Trending Global Business News | October 2024

With the US election on the horizon and the UK budget approaching, the focus is on the trends shaping the months ahead. Staying ahead of the curve means leaders and businesses must be attuned to emerging developments across work, technology, and leadership.

Trending Topics in October

US Election Special

After a presidential and vice-preseidential candiate debate, the end result is still anyone's guess. The candidates may lay out clear plans, but the unpredictable nature of future events means the real test lies in how they respond to the unexpected.

🧠 Insight:

Even when the facts seem clear during a campaign, many future challenges are still unknown, requiring a leader who can handle uncertainty. With the unpredictable nature of modern elections, it's important to assess not only a candidate's platform but also their ability to adapt to changing situations.

Top Voices: 

• Jon Sopel, Speaker, Renowned British Journalist, Former BBC Correspondent
• Emily Maitlis, Speaker, Award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster. Host of the News Agents podcast.
• Katty Kay, Speaker, US Special Correspondent for BBC, Journalist, Author

Delegation Done Right

⮕ Delegation is vital for building trust and improving employee experience. Edelman’s Trust Barometer shows that 29% of employees feel their CEOs don’t trust them, leading to disengagement. By delegating tasks effectively, leaders empower employees, fostering accountability and development.  [Source]

🧠 Insight:

Clear communication, autonomy, and supportive feedback help to build trust. When employees feel trusted, they are more engaged and productive, enhancing both their satisfaction and the organisation’s success.

Top Voices: 

• Richard Hytner, Speaker, Former Saatchi & Saatchi Deputy Chairman And Leadership Expert
• Ben Renshaw, Speaker, Author And Leadership Development Coach
• Ash Smith, Speaker, Helping Organisations Develop World Class Teams, Former Coach International Class Athletes

Microsoft’s Online Photographic Memory Tool

‍⮕ Microsoft postponed the launch of its AI-powered tool, ‘Recall’, following privacy concerns. Critics labelled it a "privacy nightmare" due to regular desktop screenshots capturing users’ activity. Microsoft has since made changes, making the tool opt-in, encrypting data, and enhancing security. Recall will relaunch in November 2024 with CoPilot+ computers. Despite improvements, experts remain cautious, with some advising users to wait for further testing before opting in. [Source]

🧠 Insight:

The backlash over Recall shows the importance of addressing privacy concerns upfront. Businesses should actively engage with user feedback to refine products, ensuring privacy protections are transparent and robust.

Top Voices:

• Anjuli Bedi, Speaker, Data Storyteller, Big Thinker, CEO Of Boon AI
• Dr Mark Bloomfield, Speaker, AI And Innovation Strategist, And Fellow Of Cambridge Judge Business School
• Keren Elazari, Speaker, Cybersecurity Researcher, Technology Thought Leader

India's Robust Economic Growth

⮕ India's economy has shown remarkable resilience, with an 8.15% year-over-year growth in fiscal 2023 to 2024. This growth is attributed to strong domestic demand and continuous government reforms. The country's GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 7.8%, beating estimates and indicating sustained momentum in private consumption, exports, and manufacturing. [Source]

🧠 Insight:

India’s growing market highlights strong domestic demand, and indicates favourable conditions for investment and innovation. 

Top Voices:

• Rich Goldsmith, Speaker, Techstars' Managing Director, Angel Investor and Startup Supercharger
• Lizzy Burden, Speaker, UK Correspondent and Economic Analyst
• Tim Hames, Speaker, Specialist in Politics, Business, and Geopolitical Risk

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

⮕ Emotional intelligence (EI) has become a critical trait for leaders. Companies like FedEx and Optus Telecommunications have seen significant improvements in leadership effectiveness and employee engagement through tailored EI programs. These programs enhance decision-making processes and internal dynamics, leading to a more cooperative and innovative workplace culture. [Source]

🧠 Insight:

Leaders who invest in developing their emotional intelligence will strengthen their leadership, boost employee engagement, improve decision-making, and attract top talent to their businesses.

Top Voices:

• Dr Julia Shaw, Speaker, Psychologist, Researcher, Co-Founder of Spot, Neuroscience Expert
• Josh Connolly, Speaker, Author, Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Coach
• Belinda Parmar, Speaker And Facilitator, Emotional AI, Empathy In Business And Technology

Blockchain Beyond Crypto

⮕ Blockchain technology is expanding beyond cryptocurrency, with applications in supply chain optimisation, financial transactions, and healthcare record keeping. The global blockchain market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 85.9% from 2022 to 2030, reaching $1,431.54 billion by 2030. [Source]

🧠 Insight:

Blockchain's growth offers businesses across industries the opportunity to optimise supply chain and secure financial transactions, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Top Voices:

• Nicholas Lyons, Speaker, FinTech And Blockchain Guru, Private Equity Gamechanger And Leadership Mentor
• John Velissarios, Speaker, Founder, Board Chairman, Digital Money, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Expert
• Daniel Bobroff, Speaker, Founder of ASOS, Investment Director, Innovator, Retail Technology Expert

💡 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 athello@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!