We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know.

1. Mind the gap

Two cheerful businesswomen celebrating their achievement. Happy businesspeople working as a team in a multicultural workplace.

Around 95% of men said they had given credit to a woman for her contributions and ideas in a meeting. Only 49% of women reported being given credit for their contributions. The Allies-In-Action study points to the gap in how men perceive they are supporting women in the workplace versus what women experience. Allyship is vital for women to thrive in their careers, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and support. In a Women in Tech webcast, Richard Lord from HSBC and Stig Thorgersen from EY discussed the importance of allyship in promoting gender equity. They emphasized that allyship means actively advocating for women and encouraging inclusive behaviors among all employees. Both leaders started in gender-biased environments and became strong advocates for change. They stress the need for leaders to set a tone of inclusiveness, using data and open dialogue to convince skeptical colleagues and address inappropriate behaviors. Creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable speaking up about inequities is crucial. Achieving gender equity requires intentional efforts to build an inclusive culture where allies support women. By equipping everyone to recognize and address biases, businesses can create a thriving, equitable workplace.

How allies empower Women in Tech

2. Beyond the ring

Female muay thai boxer during training session practicing kicks on a sandbag

Boxing might look like a solo sport, but it’s really a team effort. Behind every fighter’s three minutes in the ring (or two for women), there’s a whole network of specialists making it all happen. From the coach to the manager, boxing is a prime example of how the strength of a team extends beyond those in the spotlight. It’s about the whole franchise, including past players who bring their experience and wisdom to the present. This sense of legacy and teamwork is alive and well in the boxing world, much like it is in business. It extends to the entire franchise, including past players or alumni — those who have contributed to a team’s legacy and continue to support and enrich with their experience and wisdom. These connections are built on shared values, trust, and experiences, driving our collective strength and in today’s AI era, connectivity is key in building a future together…

The modern view of teaming is where each connection — past and present, near and far, seen and unseen — contributes to a future we build together

3. Trust and integrity go hand in hand

Hiker Woman helping her friend reach the top of the mountain

The shift towards a human-centric culture where trust is the foundation is now. Leadership plays a pivotal role here; when they lead by example, it resonates throughout the organization, creating an atmosphere where transparency and accountability are the norm. Integrity must be woven into the very fabric of an organization’s culture. It’s simple: businesses must nurture an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to uphold and advocate for integrity. Whistleblowers play a critical role in reinforcing this trust too. Trust isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It must become the cornerstone of daily operations — a living, breathing part of the organizational culture.

EY Global Integrity Report 2024

4. Widening the digital gap

aerial view of line of yellow cars in pink field

GenAI is revolutionizing supply chains, but many struggle with implementation. In a nutshell, while 73% of supply chain executives plan to deploy GenAI, only 7% have fully implemented it, with 62% reassessing their projects. Those ahead in autonomous supply chains are 5.2 times more likely to succeed, widening the digital gap. The real gains with GenAI come from strategic alignment, AI-ready data, and managing cyber risks. Companies refocus on resilience by diversifying operations, balancing protection with efficiency in volatile markets. GenAI isn’t just about automating; it’s about creating, forecasting, and adapting in real-time, freeing up human potential for higher-level tasks. Despite traditional AI in play, GenAI stands out by designing new processes and foreseeing future demands accurately amidst disruptions. The journey isn’t easy; EY’s research reveals challenges from data readiness to understanding unique risks. Yet, with strategic alignment and learning from transformations, companies build confidence and capability. Frontrunners lead the charge towards autonomous supply chains, leveraging GenAI for strategic advantage. By prioritizing data readiness and managing risks, companies can maximize GenAI’s potential and navigate future uncertainties effectively.

Will GenAI accelerate autonomous supply chains?

5. Reaching new heights

Farmers using a drone to check crops

It’s a make-or-break moment for the European drone scene. Scalability hinges on the ability to take flight. If it can’t fly, it can’t scale. Drones are swiftly becoming integral to a slew of sectors but getting them off the ground commercially requires strategic navigation of regulatory skies. Choosing the right moment to push the boundaries of drone tech is vital. The key? Picking the perfect weather to pilot these wonders is as crucial as the tech itself. Let’s look at Denmark. Denmark’s national drone ecosystem is serving as the blueprint, providing valuable lessons for countries looking to get in on the drone game. Sure, Europe got the ball rolling with its EU Drone Strategy 2.0 back in 2019, but to truly unleash the potential of these AI-driven, data-dishing dynamos, it’s time for a strategy refresh. Each European nation needs to bring its A-game. Denmark’s at an exciting crossroads, where modern drones are more than just gadgets; they’re smart, user-friendly, and ready to revolutionize everything from farming to keeping borders safe. It’s clear: to reach dizzying new heights, Europe’s drones need to spread their wings — and the moment is now…

Building a national drone industry: Lessons from Denmark