Signals

Every Friday, we wrap up the topics, issues, ideas and viral moments everyone’s been discussing. This week, deputy creative foresight editor Olivia Houghton delves into deception in the wellness industry, the US government prioritising profit over planet and the questionable longevity of influencer-founded brands.

: Netflix’s latest docuseries, Apple Cider Vinegar, has re-ignited conversations around deception in the wellness industry. The series follows the story of Belle Gibson, the Australian con-artist who built a million-dollar whole foods empire on the fabricated story of curing her illness through diet and lifestyle changes.

This debate is especially timely as Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs become mainstream lifestyle tools. While nutrition remains one of the most effective forms of preventative medicine, systemic issues – such as a broken food system – make it clear that lifestyle changes alone aren’t always enough. The tension between natural solutions, pharmaceutical intervention and corporate interests continues to shape the future of health and wellness. 

: This week, Brian Gibbs, a respected national park ranger specialising in environmental education, lost his job following efforts by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to dramatically shrink the size and functionality of the federal government. Meanwhile, Kathleen Sgamma has been appointed to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), marking a clear move away from conservation toward resource extraction and privatisation.

With drilling set to expand on once-protected lands, the balance between economic gain and environmental stewardship grows increasingly fragile. Will short-term profits continue to outweigh the long-term health of our planet?

: The collapse of Sarah Ashcroft’s fashion label SLA has raised questions over the longevity of influencer-founded brands. While Ashcroft cited manufacturing issues as the primary cause of financial turmoil, the brand’s downfall has sparked a broader debate: Can businesses built purely on personal branding sustain long-term success in retail and culture?

With affordability taking priority, dupe culture is booming and fast-fashion giants such as Shein and Ego dominate. Yet brands like Grace Beverley’s Tala show that influencer-led businesses can thrive if they offer real innovation, ethical transparency and quality. As the landscape shifts, we’ll explore new definitions of value at our upcoming New Codes of Value webinar. LS:N Global members can RSVP here.