Brand Expectations Index 2025: Reputational Trends in Challenging Times

Illustrated human and mechanical hand touching a crystal ball

We launched our Brand Expectations Index (BEx) last year to get a pulse on the public’s attitudes towards corporate America at a time of increasing unease. Our findings led us to counsel companies to focus on their products and customers, and resist engaging in social and political issues not core to business.

Our 2025 Brand Expectations Index, Navigating Reputation Challenges and Opportunities in Consequential Times, delves deeper into the technologies and actions that will significantly impact businesses this year. It’s a tale of two subjects that dominate the headlines and current corporate agendas: AI and DEI / ESG, two themes shaping work, American business, and life in general. 

It’s a turbulent time but our data reveals some encouraging findings that offer opportunities for proactive CEOs, marketers, and communicators who love to lean into a good challenge.

Download the full report to read the findings.

More posts

Two men on a blue and black colored background

October 28, 2025

October 28, 2025

Ashlee Vance on Core Memory, the Media and the Most Underreported Story in Tech

October 23, 2025

October 23, 2025

Melissa Sobel of CapitalG: AI Is My Sous Chef

October 17, 2025

October 16, 2025

AI@MN: Insights from Mission North's Media Practice Mavens

October 16, 2025

October 15, 2025

Cloudflare's Leigh Ann Acosta on Transparent Crisis Communications and Making Tech Understandable