What Businesses Get Wrong About Building Community in 2026
Community is no longer a marketing trend β itβs a business model.And in 2026, the brands who fail to understand this will fall behind.
In this powerful episode, Michelle shares the truth about community-led growth and the common mistakes companies, creators, and organizations continue to make. She pulls back the curtain on why content alone wonβt drive loyalty, how consumers are making decisions differently, and why identity, belonging, and relationship equity are the new drivers of business success.
Michelle breaks down:
Why βposting moreβ isnβt community
The difference between audience, followers, and true community
The biggest mistakes leaders will make in 2026
Why community cannot be managed by the intern or junior staff
Why companies must rethink their organizational structure to include community leadership
What community-driven brands are doing RIGHT now
How belonging, storytelling, and shared values outperform traditional marketing
The rise of hybrid ecosystems: digital + in-person + micro-communities
Why ambassador-led advocacy will replace influencer-first strategies
The mindset and operational shifts needed to build a sustainable community ecosystem
Michelle also shares her own experience building community-driven events, a global audience, a thriving collective, and brand partnerships β not through ads, but through connection, identity, and trust.
If your brand, team, or organization wants to thrive in 2026 and beyond, community isnβt optional. Itβs foundational.
For corporate speaking, consulting, or brand partnerships:
Contact Michelle to bring community-led strategy to your team in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ireland