Image by AndriiKoval on Shutterstock There has been a significant shift in the approach businesses take to their operations. No longer is profit the sole driving factor in the corporate world; instead, an increasing emphasis is being placed on ethical business practices. From 'fair trade' to 'sustainable sourcing', there's a growing trend amongst businesses to make ethical decisions - not only because it's the "right thing to do", but because consumers are demanding it. Being Good is Good Business. - Anita Roddick (Founder of The Body Shop) But what exactly do we mean when we talk about ethical business practices, and how are they affecting consumer response? Ethical business practices: Typically includes practices that promote transparency, ensure worker rights, take…
AI Is Driving a New Era of Innovation Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming innovation by moving into areas once thought to be uniquely human, such as creative thinking and design. While many leaders focus on AI’s role in optimising operations—cutting costs, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer experiences—its impact goes far deeper. Through the automation of repetitive tasks and rapid pattern recognition, AI has the ability to craft highly personalised solutions and resolve complex problems more efficiently than human teams. Traditionally, innovation relied on human imagination and intuition. In the current innovation landscape, AI co-creates—generating ideas, visuals, and prototypes alongside humans. By rapidly testing and refining countless design options, AI rapidly speeds up innovation cycles and expands what’s possible. This shift…
Image provided by Adriana Calderon, Co-founder and Director of Transfer Pricing Solutions Asia Transfer pricing is like a game of chess, where every move has a financial impact. It's not just about strategy, but also about protecting your kingdom. - John Smith If you do not have the slightest clue on Transfer Pricing... You might be driving your business in a really bad direction. The next time you're at a gathering, and someone mentions 'Transfer Pricing', you might initially think it's just accountant jargon. However, despite its possible lack of humour, its importance in business profitability and your overall earnings can't be undermined. What is Transfer Pricing? Now, imagine trying to communicate a fair price for goods or services within…
Your People Are Human Capital, Not Cogs in a Machine In our previous article "How to Rethink Innovation in an AI-Driven World?", we highlighted how creativity, empathy and ethical reasoning remain indispensable in an increasingly automated future. This article takes that exploration even further by delving into the critical question: what happens when these vital human traits are neglected in the relentless pursuit of efficiency and profit maximisation? For many leaders, the global marketplace has reinforced a dangerous perception: that people are ultimately expendable assets. What leaders must grasp is people are not machines. Chronic stress and overwhelm invariably result in burnout, disengagement from work, and high employee turnover. Unlike machines, people carry emotional loads, cognitive limits, and social needs.…
The Business Doctor Who Brings Companies Back to Life Walter Simson’s career didn’t begin with corporate rescues. He was once a banker at Chase Manhattan Bank, now part of JPMorgan Chase, with a clear trajectory in finance. But a family emergency shifted his course, a call from his father, who owned a commercial printing business in New York and was battling serious vision issues. Walter took a temporary leave to assist, expecting it to last three months. It stretched into three years and set him on a new, unplanned path. “You can't be a turnaround manager until you've done a turnaround,” Walter reflects. That first experience became his unexpected gateway into a career he has now pursued for over four…