If AI used to be about generating answers, what is it really driving today?

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Nasser Sahlool is joined by Dan Temby, Head of Technology and Analytics at DAC, to explore the rapid evolution of AI from conversational tool to action-oriented system. Together, they unpack the rise of “agentic” AI, technology that doesn’t just respond to prompts, but can execute tasks, make decisions, and act on behalf of users.

Dan breaks down how recent advancements have unlocked real, practical use cases, from coding environments that can build and deploy autonomously to early examples of agent-driven commerce through platforms like ChatGPT.

The conversation also dives into what this means for brands and marketers, including the emergence of headless, machine-readable systems and a future where AI agents, not just humans, navigate, evaluate, and transact across the digital ecosystem.

The takeaway? AI is no longer just answering questions. It’s getting things done, and brands must be ready to show up in a world built for both humans and machines.

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Nasser Sahlool is joined by Jessi Wood, Senior Content Strategist at DAC, to explore how social media’s role has evolved from a top-of-funnel awareness channel to a core driver of brand connection and loyalty.

They unpack how the shift from broadcast to relationship-building is changing the way brands show up on social, why consistency and clarity matter more than chasing trends, and how leading brands build ecosystems of content that foster familiarity, trust, and participation. From user-generated content and creator partnerships to the role of paid amplification, they break down how organic and paid work together to move beyond visibility and toward long-term engagement.

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Nasser Sahlool is joined by Felicia Delvecchio, Vice President of Media at DAC, to explore how fast-moving advertisers like Temu and Shein are reshaping media auctions in 2026 — not just through scale, but through the speed at which they ramp spend up or pull it back.

They unpack why today’s challenge is less about permanently rising media costs and more about volatility, how that pressure shows up first in high-intent channels like search, shopping, and social, and why marketers can no longer rely on static annual plans or top-line reporting. The core message: success in 2026 depends on disciplined, panic-free decision-making, granular market visibility, and agile “if-then” playbooks that help brands respond to shifting auction dynamics without overcorrecting.

Read the blog: https://www.dacgroup.com/en-ca/insights/blog/none/temu-shein-2026-ad-auction-volatility-media-buyers/

Read the Media Playbook: https://www.dacgroup.com/insights/white-papers/the-dac-media-playbook-where-media-ai-and-growth-converge/