Salesforce | “The Great Data Heist” | Ask More of AI with Matthew McConaughey

In “The Great Data Heist,” Salesforce teams up with Matthew McConaughey to show how its AI tools help businesses unlock the full potential of their data. The ad uses a heist-inspired narrative, where McConaughey leads a group of “data thieves” to pull off an impressive, high-tech operation. As the team uses Salesforce’s AI tools to seamlessly navigate the data world, the commercial emphasizes how AI can be harnessed to enhance business outcomes.

The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):

Engaging Storytelling = Instant Immersion – The heist theme draws viewers in, transforming a potentially dry subject like AI into an exciting, cinematic adventure. → Lesson: Use storytelling to make complex topics more approachable and engaging for the audience.

Star Power = Credibility and Appeal – McConaughey’s calm, charismatic presence adds weight and trust to the message while also enhancing the ad’s entertainment factor. → Lesson: Leverage a well-known figure to build immediate interest and credibility.

AI as the Hero = Clear Product Messaging – The ad positions Salesforce’s AI tools as the driving force behind the “heist,” subtly showcasing how the platform unlocks the power of data in a cool, almost magical way. → Lesson: Show how your product is the key to overcoming a challenge, making it feel indispensable.

Humor Breakdown:

Absurdity in Context – The ad injects humor into the intense heist setting by making the high-tech world of AI and data feel fun and unexpectedly thrilling. Dry Wit & Deadpan Delivery – McConaughey’s delivery adds a layer of deadpan humor, balancing the intense heist drama with the idea that this is all just another day of work for Salesforce’s AI. Exaggerated, Playful Tone – The over-the-top setup of a “data heist” builds up the absurdity, making the ad feel like an action-packed, tongue-in-cheek thrill ride.

Final Verdict:

Salesforce delivers a memorable and entertaining ad that blends McConaughey’s star power with a clever heist narrative to make AI and data management feel exciting and essential. The ad perfectly balances humor, action, and product messaging, making it clear how Salesforce’s AI tools can help businesses unlock new potential in a fun and relatable way.

Brave-o-meter score: 

B-9 | R-8 | A-8 | V-9 | E-9

BRAVE – 8.7/10

Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Salesforce
LinkedIn: Salesforce LinkedIn Page

(See what BRAVE means in our collection)

Understanding the B.R.A.V.E. Scoring System

The B.R.A.V.E. scoring system uses AI to deliver an unbiased evaluation of top-of-the-funnel B2B brand ads. It measures potential impact, memorability, and effectiveness by assessing five key components of a video ad or commercial. This system gauges an ad's capacity to drive brand recall and enhance salience, ensuring that creative work not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression.

What B.R.A.V.E. Stands For:

Each letter represents a key factor in determining an ad’s success:

  • BBoldness: Is the ad original, creative, or daring? Does it break away from generic B2B marketing, or is it just another forgettable corporate video?
  • RRelevance: Does it connect with a real buyer pain point? Is it addressing a specific frustration or need, or just listing product features?
  • AAttention: Does it grab and hold attention in the first few seconds? Is it visually or tonally engaging, or easy to skip?
  • VVibe: Does it create an emotional response—laughter, recognition, or surprise? Or does it feel like just another corporate info dump?
  • EEffectiveness: Will buyers remember the brand when they need a solution? Does the ad make an impact that lasts beyond the moment?

How It’s Applied to B2B Video Rating

Each video is scored 1 to 10 in all five categories, based on how well it meets the criteria. The total score (out of 50) is then divided by 5 to give a final B.R.A.V.E. score out of 10.

For example:

  • An ad scoring B-8 | R-9 | A-7 | V-6 | E-8 has a total of 38/50.
  • The final B.R.A.V.E. score is 7.6/10.

Why It Matters

B2B ads often struggle with being bland, forgettable, or ineffective. The B.R.A.V.E. system ensures they are judged by their ability to break through, connect with buyers, and drive action.

Simply put: If your ad isn’t B.R.A.V.E., it’s invisible.

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