With temperatures soaring across the UK and Europe, summer has well and truly arrived – and while things haven’t exactly quietened down, holiday mode is definitely in full swing. In between chasing deadlines (and chasing shade), we’ve been finding pockets of time to read, watch and listen to a few standout things. 

And because we can’t help ourselves, we’ve noticed that some of our seasonal favourites also offer surprisingly sharp insights into the world of communications, reputation and influence. 

Here’s what’s been catching the Firefly team’s attention lately, from Formula One to AI, and a few clever comms lessons in between. 

What we’re reading: Mastering AI by Jeremy Kahn 

This one’s at the top of our summer reading list. With AI continuing to dominate headlines and challenge how brands communicate, Mastering AI promises a clear, accessible look at how artificial intelligence is actually being built and what it means for industries navigating reputation, ethics and innovation. We’re looking forward to seeing how it can help us cut through the hype and think more critically about AI’s real world impact on comms. 

What we’re listening to: The Times Tech Podcast By Danny Fortson and Katie Prescott  

This podcast has become a regular listen for a few of us at Firefly. It covers everything from data laws to startup drama, and it does so in a way that’s smart without being dry. It’s a great resource for staying informed on the trends and tensions that shape how tech brands – and their leaders – are perceived in the public eye. 

What we’re watching: F1: The Movie 

Even if you’re not a motorsports fan, this new film is a fascinating case study in reputation building. Formula One already had a passionate following, but this cinematic release is clearly designed to expand the audience. With excellent comms work behind the scenes, it shows how storytelling, star power, and smart positioning can turbocharge a brand that’s already well established. 

What’s given us the ick 

We need to talk about the LinkedIn posts.  

You know the ones — suspiciously formulaic, drenched in humblebrags, and always ending with “What are your thoughts?” or “#leadership”. It’s giving… ChatGPT, unedited. And we get it — AI is handy. But when every post starts sounding like a generic TED Talk outro, the personal brand starts to feel a little impersonal. 

AI can absolutely support great comms. But using it without a sprinkle of self-awareness (or, dare we say, personality)? That’s our current ick. 
 
(Notice all the ChatGPT-isms above…exactly like that!) 

Final thoughts 

Whether you’re poolside with a book, commuting with a podcast, or just enjoying the slower pace of summer, there’s always something new to learn about how brands build, or sometimes break, their reputations.  

Enjoy the summer from all of us at Firefly.