TOTEM Times
At TOTEM Branding we believe in the fundamental importance of knowledge and sharing it. Knowledge acquired in the real world, in the market, in the trenches of the front line of the creation, construction or transformation of brands. Sharing is knowledge, sharing creates community, sharing makes growth.
We share branding insights as a tool for positive transformation.
We believe our job and commitment is to improve the world of brands today and for those who will come after. Building a sense of connection, pride and belonging is at the core of what we do. One of the goals of this Blog is precisely to share.
The best CEOs of the year
The best CEOs of the year are: Since there isn’t a single “best” CEO of 2025, as different publications highlight leaders based on various criteria (innovation, profitability, culture), this is a list of the best. The Economist: Highlighted leaders who boosted shareholder returns, including Armin Papperger (Rheinmetall), Tom Palmer (Newmont), Jacek Olczak (Philip Morris), and […]
Almost Christmas Eve, almost Christmas Day. Time for JOMO.
JOMO, or Joy Of Missing Out, is the new silent drug of Silicon Valley and, perhaps, the next great revolution in well-being, not just in the workplace, by 2026. While the digital world pushes us to the limit with hyperconnectivity and the constant fear of missing out (FOMO), JOMO emerges as an act of conscious […]
A purposeful closing
Not yet, though. Our CEO, Andy Stalman, had the privilege of delivering the closing address at the 17th Leadership Course at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, organized by the Chair of Management and Business Culture. It was more than a conference. It was an encounter filled with emotion, reflection, and vision. A space to look […]
Culture is the new brand battlefield
Far from a “job apocalypse,” generative AI is spawning entirely new occupations that demand human ingenuity, ethical oversight, and cultural fluency, turning workplaces into dynamic ecosystems where branding meets purpose-driven talent. AI isn’t erasing jobs—it’s reinventing them, and brands that grasp this cultural shift will define the future of work. Strong brands now thrive by […]
The branding of Santiago, the heart of the Dominican Republic, is an extraordinary project built from the soul.
At TOTEM Branding, we are deeply honored to share the work done in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. This destination identity project, developed in partnership with the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism under the leadership of Minister David Collado, featured something that transforms any branding strategy into something truly extraordinary: the active participation of […]
Time is the new oil for branding experts, freelancers, consultants, and boutique agencies. Why?
First, natural scarcity. There are only 24 hours in a day. More can’t be manufactured. Second, experiential scarcity. Few have accumulated 20+ years of experience solving complex problems in branding, cultural transformation, or corporate reputation across five continents. Third, growing demand. Branding is the number one priority for 2026, according to Europe’s leading CMOs. More […]
The impact of short videos on our brains is deeper and more concerning than many realize
According to an extensive meta-analysis*, excessive consumption of formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts negatively affects key cognitive functions such as sustained attention, self-control, and concentration. Simply put, the more we consume these short videos, the less capable we are of maintaining focus on tasks that require effort or extended time. From a […]
TOTEM Branding going around the world
In recent weeks, part of the TOTEM Branding team has turned the map into an agenda: more than 100,000 km flown between Madrid, Panama, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico to support brands, cities, and organizations that want to build the future. In Panama, sessions with business owners and entrepreneurs confirmed something key for TOTEM: branding […]
In our work, fun isn’t the opposite of serious; fun is the opposite of boring.
For years, we were led to believe that work should be a burden, a solemn responsibility, a perpetual sacrifice. But we now know that work isn’t just about producing: it’s about creating, connecting, and leaving a mark. And everything created with passion, commitment, and love deserves to be celebrated. Celebrating isn’t wasting time. It’s honoring […]
Will Your Next President Be an Artificial Intelligence?
Human politics drags an eternal burden: corruption, vested interests, blinding ideologies, divisive passions. Against this backdrop, AI emerges as a promise of objectivity, impartiality, and efficiency. Albania recently introduced Diella, an AI presented as a “minister” against corruption. The message was clear: an intelligence without personal interests or political ties. A sign that some governments […]
