In this episode hosted by Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia, guests Bronwyn Hooton from Industry Super Australia and Carolyn Reid from Kantar, discuss the balance Australians face between financial realities and desired living standards, emphasising the importance of empathy in marketing. They explore insights from Kantar's latest report on 'Finding Financial Freedom', which highlights a lack of optimism among Australians, particularly younger generations, who seek clarity and independence regarding their financial futures. The conversation underscores the necessity for brands to engage consumers early, providing educational resources to build trust and understanding, especially in the complex realm of financial products like superannuation. They stress that trust must be earned over time through consistent and empathetic messaging, while also addressing the role of AI in consumer decision-making.