Inspiration Stage • POSSIBLE 2025
Why Non-toxic Spaces Should be Non-negotiable Priorities: Building a More Inspired Internet
Bill Ready, Chief Executive Officer, Pinterest
Michael Kassan, Founder & CEO, 3C Ventures
In a wide-ranging and optimistic closing keynote at POSSIBLE 2025, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready joined Michael Kassan for a candid fireside chat on how Pinterest is redefining commerce through AI, curation, and brand safety.
Ready reflected on his three-year transformation of the platform—from visual discovery engine to full-funnel performance powerhouse—underscoring the company’s mission to bring joy back to shopping and deliver positivity at scale.
At the heart of Pinterest’s evolution is a belief that digital platforms can move beyond engagement addiction to inspire genuine action and intention. Ready challenged the industry’s false tradeoffs—between brand and performance, between scale and safety—and laid out Pinterest’s AI-driven approach to consumer delight, platform revitalization, and advertiser value.
Ask a Gen Z user why they’re on Pinterest, and they’ll say two things: Pinterest just gets me, and it’s an oasis away from the toxicity they experience elsewhere.
– Bill Ready
The conversation showcased Pinterest as a Gen Z magnet, a culture-first commerce engine, and a case study in turning aspiration into activation.
Key Insights for Marketing & Advertising Professionals:
#1
Brandformance Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s a Blueprint
Pinterest demonstrates that brand storytelling and performance outcomes don’t need to live in separate silos. Campaigns that combine upper- and lower-funnel strategies on the platform can double click-through rates, proving that emotionally resonant content can also drive immediate action.
#2
AI Needs Guardrails and Great Inputs
Pinterest’s AI effectiveness hinges on curating high-quality, inclusive training data rooted in human judgment. By designing AI models to prioritize positivity, relevance, and diversity, the platform shows that responsible innovation and business performance can coexist.
#3
Gen Z Wants Joyful Discovery
This generation is flocking to Pinterest because it offers a sense of exploration and identity-building in a digital world often marked by noise and negativity. Instead of being told who to be, Gen Z users feel empowered to discover who they are through curated, positive content.
#4
Positivity Is a Competitive Advantage
Pinterest’s intentional design choices—like tuning AI for wellbeing and offering a safe space for self-expression—are helping it stand apart in an increasingly toxic social media landscape. Brands benefit from this environment by aligning with content that uplifts and engages without controversy.
#5
Don’t Just Chase Culture—Predict It
With tools like Pinterest Predicts, marketers can tap into early signals of emerging trends before they break into the mainstream. This proactive approach to trend forecasting helps brands stay ahead of the curve and embed themselves in cultural moments while they’re still taking shape.
2025 Speaker Highlight
Bill Ready
