We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know and shape the future with confidence.
1. AI has entered the chat…
… and it’s not leaving anytime soon. Whether it’s drafting emails, transcribing voicemails, or analyzing cybersecurity threats, AI is already embedded in daily workflows. Yet while 84% of Australian workers use it, only 10% receive training, making governance more of an afterthought than a strategy. Meanwhile, forward-thinking companies are already cashing in —cutting customer service follow-ups by 20%, protecting students online, and streamlining checkout lines. The reality? AI adoption isn’t a waiting game; it’s a race. And without proper oversight, it’s like letting a self-driving car loose without a map. Smart businesses aren’t just adopting AI — they’re training, tracking, and steering it toward real results. The AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here. The real question: are you leading the charge or playing catch-up?
AI is growing in the wild. Is your board in control?
2. Not throwing away their shot
Alexander Hamilton fought for tariffs like his life depended on it — because, in a way, it did. “How do you not get it? If we’re aggressive and competitive, the Union gets a boost. You’d rather give it a sedative?” he argued, pushing to protect American industries and secure economic independence (From “Cabinet Battle #1” in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical, Hamilton). But in 2025, the game has changed. Tariffs aren’t just about industry anymore — they’re bargaining chips in global power plays. With markets shifting rapidly and geopolitical tensions rising, executives who fail to anticipate change risk being left behind. Industrial and Energy leaders won’t be in the room where it happens, but they’d better have a plan for what comes next. The winners will be those who stay flexible and strategic. The losers? Well, history has a habit of repeating itself, and no one wants to end up like Hamilton in his final duel…
Geopolitics and tariffs: What industrial and energy executives can learn from Alexander Hamilton
3. Wellness is wealth
Retail is getting a wellness makeover, and smart retailers are cashing in. Consumers aren’t just shopping — they’re self-prescribing, with 37% paying more for healthier products and over half trusting AI for health advice. The opportunity? Massive. Think grocery aisles doubling as wellness hubs, loyalty programs nudging better habits, and private labels sneaking in healthier swaps (less sodium, more profit — win-win). With health spending set to skyrocket, the future could look like AI-powered nutrition plans and smart devices keeping us on track. Retailers who get ahead now won’t just boost sales — they’ll future-proof their business and help us all live better. Wellness is the new wealth, and the checkout line might just be the front line of better health…
How can retailers shape a healthier future for their customers?
4. Shifting gears
CEOs are refocusing on growth and transformation, driven by a renewed confidence in AI, the latest EY European CEO Outlook Survey shows. After a cautious year, 75% of CEOs now feel confident about investing in emerging technologies. To leverage AI effectively, organizations need a clear strategy, emphasizing workforce training and responsible implementation. As AI reshapes products and customer expectations, companies may need to adapt their operations and consider new vendors for cost-effective solutions. From upskilling your people to ensuring compliance, here’s what businesses should consider when investing…
AI-driven renaissance: CEOs embrace bold investments for a transformative future
5. Boarding pass
Boards in the EMEIA region are navigating a tricky landscape filled with geopolitical tensions and rising interest rates, making their roles more crucial than ever. They’re diving headfirst into technology, particularly transformation and cybersecurity, to not just manage risks but also seize exciting opportunities. As they tackle a barrage of regulations and explore the game-changing potential of AI, sustainability is also top of mind for creating long-term value. To succeed, they need to ask the right questions, adapt to changes in the job market, and embrace AI while keeping sustainability in mind. In this fast-changing world, this is how boards can shape the future with confidence…