It all begins with an idea.

Midway through 2025—and what a half it’s been.
If you’re a leader who felt like H1 was one long HIIT workout for your brain, you’re not alone. AI acceleration, cost pressures, restructurings, political curveballs... Beneath the buzzwords—real people, real fatigue.

Leadership is a journey, not a spotlight.

With summer holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect—and maybe smile a little at how H1 actually unfolded versus expectations—as you set yourself up for success in H2:

🔹 Leadership energy is being redefined:
Change is accelerating. The average business has tackled 5 major changes in 3 years—and 75% expect more in the next 3 (Gartner). No surprise 71% of leaders report rising stress (DDI). Today’s leaders aren’t just delivering—they’re recalibrating. Rest is strategic. Reflection is smart. Leadership energy is shifting from output to sustainable capacity.

🔹 Leaders as change architects:
Half of change programs fail; only 34% succeed (Gartner). The difference isn't the plan, it's the leader. The shift is from managing change to creating shared purpose, breaking siloes, and driving collaboration through empathy, clarity, and co-creation. Empathy + clarity + co-creation > compliance.

🔹 AI as your co-pilot:
82%+ of CEOs and senior leaders expect AI to reshape work (Korn Ferry). Frequent AI use among US employees nearly doubled from 11% to 19% since 2023 (Gallup). AI is changing the core of leadership. AI fluency is now the focus—not just technical know-how.

🔹 Engagement is fragile:
Only 21% of employees are engaged—a drop seen twice in 12 years (Gallup).The biggest decline is amongst managers. When managers check out, their teams follow. The Great Detachment is real—and it’s quiet. Your key talent might be disengaging… while still smiling on Zoom.The strongest leaders in 2025 are relational and build cultures where people choose to care, contribute, and stay.

🔹 DEI is slipping—but can’t be dropped:
2024-25 brought growing politicisation and legal scrutiny around DEI, making execs anxious. 1 in 8 companies are cutting DEI programs (Resumeorg). Yet 76% of employees say inclusion drives loyalty, and 78% of C-suite leaders predict DEI will continue to boost attraction and retention (Catalyst). DEI resilience—not retreat—is the edge.

🔹 Culture is strategy in disguise:
94% of executives and 88% of employees agree culture matters (Deloitte). But amid constant change and pressure, culture often slips under the radar. Half of People leaders say culture isn’t a strength or on the C-suite agenda (Hack Future Lab). Culture isn’t fluff—it’s a critical asset. When it’s a leadership priority and intentionally nurtured with authenticity—especially during change—it sets businesses apart and builds lasting confidence and loyalty.