The Press Box

Bark’s Central Media Hub

The Press Box is a unique place where we share thoughts on innovation, brand strategy, client insights, and our latest SAAS projects.

At Bark, we’ve spent nearly three decades walking alongside some of the most thoughtful, mission-driven brands you can imagine — helping them navigate the highs, the lows and the moments when the world suddenly expects a statement. Here’s one thing we’ve learned: knowing when to speak is just as important as knowing what to say. In a culture that demands instant reaction, discernment is a rare and valuable virtue.

At Bark, we’ve partnered with hundreds of companies over the past three decades, each with its own calling, culture and challenges. And while the organizations vary, the pattern of success is clear: the deepest, most fruitful results always come when we're fully integrated — not just as a service provider, but as a true part of the team.

Over the years, I’ve learned that while finding new opportunities is challenging, deciding which ones not to pursue is even more difficult. In marketing, leadership and life, we’re inundated with ideas, tools, channels and demands. And the temptation is to try and do it all, hoping that more activity equals more progress.

In almost 30 years of running our company, I’ve seen one silent brand-killer show up repeatedly. It’s not lack of talent; it’s not budget; it’s not even poor strategy. It’s unquestioned assumptions. And in my experience, one of the most powerful questions any leader can ask is this. “What assumption are we making that’s no longer true?”

A couple of weeks ago, I shared an article titled, Sunrise or Sunset? Thoughts on AI, Creativity and Why We're Often Wrong. In it, I highlighted a conversation I had: At one of our Compassion Gallery events, I had an interesting exchange that’s stuck with me. Someone walked by our booth, glanced at a wall filled with sunrise and sunset
I have a challenge for you, but before I get to it, let me ask you a question. What would you need to spend to hire someone — or a few someones — to cover your design, communications, tech, digital, content, social and website needs? It adds up fast. And that’s before you even think about HR, onboarding, equipment, vacation, government taxes,
Let’s be honest — behind every great decision is a room full of passionate people who probably didn’t all agree. I’ve been in countless meetings over the years where ideas bounce around, perspectives clash and tensions rise. People bring their best ideas and arguments to the table — and they should. It means they care. It means they’re invested.