How much should brands invest in authenticity versus the ever-changing landscape
By Laura Meyer · May 20, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
How much should brands invest in authenticity versus the ever-changing landscape of algorithms and technology?
This is what I had the pleasure of debating today at Xnurta's Signal to Scale Summit in Chicago alongside my debate partner Matt Wolfe and our opponents Jordan Witmer and Scott Miller.
Brands are increasingly being forced to answer a difficult question as it pertains to their limited resources.
Where should I invest? Authenticity or the algorithms?
There were strong arguments on both sides, but while it was framed as a debate, I think we all agreed that the real answer is that the brands that win today are the ones that can do both well.
The strongest brands are not choosing between authenticity and algorithms. They are building genuine consumer connection while also understanding how discovery works across AI, marketplaces, social platforms, search, and retail media.
A special thank you to Kiri Masters, whose keynote perfectly set up many of the themes we debated immediately after her presentation.
And yes… Matt Wolfe and I were fortunate enough to take home the win, but honestly, the bigger win was the conversation itself and the chance to share the stage with such informed, smart minds in the industry.
Megan Harbold you are an incredible host. When is your game show coming out?