Trending News & Expert Recommendations

From record-breaking Super Bowl spending to major market moves, we’re diving into the trends shaping the business world this week.

?? $8 million for 30 seconds?

Last year’s Super Bowl was the most watched telecast in history, solidifying the game as one of the preeminent cultural moments. It offers brands a chance to reach a national audience through commercials that are costing a record-breaking $8 million for just 30 seconds, up by $1 million from the previous year. But in today’s mobile-first world, is a Super Bowl ad still worth it? ?? Forbes

Expert Voices

• Sam Dolan, Speaker, Brand Strategy Expert
• Bozoma Saint John, Speaker And Chief Marketing Officer
• Dr Marcus Collins, Speaker, Award-Winning Marketer, Professor In Residence At TikTok, And Forbes Contributor

?? Meta Announces Layoffs

Meta is trimming 5% of its workforce, calling them "performance terminations." While some roles may be refilled, uncertainty looms as employees are left in the dark. Is this about efficiency or just another round of cost-cutting???? Reuters

Expert Voices

• Damian Hughes, Speaker, Organisational Psychologist, Author, And High-Performance Culture Coach
• Nancy LaMons, Speaker, Chief People Officer, Strategic Leader
• Dean Leak, Speaker, High Performance Culture And Leadership Expert

???? NCAA Bars Transgender Women From Sports

The NCAA now bans trans women from competing in women’s sports, aligning with a recent executive order to defund schools that allow it. Trans women may practice but not compete, while all athletes can join men’s teams with medical exemptions for testosterone use. ??? CNBC

Expert Voices?

• India Willoughby, Speaker, World’s First Transgender TV Newsreader, Inspiring Role-Model And Workplace Diversity Coach
• Hannah Graf, Speaker, Former Army Captain and Transgender Advocate
• Liam Paschall, Speaker, LinkedIn Top LGBTQIA+ Voices, DEIBA Thought Leader And Board Member for Trans Can Work

?? UK Demands Access to Apple's Encrypted Data

The UK has reportedly ordered Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted user data globally under the Investigatory Powers Act. This raises significant concerns around privacy, security, and government surveillance - will Apple comply or resist? ?? The Guardian

Suggested Experts

• Anjuli Bedi, Speaker, Data Storyteller, Big Thinker, CEO Of Boon AI
• Joe Toscano, Speaker, Innovator in Data Ethics and Automation
• Alicia Asín, Speaker, Innovator in AI, IoT and Smart Cities

?? China’s Increase in Inflation

China’s economy is at a crossroads. Consumer demand is rising, but factory prices keep falling, straining manufacturers. Government stimulus is expected, while US trade tensions add uncertainty. Businesses must adapt to shifting supply chains, evolving markets, and geopolitical risks. ?? Yahoo Finance

Suggested Experts

• Gonzalo Delacámara, Speaker, Global Expert on Economic Management and Climate Adaptation
• Dharshini David, Speaker, Broadcaster, BBC Chief Economics Correspondent, Author And Conference Chair
• Tim Hames, Speaker, Specialist in Politics, Business, and Geopolitical Risk