Good Morning, Builders.

Today we’re tracking what happens when AI companies start hiring for revenue instead of hype, governments move from debating regulation to enforcing it, and brands rethink how they win loyalty in tighter markets. Let’s get to work.

OpenAI is hiring Slack CEO Denise Dresser as its new chief revenue officer, a clear signal the company is shifting from experimentation to execution. After 14 years inside Salesforce and leading Slack through major AI feature rollouts, Dresser will now oversee OpenAI’s enterprise revenue and customer success strategy as the company faces growing pressure to turn massive adoption into actual profit. The move follows similar top-tier hires, including former Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, and underscores a broader trend as AI hype cools, execution, sales, and enterprise trust are becoming just as important as breakthrough models. (TechCrunch)

Australia has officially become the first country in the world to ban social media use for children under 16, forcing platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to block access or face fines of up to $33m. The law marks a high-stakes experiment in regulating tech’s impact on mental health and online safety, drawing praise from parents and sharp criticism from Big Tech and free speech advocates. With 86% of Australian kids aged 8–15 previously on social media, the move could reshape how platforms grow, monetize, and verify users, and governments from Europe to the U.S. are closely watching to see whether Australia’s hard line becomes a global blueprint. (Reuters)

President Donald Trump’s envoys have given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just days to respond to a proposed peace plan that would require Ukraine to accept territorial losses in exchange for vague US security guarantees, with Trump reportedly hoping for a deal by Christmas. Zelenskyy told European leaders he needs time to consult allies, warning that a rushed US-only deal could fracture Western unity, even as Washington urges compromise and battlefield pressure mounts in eastern Ukraine. With Russian forces advancing, Europe scrambling to stay aligned, and Kyiv caught between terms it can’t accept and a partner it can’t alienate, the next few weeks could mark the most decisive moment of the war since it began. (Financial Times)

Amazon’s Ring has begun rolling out an AI-powered facial-recognition feature called “Familiar Faces”, which lets doorbells identify and name frequent visitors, such as family members or delivery drivers. While Amazon says the feature is optional, encrypted, and not shared with law enforcement, privacy advocates and lawmakers are raising red flags given Ring’s history of security lapses and police partnerships. Consumer groups argue the tool risks normalizing neighborhood-level surveillance, with some states already blocking its launch under biometric privacy laws. As AI creeps deeper into everyday hardware, Ring’s latest update highlights the growing tension between convenience and consent. (TechCrunch)

Tapestry is applying the same Gen Z-focused strategy that revitalized Coach to Kate Spade, aiming to attract young buyers as they transition from backpacks to handbags. CFO Scott Roe highlighted that Gen Z now drives the majority of handbag purchases, making it crucial to engage them early. Kate Spade is ramping up marketing spend, leveraging social media, and spotlighting popular products like the Duo Crossbody Bag. The goal is to make Gen Z aware, interested, and loyal, despite the myriad of options they have. Roe notes that younger buyers often have multiple sources of spending power, giving the brand a potential edge if it can break through with consistent, targeted marketing. (Business Insider)

British Airways Vacations is tempting travelers planning their 2026 escapes with bundled Europe trips priced under $1,000, including flights and hotels to cities like London, Paris, and Rome. The deals come with low upfront deposits starting at $99 per person, flexible payment options, generous baggage allowances, and the ability to earn British Airways loyalty points on the full package, not just airfare. As inflation keeps travel budgets tight, these bundled packages are positioning BA as a one-stop workaround for rising flight and hotel costs heading into the new year. (USA Today)

To the Arena,
- Nathan

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