Why subscribe?
Culture moves faster than the sun. And brand marketing—too often—gets swept into the slipstream of sameness: algorithm-chasing campaigns, brain rot marketing, and brands mimicking each other in a race to nowhere.
Strategy Dept. is your antidote.
A newsletter for brand marketers who want to zoom out, think sharper, and build brands that actually mean something.
This is where we step off the trend treadmill and ask harder, more interesting questions—about creativity, community, and how brands shape culture (and not just reflect it). You'll find high-signal thinking drawn directly from live consulting work with big brands and breakout startups alike. Our practice informs our philosophy.
And yes, this work drives results—because the brands that stand for something attract stronger followings, deeper loyalty, and real business impact.
What to expect
For all subscribers (free):
Strategy essays from inside the room
High-value thinking drawn from real-world client questions
Creative frameworks, cultural POVs, and clear language—no fluff
Right now, all posts are public as I focus on building a sharp, curious, and generous community. But soon, some articles will become subscriber-only—starting with deeper dives, behind-the-scenes thinking, and strategy frameworks.
If you’d like to support this work early, you can become a paid subscriber now. Think of it as backing independent thinking—and helping shape where this goes next.
Whether you're an established CMO or a budding strategist, Strategy Dept. offers a perspective that pushes you beyond the status quo and becomes your unfair advantage in brand strategy.
About The Author
I'm Alex Tran, founder of Strategy Dept.—both this newsletter and the creative consultancy behind it. I work with Fortune 100s, buzzy startups, and ambitious agencies who want to do more than just play the game—they want to change it.
Clients include Airbnb, DAZED Studios, PANGAIA, Equinox, Target, and Calvin Klein.
I live in a monochrome apartment in lower Manhattan, drink too many protein shakes, and genuinely love collaborating with teams across industries to help unlock whatever’s next.
Reach me anytime: alex@strategy-dept.com
