We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know.
1. Lessons from a CEO
If he could travel back 39 years, he never would have imagined telling his 22-year-old self that he’d become EY Global Chairman and CEO when he joined the audit staff in 1985. It’s the end of an era for EY Global Chairman and CEO, Carmine Di Sibio, as we bid him a heartfelt farewell and best wishes for his future endeavors. From the power of an entrepreneurial mindset to the impact of optimism and boldness in driving change, Carmine’s steadfast leadership and visionary guidance have been pivotal in shaping the firm. Collaboration, both within and beyond EY, and driving community impact have been guiding principles throughout his career. His legacy is not only etched in the milestones and growth of EY, but also in the wisdom he imparted. As he prepares to leave, he reflects on the lessons learned…
Lessons from a 39-year long career
2. Under the influence
Consumers are changing how they shop and who they listen to. It’s the micro-influencers, niche experts, and dynamic online communities that are calling the shots on consumer behavior, not the broad-brush fame of celebrities. These influencers are getting up close and personal, sparking real conversations, and turning heads with their authenticity. Every like, comment and share are proof that when it comes to making purchases, it’s the genuine connections that count the most. For brands looking to stay relevant, it’s time to join forces with influencers. And loyalty? That’s no longer assumed; it’s a reward for meaningful engagement. Today’s consumers expect rewards that are tailored to their preferences, and they’re willing to share their data for this purpose. However, they demand transparency and robust cybersecurity measures in exchange. With the impending phase-out of third-party cookies, brands must cleverly leverage first-party data to gain deeper insights into what their customers truly want. As the cookie crumbles, smart brands will tap into their own data goldmines to really get what their customers are after. So, are brands ready to forge the authentic connections that will define the future of consumer loyalty?
The rise of the independent consumer
3. Legal eagles
In today’s business world, legal departments and their chief legal officers (CLOs) are at the forefront of navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by Generative AI (GenAI). They’re not just safeguarding the organization but also acting as advisors and users of GenAI, ensuring it aligns with broader business strategies. This means setting clear rules to promote innovation responsibly while keeping risks in check. To get the most out of GenAI, legal teams focus on specific use cases and smart data management, which not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also boosts efficiency across the board. By leading cross-functional teams and staying ahead of tech trends, CLOs empower their teams to integrate GenAI smoothly into legal operations, paving the way for transformative and compliant adoption across their organizations. These are some questions CLOs should be asking themselves while adopting GenAI…
GenAI questions for chief legal officers
4. Hybrid minds in the new intelligence era
Hybrid intelligence is becoming the new norm, blending human and machine smarts. This shift, driven by breakthrough technologies like AI and GenAI, promises to fill in our individual intelligence gaps but also introduces new risks. Our brains, historically not evolved for today’s fast-paced environment, have shown remarkable adaptability — think about how smartphones have both empowered and distracted us. Now, with AI stepping in, our intelligence is set to transform even further. But it’s important to keep in mind that overreliance on AI could dull our critical thinking skills, and misinformation could spread more easily. The way we respond to these changes will shape the future of intelligence. By making informed choices and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, we can harness the potential of this new era while mitigating its risks.
How to rethink intelligence in a time of machines
5. AI’s latest ally
How are chief information security officers (CISOs) planning to step up their AI game to outpace cyber threats? It’s not just defense anymore; it’s about playing offense, making cybersecurity a key player in the AI game and grabbing those market wins. As AI continues to shake up the business world, it makes cybersecurity’s job easier with smart automation and better oversight, but it’s also opening doors to new kinds of cyber risks. CISOs are on it, though, weaving AI into their cyber plans and now they’ve got to spread that knowledge across business functions, shifting from gatekeepers to enablers of tech innovation. This strategic move promises safer AI adoption and organizational value. AI isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about being smart with resources and impressing the CFOs. It’s all about the right mix of automation and human brains to keep things in check. Plus, AI is making jobs more interesting, which keeps the team happy and cuts down on hiring outside help. With AI popping up everywhere in business, cybersecurity’s got a shot at being the go-to guide for safe AI adventures, making sure the right safety nets are in place. Cybersecurity’s ready to take the spotlight and lead the way in this AI adventure…