Forbes

Magically Streamline Meetings

In her column for Forbes, BCG’s Deborah Lovich contemplates the future of the workplace as the US gradually approaches a post-pandemic era. While many companies support a return to in-person work, Lovich encourages executives to restructure their operations in favor of a hybrid model using a touch of “Harry Potter magic.” Just as the Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat looks into each student’s soul, Lovich suggests leaders look into the “soul” of each meeting, examining whether the in-person experience truly optimizes employee productivity and satisfaction.

ET Retail

Time for Alcobev to Go Online?

Writing in ET Retail from The Economic Times, BCG’s Mani Singhal reflects on the shifts in the alcoholic beverage industry following the COVID-19 pandemic. While alcohol sales were previously concentrated at liquor stores, the pandemic gave way to a flourishing e-commerce market, allowing customers to have wine, beer, and spirits delivered directly to their doorsteps. Analyzing data from India, she explains why e-commerce can be a significant growth driver for the “alcobev” industry as a whole.

CNN Business

Is the US Entering a Recession?

In CNN Business, BCG’s Hady Farag assesses the current economic downturn that many Americans are calling a recession. Though the National Bureau of Economic Research has yet to declare an official recession, a recent BCG survey reveals that nearly 80% of investors anticipate one within the next year—and 50% expect one by the end of 2022. However, many experts do not foresee an economic crash at the scale of 1980 or 2008. “No two recessions are alike,” explains Farag. “I don’t think people are deeply concerned about a major recession or massive stagnation.”

The New Zealand Herald

New Zealanders Exercise Caution Amid Rising Inflation

In The New Zealand Herald, BCG’s Phillip Benedetti discusses the mood of New Zealand consumers and what it signals about the country’s future economy. According to a BCG survey on consumer sentiment and purchasing behavior, Kiwis harbor some of the highest levels of concern regarding inflation, despite experiencing lower inflation rates than those living in the US and Europe. Spending cuts are expected in several areas of the economy, including fashion, luxury retail, and hospitality, but Benedetti asserts that certain sectors, such as travel, will actually see an uptick.

The Business Times

Envisioning the Brokerage of the Future

In The Business Times, BCG’s Sumit Kumar discusses the changing tide of the brokerage industry amid the roaring bull market. As a new cohort of younger players enters the investing arena, brokers must revamp their approaches in ways that target the new demographic. Kumar envisions a brokerage of the future that employs user-friendly platforms, engages with the investing community, and offers greater variability in terms of tradable assets.

Yahoo Finance

How the Metaverse Is Looking to Transform the Workplace with Virtual Reality

In an interview with Yahoo! Finance, BCG’s Sarah Willersdorf examines the rapidly expanding global metaverse market, which BCG projects will reach nearly $400 billion by 2025. While a significant proportion of revenue is concentrated in the gaming world, Willersdorf focuses on virtual reality’s utility in a hybrid work environment. By transporting employees to a picturesque waterfront for happy hour or a snowy mountain resort for a company retreat, the metaverse can create a sense of unity among a remote workforce, transforming the future of the workplace.

Fortune

Why Leaders See Climate Action as the Future of Competitive Advantage

Writing in Fortune, BCG’s Hubertus Meinecke discusses how the current supply chain and inflation crises have caused many business leaders to put climate action on the backburner. Meinecke asserts that leaders should not view climate action as a burden, but rather as an opportunity to build competitive advantage. Citing BCG research, he notes the various benefits that a sustainable business model can bring to companies, including topline growth, cost savings, and value creation, and shares forward-thinking leaders’ secrets to successful sustainability transformations.

The Edge Singapore

Is Hiring Digital Talent Tough? Get It from Within

In The Edge Singapore, BCG’s Sagar Goel and Orsolya Kovács-Ondrejkovic write about the digitalization of companies’ operations following the pandemic, and how such transitions have increased the global demand for digital talent. Considering the expense of hiring new talent, Goel and Kovács-Ondrejkovic explore various ways employers can broaden their current workers’ skillsets. “Few employers get at-scale reskilling right, but those who do will certainly build a competitive advantage in the near term,” they write.

The Business Times

How to Create a Flourishing Bionic World

In an interview with The Business Times, BCG’s Vincent Chin shares his career journey as the first Asian to lead the firm’s global public sector practice. He discusses his leadership style, along with the importance of upholding a human connection with both clients and colleagues in the digital era. “Today, the right vision for the world is not technology. The right vision for the world is bionic,” says Chin. “Societies and companies can uplift human lives by marrying the best of high-tech and high-touch.”

The Guardian

The Climate Opportunity in Alternative Proteins

In The Guardian, BCG’s Malte Clausen explains why embracing alternative proteins is one of the best tools available to combat the climate crisis. According to a joint report from BCG and Blue Horizon, if alternative proteins remain on track to represent 11% of all protein consumption by 2035, there would be a reduction in global emissions equal to decarbonizing 95% of the aviation industry. “Widespread adoption of alternative proteins can play a critical role in tackling climate change,” says Clausen. “We call it the untapped climate opportunity—you’re getting more impact from your investment in alternative proteins than in any other sector of the economy.”

Sifted

The Quantum Computing Race Accelerates

In an interview with the Financial Times-backed news site, Sifted, BCG’s François Candelon says that quantum computing could generate $850 billion of value globally in the next 15 to 30 years, but Europe must act quickly or risk falling behind the US and China in the next tech revolution. “It’s a massive enabler for all the other elements,” he explains. “You take AI, machine learning, drug discovery, pricing in financial markets — these will all be opened up by quantum.” Candelon also provides four recommendations to ensure that European quantum startups can successfully scale up.

Forbes

Burnout Has Been Causing Working Parents to Quit

In her column for Forbes, BCG’s Deborah Lovich addresses the “twin burdens” of work and home which, in tandem, are prompting working parents to leave their jobs. She references a series of surveys that highlight the consequences of such stress and burnout, including a US labor shortage characterized by 11 million unfilled jobs and a notable decline of women in the workforce. To confront this challenge, Lovich outlines three ways that employers can help their employees—and, in turn, help themselves.