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.
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 […]
If you’re over 60, this post is for you. If you’re under 60, it’s for you too
The dominant narrative of the digital age was youth. We became obsessed with Millennials and Generation Z, the speed of their scrolling, and their appetite for instant gratification. The spotlight of marketing and investment in innovation shone almost exclusively on the youngest generation. But while we looked to the future, something monumental, silent, and transformative […]
How does TOTEM Branding view Nike’s reinvention?
As a response to a profound crisis of value and strategy. The brand, which in the past seemed untouchable, has experienced a significant stock market decline, with drops that have wiped out billions of dollars in market capitalization. During the previous management, Nike heavily invested in a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy, prioritizing e-commerce and reducing ties […]
