Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Chinese brands and their founders, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of "old-style" leaders who struggle to adapt to modern consumer expectations and communication styles, leading to public relations crises [4][6][14]. Group 1: Brand Value and Challenges - In 2025, the overall brand value of the top 100 Chinese brands increased by approximately 25% compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in brand valuation despite individual challenges faced by certain brands [4]. - The term "old-style" or "老登" is used to describe founders who, despite past successes, fail to connect with contemporary consumer sentiments and are criticized for their outdated approaches [4][6]. Group 2: Public Relations Failures - Founders like 贾国龙 of 西贝 have publicly stated their lack of understanding of public relations, which has been identified as a significant issue in their ability to engage with consumers effectively [3][6]. - The public discourse surrounding 西贝's pre-cooked food controversy highlights that the core issue is not the definition of pre-cooked food but rather the consumers' right to know about the products they purchase [6][9]. Group 3: Characteristics of "Old-Style" Leaders - The "old-style" leaders exhibit three main characteristics: high ego, path dependence, and lack of empathy, which collectively hinder their ability to adapt to new market dynamics [4][14]. - High ego leads to a self-centered approach where leaders believe they are the sole definers of truth, while path dependence causes them to rely on outdated methods for success [4][14]. Group 4: Case Studies of Missteps - The internal communication from 俞敏洪 of 新东方, which focused on personal experiences rather than addressing employee concerns, exemplifies the dangers of self-centered communication in a modern context [9][10]. - The marketing missteps of brands like 白象 and 小米 illustrate how traditional marketing strategies can backfire in an era where consumers are more discerning and demand transparency [11][12]. Group 5: Recommendations for Improvement - Brands need to adapt to the current communication environment by establishing comprehensive public relations systems that monitor social sentiment and ensure all external communications are carefully managed [15][16]. - It is crucial for brands to engage with consumers on an equal footing, prioritizing emotional connection over legal compliance, and to communicate with sincerity rather than defensiveness during crises [16][17].

Group 1 - The core trend in 2025 is the shift towards "human touch" content, where users prefer authentic, imperfect, and relatable narratives over polished presentations [2][7] - Brands are adapting by engaging in more relatable and humorous interactions, moving away from traditional advertising styles [4][6] - The rise of "group broadcasting" has become a significant growth area in the live streaming industry, attracting both influencers and celebrities, and integrating deeply with brand marketing [8][10][14] Group 2 - The concept of "evil practices" has emerged among young people as a form of resistance against societal pressures, reflecting a desire for low-effort, high-reward solutions in their lives [15][17] - The backlash against "elitist" attitudes in marketing and content creation has highlighted the importance of relatability and empathy in communication [25][26] - Video podcasts are gaining traction, evolving from audio-only formats to more immersive visual experiences, catering to diverse audience preferences [26][28] Group 3 - The "Middle-aged Women Era" is reshaping narratives around women aged 30-55, showcasing their independence and multifaceted roles in society [29][31] - The short drama market is experiencing significant growth, with a projected market size of 677.9 billion yuan in 2025, indicating a shift towards more structured and high-quality content [32][34] - The "silver economy" is emerging as a new frontier, with older adults becoming active participants in content creation, reflecting their unique perspectives and needs [41][46] Group 4 - Localized content is gaining prominence, as narratives shift from urban-centric to more diverse and authentic representations of life in smaller towns and rural areas [47][49] - The overarching theme for 2025 is a return to "human-centric" content, emphasizing genuine stories and connections over mere entertainment [50]