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

1. Decarbonizing the future

As we reflect on COP29, there’s a number that is important for government and public sector leaders to keep in mind: 1%. One percent of monthly household income. That’s how much 69% of people around the world are willing to contribute to advance climate action according to the largest global survey to date on people’s views of climate action. This shows a strong public readiness for bold climate initiatives, despite a shared belief that others might not be as willing to act. This disconnect helps explain why some governments face challenges in advancing decarbonization efforts. Achieving a just and equitable green transition requires balancing immediate concerns with the need for rapid change…

Democratizing decarbonization: insights for government leaders

2. Create to elevate

Creativity is no longer just an asset — it’s a necessity. Brands need to churn out more content, in more formats, and personalize it for different audiences—all while keeping costs down. However, 40% of brands say their production costs have gone up, but 76% haven’t seen an increase in their budgets. Investing in strong creative teams can make a huge difference, with award-winning campaigns delivering 11 times the return on investment compared to others. To remain competitive, marketing leaders should focus on organizing their teams well, using the latest technology, and working with partners. Centralizing creative talent can maximize resources and improve collaboration. Additionally, adopting technology like GenAI can streamline workflows and enhance personalization. By tapping into technology and creative partnerships, brands can stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demand for content.

How CMOs can leverage the full potential of creative

3. Cents and sensibility

The finance function is pivotal in driving entrepreneurial success, from managing daily cash flow to securing essential funding for growth. Finance teams provide critical insights that guide strategic decisions, making them indispensable business partners. Technological advancements like AI and data analytics are revolutionizing finance, enabling more efficient operations and greater value delivery. Yet, only 16% of finance leaders rate their functions as top performing, according to the 2023 EY Global DNA of the CFO Report. Key priorities for entrepreneurs include investing in automation, securing growth funding, and enhancing stakeholder engagement.  As businesses navigate a complex landscape heading into 2025, dynamic planning and robust data strategies are essential for sustainable growth and resilience…

How finance can empower your business to achieve its growth ambitions

4. New heights

Nine entrepreneurs embarked on an unforgettable journey, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth, and came back with invaluable life lessons and business insights. It all started casually over a meal in Cape Town, where a simple idea turned into a mission to support next-gen education, raising nearly 40,000 euros. These women, each a leader in their own right, discovered the power of meaningful networks and the importance of purpose-driven progress. They realized that success often stems from mental strength and a positive mindset. This adventure not only strengthened their businesses but also forged lifelong connections, demonstrating the power of authentic leadership. Now, these entrepreneurs are channeling their experiences into visionary leadership and innovative collaborations, proving that lessons learned outside the office can significantly impact business growth. Here are five lessons they learned…

Five entrepreneurial lessons from Mount Kilimanjaro

5. A nation divided

How do Australians feel about AI, and what does this mean for the organizations they rely on? As AI investments surge across the country, it’s crucial to understand public sentiment. The National AI Comfort Index (NACI) shows a divided nation: 32% are comfortable with AI, 35% are neutral, and 33% are uncomfortable. Through online surveys and chatbot sessions, the survey found mixed feelings about AI’s role in daily life, its potential benefits, and concerns about its impact on jobs, intelligence, and data privacy. Australians also expressed varied opinions on AI’s social benefits and its use in the workplace. The report identifies seven distinct groups with unique attitudes towards AI, shaped by their engagement and perceptions of its positive and negative impacts…

Australian AI sentiment report

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