Trending Topics in November

Trump 2.0: What does this mean for the UK? 

⮕ Trump’s return could shake up UK-US relations. While the UK is prepared, Trump’s unpredictable “America First” stance may make things bumpy. The UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have tried building connections, but challenges loom on trade, defence, and support for Ukraine. With Trump’s focus shifting toward Asia and Europe's expectation to fund more Ukranian defence, the UK faces a high-stakes balancing act.

🧠 Insight: Relationship management is critical to navigating complex dynamics in global politics and business and is crucial for long-term success and resilience in shifting environments. Explore geopolitical speakers.

Top Voices: 

  • Managing Relationships: Anna Machin, Speaker, Renowned Anthropologist, Relationships Expert And Human Social Behaviour Specialist
  • Managing Relationships: Bernadette Thompson, Speaker, HR Professional and Diversity Campaigner
  • Political Expertise: Ayesha Hazarika, Speaker, Political Commentator And Labour Peer

What We Learn from Barlow’s Viral Moment

⮕ When Gary Barlow shared a family photo, British humour swept social media, with brands like Lidl, Screwfix, and JD jumping in. As the BBC described Barlow as a "national treasure," it’s only fitting that brands were quick to ride the wave, creating reactive campaigns that resonate and show personality. Staying vigilant and acting on trends promptly signals to customers what type of brand they are, reinforcing connection and relevance with audiences through real-time, playful engagement.

Gary Barlow's rarely-seen 'massive' son leaves fans gobsmacked in family  photo - Nottinghamshire Live
Gary's family moment

🧠 Insight: Reactive marketing is king in today’s fast-paced social media landscape. Discover how your business can stay relevant and connect instantly to its audience with our experts. Explore influencer speakers.

Top Voices: 

  • Understanding Gen Z Marketing: Timothy Armoo, Speaker, Influencer Marketing Pioneer, Serial Entrepreneur And The 2021 face of Forbes 30 Under 30
  • Social Media Insights: Sophia Smith Galer, Speaker, Expert in Social Media Journalism and Gender Equality Advocate
  • Marketing Expert: Rafe Offer, Speaker, Innovation, Marketing And Branding Expert

Christmas Has Come Early

⮕ Halloween is over, the clocks have changed, and Mariah Carey has officially defrosted. It can only mean one thing: Christmas is on its way! This year, the festive countdown has started early, with supermarkets and retailers already rolling out their 2024 Christmas ads. Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot is back, along with a charming Roald Dahl character from Sainsbury’s, and Amazon's ad is full of heart. Meanwhile, Waitrose teases us with an Agatha Christie-style mystery, and John Lewis keeps us waiting until November 14th!

🧠 Insight: Christmas is a time to connect emotionally with audiences and engage in creative and emotional campaigns that strengthen brand loyalty in time for the festive season. Explore marketing speakers.

Top Voices: 

  • Creative Campaign Design: Grace Francis, Speaker, Creative Campaign Designer, Elsewhere Founder And Brand Communications Expert
  • Brand Strategist: Sam Dolan, Brand Strategy and Amplification Expert
  • Film Expertise: Asif Kapadia, Speaker, Multi-Award Winning Film Director, Writer And Producer

COP29’s Call for Climate Funding Action

⮕ At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, global leaders are debating how much funding should go to help developing nations manage climate change impacts, replacing the old $100 billion target set in 2009. The current funding is insufficient, with estimates suggesting $500 billion to $1 trillion a year is necessary. Wealthy countries may expand the contributor list, possibly adding richer developing nations. Activists propose that private investments and taxes on billionaires and polluting companies could raise funds. Accountability is essential to ensure that any set target is genuinely met.

🧠 Insight:  Businesses must collaborate, invest in sustainability, and stay accountable to align with shifting climate policies and contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change. Explore climate change speakers.

Top Voices: 

  • Climate Change Expert: Benita Matofska, Speaker, Changemaker And Climate Change Expert
  • Sustainable Businesses: Sian Sutherland, Speaker, Co-founder of A Plastic Planet, Serial Entrepreneur And Sustainability Advisor
  • Optimistic Sustainability Expert: Joycelyn Longdon, Speaker, Optimistic Sustainability Expert, Critical Conversations Facilitator and Sky News Contributor

ASDA Demands Workforce Return

⮕ Supermarket chain Asda has joined the growing number of firms demanding staff return to the workplace. With companies like Amazon and Santander also pushing for more office days, and PwC and Deloitte scaling back remote work options, is this the end for remote working? However, with recent graduates expecting hybrid work flexibility, this could cause some friction, as recent court rulings state that employers are well within their rights to enforce office attendance.

🧠 Insight: Employers must offer flexibility while maintaining team cohesion, and employees should align with business needs. Effective leadership and clear communication are crucial in this evolving landscape. Explore hybrid and remote working speakers.

Top Voices:

  • Effective Leadership: Darren Briggs, Speaker, Team Performance Facilitator, Employee Communication Disruptor & Leadership Transformation Coach
  • Business Motivation: Rob Law, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Motivational Business Innovator
  • Communication and Leadership: Shola Kaye, Speaker, Author, DEI, Empathy, Communication And Leadership Expert

Trump’s Win Sparks Crypto Buzz

⮕ Bitcoin has reached a record $80,000 following Trump’s election wins in key states, raising hopes for a crypto-friendly administration. This 2.5% jump in Asia trading boosted Ethereum and Solana as well. Analysts think a Republican-led House could bring policies supporting digital assets, though some caution that Trump’s understanding of crypto remains unclear, adding uncertainty to the future of crypto regulations.

🧠 Insight: Changes in leadership can significantly impact emerging markets like crypto, making it crucial for businesses to stay adaptable and informed on regulatory developments. Explore blockchain speakers.

Top Voices:

  • Cryptocurrency Expert: Vincent Mele, Speaker, Digital Financial Markets, Blockchain And Cryptocurrency Expert
  • Capital Markets Expert: Nicholas Lyons, Speaker, FinTech And Blockchain Guru, Private Equity Gamechanger And Leadership Mentor
  • Digital Disruption Insights: Andrew Grill, Speaker, Former IBM Global Managing Partner and AI Futurist

💡 Would you like to book an expert speaker to detangle the trends and help understand their impact? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

Culture Calendar

Success favours the prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a free calendar of awareness days and weeks to support your business.

From health and wellbeing to culture and DEI, adding the calendar will keep you on the pulse of what’s happening and ahead of the game. Plus, it works across all platforms.

Culture Calendar