There is always something elusive about the Boardroom. It is a place where strategies are devised, risks weighed, and the future of companies charted. Yet, amid its polished oak walls and hushed deliberations, there's an aspect that has begun to echo louder than ever before - diversity. But it's not just about ticking boxes; it's about steering towards an inclusive future. Still questioning the value of a diverse boardroom? It's time you rethink your strategy. A study by researchers at Harvard Business School found that ethnically diverse organizations were 35% more likely to outperform their industry median. Notably, ethnically diverse boards are 43% more likely to deliver higher profits. Now that's a win you surely want on your side of the…
Emotional Intelligence at Work: It Starts with Self-Awareness Given how AI and automation are rapidly taking over routine tasks, this new technological era is forcing us to redefine what makes us valuable at work. It’s no longer about who has the most experience or who can process data the fastest. As machines become better at completing tasks and brainstorming ideas, a new kind of currency is rising to the top: emotional intelligence. This is precisely what helps leaders to navigate stress, inspire confidence, and guide others through uncertainty with emotional steadiness. Emotional intelligence is so much more than being the "nice" or "polite" person in the room. It is the dynamic interplay between how well someone understand their internal world…
Why Are Accounting Firms Still Lagging in Tech Adoption? In our previous article, we highlighted how accounting is shifting beyond compliance toward a more strategic role. Yet, digital transformation is where the sector risks falling behind. The reality is that the pace of digital adoption is far from uniform. While other industries have embraced automation and data analytics, accounting often remains anchored to legacy systems and siloed ways of working. This week, we want to find out: what’s holding accounting back from digital transformation? From cultural resistance to the complexity of integrating new technologies, we’ll unpack the challenges and highlight why people remain at the heart of digital transformation. Technology in accounting is moving fast but many firms still struggle…
Image by Leesa Soulodre Leesa Soulodre possesses a diverse background in deeptech leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk management. "My approach has always been to take unconventional paths and question established norms - and to take the road less traveled - so it's no wonder I ended up in venture capital. - Leesa Soulodre Originally from Australia, Leesa Soulodre's entrepreneurial journey has taken her around the world. Here are some of her career highlights: Advising over 400 companies across 19 sectors in Europe, Asia, and America. She is a sought-after speaker on global stages due to her expertise in digital transformation, masters and robots, reputation risk management, and innovation strategy. Playing a role in 3 tech exits across cybersecurity, financial services,…
Image by rudall30 via Shutterstock Remember back in 2013, when venture capitalist and founder of Cowboy Ventures, Aileen Lee, coined a specific term to represent a distinctive class of start-ups that were breaking the norms and catching the eye of investors worldwide? That's right, the label 'unicorn' was born. In the world of business, a unicorn isn't a mythical creature fresh out of a fantasy novel. Rather, it is an exceptional title granted to private companies or startups valued over a whopping $1 billion. Just as elusive and awe-inspiring as their fictional namesakes, these companies embark on the adventurous journey from mere concepts to billion-dollar businesses. But the unicorn landscape has dramatically changed. Seeing a startup reach unicorn status is no longer a rare…