From global touring to founding a wellness-focused retreat, Michael Franti has spent decades working at the intersection of creativity, hospitality, and human connection. Looking ahead to the next year, Franti believes the biggest shift will not be technical or financial—it will be emotional.

“People aren’t looking for more noise,” Franti says. “They’re looking for places and experiences that help them feel better when they leave than when they arrived.”

What Changed Recently

Over the past year, Franti has seen a clear turn away from excess and speed toward intention and care. Burnout is rising. Disconnection is common. According to Gallup, 44% of workers report daily stress, while the WHO estimates 1 in 4 adults experience anxiety or depression symptoms. In travel and live experiences, demand is shifting toward wellness and meaning: wellness tourism is projected to grow 7–9% annually, outpacing general tourism.

“Travel used to be about escape,” Franti says. “Now it’s about repair.”

What People Are Getting Wrong

Franti believes many individuals and organisations are still chasing scale over substance.

“Growth without alignment doesn’t last,” he says. “If you’re building something that doesn’t feel real, people sense it immediately.”

In live music and hospitality, he’s seen teams add features instead of fixing fundamentals. Yet data shows 73% of consumers value experience quality over price, and 64% are more loyal to brands that reflect their values.

“People think attention is the goal,” Franti adds. “Trust is the goal.”

What Is Likely to Get Harder

The next year will test patience and leadership. Staffing pressures remain high, with hospitality turnover still above 70% globally. Attention spans are shrinking, while expectations for care are rising.

“It’s harder to ask people to slow down in a fast world,” Franti says. “But rushing only creates more burnout.”

Mental health pressures will also continue. Nearly 60% of adults say they feel lonely at least once a week, a figure Franti sees reflected in both audiences and guests.

What Will Work

Franti believes what will work is deceptively simple: consistency, listening, and care.

“You don’t build strong careers or businesses by controlling everything,” he says. “You build them by empowering people.”

Across his work, he sees success where routines are protected, teams feel heard, and environments are designed for calm. Research supports this: companies with high employee engagement see 21% higher productivity, and wellness-focused travel experiences report higher repeat visitation rates.

“Success isn’t about doing everything,” Franti says. “It’s about doing a few things well, for a long time.”

Three Scenarios for the Year AheadOptimistic Scenario

Demand for meaningful experiences accelerates. People prioritise wellness, live connection, and values-led work. Best individual actions:

• Commit to one daily grounding habit (movement, writing, or walking).

• Choose experiences that prioritise wellbeing over novelty.

• Build deeper, not wider, professional relationships.

Realistic Scenario

Progress is uneven. Some growth, some setbacks. Attention remains fragmented. Best individual actions:

• Reduce commitments and protect focus.

• Listen more than you broadcast.

• Invest time in skill consistency rather than expansion.

Cautious Scenario

Burnout increases and economic pressure tightens. Patience is tested. Best individual actions:

• Simplify routines and lower unnecessary stress.

• Strengthen community ties and peer support.

• Reconnect work decisions to personal values.

Franti encourages readers to choose the scenario that feels most honest—and act accordingly.

“Clarity beats urgency,” he says. “Pick your lane, commit to it, and show up with care.”

About Michael Franti

Michael Franti is a musician, hotelier, and humanitarian based in Bali, Indonesia. He is the founder of Soulshine Bali, a wellness-focused resort and retreat centre, and co-founder of Do It For The Love, a nonprofit bringing live music experiences to people facing serious illness and hardship. For more than 40 years, he has worked across music, hospitality, and community impact with a focus on consistency, connection, and purpose.

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