5 WEF must reads for the weekend

We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know.?

1.? Ready or not, the future of work is here

Tomorrow’s workforce changed yesterday. The workplace is evolving at lightning speed, driven by tech advancements and changing workforce expectations. Throw in geopolitical disruptions and economic instability, and we’re in an era of constant change. Leading an engaged, innovative, and resilient team today means really knowing who your people are, what they need, and how they work together. The workforce in advanced countries is shrinking; Europe’s is set to be 25% smaller in two decades, and the US’s Gen Z has three million fewer people than Millennials. By 2034, Millennials, Gen Z, and the first Gen Alphas will make up 80% of the workforce in advanced economies. This shift offers a unique chance for innovation through multigenerational collaboration. As EY Global Chair and CEO Janet Truncale puts it, “Understanding your business’s future means understanding the people that are driving it.” The future is knocking – are you ready to answer??

Tomorrow’s workforce changed yesterday – now what for businesses that want to be future-ready?

2. Behind the AI curtain

AI is primed to transform industries and tackle big challenges like inequality, climate change, and even health care. Yet, public trust is shaky — 49% of U.S. respondents are uneasy, and 22% are downright scared. To shift the narrative, business leaders must lead with transparency. That means creating clear, responsible AI frameworks, getting stakeholder buy-in from the start, and building diverse teams to reduce bias. It's about being open — not just about what AI can do, but why it makes the decisions it does. If we keep AI development behind closed doors, skepticism will only grow. As EY Global Managing Partner – Growth & Innovation Raj Sharma notes, “Being transparent about AI means being honest about what a system is intended to do and how it works. When we pull back the curtain, we not only build trust but also enable the technology to live up to its potential.” But if we’re transparent, we can build trust, harness AI’s full potential, and make a real difference. The future of AI is here, but it’s up to us to shape it responsibly…

Why transparency is key to unlocking AI’s full potential

3. Got green skills?

With the 2025 deadline for updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) fast approaching, both businesses and governments are under increasing pressure to ramp up their transition plans. The climate reality is hitting harder than ever, with last year being the warmest on record and the 1.5°C threshold likely to be crossed soon. But there’s a major challenge we can’t ignore: a shortage of green skills. According to the LinkedIn Global Green Skills Report, the share of job postings asking for green skills grew 22.4% last year, while the actual talent pool only increased by 12.3%. This growing gap highlights the need for immediate action. “We cannot afford to let the green skills gap hold us back. To meet our climate goals and ensure a just transition, we must act now, investing in education and policies that equip every worker, especially women, with the skills needed for the green economy," EY Global Vice Chair - Sustainability Amy Brachio writes. The time to act is now, or the cost of inaction could be too high…?

A four-step plan to closing the global green skills gap??

4. Out with the old?

As we head into 2025, the business world is anything but business as usual. With global tensions, AI breakthroughs, and climate change reshaping entire industries, leaders need to rethink everything — from supply chains to workplace culture. EY EMEIA Area Managing Partner Julie Teigland debunks 10 outdated myths, like “bigger is better” or “growth equals success,” which are being tossed out the window. Today’s winning formula? Agility, empathy, and sustainable growth. This year's World Economic Forum’s theme, “Collaborating in the Intelligent Age,” couldn’t be more on point. The leaders who thrive won’t be the ones chasing short-term profits, but those who innovate, focus on long-term value, and prioritize people — because the future of leadership isn’t just about profits; it’s about purpose. So, what myths are you ready to bust in 2025??

Busting the top 10 myths of business???

5. It takes a village

As global leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum this week, some big questions were on the table — chief among them: how do we thrive in a world of constant change? The global economy is projected to grow by 3.2% in 2025, with the US leading the charge at 2%. Meanwhile, emerging markets like India and China will see slower growth, but that doesn’t mean opportunities are slowing down. In fact, “friendshoring” is reshaping supply chains, with ASEAN markets getting a record share of investment. But here’s the real curveball: AI. It’s transforming industries at lightning speed, from oil rigs to bank accounts — but businesses need to get ahead of the ethical and security curve. The secret to navigating it all? Collaboration. As EY Global Vice Chair – Markets Hanne Jesca Bax points out, “Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. It’s the difference between success and failure in a world that’s changing faster than we can predict.” Whether inside your organization or with customers, teamwork really does make the dream work…?

A Seat at the Table: The questions leaders are asking ahead of the World Economic Forum??

If you do one thing:?

How will you collaborate with others to shape the future with confidence??

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