Six signals for 2026 that leaders in government, technology and investment should act on now. A strategic view of geopolitics, trust and reputation as operating constraints.

Tech IPO valuations are soaring as SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic reshape markets. We need to think whether ambition, narrative and AI hype are driving sustainable value or a growing bubble.

Why is trust becoming the hardest currency in corporate venture capital? CVCs now differentiate not by cheque size, but by the strategic insight, commercial access and risk expertise they bring to early-stage companies. New data from the State of CVC 2025 report sets out what CVCs and founders must do to build perception, credibility and growth.

A new study reveals a staggering 38-point gap between CEO concern and crisis preparedness. The root cause? Boards built for a financial era are failing in an age of compounding crises. This isn't just a communication problem, it's a direct threat to profit and valuation. This article exposes why traditional board composition is the core vulnerability and provides a clear blueprint for modernization, including the critical case for appointing a Chief Reputation Officer to safeguard your company's future.

Brent Hoberman’s question—“How good is the data that governments use to make choices?”—spotlights a deeper issue: it’s not just about the data, but the people and culture behind it. In this article I explore how risk aversion, silos, and bias hinder policy impact—and what leaders can do to fix it.

The recent fire at Heathrow Airport exposed more than a power outage—it revealed critical gaps in the UK’s infrastructure resilience and crisis readiness. For leaders in government and business, the incident is a stark reminder: resilience, reputation, and rapid response must be built into strategic planning now.

The risk register is flashing red. With Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs destabilising global trade, businesses and investors face heightened uncertainty. Strategic communications professionals must now act as navigators, mitigating risk through scenario planning, government engagement, and crisis messaging to protect reputations and ensure stability.

Geo-political and geo-economic risks are no longer abstract concerns; they are boardroom priorities shaping corporate strategy and investment decisions. From trade wars and sanctions to shifting regulatory landscapes, businesses and investors face increasing uncertainty. Yet, those who embed strategic communications, public affairs, and risk intelligence into their operations are better positioned to mitigate disruption and seize new opportunities. In 2025, forward-thinking leaders are investing in geo-political risk management not as a defensive measure, but as a competitive advantage. How prepared is your company?