Why Context Is the New Competitive Edge

By Anushka Pandit

Why Context Is the New Competitive Edge

The shift from broad strokes to behavioural precision is changing the rules of engagement.

The rules of engagement are being quietly redefined.— not because audiences have changed, but because our ability to understand them has. Thanks to real-time, AI-driven behavioural data, brands are moving beyond generic personalisation to true individualisation. 

“We can now design experiences not just based on who someone is, but what they’re doing in the moment,” notes Aadil Mukhtar, Head of Marketing – Growth & Technology at United Rugby Championship, and that shift is reshaping both storytelling and outcomes.

But sharper targeting also raises the stakes. Teams must connect creative ideas with measurable impact, balancing narrative and numbers. In our interview with Mukhtar, he explores what it takes to thrive in a smarter, more sensitive marketing landscape — and why clarity beats quantity every time.

What’s one trend or shift you believe will have the biggest impact on marketing in 2025?

The shift from generic personalisation to true individualisation using real-time, AI-driven behavioural data. Marketers can now design experiences not just based on who someone is, but what they’re doing in the moment across channels, touchpoints, and contexts.

That opens up smarter storytelling and better commercial outcomes.

What’s one challenge marketers must overcome to stay competitive this year?

Bridging the gap between content and data. Most teams either lead with brand and struggle to measure impact, or over-index on performance with little narrative. Those who connect the two with creativity built on top of insight will win both attention and loyalty.

If you could give one piece of advice to today’s marketing leaders, what would it be?

Build fewer things, but make them matter. It’s easy to chase channels, formats or trends.

Have a clear view of what your audience genuinely values, then align your team, stack, and spend to serve that with precision.

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