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. Business with a backbone
Turns out, environment, health and safety (EHS) isn’t just a box to tick — it’s becoming the backbone of business resilience and growth. Nearly 80% of organizations are planning to ramp up their investment in EHS initiatives, and it’s not hard to see why. Companies that treat EHS as a strategic priority are seeing real payoffs: 94% report greater efficiency, and 73% say it’s helped them weather disruptions with minimal fuss. Even investors are taking notice — 77% say a strong EHS strategy makes a company more appealing. And with AI and digital platforms now strengthening the framework, EHS is stepping out of the back office and proving itself as a foundation for long-term business value…
How does EHS investment drive tangible commercial value?
2. Experience economy is booming
Live entertainment is having a serious glow-up. Younger generations, shaped by uncertainty and a “live now” mindset, are choosing experiences over stuff. Boomers, meanwhile, are passing down memories instead of money — think family trips, not trust funds. Media giants are catching on fast. Netflix is opening real-world spaces, Universal’s turning Mario Kart into a ride, and stadiums are becoming full-blown entertainment hubs. From concerts to cruises, the options are endless and the demand isn’t slowing down. Even with economic uncertainty, people are still investing in joy, connection, and unforgettable moments. The battle for entertainment dollars is fierce, and the winners will be the ones who truly get what audiences want: immersive, meaningful experiences that stick.
Why experiential entertainment is a societal shift, not just an industry trend
3. The danger of phase 2
Big ideas are easy until reality kicks in. That’s the moment when transformation shifts from vision to execution. Bold service models meet real-world blockers: outdated contracts, executive preferences, tech limits, or just plain resistance. Suddenly, “Phase 2” becomes code for “we’ll never get to it.” Teams start justifying compromises. White-glove service creeps back in. MVPs get shipped that solve symptoms, not root causes. But transformation isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about holding the line — revisiting principles, calling out when “just this once” becomes the norm, and asking hard questions: Are we building for now, or for what’s next? Here’s what you need to know about getting transformation right…
Manifesting the Dream: Bridging Vision and Execution in the Age of AI
4. Acquired taste
That old “70% of M&A deals fail” stat? It’s more myth than modern reality. Today’s top-performing companies are flipping the script — 81% say their acquisitions created value, according to the latest EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey. What’s changed? Everything from AI-powered deal scouting to culture checks that actually stick. Private equity playbooks are now standard issue, and digital tools are speeding up due diligence with sharper insights. The real difference isn’t whether companies pursue M&A — it’s how they do it. Strategic clarity, tech-savvy execution, and cultural alignment are turning M&A from a gamble into a growth engine…
The M&A Value Paradox: value add or not?
5. Exit stage right
Private equity firms are sitting on a $4.1 trillion treasure trove — but unlocking it takes more than just timing. According to the EY Private Equity Exit Readiness Study 2025, 88% of firms are now prepping assets well before the sale, with nearly half starting 12–24 months out. Why the early hustle? Because buyers today want receipts — granular data, airtight KPIs, and a finance team that can handle the heat. Yet 65% of firms still struggle to showcase value creation in exit EBITDA (the earnings figure buyers use to assess profitability), and 46% say they’re short on finance talent. The message is clear: exit readiness isn’t just a checklist, it’s a strategy. And in this market, the best exits are the ones that start long before the door opens…
What can private equity do now to finish strong?
If you do one thing:
Invest in an experience this weekend.