We’re searching for the most pressing marketing insights this week.

Vice Calls On Brands To Rethink Keyword Blocklists Associated With Racism

Ad Age

At its virtual Digital Content NewFronts, Vice Media urged advertisers to stop blocking “Black Lives Matter” and related keywords.

Why it matters: Vice’s internal analysis revealed that content related to the police killing of George Floyd and ensuing protests were monetized at a rate 57 percent lower than other news content.

Entering A New Decade Of AI: The State Of Play

McKinsey & Company

In a recent global survey on artificial intelligence (AI) among 2,300 executives, the McKinsey Global Institute found that across the board, the use of AI in standard business processes has increased 25 percent year-over-year.

Why it matters: Despite significant growth in AI adoption, organizations have a long way to go to scale impact, manage risks and retrain the workforce.

Jimmy John’s Makes A Rare Move To Jolt Sandwich Sales

Adweek

As foot traffic to Jimmy John’s plummeted during the pandemic, the brand launched a number of promotions, then enlisted laid-off production talent from around the country to shoot footage for accompanying television spots.

Why it matters: When COVID-19 hit, many creative agencies immediately initiated layoffs and furloughs. This Jimmy John’s campaign not only lured customers back to its restaurants but also helped the creative community.

How To Overcome Your Fear Of Making Mistakes

Harvard Business Review 

To channel mistakes into better decision making, former clinical psychologist turned writer Alice Boyes, PhD, recommends saying your fears out loud, accepting reality and directing worries toward behaviors that will realistically reduce the chances of failure.

Why it matters: The pandemic and recent protests over police brutality have made people fearful of making mistakes.

Opinion: In 2020, There’s No Place For Universal Thinking In Marketing

Ad Age

To build deeper connections, brands must reinstate the practice of consumer segmentation to ensure all voices are heard and different mindsets are represented.

Why it matters: Consumer segmentation at the behavioral level only gives marketers the “what.” Segmenting with like mindsets and shared cultures produces the “why.”