Current Business Challenges

Our research examined almost 1000 global media, reports and datasets, identifying five consistent and significant challenges facing leaders that can be considered as imperatives for the majority of organizations, irrespective of location, sector, or size.

Further to this, we gathered more than 700 examples of noteworthy activity within these challenges. Each of these exemplify the different roles and nuances of diversity, growth, boldness, and innovation on organizational performance globally.

Through exploration of these five business challenges, we will seek to bring perspective, deepen the debate, and provide some answers to these most pertinent of questions.

Here are the five challenges facing organizations and the types of questions posed by each challenge:

Prioritizing trust

In an era of increased scrutiny, building and maintaining stakeholder trust is crucial. Organizations must ensure leaders have the right competencies, integrity, and transparency. How can companies foster a culture of trust and psychological safety? What steps can leaders take to demonstrate ethical decision-making and care for employee well-being?

Tomorrow's work

As workplace models evolve post-pandemic, organizations must rethink engagement, skill development, work-life balance, and performance management. How can leaders create a motivating environment that attracts and retains talent? What policies and systems are needed to evaluate and develop talent effectively?

Leadership Rebooted

Effective leadership now requires strong communication, empathy, feedback, and problem-solving skills. How can leaders promote diversity, inclusion, and understanding? What programs are needed to identify and develop future leaders from within?

Smarter sustainability

Sustainability now encompasses social responsibility, economic viability, and transparency. How can organizations balance profitability with long-term sustainability initiatives? How can companies respond to the demands of environmentally conscious stakeholders?

Strategic security

Organizations face expanding risks, from cyberattacks to supply chain vulnerabilities. How can companies ensure agile defenses and comprehensively mitigate risks? How can scenario planning enhance preparedness for potential crises?

Browse Business Challenges Insights

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Narrowing The Skills Gap: Harnessing The Power Of ‘Learning Quotient’
Leaders can drive innovation and boost business agility by learning from Finland and Singapore’s education systems—but they must develop and delegate.
Transforming Cities and Workplaces: Expert Insights For Smart Leaders
Transforming Cities and Workplaces: Expert Insights For Smart Leaders
Urban experts consider global trends and analyze Saudi Arabia’s The Line, environmental and inequality challenges, and the role businesses must play.
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How AI Is Evolving Working Models: Stats And Tips From Global Experts
As remote and hybrid work trends shift, the advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace—but there are big pitfalls to avoid.
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International Women’s Day 2024: Tough Conversations Inspire Inclusion
Business leaders must build communities and empower marginalized employees so that they speak up—yet data analysis will accelerate meaningful change
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Exclusive Q&A With Photographer Rankin: "AI Is Dangerous But Exciting"
The world-renowned creative has photographed The Queen, Gisele, and Madonna, among others—now he is “interrogating” generative AI as a tool for good.
Cross Border Remote Working
Explainer: Challenges And Opportunities Of Cross-Border Remote Working
While flexibility is vital to attracting and retaining talent, workforce evolution is slow. So how can organizations de-risk distributed workforces
Polycrisis
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An ex-fighter pilot and others offer advice about dealing with stress and the mindset needed.
Quantum Apocalpyse
Decryption And The Quantum Apocalypse: Steps Securing Business Secrets
What takes classical computers trillions of years could soon be done in seconds by quantum processors, which is why urgent action is needed now.
ChatGPT
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Business and political leaders worldwide are using a suite of innovative tools to improve the quality and quantity of outputs, but there are concerns.
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Progressive businesses have realized that remote working has broadened the talent pool—so there is no excuse not to engage underrepresented groups.
Tech Innovations
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Non-profit organizations and technology companies in emerging nations are empowering women, saving livelihoods, and reviving crumbling economies.
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