In our first ever “Ins and Outs,” we explore the emerging values and practices reshaping our world in 2025. From the rise of storytelling with substance to the death of token diversity, we’re placing our bets on the transformative forces set to define the year ahead and saying goodbye to outdated paradigms.

IN
Slow journalism – deep, thoughtful stories that connect us to each other, beyond clickbait. 

OUT
News for the sake of news – Chasing the top-line information without the nuance that grounds us.

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Radical transparency – as more businesses embrace honesty about their operations, they are rewarded with loyalty and engagement.

OUT
Guarded communication – opaque practices have proven to risk losing relevance in an increasingly informed and critical market.

Read more about this in our article Breaking the Silence, which uncovers the dangers of greenhushing and why now is the time for bold action and transparent communication.

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Diversity as the default – recognising that diversity isn’t an initiative, it’s the backbone of innovation.

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Diversity through metrics – counting bodies but overlooking belonging.

Watch inclusion strategist Ruchika Tulshyan discuss the link between inclusion and innovation.

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GenAI as a co-creator – incorporating AI into operations to reshape how we work, think, and create.

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Taking ChatGPT for a test drive – it’s no longer a shiny new toy for moments of convenience. 

Read how House of Beautiful Business co-founder Tim Leberecht is making business more human in the age of AI.

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The multi-stage career – a 100-year life demands a rethinking of work that evolves over decades of flexibility, lifelong learning, and purpose.

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Hustle culture – The glorification of relentless work for titles, prestige, or wealth is losing its appeal.

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Small, specialised gatherings – like product hackathons or CEO roundtables, experts now crave actionable ideas instead of theoretical concepts.

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Conferences – packaged high-level discussions without grassroots engagement or genuine accessibility.

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Generational unity – bridging the gaps between Baby Boomers, Gen Z, Millennials where every voice matters.

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Generational silos – clinging to outdated notions of “how things are supposed to be” based on age or tradition.

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Revolutionising climate action – where businesses are responding to environmental needs and leading the way.

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Relying on COP – waiting on government action to drive the progress business needs.

Read what Dr Isabela del Alcázar, a leader in science and sustainability, had to say about COP29.

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Embracing complexity – the world isn’t black and white and neither are business challenges.

OUT
Short-term fixes – treating every problem like a nail when we’re working with a hammer.