5 must reads for the weekend

We keep our ear to the ground for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know. 

1. Digital natives, AI newbies 

As generative AI (GenAI) continues to rise, educators and businesses are hustling to make sure Gen Z is AI literate. This generation is the most likely to be impacted by AI but despite being “digital natives” many overestimate their AI skills, our recent survey has discovered. There is a big difference between how Gen Z respondents rated their knowledge on AI versus what they actually knew. Businesses, policymakers and educators need to be mindful on how to best increase education around AI. 

How can we upskill Gen Z as fast as we train AI? 

2. Aiding creativity

Generative AI (GenAI) is no longer a "nice-to-have" — it’s a business essential. But while 98% of CEOs are investing in AI, 66% are still trying to figure out the best path forward. CMOs in particular, face a tricky balancing act: delivering personalized customer experiences, maintaining efficiency, and overcoming employee skepticism about AI’s role. To stay ahead, CMOs need to dial up transparency, upskill their teams, and build governance that fosters innovation without risk. The key is finding the sweet spot where AI’s power meets human insight. When done right, GenAI doesn’t replace creativity — it amplifies it, driving deeper customer loyalty and competitive advantage. With competitors already rolling out AI-driven customer experiences, there’s no time like the present to harness its full potential… 

How can CMOs win the balancing act created by generative AI?

3. Taxing transparency

At the turn of the century, the lack of tax transparency was taxing on global economies. Allegations of tax avoidance by multinational corporations were everywhere, and world leaders, like then-UK prime minister David Cameron, knew it was time to audit the system. This led to a major push by the G7 and G20 to overhaul tax rules, with the OECD's BEPS project leading the charge. In the last decade, tax departments have gone from number crunchers to MVPs in the C-suite, using tech and data to stay on top of ever-changing compliance demands. This shift has added up to more efficient tax governance and delivered valuable insights for businesses. As tax transparency continues to evolve, solid data management and clear-cut tax practices are key to navigating the complex landscape and shaping the future with confidence. 

How a decade of transparency forever changed the tax world

4. The name of the game 

The private label (PL) trend is shaking up the retail world, with store brands now giving national brands a real run for their money. Retailers have ditched the old generic options, bringing in fresh and exciting alternatives that shoppers love, especially Gen Z. The latest EY Future Consumer Index shows that 66% of consumers feel private labels meet their needs just as well as branded products, and 59% think they’re offering better quality. Plus, 56% of Gen Z grocery shoppers are likely to try out store brands. Categories like packaged food, personal care, and beauty are leading the charge. For retailers, smartly managing private label portfolios is key to keeping customers coming back again and again… 

Private label imperative: Managing a portfolio of own brands 

5. AI on the prize

41% of European leaders recognize AI as a crucial driver of business transformation and CEOs are rethinking their strategies to leverage AI's potential in enhancing processes, decision-making, and product development. Meanwhile, technological advancements and societal changes are driving shifts in customer behavior and expectations. The demand for personalized experiences and sustainability is reshaping consumer expectations. Ignoring these trends could lead to a reduced market presence. As a result, 69% of confident European CEOs are investing in new technologies, while 67% are enhancing their existing infrastructure. This dual approach is necessary for business transformation... 

Europe's CEOs lead the charge in the AI revolution 

If you do one thing: 

Spread some holiday cheer. 

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