Welcome to Between Calls, your weekly dose of hand-picked stories from the worlds of digital marketing, wellness and science. Blending commerce, consciousness and curiosity, Between Calls brings you insights to make you think and think again.

This week, we dive into three transformative topics that are shaping our future. First, we explore the essential human skills marketers need in the age of AI. Then, we look at 2025’s trends in mental wellness and their impact. Finally, we explore the exciting advancements in quantum chips, a technology poised to revolutionize multiple industries. So, we have marketing with AI, mental wellness trends and quantum chips this week. Happy Reading!

Did you know that 4 out of 5 marketers are now using AI? They’re just not telling their bosses :) However, with great power comes great responsibility. Marketers should not lose sight of the human skills crucial to the success of their efforts.

AI can analyze behavior, churn out ideas, create content, but it lacks emotional intelligence, ethical guidance and an understanding of cultural nuances. Neil Perkin, in his analysis on the Think with Google podcast, discusses how key skills like creativity, empathy, and adaptability combined with AI-driven insights will set successful marketers apart. Marketing in 2025 will have to embrace AI without losing sight of human creativity and connection. Brands that master this balance between technology and humanity will lead the way forward.

Since the pandemic, mental wellness has come into sharp focus. With more awareness, people are taking proactive measures to build mental fitness into their routines. This is where the Mental Wellness Initiative 2025 trends caught my eye. This article underscores holistic approaches to mental health, combining physical, mental & social fitness to improve long-term wellbeing.

Tt highlights resistance training, gut health, microplastics and self-awareness among some solutions, but there is no one size fits all fix. These critical and often ignored aspects have a profound effect on our system and inaction in this area comes at a price. According to the McKinsey Health Institute brain health disorders are already costing the global economy over $5 trillion annually. While it is a societal mandate to highlight mental health, it is an individual’s prerogative to incorporate this in their own life.

Quantum physics was my favorite subject in college, which was a long time ago, but this field is finally catching the spotlight. The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology for starters. But moving beyond the symbolic, this space is developing fast. For instance, Google’s quantum chip ‘Willow’ demonstrated quantum supremacy in a very specific task.

But how does it really work? Unlike traditional computers that process data in bits, quantum computers utilize qubits to perform calculations at speeds that were previously unimaginable. At the heart of quantum computing is a qubit’s ability to exist in a state of superposition, meaning it can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property allows quantum computers to solve complex problems faster than traditional computers and potentially revolutionize industries. Yes, it does make your head spin, which is why I suggest you read the article. It’s my pick of the week!

As a quantum computing researcher and semiconductor technology specialist with expertise in quantum hardware development and nanotechnology, create a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to quantum chips. Define quantum chips and explain how they differ from classical computer processors by demonstrating their use of quantum mechanics principles like superposition and entanglement to process information in fundamentally new ways using clear analogies and everyday examples. Break down core concepts like quantum bits (qubits), quantum gates, coherence times, and error correction while exploring different quantum chip technologies including superconducting circuits, trapped ions, photonic systems, and silicon quantum dots with their unique advantages and applications. Detail the manufacturing challenges, operating requirements like extreme cooling, and current limitations alongside breakthrough developments from major players like IBM, Google, and emerging startups. Include real-world applications in cryptography, drug discovery, financial modeling, and optimization problems while addressing the timeline for practical quantum computing and its potential impact on various industries. Maintain an accessible, forward-looking tone throughout while balancing technical accuracy with practical insights, ensuring readers gain both foundational understanding of quantum computing hardware and realistic expectations about this transformative technology’s development and future possibilities.