Why Trust — Not Perfection — Is the Future of Brand Building | Brady Dahmer

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In a world flooded with AI-generated content, endless platforms, and “perfect” branding, what actually builds trust?

In this episode of Canada Now, Ashley is joined by Brady Dahmer — brand strategist, author of Blind Spots, and founder of Tropoly — for a wide-ranging conversation about brand, trust, community, and why human connection matters more than ever.

Brady has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of design, storytelling, and strategy, supporting everyone from early-stage startups to global brands. He’s also played a major role in shaping Vancouver’s creative and innovation culture, as the former Marketing Director of TEDx Vancouver and co-founder of the Projecting Change Film Festival.

Together, we explore:

• Why “perfect” branding is starting to backfire
• How trust is really built in the age of AI
• The blind spots that quietly cost founders time and money
• The rise of fractional leadership and the future of agency work
• Why in-person events and real community still matter
• What Canada — and Canadian businesses — should be paying attention to next

This conversation moves beyond logos and taglines to ask a bigger question:
How do brands, leaders, and communities stay focused — and human — in a distracted world?

📚 Blind Spots by Brady Dahmer linked in the show notes 

Check the show notes for a full breakdown and guest info:
canadanow.beehiiv.com 👈 (coming asap) 

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