Real World Round-Up: October

One of my favorite things about writing this monthly round-up is how it’s made me fall back in love with the news. I’ve found myself saving articles, podcasts, and posts left and right — so many that I actually had to cut a few for next month’s edition! Here are five stories from October that really stood out to me and link beautifully to different areas of the IB Business syllabus.

1. Nike Retires Its Iconic “Just Do It” Slogan – A Shift in Branding Strategy

Nike has surprised everyone by moving on from one of the most recognizable slogans in marketing history. The new “Why Do It?” campaign shows how even the most established brands evolve to reflect cultural and consumer changes.

This is a perfect link to Unit 4: Marketing, especially branding, positioning, and changing trends. It also connects nicely to TOK discussions about identity and the balance between consistency and innovation. Read the article on Nike Newsroom

2. The $30,000 Baby-Naming Business – The Ultimate Niche Market

A woman has built a business charging clients up to $30,000 to help name their babies. It’s a fascinating look at creativity, luxury services, and how entrepreneurs can turn the most unexpected ideas into profitable ventures.

This example works well for Unit 1 and 4, particularly entrepreneurship and niche marketing. It’s a fun way to help students see that there truly is a market for everything. See the post on Instagram

3. Chili’s CEO on Staying Competitive – Operations Made Real

Operations isn’t always the easiest topic to get students excited about, but this interview with Chili’s CEO really grabbed their attention. He explains the company’s recent changes in a clear, practical way from lean production to improving customer experience.

It’s packed with examples for Unit 5: Operations Management, especially process efficiency and quality control. I found it so useful for showing how operational decisions directly impact costs and competitiveness. Watch the interview on YouTube

4. Company Culture in Denmark and German – HR in Real Life

This LinkedIn post describes what it’s like stepping into a meeting room in Denmark and Germany and how cultural values shape communication and teamwork. It’s a relatable and authentic example of how culture impacts the workplace.

This fits perfectly under Unit 2: Human Resource Management, linking to topics like motivation, organizational culture, and cultural influences. Real examples like this help students understand how abstract HR concepts play out in practice. Read the post on LinkedIn

5. From Kitchen to Company – Operations Lessons from a Food Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Second Life podcast, the founder of a grain-free, gluten-free food brand shares how she built her company and overcame production challenges. Her story highlights the ups and downs of running a growing food business.

It’s a great fit for Unit 5: Operations Management, touching on production methods, supply chain management, and quality control. The founder’s honesty about her challenges makes it especially engaging for students. Listen on Apple Podcasts