Sophie Maxwell Brown (UK)

"BUILT TO LAST: WHAT BUSINESSES CAN LEARN FROM THE LONGEVITY MINDSET"

Summary

In 1965, the average S&P 500 company lasted 32 years. By 2020? Just 21 — and falling. In an era of viral moments and shrinking brand lifespans, LEGO and Hermès prove staying power isn’t about safety — it’s about strategy. Longevity isn’t luck — it’s lifestyle. Only 20–30% comes from DNA; 70–80% from daily choices. Likewise, brand equity forms 10–30% of market value — the rest depends on adaptation and renewal. Join us to explore how to evolve and lead the next era of culture and your category.

Biography

With over 20 years of experience in strategy and cultural insight, Sophie Maxwell Brown has helped global businesses not only keep up with change but lead it.

Her journey spans leading creative agencies like Pearlfisher and Brand Union, before becoming a partner of the London studio for WeWantMore—a place where strategy, insight, and innovation collide to unlock bold new possibilities. Whether in food & beverage, wellness, luxury, or beauty, Sophie builds future-proofed brand platforms that spark transformation and create cultural relevance.

Recognised by Forbes as one of the world’s Top Female Futurists, Sophie brings a unique blend of fashion-trained creative intuition (Central Saint Martins) and sharp cultural intelligence. She is a sought-after global speaker, inspiring audiences at TEDx, London Design Week at the V&A, Cosmoprof, Fortune, WARC, and Luxury Society with her insights on cultural shifts, consumer behaviour, and the future of brands.