Latest news with #RossSimmonds
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Is Google's search monopoly ending? What this could mean for digital marketing
DeepSeek and other entrants are challenging the search dominance of Google. Image: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash Earlier this month, I found myself picking at something that's been nagging at me of late. So I did what any insight-seeking strategist does these days - I asked X: "Who else is currently pondering answer engine and AI agent optimisation?" The response from Ross Simmonds, the founder of Canadian B2B marketing agency Foundation and author of Create Once, Distribute Forever: How Great Creators Spread Their Ideas and How You Can Too, was immediate: a wave emoji. What ensued was a conversation that crystallises something you might be sensing. How we got here For the past two decades, Google has essentially owned the internet's front door. Here's how their empire worked: you searched for something, Google showed you ten blue links surrounded by adverts. If you wanted your business to appear in those results, you played by Google's rules - either through search engine optimisation (SEO), where you twisted your content to please Google's algorithms, or through AdWords, where you paid to appear at the top. This system shaped everything. Entire industries sprang up around gaming Google's preferences. Content creators wrote for robots first, humans second. Marketing budgets poured into deciphering what Google wanted, then delivering it. Now that's changing. Instead of ten blue links, we're getting direct answers from AI systems like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and dozens of others, including newer open source entrants like DeepSeek. Ask "What's the capital of Mali?" and these tools simply tell you "Bamako" rather than sending you to Wikipedia or trying to sell you a holiday package. New game But here's where it gets interesting, and where my conversation with Simmonds began. These new "answer engines" (as the digital content and marketing industries are starting to dub them) face the same fundamental challenge Google did: how do you make money from giving people information? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading During our brief X exchange, I found myself describing what feels wrong about some of these new systems: "Imagine asking a shop assistant a basic question and instead of just answering, they stall - fishing for your intent, upselling alternatives, or quietly collecting your data to monetise your attention." I get it, though. These companies have raised billions in funding. They've got cutting-edge infrastructure to pay for, staff to employ, shareholders to satisfy. The idealistic vision of "just answer the question" crashes into commercial reality pretty quickly. Where it gets complicated Simmonds reckons that there's going to be a split: "Information retrieval vs emotional connection. Many will rely on the AI to simply get information (i.e. how long should I bake my lasagne) but they'll rely on emotional channels (podcasts, reels, TikToks and YouTube) to understand 'how to make lasagne like a grandma from Tuscany.'" This feels profound. We may well be creating two internet economies: one for facts, handled by machines a la AI agents, and another for meaning, still very much human territory. Pattern recognition I'm struck by my own experience developing and executing content strategies and tactical media plays for leading global organisations. Working on community-building assignments and ecosystem engagement projects, the most successful approaches weren't about gaming Google's algorithm or buying more AdWords. They were about genuinely useful answers to real stakeholder questions, particularly from founders and investors, delivered through compelling media and meaningful in-person engagement. But even then, I noticed that over-reliance on advertising channels like AdWords felt precarious. Not just because I've always been uncomfortable with hard-selling and hijacking people's attention, but because at some fundamental level, sustainable business happens between people who trust each other. Commercial reality Here's what I think is happening with these new AI systems, and why it matters for anyone trying to reach customers online: the companies building them are facing the same pressure Google did to figure out monetisation. Some are optimising for keeping you on their platform longer. Others are cutting deals with specific information providers. Many are collecting detailed data about what you're asking to build advertising profiles. We're already seeing the early signs: Perplexity's licensing deals with (mostly) Western publishers, WPP's digital marketing partnership with Claude (Anthropic), query limits for free users on various platforms, 'premium' answer tiers, and experiments with sponsored responses that prioritise certain sources over others. Ultimately, for them, it's just business. And that means that these systems are developing their own biases and blind spots, just as Google's did. The human element By the end of our brief exchange, Simmonds and I found ourselves aligned on something: "...the lasting moat exists for people," he said. The technical systems will evolve to handle the mechanical aspects of information delivery, but human connection, cultural context, and authentic perspective remain irreplaceable. It's not about choosing sides between human and artificial intelligence. It's about recognising that as these new systems reshape how information flows, the premium on genuine human insight - the kind that feels personally and culturally grounded - is only going to grow. Google's two-decade reign over internet search might be ending, but the real question isn't who's won. It's what kind of information ecosystem we're building next, and whether we can do better than the attention-hijacking game that got us here in the first place. Andile Masuku is Co-founder and Executive Producer at African Tech Roundup. Image: Supplied Andile Masuku is Co-founder and Executive Producer at African Tech Roundup. Connect and engage with Andile on X (@MasukuAndile) and via LinkedIn. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
National Post
09-06-2025
- Health
- National Post
Dove Men+Care Encourages Canadian Dads to Celebrate 'My Most Important Role' on LinkedIn
Article content Fathers and father figures are invited to make 'Dad' a job title, challenging traditional ideals around masculinity and success Article content TORONTO — To mark Father's Day, Dove Men+Care invites Canadian Dads and father figures to update their LinkedIn profiles with one of their most meaningful life roles: 'Dad.' Rolling out across Canada, the campaign encourages fathers to recognize and celebrate fatherhood as a full-time role and claim space for it on a platform traditionally reserved for professional milestones. Article content As part of the campaign, Canadian Dads are encouraged to use LinkedIn's 'Add position' feature to reflect their role as a father and join a growing movement of men reshaping the traditional definition of masculinity, identity, and care. Making fatherhood LinkedIn-official, Dove Men+Care sparks a broader conversation that urges men to treat personal milestones with the same importance and visibility as professional ones. Article content 'Too often, men proudly share promotions, but rarely the presence and care they bring at home,' said Divya Singh, General Manager, Personal Care, Unilever Canada. 'With this campaign, we are redefining success to include care and celebrate the powerful role fathers and father figures play beyond the workplace.' Article content To kickstart the movement, Dove Men+Care partnered with Founder/CEO Ross Simmonds, Sports Commentator Donnovan Bennett, Celebrity Chef and TV host Dave Rocco, Innovation Strategist Shawn Kanungo. Each thought leader, known in Canada for their professional achievements, are sharing their personal fatherhood stories alongside custom visuals designed by Toronto-based illustrator Mateusz Napieralski. Canadians are encouraged to download and re-share these custom illustrations along with their own fatherhood update and journey. Article content 'When men see fatherhood as a vital part of who they are, it positively shapes their mental health and emotional well-being,' said Dr. Andrew Howlett, a Toronto-based Child and Family Psychiatrist, and co-founder of the Fathers' Mental Health Network. 'By valuing and supporting active fatherhood, we help dads feel recognized and empowered – building resilient families and healthier communities.' Article content As a long-time partner of Dove Men+Care, Dad Central, a national organization that provides research, programming, resources, and a community to support father involvement, is helping amplify the campaign through its extensive community network. The group is also contributing expert insight on the cultural importance of active fatherhood and its long-term impact on society. Article content The campaign runs nationally in the lead-up to Father's Day, encouraging Dads across Canada to take part on LinkedIn. To learn more about Dove Men+Care, visit To find out more about Dad Central visit: About Dove Men+Care Dove Men+Care is the first range of products from Dove developed specially for men. Manufactured by Unilever, the line includes the #1 dermatologist recommended male bar and body wash brand. Launched in 2010, the Dove Men+Care portfolio includes bars, body washes, anti-perspirant/deodorants, and hair care. Dove Men+Care is available nationwide in food, drug, and mass outlet stores. Article content About Unilever Article content Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Article content Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Article content Our leading brands in North America include Dove, Hellmann's, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula's Choice, and Dermalogica. Article content For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: For more information on Unilever Canada and its brands visit: About Unilever in Canada Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Article content Our leading brands in Canada include Dove, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, SheaMoisture, TRESemmé, Knorr, Hellmann's, Breyers, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Liquid I.V., and OLLY. Article content Dad Central is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting responsible father involvement in Canada. Through evidence-based research, resources, and community programming, Dad Central helps fathers, families, and organizations recognize and strengthen the important role dads play in child development and family well-being. With over two decades of experience, Dad Central works to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from an involved and caring father. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Business Wire
09-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Dove Men+Care Encourages Canadian Dads to Celebrate ‘My Most Important Role' on LinkedIn
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To mark Father's Day, Dove Men+Care invites Canadian Dads and father figures to update their LinkedIn profiles with one of their most meaningful life roles: 'Dad.' Rolling out across Canada, the campaign encourages fathers to recognize and celebrate fatherhood as a full-time role and claim space for it on a platform traditionally reserved for professional milestones. As part of the campaign, Canadian Dads are encouraged to use LinkedIn's 'Add position' feature to reflect their role as a father and join a growing movement of men reshaping the traditional definition of masculinity, identity, and care. Making fatherhood LinkedIn-official, Dove Men+Care sparks a broader conversation that urges men to treat personal milestones with the same importance and visibility as professional ones. 'Too often, men proudly share promotions, but rarely the presence and care they bring at home,' said Divya Singh, General Manager, Personal Care, Unilever Canada. 'With this campaign, we are redefining success to include care and celebrate the powerful role fathers and father figures play beyond the workplace.' To kickstart the movement, Dove Men+Care partnered with Founder/CEO Ross Simmonds, Sports Commentator Donnovan Bennett, Celebrity Chef and TV host Dave Rocco, Innovation Strategist Shawn Kanungo. Each thought leader, known in Canada for their professional achievements, are sharing their personal fatherhood stories alongside custom visuals designed by Toronto-based illustrator Mateusz Napieralski. Canadians are encouraged to download and re-share these custom illustrations along with their own fatherhood update and journey. "When men see fatherhood as a vital part of who they are, it positively shapes their mental health and emotional well-being," said Dr. Andrew Howlett, a Toronto-based Child and Family Psychiatrist, and co-founder of the Fathers' Mental Health Network. "By valuing and supporting active fatherhood, we help dads feel recognized and empowered - building resilient families and healthier communities." As a long-time partner of Dove Men+Care, Dad Central, a national organization that provides research, programming, resources, and a community to support father involvement, is helping amplify the campaign through its extensive community network. The group is also contributing expert insight on the cultural importance of active fatherhood and its long-term impact on society. The campaign runs nationally in the lead-up to Father's Day, encouraging Dads across Canada to take part on LinkedIn. To learn more about Dove Men+Care, visit To find out more about Dad Central visit: About Dove Men+Care Dove Men+Care is the first range of products from Dove developed specially for men. Manufactured by Unilever, the line includes the #1 dermatologist recommended male bar and body wash brand. Launched in 2010, the Dove Men+Care portfolio includes bars, body washes, anti-perspirant/deodorants, and hair care. Dove Men+Care is available nationwide in food, drug, and mass outlet stores. About Unilever Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. For more information about Unilever and our brands, please visit About Unilever in North America Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Our leading brands in North America include Dove, Hellmann's, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula's Choice, and Dermalogica. For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: For more information on Unilever Canada and its brands visit: About Unilever in Canada Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Our leading brands in Canada include Dove, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, SheaMoisture, TRESemmé, Knorr, Hellmann's, Breyers, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Liquid I.V., and OLLY. For more information on Unilever Canada and visit: or About Dad Central Dad Central is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting responsible father involvement in Canada. Through evidence-based research, resources, and community programming, Dad Central helps fathers, families, and organizations recognize and strengthen the important role dads play in child development and family well-being. With over two decades of experience, Dad Central works to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from an involved and caring father.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
17th century Quaker burial ground granted listed status
One of England's earliest Quaker burial grounds has been recognised for its historic importance. The 17th century site at Lower Hazel in South Gloucestershire has been granted Grade II listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England. Dating from 1656, the burial ground has been in continuous use for more than 365 years. It was established to provide a place of burial for the large Quaker community in the area at a time when Anglican churches often refused to allow nonconformists within the consecrated ground of the Church of England. The listing recognises the site's historical significance and the architectural features that reflect early Quaker principles of simplicity. Ross Simmonds, from Historic England, said: 'This listing recognises and celebrates an important piece of the story of religious diversity in Britain. 'The burial ground at Lower Hazel helps us understand the experiences of nonconformist communities during times of persecution in the 17th century, and remains important to the community today.' Roger Sturge, a Bristol Quaker, said: 'I'm one of the hundreds of Quakers in Bristol today. 'We look to the future, building a better world, but our past also matters. 'In 1669 my 7th great-grandfather, Joseph Sturge, was buried in this beautiful Quaker burial ground. 'A local farmer, he was among the first converts to this new radical religion. 'So my family have been buried here through almost its entire history. When my own time comes, I plan to join Joseph and his descendants here. 'It is a wonderful, tranquil place, where so many have worshipped over the centuries and still worship today. 'I hope the listing means more people will experience its calm and be inspired to find out more about Quakers.' The Olveston area was an important place in the early years of Quakerism. The new religion took root quickly after preachers John Audland and John Camm – instrumental in spreading Quakerism in the West of England – addressed a large group of farmers on Elberton Green in 1654. In the 1660s, George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, visited Olveston to help establish monthly meetings, and spent his honeymoon in the village in 1669. The architectural modesty of the Lower Hazel burial ground and the humble grave markers, several inscribed with only the initials of the deceased, reflect Quaker preferences for plainness and simplicity. The stone boundary walls surrounding the site feature simple yet distinctive elements, including a moulded oak door case and doors, and 'cock-and-hen' capping – alternating upright stones placed on top of the stone walls. In line with Quaker principles, early burial grounds tended to be simple, functional enclosures with minimal landscaping and planting, and plain funerary monuments reflecting humility in death. Burial grounds – graveyards without a principal place of worship – emerged in the 17th century as separate places for the burial of the dead from minority faiths, who were often denied burial within the consecrated ground of the Church of England. The land was provided through a bequest from John Smith of Lower Hazel, with the first documented burials taking place in 1657. The Quaker Burial Ground at Lower Hazel is one of several historic sites associated with Quakerism in South Gloucestershire to be granted listed status.
