Current Business Challenges

Our research examined almost 1000 global media, reports and datasets, identifying six 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 six business challenges, we will seek to bring perspective, deepen the debate, and provide some answers to these most pertinent of questions.

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

Business continuity amid chaos

How can organizations plan more effectively for future disruptions?

Some have boldly flipped the business model, increased remote working, and changed working patterns. But what needs to change, and what has to stay? What more do employers need to do to support staff (and their families)? Do businesses need to be even more diverse and transparent, purpose-driven, and sustainable?

Sustainability and driving profitability

What are the positive business growth, profitability and brand impacts that come with a more integrated approach to sustainability?

How are environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategies evolving? Who is doing it well? What are the lessons for leaders?

Tomorrow’s workplace

How to manage and optimize performance by utilizing workforce diversity (age, race, gender, mindset, experience, culture).

What are the positive growth/reputational/brand impacts of coherent diversity strategy? How can leaders innovate within their approach and mindsets to become more agile, human, and inclusive? What are the new organizational mechanisms and policies? What is the future reality for the physical workplace? What are the expectations for migration back to office-based working?

Improving cyber hygiene

Remote working has increased attack vectors for hackers as more people are using personal devices.

What is working for organizations in terms of cybersecurity? What is next for the protection of business data and assets? What is the real cost of a data breach?

How investing is evolving

How has access to capital changed during pandemic?

What types of current models of investment are thriving or struggling since COVID-19? How have investors modified their models and behaviors to continue to operate in the coronavirus pandemic environment? Which of these changes could become permanent? How are organizations viewing shareholder change?

Technology and trust issues

Given the recent spotlight around 5G, and its adoption barriers should business leaders pay attention to the hype cycle?

Are leaders more aware now of the potential pitfalls of embracing technology, because of 2020? Is evolving tech too costly a risk anyway, or does it offer a competitive advantage? During crises have leaders blindly followed technology trends without considering the consequences and privacy issues? Who is leading the way on data ethics?

Browse Business Challenges Insights

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How Should Organizations Take Advantage Of Generative AI Like ChatGPT?
Business and political leaders worldwide are using a suite of innovative tools to improve the quality and quantity of outputs, but there are concerns.
Inclusivity Gains: Technology Solutions For A More Diverse Workforce
Progressive businesses have realized that remote working has broadened the talent pool—so there is no excuse not to engage underrepresented groups.
Growth Opportunity: Enabling Tech Innovation In Emerging Countries
Non-profit organizations and technology companies in emerging nations are empowering women, saving livelihoods, and reviving crumbling economies
Healthcare For 8 Billion: Collaboration And Innovation Are Critical
With the global population hitting another milestone, cross-industry partnerships and technology solutions will be vital to allow people to thrive.
International Women’s Day 2023: Post-Pandemic Progress Slow But Steady
While there is cause to celebrate worldwide on March 8, much more needs to be done—by businesses and governments—to embrace and accelerate equity.
Quantum Ready? Early Adopters Gain Advantage As Tech Frontier Nears
Breakthrough advances promise to solve the most complex challenges faced by business and humanity, but a talent bottleneck could slow progress.
Only One Planet: Vital Steps To Create Earth-Saving Circular Economies
Urgently designing closed-loop processes to eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature is critical to everyone's future.
Travel Upgrade: Bold Digital Transformation Is Evolving Business Trips
While grounded during the pandemic, progressive players doubled down on technology to create sustainable, smarter and slicker services for customers.
How To Build Back Better: Insights From The Delphi Economic Forum
For leaders to make smarter decisions and nurture a culture of collaboration and innovation primary data from employees and customers is critical.
Roundtable Takeaways: The Global Reset – How To (Re)Build A Brand
In the digital age, branding evolves quickly. Leaders must listen carefully to earn the trust of customers and employees, according to our experts.
What Can Business Leaders Learn From Consumer Investment Trends
Long-held investor beliefs evolved in 2020. Businesses can capitalize on emerging trends by turning to boldness, innovation, growth, and diversity.
We Need To Talk About Growth Metrics: What Does Success Mean?
Measuring resilience and sustainability is challenging, but businesses that prioritize people and the planet are likely to be tomorrow's champions.
How Should Organizations Take Advantage Of Generative AI Like ChatGPT?
Business and political leaders worldwide are using a suite of innovative tools to improve the quality and quantity of outputs, but there are concerns.
Inclusivity Gains: Technology Solutions For A More Diverse Workforce
Progressive businesses have realized that remote working has broadened the talent pool—so there is no excuse not to engage underrepresented groups.
Growth Opportunity: Enabling Tech Innovation In Emerging Countries
Non-profit organizations and technology companies in emerging nations are empowering women, saving livelihoods, and reviving crumbling economies
Healthcare For 8 Billion: Collaboration And Innovation Are Critical
With the global population hitting another milestone, cross-industry partnerships and technology solutions will be vital to allow people to thrive.
International Women’s Day 2023: Post-Pandemic Progress Slow But Steady
While there is cause to celebrate worldwide on March 8, much more needs to be done—by businesses and governments—to embrace and accelerate equity.
Quantum Ready? Early Adopters Gain Advantage As Tech Frontier Nears
Breakthrough advances promise to solve the most complex challenges faced by business and humanity, but a talent bottleneck could slow progress.
Only One Planet: Vital Steps To Create Earth-Saving Circular Economies
Urgently designing closed-loop processes to eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature is critical to everyone's future.
Travel Upgrade: Bold Digital Transformation Is Evolving Business Trips
While grounded during the pandemic, progressive players doubled down on technology to create sustainable, smarter and slicker services for customers.
How To Build Back Better: Insights From The Delphi Economic Forum
For leaders to make smarter decisions and nurture a culture of collaboration and innovation primary data from employees and customers is critical.
Roundtable Takeaways: The Global Reset – How To (Re)Build A Brand
In the digital age, branding evolves quickly. Leaders must listen carefully to earn the trust of customers and employees, according to our experts.
What Can Business Leaders Learn From Consumer Investment Trends
Long-held investor beliefs evolved in 2020. Businesses can capitalize on emerging trends by turning to boldness, innovation, growth, and diversity.
We Need To Talk About Growth Metrics: What Does Success Mean?
Measuring resilience and sustainability is challenging, but businesses that prioritize people and the planet are likely to be tomorrow's champions.