starbucks, you probably think of coffee, not banking. But this global coffee giant didn’t just stick to serving lattes - they ventured into financial services and quietly disrupted the banking industry. Here’s how Starbucks turned your morning coffee run into a financial innovation. 💰 Turning Loyalty into a Financial Powerhouse Starbucks didn’t just create a loyalty program; they built a financial ecosystem. With the Starbucks app, customers preload money onto digital cards, effectively making Starbucks one of the largest mobile payment platforms in the U.S. This shift wasn’t just about convenience - it was a strategic move that gave Starbucks control over billions of dollars in stored value, turning coffee funds into a significant financial resource. 📲 Embracing Digital Payments Early Long before many traditional banks caught on, Starbucks embraced mobile payments and digital wallets back in 2008. By making it easy for customers to pay with their phones, Starbucks didn’t just improve the customer experience - they tapped into the growing trend of digital transactions. This foresight positioned them as a leader in mobile payments, they’re now the 2nd almost used payment app at POS. ☕️ From Coffee to Currency Starbucks transformed their app into more than just a tool for ordering coffee - it became a financial instrument. Customers aren’t just buying coffee; they’re loading money onto an app (all $10b of it), making transactions, earning rewards, and even sending digital gift cards. This integration of finance into daily habits blurred the lines between a coffee purchase and a banking transaction. 🚀 Innovating with a Strong Brand Starbucks didn’t stop at mobile payments. They continued to innovate with partnerships, such as their collaboration with Chase for the Starbucks Rewards Visa Card, which lets customers earn rewards on everyday purchases, not just coffee. This move deepened customer loyalty and brought Starbucks even further into the financial space. 🔑 The Takeaway Starbucks shows that even a coffee company can disrupt the banking industry with the right mix of innovation, brand strength, and a focus on customer experience. By integrating financial services into their business model, Starbucks turned a simple cup of coffee into a financial revolution, giving the brand access to huge cash reserves. Feeling inspired by Starbuck's hustle? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch! #Innovation #Fintech #MobilePayments #Disruption #PlanarianBehaviours

Planaria behaviour #25 - Slack 💬 The Power of the Pivot 🚀 Slack was never the Plan A It was a byproduct of the development team working on a game called Glitch. While Glitch wasn’t gaining traction, the internal comms system the product team created and used was next in class. A handbrake turn and Slack was born. This is how their story unfolds. 🎯 Purpose-Driven from the Start Slack was born out of a simple but powerful idea: to make work communication more efficient and less chaotic. What started as an internal tool for a gaming company quickly pivoted to focus on solving a universal problem—team communication. Slack’s purpose has always been clear: to reduce email overload, streamline conversations, and bring all workplace communication into one easy-to-use platform. 🔄 Major Pivots That Paid Off Following the Glitch to Slack pivot, the team wasn’t shy of more change. Another major pivot came when Slack transitioned from just being a messaging app to becoming a full-fledged collaboration platform. By integrating with hundreds of other workplace tools—like Google Drive, Trello, and Zoom—Slack became the central hub for work, where teams can communicate, collaborate, and manage projects seamlessly. 💰 Unlocking New Revenue Streams Slack didn’t just rely on user growth to drive revenue; they strategically developed new revenue streams. Their freemium model attracted millions of users, but it was the premium offerings, such as advanced features and enterprise-level security, that generated substantial income. Additionally, Slack introduced paid integrations and partnerships with other software providers, further expanding their revenue base. 💼 Opening up enterprise Another key revenue stream has been Slack Connect, which allows companies to use Slack to communicate with clients, partners, and vendors outside their organisation. This feature not only broadened Slack’s appeal but also added significant value for users, making it indispensable for businesses. Added to this, the business acquired HipChat and Stride from Atlassian in 2018, a strategic move to gain a bigger slice of the corporate market. 📈 Recognising value By 2021 the market was acutely aware of the threat and/or opportunity that Slack represented so not too many eyebrows were raised when they were snapped up by Salesforce for a cool $27.7 billion. 🔑 The Takeaway Slack’s journey from a failed game to a workplace essential is a testament to the power of strategic pivots, and continuous innovation-based revenue models. By staying true to its mission while continuously evolving, Slack has created a platform that’s not just about messaging—it’s about transforming how work gets done. Feeling inspired by Slack’s ability to pivot? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch! #Innovation #Collaboration #BusinessStrategy #Disruption #PlanarianBehaviours

Interesting developments in California sees the AI Bill kicked out. So what does this mean for future regulations, safety and responsible AI?

Planaria Behaviours #24 - Wise 💸 Money Without Borders - Fast, Fair, and Fearless 🌍 Two Estonians living in England needing to find a better way of moving money between currencies and countries without the pain, hidden fees and poor experience. Then, Boom! They launched Wise (formerly TransferWise), a company that’s done for money transfers what Uber did for taxis. Here’s how they disrupted the finance industry and made sending money across borders a whole lot easier. Let’s break this down. 💡 Exposing the Hidden Fees Wise didn’t just enter the market—they exposed it. They shone a light on the hidden fees banks and traditional money transfer services had been sneaking in for years. By offering transparent, real exchange rates with no markups, Wise positioned themselves as the champion of the consumer, making money transfers fair and simple. 🚀 Fast, Easy, and Affordable Gone are the days of waiting forever for your money to arrive. Wise revolutionized the process by using smart tech to move money across borders faster and at a fraction of the cost. Their platform is straightforward, user-friendly, and built for the digital age—just like their global customer base. 🌐 Building Trust Across Borders In the world of finance, trust is everything. Wise earned it by being transparent, reliable, and delivering on their promises. Their strong customer reviews and word-of-mouth referrals helped them grow quickly, turning users into advocates and creating a community that’s all about fairness and efficiency. 📈 Scaling Without Compromising Values Wise didn’t just stay small and niche—they scaled up, all while sticking to their core values of transparency and fairness. From individuals to businesses, Wise made international money transfers accessible to everyone, proving that you can grow big without losing sight of what makes you different. 🔑 The Takeaway Wise didn’t just disrupt the money transfer industry—they rewrote the rules. By prioritizing transparency, speed, and cost-efficiency, they turned a cumbersome process into something people actually enjoy. If you’re looking to shake up a traditional industry, Wise shows that honesty, innovation, and a relentless focus on the customer can take you far. Feeling inspired by Wise's hustle? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch!  #Fintech #Innovation #Transformation #Wise #Disruption #PlanariaBehaviours

Planaria behaviours #23 - Laka 🚴♂️ From low interest to high passion - a fresh approach to insurance 💡 In a world where insurance often feels complicated and impersonal, Laka has emerged as a game-changer. By focusing on what truly matters to customers and innovating the traditional insurance model, they’ve carved out a unique space in the market. CEO Tobias Taupitz, took inspiration from the 18th-century practice of ‘barn-raising’ in farming communities. When a barn needed major repairs, “the community came together to rebuild a farmer’s barn”. Want to know more? Here’s the lowdown. 🔄 A Revolutionary Business Model Laka turned the insurance model on its head with a pay-as-you-go system where customers only pay for the actual cost of claims. No upfront premiums, no complicated small print - just transparent, fair pricing. This collective model means that customers share the cost of claims, which keeps everyone’s expenses low. It’s insurance that feels more like a community than a business. 🚴♀️ Customer-Centered Approach Laka is all about putting customers first. Their coverage is designed specifically for cyclists, by cyclists, which means they truly understand the needs and concerns of their users. They don’t just cover your bike; they protect your passion. One of their drivers is encouraging greater bike ownership by showing that insurance needn’t be a barrier. 💡 Innovation at Its Core Innovation drives everything Laka does. They’ve built a seamless digital platform that makes managing your insurance simple and stress-free. Need to make a claim? It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free. Laka’s focus on tech means they’re always looking for new ways to improve the customer experience, from faster claims processing to more personalised coverage options. 📈 A model for growth It’s no accident that Laka focused on insurance for micomobility. With the rollout of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across Europe, the bike market is predicted to almost triple by 2030. And with an active community of advocates, the brand stands to max growth and minimise acquisition costs. 🌟 Building Trust Through Community Laka’s community-driven approach builds trust in a way that traditional insurers struggle to match. This isn’t just insurance - it’s a community where members feel valued, supported, and protected. And not only that, they receive realtime information about bike crime, hot spots and hacks to better protect their bikes. 🔑 The Takeaway Laka Insurance is proof that innovation and a customer-first approach can disrupt even the most established industries. By rethinking the traditional insurance model and focusing on what truly matters to their customers, Laka has created a brand that’s not just about coverage - it’s about trust, transparency, and community. Feeling inspired by Laka's hustle? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch!  #Insurance #Innovation #CustomerExperience #Laka #Disruption

Planarian voices #6 The work the British Council undertake across global education and cultural engagement is exceptional. So, to play our part in their digital transformation and shift to a more customer-led approach is something we're very proud of. #DigitalTransformation #CustomerCetric #Strategy #innovation

Planarian behaviours #22 - Under Armour 🏋️♂️ Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Redefining Performance 💥 When Under Armour entered the sportswear market, they didn’t just compete - they reframed the game. They broke the mould, disrupted the industry, and grew into a global powerhouse. Let’s break it down. 💪 Redefining Performance Gear Under Armour didn’t start with shoes or jerseys - they started with a simple, game-changing idea: moisture-wicking fabric. While everyone else was focused on cotton, Under Armour created gear that kept athletes dry and cool.  This wasn’t just a new product; it was a new category that athletes didn’t know they needed - until they tried it. ⚡️ Challenging the Giants Taking on industry giants like Nike and Adidas was no small feat, but Under Armour did it by focusing on performance, innovation, and athletes’ needs. They weren’t just making clothes; they were solving problems. This laser focus helped them build a loyal following among serious athletes and those who aspired to be. 🔥 From Niche to Mainstream Under Armour started as a niche brand, but they didn’t stay there for long. Through smart marketing, high-profile athlete endorsements, and a relentless drive to innovate, they expanded their product line and entered and then dominated new categories including shoes and outerwear. They didn’t just follow trends; they set them. 🚀 Growth Through Connect Experiences A shift from product to service following the acquisition of MapMyRun, Endomondo, and MyFitnessPal fitness apps, provided a springboard for the brand to enter the wellbeing space and further expand the brand’s community. Smart use of this data allowed Under Armour to offer th right product at teh right time. 🌱 Empowering the Next Gen In 2022, with one eye on the future, the company announced their long-term commitment of resources, focus and energy: To break down barriers for those who strive for more by creating opportunities for millions of youth to engage in sport by 2030. At the same time ensuring the brand stays relevant and in touch with the needs of the everyday athlete. 🔑 The Takeaway Under Armour’s rise shows that challenging the status quo and focusing on innovation can shake up even the most established markets. By staying true to their roots while constantly evolving, they’ve built a brand that’s not just about sportswear—it’s about empowering athletes to perform at their best. Feeling inspired by Under Armour's hustle? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch!  #Innovation #UnderArmour #Disruption #BrandGrowth #PlanarianBehaviours

Planarian voices #5 What a partnership! Brave client. Exceptional strategic outcomes. A category well and truly challenged! #PlanarianVoices #innovation #consultancy #PropositionDesign #BusinessTransformation

Planarian Behaviour #21 - Barbie 📖 A Masterclass in Brand Evolution 💥 Barbie’s celebrating turning 65 this year, but she’s not growing old gracefully, she’s been reborn into a brand sensation. Here’s the lowdown. 👩🚀 The Early Years Myth For the uninitiated who believed the media line that Barbie was reinforcing stereotypes, she was a pioneering doll that broke the mould From donning her astronaut outfit four years before man stepped foot on the moon to running for President no less than 6 times, she opened up a career opportunities to girls at an early age. That said, it’s not always been a smooth ride. More recently, Mattel had to take action flipping a brand which was facing serious challenges and turning it into a powerhouse that continues to thrive. 👗 Reimagining an Icon By the 2010s, Barbie’s appeal was fading. Mattel knew they had to shake things up. Enter the "Barbie Fashionistas" line in 2016, celebrating diversity and featuring dolls with 4 different body types, 35 skin tones, and dolls with varying disabilities. This wasn’t just about staying relevant; it was about reflecting the diversity of the real world—and it worked. Barbie became more relatable and accessible, broadening her appeal. 📱 Going Digital Next, Mattel took Barbie beyond the toy aisle and into the digital world. Barbie became a vlogger on YouTube, connecting with millions of young fans. This move wasn’t just on trend; it was strategic. By embracing digital, Mattel engaged a whole new generation, making Barbie a part of their daily lives. 💪 From Doll to Fashion Icon Barbie didn’t stop there. High-end fashion collaborations, like those with Moschino and Versace, transformed Barbie into a cultural icon for adults. Limited-edition dolls became coveted collectables, proving Barbie’s appeal wasn’t just for kids anymore. She appeared on the cover of Vogue and Time and was featured in Forbes’s Most Powerful Women list last year. 📽 The Big Screen Breakthrough The 2023 Barbie movie was a game-changer. It wasn’t just a film; it was a cultural moment. The movie’s success opened up new revenue streams, from merchandise to brand partnerships, solidifying Barbie’s status as a pop culture phenomenon. 🎟 An Iconic Exhibition Currently starring in her own exhibition at the Design Museum, Barbie’s status as a design icon is complete. Check it out while tickets last! The Takeaway Mattel’s strategy with Barbie is a lesson in how to reinvent a brand and unlock new growth. Don’t be afraid to evolve, diversify, and stay in tune with cultural shifts. Barbie’s journey shows that even the most established brands can innovate and thrive. Feeling inspired by Barbie's business? Need some planarian behaviours in your business. Get in touch!  #Innovation #BrandStrategy #Design #Barbie #PlanarianBehaviours

planarian voices #4 These words capture our action-orientated approach to consultancy perfectly. We never leave clients thinking 'What next?'. Defined action plans, clear roadmaps and empowered teams to drive innovation through to execution are the outputs we consistently deliver. #innovation #vision #growth #outcomes #planarianvoices