In a recent discussion surrounding the significant shift in corporate America, former Bud Light president Anson Frericks unveiled insights from his new book, “Last Call for Bud Light.” The conversation highlighted the backlash against perceived corporate wokeness, particularly following Bud Light’s controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which Frericks believes marked a turning point for consumer dissatisfaction. He attributes the shift in corporate culture at Anheuser-Busch to pressure from major shareholders like BlackRock, emphasizing how decisions rooted in social agendas overshadowed customer interests. Frericks notes a current trend where some CEOs are beginning to abandon these progressive policies, triggered by growing sentiment against the “ESG Industrial Complex.” His account underscores the dire consequences of misaligning brand values with core customers, suggesting that unless companies confront and learn from these missteps, recovery remains elusive.