America's Unofficial Holiday
Let's be honest about Super Bowl Monday. While it's technically not a federal holiday, it might as well be—an estimated 16 million Americans will call out "sick" today. And who can blame them? Last night was essentially a nationwide block party featuring $7 million commercials.
For those brave souls who made it to the office: we see you, clutching your extra-large coffee, pretending you didn't spend last night stress-eating wings and debating Taylor Swift camera shots. You're the real MVPs.
The Super Bowl isn't just a game—it's the last great shared American experience. Where else do 115 million people simultaneously watch the same thing, critique the same ads, and collectively wonder why their $20 betting pool went so wrong? In an age of infinite streaming choices and algorithm-curated content, there's something magical about knowing that half the country is having the same conversation.
So today, leaders, let's read the room. Your teams just participated in our culture's biggest moment of collective connection. All those 9 AM meetings and deadlines? Consider a gentle extension.
After all, culture isn't built on perfect attendance—it's built on understanding that sometimes, the shared experience matters more than the schedule.
LinkedIn’s video push appears to be working in 2025
A 36% yoy increase in short form video. Welcome to the new TikTok of software sales.
Will AI Pay Off? Chipotle CEO Tells Jim Cramer Yes. Absolutely.
Has a CEO ever indicated higher earnings as a result of a talent acquisition platform before? Paradox through the roof.
Google tells employees why it’s ending DEI hiring goals
As discussed in the most recent episode of the Culture Edit podcast, any employer considered a federal contractor will be abandoning quota-based hiring and promotion initiatives.
Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons from website
Weird week for Goog’s.
New York City office demand is finally back to normal
A rare positive development in the commercial RE world.
Move Over, Private Members’ Clubs—Wellness Clubs Are The New Status Symbol
Golf is out, saunas are in!
How Far Would You Go to Make a Friend?
“A bunch of new start-ups are hyping the loneliness epidemic and are, of course, happy to offer solutions.”
Why Is My Drink So Damn Weird?
Just a martini straight up.
Misophonia is real.
Sonos lays off 200 employees as its struggles continue
We are heavily invested in Sonos equipment and can say from experience that the struggles are real. “One thing I’ve observed first hand is that we’ve become mired in too many layers that have made collaboration and decision-making harder than it needs to be,”
Culture Edit Podcast
Ep. 076 – Anemia, Chappel Roan, and Partying More
This week’s one-on-one from ATL finds Nikki and Chad with a deep dive on just how to develop anemia by overtraining and catching pneumonia. They cover the symptoms that female endurance athletes should look for and how you can use AI for successful diagnosis - the future for AI health looks bright; Amazon pharmacy, being every doctor’s worst nightmare, is really about being your own biggest advocate. They chat about Chapple Roan taking a stand at the Grammy’s and how, for some, it can be hard to do the right thing when you get into a position of power. They also review of Painted Park, why Americans just need to party more for the sake of mental health, rejection of AI-generated content, the death of the Millennial brand, how Gen Z wants a mood, the anti-trend trend, the FireAid Nirvana reunion, the new precedents impacting RTO and DEI, concerns over Starbucks cutting the turkey bacon sandwich, and a huge shocker – you’re probably wearing fake UGG’s.