Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Imagine - It's the dawn of the 21st century. The economy is booming, dot-coms are soaring high, and among them, a particular star shines the brightest - Enron. An energy company that at its peak carried a worth of about $70 billion. But within a span of few years, this magnificent empire crumbled into nothing, drowning in a sea of fraud and deceit. "The Enron scandal drew attention to accounting and corporate fraud, as its shareholders lost $74 billion in the four years leading up to its bankruptcy, and its employees lost billions in pension benefits." What truly unfolded in this financially catastrophic event known as the Enron Scandal? You're about to uncover this riveting and…
Future-Proofing in an Uncertain World: Preparing for the Storm Before the Sun Economic conditions are shifting rapidly, with rising operating costs, supply chain instability and unpredictable shifts in consumer demand across most industries. Globalisation has accelerated growth and expanded market access for many businesses, but it has also made businesses more susceptible to external shocks - where geopolitical tensions and policy changes such as trade tariffs can rapidly disrupt entire value chains. The interconnectedness of global markets means that disruptions in one region can reverberate worldwide, amplifying financial risk and strategic uncertainty. The global economy no longer moves in cycles of calm and chaos; instead, instability has become constant. In this context, the ability to lead with clarity and composure…
The Crucial Role of Empathy In our ongoing exploration of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, where we covered self-awareness and mastering feedback. Now, it's time to examine the skill that transforms insight into strategy: empathy in decision-making. Empathy is a skill that combines perspective-taking with emotional attunement, which enables compassion and cooperation. Empathy plays a dual role in effective leadership. It forms the foundation of trust-based relationships that sustain healthy, high-performing teams, strengthening both well-being and productivity. At the same time, empathy enhances the quality and integrity of decision-making. When leaders take the time to understand others’ emotions and viewpoints, they reduce the risk of narrow or self-serving choices. This broader, human-centered perspective allows decision-makers to anticipate needs, balance diverse…
In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations face numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting and developing top sales talent. In this two-article series, we uncover overlooked strategies to boost sales performance, examining the impact of technology, strategy, leadership, performance management, and other critical factors that drive business success. In a recent interview, Professor Frank Cespedes shared his expert insights on effectively managing the sales function to enhance business outcomes. This interview is divided into two articles. This is Article 1, where we begin by exploring Strategic Approaches to Sales and Sales Talent. We’ll delve into foundational strategies and best practices for building a high-performing sales team. Article 2 will follow in two weeks, focusing on the Leadership Role in…
The Rising Voice of a New-Gen Artist Blending Chinese and Modern Painting In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries between cultural expression and artistic identity are becoming ever more fluid. Nawei, a bold young Canadian artist based in Singapore, is among the emerging generation of artists who masterfully blend the heritage of Chinese ink traditions with the color, energy, and imagination of modern art. With work that pulses with symbolism, movement, and soul, she’s carving a space that both honors the past and dares to redefine it. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” she reflects. “If there was a pen and a scrap of paper, I’d find myself sketching whatever came to mind or whatever I…
