Remember when cars were more than just machines?
They were an extension of who you were—your style, your personality, even your rebellion. From the roar of classic muscle cars to sleek sports models designed to turn heads, cars once carried the fingerprints of their owners’ individuality.
Fast forward to today, and what do we have?
A parade of nearly identical, soulless metal boxes gliding silently down the streets—bland shapes, squinty headlights, and an eerie absence of character.
At first glance, this might seem like nothing more than the evolution of automotive design. But what if it’s something more?
What if the homogenization of cars isn’t just about aerodynamics, efficiency, or cost-cutting?
What if it’s part of a broader, subtle conditioning—a form of cognitive priming—designed to slowly detach us from the emotional connection we once had with driving, ownership, and even self-expression?
What if the same thing is happening to you?
To your business, your brand, and the way you show up in the world?
Think back. Cars used to ignite passion.
They were symbols of freedom, adventure, and autonomy.
People named their cars, obsessed over custom details, and spent weekends polishing them—not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
Now, most cars look like appliances—functional, but uninspired. The kind of design that doesn’t make your heart skip a beat but simply checks the box: it gets you from point A to point B.
This shift isn’t just coincidental.
It mirrors a societal trend where uniqueness is being traded for uniformity, and passion is being diluted by practicality.
But it’s not just cars.
It’s businesses. It’s brands.
It’s you.
Consider how this fits into the larger narrative:
Sound familiar?
It’s the same playbook businesses are following:
Chase the trends. Blend in. Play it safe.
We’re living in a world designed for convenience, not connection.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most businesses today are the branding equivalent of a beige sedan.
They’re functional.
Efficient.
And completely forgettable.
They’ve got:
✔️ A polished logo
✔️ A trendy website
✔️ A curated social feed that looks just like their competitors
But no soul.
No edge.
No roar.
And just like those soulless cars, these brands are designed to “check the box”—they exist, but they don’t matter.
The same way we’ve been conditioned to accept cars as just transportation, businesses have been conditioned to believe that as long as their marketing is “good enough,” they’ll be fine.
But good enough doesn’t win hearts.
It doesn’t build loyalty.
It doesn’t create movements.
This isn’t about cars. It’s about what they represent.
When we lose our connection to things that once reflected our identity—whether it’s cars, art, or personal style—we risk becoming passive participants in our own lives.
The danger isn’t in the technology itself; it’s in what we’re slowly giving up without realizing it.
The moment your brand stops making people feel something is the moment it starts dying.
When businesses focus solely on functionality—getting from point A to point B—they lose the spark that makes them unforgettable.
Just like that row of identical SUVs at the dealership, your brand risks becoming another option in a lineup of sameness.
If your business was parked in a lineup of competitors, would anyone even notice?
If the answer makes you uncomfortable, good.
That’s the spark. Now let’s light the fire.
Stop asking, “What’s everyone else doing?” and start asking, “What feels true to me?”
Brands that stand out aren’t built from copy-paste strategies. They’re crafted from conviction.
What’s the bold, unapologetic message you’re scared to say out loud?
That’s probably the one people need to hear.
Your visuals should tell a story, not just follow a trend.
Trendy is temporary. Meaning is memorable.
The quirks, the edges, the imperfections—they’re not flaws.
They’re features.
They’re what make you you.
Anyone can get clicks. Few can build loyalty.
Attention is easy. Connection is rare.
Because the brands that win aren’t the ones that play it safe.
They’re the ones bold enough to be remembered.
The next time you see a car that looks like a bland, lifeless appliance, don’t just shrug it off.
Ask yourself:
“Is this just design evolution, or am I being conditioned to stop caring?”
Because the moment we stop asking questions is the moment we lose the very thing that makes us human—our capacity to choose, to feel, and to live with intention.
If your brand feels like it’s stuck in neutral, let’s shift gears.
I help businesses build brands with soul, not just strategy.
Brands that feel like something.
Brands people would miss if they disappeared.
Are you ready to stop being “just another” and start being the one?