IGNITE Contributor: Nigel Heneghan

We asked INGNITE Contributor Nigel Heneghan for his take on what is going to be an interesting 2025 and to share his advice for businesses.

What emerging trends or challenges do you foresee for businesses in 2025, and how do you think companies should prepare for them?

Artificial Intelligence is the main catalyst for change in how we will work in the future. It is very much a reality now and a definite enhancement to the armoury of tools businesses have at their disposal and indeed will become the main driver for businesses in future. The strategic and activation elements of AI continue to evolve and as they do, so does the understanding of both capability and potential. Companies need to educate themselves on how AI best fits into their business model; and they also need to ensure staff are equally educated.

The new reality of remote work remains an issue, particularly for firms with younger inexperienced employees, who need to be present and get the benefit of direct guidance from their senior colleagues and to witness first-hand how good work is done. This cannot be achieved in a remote environment, so the solution is properly structured balance.

The social media world appears in a state of flux with a steady decline in X, and the resurgence of Truth Social in response to political developments in the US.? Both TikTok and Instagram look to be holding strong positions.? The arrival of Bluesky and Threads adds further choices and dynamics.? It is important for companies to assess how and which platforms are useful and those that can be put aside. That will depend to a large extent on what customers or consumers are up to. It will be a an interesting year in the development and evolution of social media.

What is one key lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you had known when you were starting out?

Time is precious and I would have learned how to take more personal time if starting out again.? Still a challenge, but I am making an effort.

For those aspiring to become successful entrepreneurs or business leaders, what qualities or skills do you think are most important to develop?

It is essential for any good leader to possess certain qualities including integrity and courage.

Integrity in engagement with colleagues, customers, suppliers and advisors will nurture trust, which is the cornerstone of any well-run and successful business.

Courage to take that risk knowing it might or might not come off. But if not, what a learning exercise that is for the next time.? Don’t be afraid to have a go.

Hard Work.? There is no successful person in business who does not work extremely hard and the more successful, the harder the work; but hopefully, the greater the reward. But remember, make sure there is some degree of balance.