Trending News & Expert Recommendations

Economic growth, groundbreaking neurological investments, and the latest industry shifts. Dive into another week of trends, insights, and progress.

?? Deloitte Drops Pronouns

Deloitte US has told staff on government contracts to remove pronouns from email signatures and is the latest big corporation to drop its DEI programme. As businesses navigate shifting political pressures, it poses the question: Are they choosing survival over employees’ best interests, or is there no other option???? The Guardian

Expert Voices

• Max Siegel, Speaker, LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Expert
• Ellen Jones, Speaker, Author, Strategist and Campaigner For LGBTQ+ And Neurodivergent Inclusion
• Ben Hunte, Speaker, BBC's First LGBTQ+ Correspondent, Senior Reporter for VICE World News And Journalist

?? AI: Dividing the Best from the Rest

AI is transforming work and wealth, with Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai calling it “the most profound shift of our lifetimes.” While it boosts productivity, it also risks widening inequality by favouring high-income workers. Rather than replacing jobs, AI enhances the productivity of skilled workers in richer economies, driving wage growth. The challenge at hand is ensuring its benefits reach everyone, not just the elite. ?? Economist

Expert Voices

• Miguel Luengo-Oroz - Speaker, Expert in AI for Social Impact and Health
• Carme Artigas, Speaker, Innovator in Big Data and AI
• Zack Kass, Speaker, Futurist, And Former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI

?? Sergey Brin Invests in Neurological Disorder Research

Amongst the often gloomy headlines, here’s something worth celebrating. Google co-founder Sergey Brin is ramping up his investment in neurological disorder research. He’s already poured nearly $50M into autism studies through his CNS Quest initiative, with plans to go even bigger. A win for science and future breakthroughs. ?? Forbes

Expert Voices?

• Mariano Sigman, Speaker, Neuroscience Innovator and Communicator
• Marc Milstein, Speaker, Neuroscientist and Leading Brain Health Researcher
• Susan Greenfield, Speaker, Biotech CEO, Neuro-Bio Research Scientist, Author and Broadcaster

?? Small Businesses Embrace Tech at Warp Speed

Small businesses may be known to lag in tech adoption, but not when it comes to AI, cybersecurity, and social media. Verizon’s Aparna Khurjekar says AI uptake is happening “faster than ever.” In today’s fast-moving landscape, small businesses are embracing tech to stay competitive, efficient, and ahead of the curve. ?? Inc?

Suggested Experts

• Holly Tucker, Speaker, Co-founder, notonthehighstreet.com and UK Ambassador to Creative Small Businesses
• Ayesha Khanna, Speaker, AI Entrepreneur And Advisor and Forbes Groundbreaking Female Entrepreneur
• Gleb Tsipursky, Speaker, Generative AI And Future Of Work Change Management Expert, and Best-Selling Author

? UK Economy Beats Forecasts

The UK economy grew by 0.1% in Q4 2024 and 0.9% for the year, defying expectations and easing pressure on Rachel Reeves. While experts welcome this resilience, weak private sector growth and falling business investment raise concerns. With interest rate cuts expected, the government must find ways to sustain momentum amid global uncertainty. ?? The Guardian

Suggested Experts

• Dharshini David, Speaker, Broadcaster, BBC Chief Economics Correspondent, Author and Conference Chair
• Robert Peston, Speaker, ITV Political Editor, and Former BBC Economics Editor
• Larry Elliott, Speaker, Author, And Economics Editor At The Guardian and Observer