Ever wondered what the true status symbols of success look like in 2025? Last month at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the world’s top Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) showcased some unexpected symbols of power and innovation — and trust me, they’re not what you think.

You might expect flashy cars, luxury watches, or designer suits. But the 2025 Cannes Lions revealed a subtle yet profound shift in what success means in the fast-evolving world of creativity and business. So, what exactly were these game-changing status symbols?

1. Eco-Conscious Accessories

At a festival all about creativity and future trends, sustainability took center stage. CMOs sported accessories made from recycled or natural materials. From backpacks crafted from ocean plastics to biodegradable phone cases, these items aren’t just fashion statements—they symbolize a commitment to a larger purpose.

2. Tech That Enhances Well-being

Wearable devices focusing on mental health, sleep quality, and stress management were everywhere. It’s a wake-up call that the modern CMO prioritizes balance and wellness, not just work hours or productivity metrics.

3. Minimalist, Function-Driven Fashion

Gone are the days of ostentatious logos and loud aesthetics. Clean lines, multipurpose garments, and adaptable designs took over. This trend reflects a generation valuing authenticity and efficiency over superficial displays.

4. Personalized Digital Art Pieces

NFTs and digital art made a surprising statement as prized possessions. These symbols hint at how creativity and technology blend to create new forms of personal expression and investment.

5. Invisible Yet Powerful Tech

CMOs carried devices that enable seamless remote collaboration, AI-driven insights, and privacy-enhanced communication. This invisible technology empowers creativity behind the scenes, shaping how brands connect with people worldwide.

But What Does This Mean For You?

You might be thinking, “That’s all great for CMOs, but how does this reflect on my own journey—maybe in fertility, wellness, or personal growth?” Here’s where it gets inspiring.

Just like these leaders are redefining success by valuing health, authenticity, and innovation, your path to conception can embrace similar values. In fact, technology tailored for intimate and personal experiences is now more accessible and empowering than ever.

Take, for example, the rise of thoughtfully designed at-home insemination kits from companies like MakeAMom. These kits reflect the same principles of privacy, empowerment, and personalization seen in Cannes’ status symbols. They enable hopeful parents to take control of their fertility journey comfortably and discreetly—without sacrificing effectiveness.

Why Does This Matter?

Because success is no longer measured by flashy displays but by how well you align your tools and choices with your values and goals. Whether it’s a CMO leading global campaigns or a couple navigating conception at home, the message is clear: Empowerment through innovation, authenticity, and wellness.

Let’s Bring It Home

  • Prioritize what supports your well-being. Whether that’s mental health tech or fertility tools designed with care, put yourself first.
  • Embrace technology that respects your privacy and personal journey. It's empowering to have control without compromise.
  • Celebrate authenticity. The quiet confidence that comes from knowing your choices are genuine is the ultimate status symbol.

As the world evolves, so should the way we think about success and empowerment. The CMOs at Cannes showed us that the most valuable assets aren’t material—they’re the tools and habits that help us thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

So, what’s your next move? How will you redefine your own success story today?

For those curious about stepping into a more empowered fertility journey with the right tools, exploring options like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits could be the gentle nudge that changes everything.

Want to read more about these fascinating Cannes Lions insights? Check out the original article here: The status symbol items CMOs sported at this year's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

What’s your ultimate status symbol? Is it wellness, authenticity, or something entirely personal? Share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other on this journey to meaningful success.

Ever watched a documentary that felt less like a deep dive and more like a clever infomercial? That was my experience with Hulu’s Call Her Alex, a film about Alex Cooper from the Call Her Daddy podcast. While the documentary promised a personal portrait, it’s really a masterclass in branding. It got me thinking about the stories we tell ourselves and others during truly vulnerable moments—like the journey to parenthood.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the review from Time nails it: the documentary is “less a portrait of a fascinating personality than a shallow branding exercise.” You can check out the full review here. The film showcases Alex’s carefully curated public image rather than peeling back layers to reveal the raw, messy reality of her life.

This left me reflecting on my own path with conception and the importance of authentic storytelling. Fertility journeys—especially those involving at-home insemination—are incredibly intimate and, frankly, unpredictable. Unlike a polished documentary, these experiences don’t always make for neat soundbites or Instagram posts. And that’s okay.

Let’s talk about why being real matters.

The Myth of the Perfect Story

We live in an era of highlight reels. Social media and media productions often showcase the glamorized versions of life’s milestones. But the truth? Fertility struggles, pregnancy attempts, and at-home insemination journeys are filled with highs and lows, questions without answers, and moments of hope and heartbreak.

When documentaries or social channels package these experiences as slick brand narratives, it can feel isolating for those of us living through the messier reality. The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to parenthood.

The Power of At-Home Insemination Kits

Here’s where tools like what MakeAMom offers become so empowering. Their at-home insemination kits (think CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker) are designed not just to facilitate conception but to give people control and privacy without the clinical, often intimidating, environment.

What struck me about MakeAMom’s approach is how it embraces the realness of these journeys. Their kits are reusable and discreetly packaged, acknowledging that this is deeply personal and deserves respect, not spectacle. Plus, their reported success rate—about 67%—gives hope without promising a fairy-tale ending.

Why Authenticity Matters in Fertility Support

  • Emotional wellness: Unlike glossy branding, honest conversations help us feel less alone. Fertility can be emotionally taxing, and seeing real stories (warts and all) can be deeply comforting.
  • Practical guidance: When you know the actual challenges and solutions others have faced, you’re better equipped. It’s why MakeAMom offers detailed usage info and testimonials.
  • Community over competition: Real stories build communities, not just audiences. It’s about support, not sales.

What Can We Learn From ‘Call Her Alex’?

It’s a reminder that real stories take work to uncover and sometimes resist the desire to tidy up the narrative. As someone on or supporting a fertility journey, I find myself craving genuine voices and practical solutions over slick branding.

Have you tried at-home insemination? How important is privacy and control in your conception journey? For many, that’s exactly what MakeAMom’s kits provide—a way to navigate this deeply personal process on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Next time you scroll past a glamorous portrayal of life or success, remember what lies beneath: complexity, vulnerability, and the quiet power of authenticity. Whether it’s a documentary or your own fertility story, there’s strength in keeping it real.

Curious about at-home insemination options? You might find MakeAMom’s resources helpful—they blend medical insight with compassion for your unique journey.

What’s your story? Drop a comment and let’s keep this conversation honest and hopeful. Because the path to parenthood isn’t a brand—it’s an experience, and it’s yours.