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By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas A Fresh Twist on a Timeless Slogan Nike has always had a knack for reading the cultural moment. When it rolled out back in 1988, the line wasn’t just advertising—it was a challenge. It spoke to people well beyond professional athletes, telling them they could start where they were, try anyway, and keep moving even on the days it felt impossible. Now, nearly four decades later, Nike is asking a new question: “Why Do It?” The campaign doesn’t reject the old slogan—it reframes it. Instead of a directive, it’s an invitation. It meets today’s athletes, particularly Gen Z, where they are: questioning, pragmatic, and looking for meaning in every choice. As Nike Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Graham explained, From Command to Conversation “Just Do It” was about action. “Why Do It?” is about reflection. The nuance matters. That change lines up with the way Gen Z sees the world. They grew up online, fact-checking everything and questioning what’s handed to them. Slogans and traditions don’t impress them on their own, they want to know the context, the “why” behind it, before they buy in. They ask before they commit. Research from Stanford and EY has even described them as the “pragmatic generation,” shaped by constant fact-checking, digital transparency, and a hunger for authenticity. Nike understands that for this generation, greatness isn’t a trophy—it’s a process. It’s every missed shot, every restart, every choice to keep going. A Balancing Act With Brand Legacy Of course, when you tinker with one of the most valuable taglines in history, you’re bound to spark debate. Branding experts are split. Some praise the move as bold and culturally relevant. David Aaker, vice chairman at Prophet, said the campaign adds richness and “a much-needed burst of energy” without replacing the legacy of “Just Do It”. Others are more cautious. Oana Leonte, founder of global brand strategy company Unmtchd, reminded marketers that “Just Do It” is not just another campaign—it’s Nike’s North Star, she wrote. Marketers know the drill: heritage gives a brand power, but it won’t keep you relevant forever. Change too little, you risk fading. Change too much, you risk losing what made people trust you in the first place. Storytelling for Today’s Athlete The new film, voiced by Tyler, The Creator, brings together athletes from different sports; LeBron James, Carlos Alcaraz, Caitlin Clark, Rayssa Leal, Vini Jr., Qinwen Zheng, and others. What connects them isn’t trophies but the choice to keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Caitlin Clark put it best. For a generation dealing with perfectionism, burnout, and the constant noise of social media, that message hits home. Nike isn’t just talking about sneakers, it’s stepping into the role of mentor and cultural guide. Lessons for Marketers What can the rest of us in marketing take from Nike’s gamble? Heritage needs evolution – Timeless assets must adapt to stay alive. Nike didn’t abandon “Just Do It”—it stretched it. Cultural alignment matters – Gen Z responds to authenticity and purpose, not empty commands. Dialogue beats directive – Today’s campaigns succeed when they spark conversation rather than dictate behavior. Risk itself has value – Even critics prove relevance. If people are debating your brand, you’re in the cultural spotlight. Balancing Legacy and Change Nike’s “Why Do It?” campaign isn’t about retiring the past, it’s about ensuring its future. It acknowledges that even the strongest brands can’t stand still. Carlos Alcaraz captured the heart of it. And maybe that’s what Nike is really telling marketers, too. Legacy is powerful, but relevance is earned, point by point, choice by choice. Sources Nike Newsroom. (2025). Campaign Asia. by Matthew Keegan. (2025). Fortune. by Sydney Lake & Nick Lichtenberg. (Sept. 5, 2025). Discover Executive Roundtables and Bespoke Enterprise Events with  Rockbird Media

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas E-Commerce Expansion in India Diwali is coming, and you can feel it everywhere. Banners stretch across bazaars, delivery bikes buzz through traffic, and warehouses in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are bursting at the seams. For India’s e-commerce platforms, this is the season that makes or breaks their year. To cope with the rush, companies are onboarding workers at a pace never seen before. Delivery riders, packers, sorters, thousands of new recruits, hired almost overnight. The work is quick, the pay comes fast. But the checks? Not always. Reports now show that fake IDs, mismatched addresses, and skipped background verifications are slipping through in the scramble. The Hiring Surge A September 15 report from confirmed what many insiders already suspected: gig hiring is up roughly 20–25% compared to last year, helped by lower GST slabs that have made operations cheaper. The same report pointed to weak guardrails: fudged IDs, addresses that don’t match, and verification lapses slipping in despite “stringent checks.” The problems aren’t just on paper Earlier this year in Mumbai’s Dharavi, inspectors found fungal contamination and expired stock at a quick-commerce dark store; Maharashtra FDA suspended the facility’s license, underscoring how compliance can falter under pressure. Food companies, too, filed complaints, warning that quick-commerce partners weren’t living up to basic hygiene standards in dark stores. Why the Shortcuts Ask anyone in the industry and the reasons sound familiar. Speed is the first. Customers expect groceries in half an hour, not half a day. Every rider counts, and that urgency means documents don’t always get checked as carefully as they should. Oversight is another: rules on worker verification and food safety exist, but enforcement is uneven across cities. Cost matters too, proper checks take time and money, and in a discount-driven market, compliance can feel like a luxury. What It Costs Skipping checks isn’t a victimless shortcut. For customers, it’s a safety issue. A wrong parcel can be replaced. Trust is harder. For workers, weak paperwork leaves them exposed: without proper documentation, wages can be delayed and disputes harder to fight. For companies, the damage can be brutal, one viral incident can push users to delete an app overnight. The fallout is already visible. India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) ordered platforms to ensure FoSTaC training for food handlers, upload photographs of storage facilities, and disclose warehouse details on the FoSCoS portal, bringing storage out of the shadows and into regulatory view. And in Mumbai’s Dharavi, the dark-store license suspension over fungus and expired stock became a cautionary headline. Scrambling for Control Some firms are moving to plug the gaps. Identity-verification partners told they’ve blocked around 10,000 suspicious profiles so far this festive season, compared with ~30,000 last festive season, evidence that vetting is catching issues but also that attempts to slip through persist. Several brands have renegotiated contracts, adding stricter hygiene, audit, and indemnity clauses with quick-commerce partners. Regulators, for their part, have signalled wider inspections and surprise checks at dark stores nationwide. Still, implementation lags. Recruiters under pressure to fill rosters quickly admit that obvious errors sometimes get ignored. The gap between promises and practice remains wide. Beyond the Festive Rush This season’s rush is a snapshot of the gig economy’s core tension: speed versus trust. Flexibility fuels growth, but too much of it undermines the very foundation on which platforms operate. The firms that treat verification as optional may enjoy a short-term spike. But the ones that see it as essential, no matter the cost may come out stronger, with customers and workers who stay loyal long after the festive sales end. Technology: AI-powered ID checks, fraud-detection tools, digital compliance dashboards will help. But at the end of the day, it still comes down to human judgment. Trust, after all, can’t be automated. What Lasts Beyond Diwali India’s e-commerce boom was built on speed. But this Diwali season is showing that speed without care is a shaky promise. Delivering in 30 minutes means little if customers lose faith in the process. The real work begins long before the package leaves a warehouse. It starts with the worker who signs up, hands over an ID, and is trusted to represent a brand at someone’s door. Get that wrong, and the whole chain wobbles. Get it right, and the delivery arrives with something far more valuable than speed: confidence. If “speed vs trust” hit home, take the next step with peers at hrX Indonesia 2025 —a one-day conference on skills-first hiring, AI, and practical guardrails. Nov 26, 2025 • 8:00–16:00 • Shangri-La Jakarta. Register here: HRX INDONESIA References “Quick-commerce, e-commerce firms’ festive gig hiring spree weak in due diligence.” , Sep 15, 2025. (20–25% YoY surge; lower GST tailwind; 10k vs 30k blocked profiles; vetting gaps.) The Economic Times “Quick commerce industry’s hygiene headache explained.” , Jun 16, 2025. (Hygiene lapses; Dharavi findings; Pune license context; re-inspection and June 14 resumption.) The Economic Times “Concerns rise over hygiene standards in dark stores amid quick commerce boom.” , Jun 7, 2025. (Packaged-food firms’ complaints; stepped-up inspections.) The Economic Times “India enforces stricter transparency, food safety training for e-commerce.” , Aug 27, 2025. (FoSTaC training; photographs + warehouse details on FoSCoS.) FoodNavigator-Asia.com “Fungus on food, expired goods: … Dharavi loses license.” , Jun 2, 2025. (FDA suspension over fungus/expired stock; unsanitary conditions.) The Times of India “Food safety lapses: Brands tighten quick commerce terms.” , Jun 27, 2025. (Stricter hygiene clauses; audit/indemnity language.) The Times of India “Govt may increase scrutiny on quick commerce firms following hygiene, food safety issues.” , Jun 12, 2025. (Plans for wider oversight and surprise checks.) The Economic Times Discover Executive Roundtables and Bespoke Enterprise Events with  Rockbird Media

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas Singapore brand advertising fatigue—The future of Marketing Singapore may be one of the most digitally savvy nations in the world, but its consumers are increasingly tuning out brand messaging. A July 2025 survey by Blackbox Research (Insight Disconnect Report, SensingSG, n = 1,520) revealed that nearly half of Singaporeans (49%)—and an even higher 57% of those under 30, admit they ignore brand advertising or social media messaging altogether. Perhaps more concerning for marketers, 48% of respondents said they cannot even recall the last advertisement that truly stood out to them. For younger consumers under 30, that number climbs to 55%. In a marketplace defined by an “attention economy,” this indifference underscores a widening disconnect between brands and audiences. A Generational Divide in Trust The study highlights a sharp generational rift. For older demographics, advertising still carries some weight. But for Gen Z and younger millennials, it has largely become background noise. 51% of Singaporeans feel most brand messaging “feels fake or tries too hard.” 56% dismiss the concept of “brand trust” as little more than empty rhetoric. Half of all respondents and nearly two-thirds of those under 30, say they trust people they know more than they trust brands. In short: no matter how polished a campaign is, authenticity matters more. Why Slogans Fall Flat Clever slogans and polished visuals once dominated advertising. But today’s consumers say they want honesty and proof, not catchphrases. The Blackbox report concludes: “In a low-trust environment, authenticity plus evidence are the non-negotiables of persuasion.” This shift means that while iconic slogans like “Just Do It” may remain recognizable, they no longer suffice on their own. Consumers expect real stories, substantiated claims, and evidence that brands live up to their promises. The Double Disconnect: Ads and Listening Gaps The Blackbox report also points to a “double disconnect”: brands are struggling to break through consumer apathy while also failing to listen effectively. Traditional survey tools are part of the problem. Respondents cited long forms, repetitive questions, and the difficulty of expressing themselves in writing as top frustrations. Instead, they said they prefer more conversational approaches, whether through focus groups or digital tools that allow them to speak freely. Could AI Be the Bridge? Interestingly, the study found that 60% of Singaporeans  would be open to speaking with an AI interviewer, with that number rising to about 70% among younger consumers. This highlights a paradox: while people distrust polished marketing, they are comfortable interacting with technology, provided it feels authentic, empathetic, and human-like. For brands, this suggests that AI could become a valuable tool for listening and engagement, but only if used to foster genuine dialogue. Toward Authentic Conversations So, where does this leave brands operating in Singapore’s hyper-connected yet highly skeptical market? The Blackbox findings point to three imperatives: From Surveys to Conversations:  Replace long, standardized forms with more interactive methods, from live focus groups to empathetic AI-powered interviews. Evidence Over Rhetoric:  Back every claim with proof. A sustainability pledge, for example, should be supported by verifiable data or third-party certification, not just marketing visuals. Authenticity at Scale : Empower employees and even customers to act as authentic brand ambassadors, ensuring real experiences shine through every touchpoint. A Wake-Up Call for Marketers The Singapore findings echo a global reality: audiences are overwhelmed, skeptical, and intolerant of marketing fluff. For brands, this is both a warning and an opportunity. In a landscape where half of consumers cannot recall a single memorable ad, the winners will not be those who shout the loudest, but those who listen the closest. Honesty, proof, and authentic conversation are no longer “nice-to-have.” They are the only currencies that count. Join the Conversation in Vietnam As the landscape of retail and consumer engagement continues to shift, the most valuable insights often come from being in the room where ideas, challenges, and solutions collide. This October, RESA Vietnam 2025  will bring together visionary leaders, marketers, and innovators to reimagine the future of retail in Southeast Asia. If you want to dive deeper into how authenticity, technology, and consumer trust are reshaping the industry, don’t miss your chance to be part of the discussion. Learn more about Rockbird Media’s mission and leadership team shaping executive networking in Asia. References Blackbox Research. (2025). The Insight Disconnect: Why Brands Are Failing to Connect With Singaporeans.  Singapore: Blackbox Research. Retrieved from Blackbox Research  Retail Asia. (2025, July). Singaporeans losing interest in brand advertising, social media messaging.  Retrieved from Retail Asia  Retail News Asia. (2025, July). Singaporeans Shift Focus: Declining Interest in Brand Ads and Social Media Messaging Revealed.  Retrieved from Retail News Asia

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas Jaguar Land Rover’s Midnight Cyberattack At 2:07 a.m., the phone rings. On the other end, the operations chief’s voice is tight: “The lines are down. Systems are locked. We can’t ship tomorrow.” For Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), this was not a simulation — it was reality. Following a 31 August 2025 cyberattack, the company confirmed its production halt would last “until 1 October”  (Reuters, 2025a). In its statement, JLR explained: “We have made this decision to give clarity for the coming week as we build the timeline for the phased restart of our operations and continue our investigation”  (Reuters, 2025a). The Guardian added that JLR teams were “working around the clock alongside cybersecurity specialists, the NCSC, and law enforcement”  to contain the breach (The Guardian, 2025a). Cyber Risk as a Balance-Sheet Threat Cyber risk is no longer just an IT concern — it is a financial exposure. JLR had not finalized a cyber-insurance policy brokered by Lockton, leaving it exposed to bear the losses directly. As the Financial Times  reported: “Jaguar Land Rover to bear full cost of cyber attack due to lack of insurance cover”  (Financial Times, 2025). For CFOs, the lesson is clear: coverage lapses transform cyber incidents into balance-sheet liabilities. Without protection in place, leaders must rethink how they hedge against operational and reputational shocks. Supply Chain Fallout from the JLR Shutdown The fallout was not confined to JLR. S&P Global’s PMI data, cited by The Guardian , noted: “Specific mentions of lower manufacturing output across the automotive supply chain as a result of plant stoppages at Jaguar Land Rover”  (The Guardian, 2025a). For suppliers operating on razor-thin margins, delayed payments can prove existential. For CHROs, this means job security is at risk. For COOs, it underscores why continuity planning must extend beyond in-house operations to every node of the value chain. Cyberattacks Beyond Cars: Airports Disrupted The JLR shutdown is part of a wider cyber reality. On 20–21 September 2025, a ransomware attack struck Collins Aerospace’s MUSE passenger processing software, crippling check-in systems at London Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels airports. Airlines reverted to manual check-in as flights faced delays and cancellations, while reputational damage spread quickly across social media (Reuters, 2025b). By 24 September, UK police confirmed an arrest in connection with the attack (Reuters, 2025c; The Guardian, 2025b). The parallels are stark: automotive factories and airports may seem worlds apart, but their cyber vulnerabilities are converging. Inside the Boardroom: A Leadership Stress Test While the headlines focused on systems, the crisis inside JLR played out in human terms: The CIO had to explain how one breach paralyzed multiple plants. The CFO faced suppliers demanding payment and investors demanding clarity. The CHRO managed employees as shifts were cancelled. The CEO confronted regulators and media, while trying to preserve trust. Cyber events test not just infrastructure, but leadership under pressure. Lessons for Today’s C-Suite Jaguar Land Rover’s underscores that policies must be secured, audited, and stress-tested—because even a single lapse in coverage can magnify financial exposure (Financial Times, 2025). Beyond insurance, supply-chain fragility is a board-level risk, as disruptions cascaded through JLR’s partners (The Guardian, 2025a). And no industry is insulated: the Collins Aerospace attack showed how quickly threats can jump across critical sectors, from aviation to automotive to logistics (Reuters, 2025b). Technology alone is insufficient. True resilience depends on culture: embedding awareness at every level, ensuring executive ownership, and running regular boardroom drills. Communication is equally strategic, JLR’s choice to announce its phased restart “to give clarity for the coming week”  demonstrated how proactive messaging strengthens stakeholder trust when operations falter (Reuters, 2025a). From Factory Floor to Board Floor The combined crises at Jaguar Land Rover and Europe’s airports make one reality unavoidable: cybersecurity has outgrown the IT checklist. It is now a strategic imperative that touches every corner of the enterprise. For CEOs, it is a matter of trust. For CFOs, a matter of capital protection. For CHROs, a question of employee stability. For CIOs, a challenge of operational continuity. For boards, an issue of governance. Cyber resilience is now a defining mark of leadership. When the hack hits the boardroom, the question is no longer “Was IT prepared?”  but “Was leadership aligned?”  The organizations that treat resilience as a competitive differentiator — not merely a compliance burden — will be the ones stakeholders trust after the midnight call arrives. References Financial Times. (2025, September 24). Jaguar Land Rover to bear full cost of cyber attack due to lack of insurance cover . Retrieved from   https://www.ft.com/content/c301e78a-38e7-4818-b367-14af85130c61 Reuters. (2025a, September 23). UK’s Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack shutdown to hit four weeks . Retrieved from   https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/uks-jaguar-land-rover-cyber-attack-shutdown-hit-four-weeks-2025-09-23 Reuters. (2025b, September 21). European airports race to fix check-in glitch after hacking disruption . Retrieved from   https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/european-airports-race-fix-check-in-glitch-after-hacking-disruption-2025-09-21 Reuters. (2025c, September 24). UK police arrest man over hack that affected European airports . Retrieved from   https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/uk-police-arrest-man-over-cyber-attack-that-affected-european-airports-2025-09-24 The Guardian. (2025a, September 20). UK manufacturing sector falters amid Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack . Retrieved from   https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/20/jaguar-land-rover-hack-factories-cybersecurity-jlr The Guardian. (2025b, September 24). Man arrested in UK over cyberattack that disrupted European airports . Retrieved from   https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/24/arrest-cyberattack-hit-heathrow-european-airports

Recent Developments in Platform Governance Late September 2025 brought two defining headlines that underscore how platform governance and capital strategy now sit squarely on the C-suite agenda. YouTube confirmed it will pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over the suspension of his account after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Under the agreement, $22 million will go to the Trust for the National Mall on Trump’s behalf, while the remaining $2.5 million will be distributed to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf. YouTube did not admit liability, and the settlement does not require changes to its policies or products (Reuters, 2025a). On the same day, gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA) announced it would be taken private in a landmark $55 billion leveraged buyout . The consortium of buyers—Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners—agreed to acquire EA at $210 per share , offering a 25 percent premium to its recent trading price (Reuters, 2025b; Investopedia, 2025). The Financial Times described the transaction as one of the largest private-equity backed buyouts in history (FT, 2025). The Intersection of Governance and Capital Strategy Though they emerged from very different corners of the digital economy, both stories highlight a common reality: decisions once considered operational or transactional now demand executive-level alignment. For YouTube, the case illustrates that platform governance is no longer an issue confined to trust and safety teams. Legal exposure, brand reputation, and political scrutiny transform moderation decisions into board-level challenges. For EA, the move to go private reveals how capital structure itself becomes a strategic lever. Stepping away from quarterly earnings pressures allows the company to pursue long-term bets, while the involvement of sovereign and private equity capital underscores the geopolitical stakes now tied to digital assets. Taken together, these developments show how governance, risk, and capital choices increasingly converge. For CEOs and boards, the lesson is not just about reacting to crises or chasing growth opportunities, but about recognizing that the future of enterprise leadership will be judged on how well they align strategy, trust, and capital in moments of public scrutiny. The Role of Leadership in Governance Leadership plays a crucial role in navigating these complexities. As business leaders, we must foster a culture that prioritizes transparency and accountability. This approach not only builds trust but also enhances our ability to make informed decisions. By integrating governance into our strategic framework, we can better manage risks and seize opportunities. Moreover, it is essential to engage with stakeholders regularly. This engagement helps us understand their concerns and expectations. It also enables us to align our strategies with broader societal values. In today’s interconnected world, our actions are under constant scrutiny. Therefore, maintaining an open dialogue with stakeholders is more important than ever. Embracing Change and Innovation In this rapidly evolving landscape, embracing change is vital. We must be willing to adapt our strategies and operations to meet new challenges. This adaptability can lead to innovation, which is crucial for long-term success. By fostering a culture of innovation, we can stay ahead of the curve and drive sustainable growth. Investing in technology and talent is also essential. As we navigate the complexities of platform governance and capital strategy, we must equip our teams with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. This investment will pay off in the long run, as a skilled workforce is better prepared to tackle emerging challenges. Conclusion: A Call to Action As we reflect on these recent developments, it is clear that platform governance and capital strategy are no longer just operational concerns. They are central to our leadership responsibilities. We must take proactive steps to align our strategies with the evolving landscape of governance and capital markets. Let us commit to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of the digital economy and position our organizations for success. For further insights, consider attending our leadership events, such as RESA and HRX , designed to extend insights for decision-makers. References Financial Times. (2025, September 29). Video games maker Electronic Arts strikes $55bn deal to go private. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/be980240-13ec-498c-ba79-71eada30d133 Investopedia. (2025, September 29). Electronic Arts Is Going Private In a $55 Billion Deal. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/electronic-arts-is-going-private-in-a-usd55-billion-deal-11820288 Reuters. (2025a, September 29). YouTube to pay $24.5 million to settle Trump account suspension suit. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/youtube-pay-245-million-settle-trump-account-suspension-suit-2025-09-29/ Reuters. (2025b, September 29). ‘Battlefield’ maker Electronic Arts to go private in record $55 billion leveraged buyout. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/electronic-arts-go-private-55-billion-deal-with-pif-silver-lake-2025-09-29/ Link to leadership events (RESA, HRX) to extend insights for decision-makers.

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas In the first week of October 2025, three stories cut through the noise for HR and business leaders: fewer employees are volunteering to manage, governments’ workforce turmoil is spilling into private-sector operations, and large enterprises are pushing ahead with full-stack HR-tech modernization. Together, they point to a single strategic task for the C-suite: redesign leadership and work systems so people will actually choose  to lead and equip those leaders with modern, explainable tools. The leadership pipeline problem just got louder HR Dive’s Oct. 1 “Deep Dive” frames a trend insiders have been whispering about for months: “ No one wants to step up to the plate, data suggests .” The feature describes “ ‘conscious unbossing,’  a “ growing reluctance – especially among Gen Z – to step into management roles ,” attributed to stress, thin support, and minimal pay uplift. One CPO quoted in the piece cautions: “ A strong individual contributor doesn’t always make for a strong manager or leader of people ,” arguing that companies must invest in manager capability rather than default promotions.   hrdive.com Why it matters for CEOs/boards:  If capable mid-career talent increasingly opts out, succession plans stall, execution slows, and culture erodes. The article’s prescription, alternative expert tracks, lateral growth, and rebuilding the manager role, isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s risk management for strategy execution.   hrdive.com Public-sector disruption is hitting employer operations — this month SHRM’s shutdown brief (updated in early October) states plainly: “ The federal fiscal year ended at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1 … resulting in a federal shutdown. Under the Antideficiency Act, agencies must halt all but essential services .” It adds immediate employer impacts: “ Private employers and contractors experience delays in permits, grants, and services like E-Verify.  Federal agencies (EEOC, NLRB, OSHA) suspend most functions, pausing investigations and data releases .”   SHRM Why it matters for CFOs/COOs/CHROs:  Whether you sell to the U.S. government, hire with E-Verify, or rely on agency guidance, these pauses cascade into cash-flow timing, compliance risks, and workforce planning, right now in October. Build contingencies in your people-ops runbooks (hiring freezes, alt-ID checks allowed by law, grievance/charge handling when agencies pause) and tighten message discipline to avoid trust slumps when processes stall.   SHRM Enterprise HR stacks are modernizing fast with cloud HCM and embedded AI Two corporate announcements in the same week underscore where large employers are investing: Telenor Shared Services + Infosys : The partners announced a program “ to modernize its HR operations with a new Oracle Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) solution ,” aiming “ to standardize HR processes, enhance employee productivity and experience .” Oracle’s HCM lead said the collaboration helps “ drive the future of their HR operations … to improve employee productivity and enhance employee experience .”   Financial Times Markets Progress Software (Costa Rica CoE) : The company said it has “ doubled its workforce in Costa Rica, growing teams across … human resources and workplace operations ,” positioning the site as a regional hub for an “ AI-powered product portfolio .”   Financial Times Markets Why it matters for CIOs/CHROs:  These are not small pilots; they are end-to-end platform moves with explicit productivity and employee-experience goals. If your managers are overwhelmed, part of the cure is redesigned roles, the other part is systems that make management easier  (clear workflows, skills visibility, fair pay ranges, transparent feedback). October’s announcements show peers are buying, integrating, and scaling now. Financial Times Markets What great companies will do in Q4? Re-spec the manager job.  Use data from stay interviews and promotion declines to strip low-value admin work, right-size spans of control, and add coaching time. HR Dive’s reporting makes clear the perceived ROI of supervision is broken; fix the work before you market the role.   hrdive.com Offer dual career architectures.  Build parallel expert paths with equivalent prestige/comp (publication, patents, platform ownership, customer impact) so advancement ≠ headcount alone.   hrdive.com Modernize the HR stack with guardrails.  Cloud HCM plus embedded AI can lift productivity if  you publish model purposes, human review points, and error-handling playbooks. Take a page from this week’s implementations: end-to-end standardization and experience metrics are the point, not AI for AI’s sake.   Financial Times Markets Scenario plan for government stoppages.  Map which of your processes rely on paused agencies (E-Verify, EEOC, NLRB, OSHA) and pre-draft employee and customer comms that are candid and time-bound. SHRM’s October brief is explicit about where delays bite.   SHRM The leadership conversation continues in Jakarta As organizations recalibrate what it means to lead in 2025, the question is no longer “Who wants to manage?”  but “How can we make leadership worth choosing again?” This conversation moves beyond headlines at   HRX Indonesia 2025  — where CHROs, CEOs, and HR innovators across Asia will exchange strategies to rebuild trust, rehumanize performance, and future-proof leadership in the age of AI. References Colvin, C. (2025, October 1). Workers are avoiding advancement. How can HR adjust when no one wants to lead?  HR Dive.  https://www.hrdive.com/news/conscious-unbossing-workplace-trend/760946/   Dayforce. (2025, October 1). New Dayforce podcast makes sense of work – One piece at a time  [Press release]. Markets Insider/GlobeNewswire.   https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/new-dayforce-podcast-makes-sense-of-work-one-piece-at-a-time-1035242273   markets.businessinsider.com Infosys. (2025, October 3). Infosys collaborates with Telenor Shared Services to modernize its HR operations with a new Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) solution  [Press release]. Financial Times—Markets (PR Newswire syndication).   https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=600-202510030625PR_NEWS_EURO_ND__EN89492-1   Financial Times Markets Progress Software. (2025, October 1). Progress Software expands presence in Costa Rica with new center of excellence  [Press release]. Financial Times—Markets (GlobeNewswire syndication).   https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=1330-9538022en-2503OT4F314FV8259K4KTSMH5C   Financial Times Markets Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2025, October). Navigating the 2025 government shutdown  (advocacy explainer).   https://www.shrm.org/advocacy/navigating-the-2025-government-shutdown   SHRM

In today's dynamic business environment, the way we network is undergoing a significant transformation. One of the most impactful trends is the emergence of executive roundtable meetings. These gatherings offer more than just a chance to meet new people; they serve as vital forums for leaders to build connections, share insights, and collaborate on pressing industry challenges. As companies seek innovation and growth, establishing meaningful connections has become crucial. Executive roundtables provide a distinct platform for focused discussions, allowing high-level executives to engage with peers in an intimate setting. In this post, we will explore why these meetings are increasingly popular and how they can benefit professionals across various sectors. The Concept of Executive Roundtable Meetings Executive roundtable meetings are structured gatherings that bring together a select group of leaders to discuss specific topics relevant to their industries. Unlike conventional networking events, these meetings are typically invitation-only, ensuring that attendees are influential figures with relevant experiences. The format promotes open dialogue and collaboration. Executives have the chance to share their experiences, insights, and strategies. For instance, a roundtable discussion on sustainable practices in business might feature leaders from technology, finance, and manufacturing sectors who share their unique challenges and solutions, enriching the conversation. The Benefits of Executive Roundtable Meetings 1. Focused Discussions One of the main benefits of executive roundtable meetings is the opportunity for focused discussions. With fewer participants, conversations can explore deeper insights. For example, a meeting with 10 executives can lead to an intense dialogue about emerging market trends, unlike a crowded event where fleeting interactions dominate. This focused approach fosters trust, making it easier for leaders to share their genuine challenges and successes. 2. Building Stronger Relationships Effective networking is about developing relationships, and roundtables excel in this regard. The close-knit environment enables participants to connect personally, often leading to collaborations in the future. For example, executives who meet at a roundtable may form partnerships that generate a 30% increase in project efficiency through shared resources, tapping into each other’s strengths effectively. 3. Access to Diverse Perspectives A major advantage of roundtables is the diversity of perspectives they bring together. Executives from various sectors can share their unique knowledge, leading to innovative solutions and fresh ideas. For instance, a healthcare executive discussing patient engagement strategies can provide insights that a tech executive may adapt to enhance user experience. Engaging with peers from different industries broadens viewpoints, leading to creative problem-solving. 4. Enhanced Learning Opportunities Many executive roundtable meetings feature guest speakers or industry experts who share valuable insights. For instance, a renowned economist might speak on the future of global markets, giving participants a deeper understanding of emerging trends. This opportunity for learning encourages attendees to ask questions and engage, enhancing their experience. Participants often report a 40% increase in industry knowledge post-meeting. 5. Strategic Partnerships The connections formed at these meetings can lead to significant strategic partnerships. By building relationships with like-minded professionals, executives explore opportunities for joint ventures or collaborations. For example, a roundtable might lead to two companies co-developing a product that fuels a 25% increase in revenue for both. This potential for collaboration is a key reason to participate in such gatherings. How to Maximize the Value of Executive Roundtable Meetings 1. Prepare in Advance To garner the most from an executive roundtable meeting, preparation is key. Familiarize yourself with the discussion topics and learn about the other participants. This knowledge will enable you to contribute effectively and forge valuable connections. 2. Be Open and Engaged During the meeting, approach discussions with openness and readiness to engage. Share your experiences and insights, while also being receptive to others' ideas. Actively participating not only enriches your own knowledge but also shows your commitment to collaboration. 3. Follow Up After the Meeting Networking extends beyond the meeting. Following up afterward is vital for solidifying the connections you've made. Reach out with personalized messages to thank others for their contributions and explore possible collaborations. Taking these steps can keep conversations alive and strengthen professional relationships. The Future of Networking As the business landscape evolves, effective networking will become increasingly critical. Executive roundtable meetings are positioned to become cornerstones of professional networking, combining focused discussions, relationship-building, and diverse perspectives. Organizations that leverage this trend may find themselves ahead of the competition, as they encourage innovation and collaboration among their leaders. By prioritizing these gatherings, executives foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, which ultimately drives their organizations toward success. Navigating the New Networking Landscape The rise of executive roundtable meetings as essential networking hubs signifies a shift in how professionals connect and collaborate. These gatherings present a unique chance for leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, build strong relationships, and access a wealth of perspectives. As the business environment continues to shift, embracing this trend can lead to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships that spur growth and success. By engaging in executive roundtable meetings, professionals position themselves at the forefront of their industries, ready to meet the challenges ahead. A modern conference room designed for executive discussions Executives engaged in a roundtable discussion

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas From Inspiration to Accountability New York, October 6–9, 2025—The world’s largest gathering of marketers opened this week with a clear message: the era of hype is over, and marketing must now prove its value in full daylight. Advertising Week New York 2025 returned to Manhattan’s Penn District as “a reimagined experience built for today’s changemakers across marketing, media, tech and culture”  (Advertising Week, 2025). The four-day summit, featuring more than 1,200 speakers and 500 sessions across 28 content tracks (Tappx, 2025), has become both a celebration and a stress test for an industry reshaped by artificial intelligence, retail media, and fragmented consumer trust. Sharper, Not Louder According to event previews published by Advertising Week editors, this year’s tone is notably pragmatic. Marketers arrived in New York seeking measurable results, not just creative inspiration with conversations revolving around AI transparency, data collaboration, and the true ROI of content and culture. That shift reflects a maturing industry. Advertising Week has long been known for bold predictions, but 2025’s sessions emphasize focus and accountability, proving which technologies genuinely drive performance and which are simply noise. Data Steps Into the Spotlight The week began with one of the most anticipated sessions, “Data, Services & Media Drive Data Collaboration Success,”  featuring executives from Further, Adobe, and PMG . According to a GlobeNewswire announcement, Further joined the panel “to explore how data, services and media drive data collaboration success”  (Further, 2025). The theme signals marketing’s ongoing pivot from creativity alone to data-driven credibility . For years, storytelling dominated the spotlight; now, executives earn their budgets by translating real-time insights into measurable business outcomes. The New Brief: Accountability With Humanity Preview coverage from eMarketer  highlighted three central issues shaping the week’s debates: measuring creative impact, using AI responsibly, and protecting customer data (Liederman, 2025; Feger, 2025). Social-led marketing also moved from the periphery to the center of strategy discussions, an acknowledgment that audiences now value authenticity over advertising volume. These developments capture the dual challenge facing today’s brands. AI has become an operational constant in media buying, content production, and personalization, yet its ethical use remains under scrutiny. Meanwhile, measurement has evolved beyond vanity metrics to verifiable results, a demand increasingly echoed by both clients and CFOs. Beyond Inspiration If previous editions of Advertising Week celebrated invention, 2025 insists on inspection. The organizers’ description, “built for today’s changemakers” , feels less like fanfare and more like a challenge. Marketers can no longer rely on buzzwords; they must show causality, consistency, and cultural awareness. What emerges from this year’s sessions is a unified call for integration. Creative, data, and technology teams can no longer work in silos, they must form a continuous value loop where insight fuels imagination, and imagination in turn fuels measurable results. Marketing at a Crossroads Advertising Week 2025 arrives at a pivotal time for global business leaders. Economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and tightening AI regulations are forcing organizations to rethink what marketing is truly for. The discussions unfolding in New York are not merely about campaigns but about confidence, how brands can regain it, sustain it, and justify it. As the week unfolds inside The Penn District, one theme cuts across every track: clarity is finally replacing volume as the industry’s loudest sound. Explore the Xchange Conference series by Rockbird Media to connect with industry leaders. References  Advertising Week. (2025). Advertising Week New York 2025 – October 6–9, 2025.   https://advertisingweek.com/event/awnewyork-2025/ Further. (2025, October 1). Further to Speak Alongside Adobe and PMG on Data Collaboration Panel at Advertising Week 2025.  GlobeNewswire.   https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/01/3159596/0/en/Further-to-Speak-Alongside-Adobe-and-PMG-on-Data-Collaboration-Panel-at-Advertising-Week-2025.html Larsson, R. (2025). What Marketers Are Expecting This Year at Advertising Week New York.  Advertising Week.   https://advertisingweek.com/what-marketers-are-expecting-this-year-at-advertising-week-new-york/ Liederman, E. (2025, September 26). What Marketers Want from Advertising Week New York.  eMarketer.   https://www.emarketer.com/content/what-marketers-want-advertising-week-new-york Feger, A. (2025, September 23). Advertising Week New York 2025: Marketers Face Shifts in Social, Streaming, and AI.  eMarketer.   https://www.emarketer.com/content/advertising-week-new-york-2025--marketers-face-shifts-social--streaming--ai Tappx. (2025). Advertising Week New York 2025.   https://www.tappx.com/events/advertising-week-new-york-2025

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas As voices generated by AI become indistinguishable from real humans, questions intensify over ethics, regulation and the infrastructure fueling this leap. Late one afternoon in February, several wealthy businessmen in Italy received a shocking call. The voice on the line was unmistakably that of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, pleading for one million euros to free kidnapped journalists abroad. But, as investigations later revealed, “it was not Crosetto at the end of the line” (Al Jazeera, 2025). That chilling breach marked a turning point: AI is no longer just mimicking human tone, it’s becoming  humanlike in voice, cadence and persuasion.  In October 2025, as AI-generated speech blurs the line between human and machine, new infrastructure and regulatory moves are intensifying the stakes. To understand what’s at risk, we must examine both the capabilities and the power systems behind them. From Deepfake Audio to Systemic Threats Advances in AI-generated voice, sometimes called “deepfake audio,” now allow the creation of ultra-realistic voice overs and sound bytes. According to Al Jazeera, “Indeed, new research has found that AI-generated voices are now indistinguishable from real human voices.” (Al Jazeera, 2025). These technologies are not corner cases. In the Crosetto scam, fraudsters used voice cleaning to convince prominent targets, making the scam more credible.  The danger is multidimensional. On one hand, these tools can amplify disinformation, impersonate leaders and facilitate financial fraud. On the other, they drive demand for compute, which in turn reshapes the AI arms race and the risk landscape. Infrastructure Arms Race: OpenAI, AMD and the Compute Surge The recent multiyear chip-supply deal between OpenAI and AMD underscores how essential raw compute power has become to AI’s evolution. Under this agreement, AMD will provide high-performance AI chips and grant OpenAI the option to acquire up to a 10% stake in AMD. (Reuters, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025). As reported by Reuters, “We view this deal as certainly transformative, not just for AMD, but for the dynamics of the industry,” said Forrest Norrod, AMD executive vice president. (Reuters, 2025). This deal is among many that signal a wave of investment into AI infrastructure. As Reuters frames it, companies are “channeling billions into AI infrastructure as demand booms” (Reuters, 2025). The capacity to generate  more realistic voices, images and agents depends on ever-larger, specialized hardware. Without governance that matches this acceleration, risks may outpace control.  Regulation, Trust and the Human Question When AI begins to sound human, trust becomes fragile. Who verifies a voice on a call? Can legislation keep pace with model changes that occur monthly? EU leaders are pushing ambitious AI strategies to reduce reliance on U.S. and Chinese tech, stressing sovereignty and safety. (Financial Times, 2025). Meanwhile, groups in the U.S. are debating guardrails for advanced AI systems that blend cognition, action and mimicry. A recent ethical framework proposed by global AI policy groups suggests a set of “transparency, accountability and human oversight” principles. But translating them into enforceable regulation across borders is a different challenge altogether. A Human Lens on Synthetic Speech At its core, the scramble to shape AI’s voice is also about shaping its identity and social contract. If machines speak like us, do they deserve rights or scrutiny? If we cannot trust what we hear, what anchors remain for public discourse? The Crosetto case was more than a fraud, it was a warning embedded in our daily lives. As AI voices multiply, our defenses must evolve too: verification tools, digital voice signatures, public awareness and policy. The question isn’t just whether AI can speak like us, but whether we can still trust what we hear.  References Al Jazeera. (2025, October 6). AI now sounds more like us – should we be concerned?  Al Jazeera. Retrieved from  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/6/ai-now-sounds-more-like-us-should-we-be-concerned Al Jazeera Al Jazeera. (2025, October 6). AMD’s shares surge on deal to supply AI chips to OpenAI.  Al Jazeera. Retrieved from  https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/10/6/amds-shares-surge-on-deal-to-supply-ai-chips-to-openai Al Jazeera Reuters. (2025, October 6). AMD signs multi-year AI chip-supply deal with OpenAI, gives it option to take 10 % stake.  Reuters. Retrieved from  https://www.reuters.com/business/amd-signs-ai-chip-supply-deal-with-openai-gives-it-option-take-10-stake-2025-10-06/ Reuters

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas At the AWS Retail Philippines 2025 bespoke event organized by Rockbird Media, an engaging fireside chat brought together some of the country's most dynamic retail leaders: Kellda Centeno, Chief Digital and IT Officer of Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., and Pearlie Chua, Chief Technology Officer of Healthy Options. Moderated by Sridhar Vishwanathan, AWS Retail and CPG Industry GTM Lead, the discussion explored how cloud, AI, and digital strategies are shaping the next chapter of the Philippine retail industry. Customer-First Mindset in Digital Transformation For Kellda Centenno, retail transformation begins not with technology, but with people. "I approach business from the customer's perspective rather than just the business perspective," she emphasized. Her journey at Shakey's, from overseeing delivery and digital channels to spearheading omnichannel strategies, has been rooted in one principle: make experiences seamless wherever the customer interacts. Shakey's omnichannel approach ensures that whether dining in, ordering through the Shakey's Super App, or using kiosks, customers are recognized, rewarded, and treated consistently. Their loyalty programs, enriched by data analytics, track behaviors across brands (like Shakey's and Peri-Peri) to enable personalized experiences and reward surprise gestures, such as vouchers and giveaways to local guests. Healthy Options: Meeting Demand with Agility Pearlie Chua  highlighted the shifting expectations of Philippine consumers: "Customers are becoming more demanding, they want affordability, convenience, and recognition at every touchpoint.” Healthy Options’ strategy has been to decentralize technology, ensuring all frontline employees are digitally equipped. By moving from on-premise data centers to AWS cloud solutions, the company achieved both cost efficiency and agility.  Pearlie shared that AWS enabled them to transition into a microservices architecture, supporting peer-to-peer communication programs and future-ready personalization. The move wasn’t just about reducing costs but about unlocking innovation at scale.  The Role of AI and Cloud in Shaping Retail Moderator Sridhar Vishwanathan  drew attention to the dual disruption of convenience food and e-commerce growth, pointing out that AI and cloud are no longer optional —they’re essential.  Kellda shared how AI and cloud have become foundational to Shakey’s:  • In-house delivery programs supported by AWS allow the Super App to maintain a consistent 4.8–4.9 star rating.  • Shakey’s unique “31 minutes or it’s free” guarantee is powered by a rider app, real-time feedback, and AWS scaling capabilities.  By offloading infrastructure management to AWS, Kellda explained, “I don’t have to worry about systems anymore, that’s the least of our problems.” Pearlie added that Generative AI is already being explored at Healthy Options to enhance customer engagement and creative wellness programs. “GenAI makes it easier, fun, and creative. It helps us position Healthy Options not just as a retailer, but as your wellness partner.” Key Takeaways: The Philippine Retail Outlook From the discussion, three trends stand out as critical for retailers over the next two years:  1. Omnichannel Consistency – ensuring seamless movement between physical and digital retail channels.  2. Personalization at Scale – customers expect to be recognized across every interaction, eliminating repetitive onboarding.  3. AI + Cloud as Growth Engines – empowering retailers to innovate in marketing, operations, and customer loyalty. As Sridhar concluded, “Omnichannel consistency and personalization are no longer nice-to-haves; they’re the foundation for growth.” The AWS Retail Philippines 2025 session underscored that the future of retail in the Philippines is data-driven, AI-powered, and customer-obsessed. Shakey’s and Healthy Options stand as strong examples of how cloud partnerships with AWS are helping retailers not just adapt to change, but lead with innovation.

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas Financial institutions are proving that digital transformation isn’t just a technology shift-it’s a mindset.  At the Oradian Champions Workshop 2025, industry leaders, rural banks and microfinance partners came together to show how adoption can evolve into long-term, measurable outcomes.  The one-day session opened with updates on adoption results, product innovations and collaborative workshops that focused on improving customer contact models and data-driven compliance.   From Workshop to Real-World Change Oradian began the year by conducting a series of workshops to help financial institutions identify operational challenges and translate them into practical system improvements.  Eight organizations committed to the Product Adoption Program, with goals centered on improving accuracy, compliance and decision-making.  As of late September, 28 adoption projects had been completed and the community of Oradian-certified professionals continues to grow.  In total, more than 500 participants joined training programs, resulting in 34 newly certified Oradian Champions, individuals leading the charge for digital maturity across their institutions. “It’s not just about adopting a system,” one participant remarked. “It’s about understanding how to use it to make better decisions every day.” A Clearer View Through Data Improving data management took center stage in discussions. Using Oradian’s platform, institutions reported that their processes are now faster, more accurate and more transparent. From January to September 2025: Active document usage rose by 14% Custom tables increased by 55% Loan products with digital workflows expanded by 23% Portfolio growth reached 16% Representatives from rural banks shared how the shift from manual paperwork to digital operations changed their efficiency and confidence in compliance submissions.  “Before, we were managing thick credit folders filled with forms and computations,” shared a representative from LifeBank A Rural Bank - Iloilo. “Now, we only keep one hard copy for client data. Everything else is digital and that’s a huge improvement.” Smarter Tools, Stronger Systems A key highlight was the Notifier tool, which provides real-time alerts for data changes. This proactive feature allows institutions to track transactions, monitor potential discrepancies and strengthen fraud management. According to Oradian’s team, tools like Notifier and custom APIs help institutions “see what’s happening as it happens,” enabling smarter, faster responses.  Participants also discussed maximizing API integrations, custom fields and multicurrency reporting, key steps toward establishing a fully digital financial environment.  “These dashboards don’t just give us data,” said another attendee. “They give us confidence. We can track performance and compliance without losing time.” Learning from Regional Peers In the afternoon sessions, RAFI  (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.) shared its paperless transformation journey, an inspiring case for many attendees still in transition.  “We asked ourselves, why are there still paper forms when we already have the tools?” the RAFI representative said. “Visiting institutions in Indonesia that have digitized their micro-operations opened our eyes. We’re now adapting those lessons and applying them locally.” The discussion emphasized that digital adoption thrives when institutions collaborate and learn from one another, rather than compete.  Building the Champions of Tomorrow As the workshop concluded, participants reflected on how far their institutions had come since the first round of workshops early this year. What began as product adoption sessions had evolved into a shared movement toward operational efficiency and better service delivery.  Representatives from partner institutions emphasized that technology only works when people commit to understanding and applying it. Rural banks and MFIs alike are now using data not just reporting, but for better decision-making and compliance.  “At the end of the day, there is a big improvement,” one participant said. “Processes are faster and information is more reliable.” The growing number of certified Oradian Champions across organizations signals that transformation is happening at every level–from field operations to management  teams. In every story shared during the workshop, one theme stood out:  progress built on collaboration . Oradian continues to support its partners by providing systems that evolve with their needs and by fostering a community where innovation begins with understanding.

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas For Thanawat Malabuppha, Thailand’s e-commerce story has always been about more than platforms and prices, it’s about people. As CEO and Co-Founder of Priceza and Honorary President of the Thailand E-Commerce Association, Thanawat has spent over a decade helping Thai businesses understand what truly moves the modern consumer. From the early days of comparison shopping to today’s immersive, influencer-driven digital landscape, he has seen the country’s retail ecosystem evolve from transactional to emotional and from local to global. “Right now, influencers in Thailand are very creative,” he says. “They can build content that inspires people to buy, sometimes from a short video or even a live commerce session. That’s a very big trend. We call this affiliate commerce.” The New Engine of E-Commerce: Influence + Experience Thanawat believes the rise of content-driven buying has redefined how brands engage Thai audiences. The lines between entertainment and shopping are fading fast and this fusion, he says, is driving one of the country’s most dynamic retail waves yet. But even as creativity fuels consumer attention, Thanawat stresses that trust and experience remain at the center of every transaction. “Price is important, but it’s not the only thing that motivates Thai people to buy,” he explains. “Convenience and how fast the product can reach the customer, matters just as much.” Speed, he adds, is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. Thai consumers associate quick delivery with reliability and care.”When a product arrives fast,” he says, “it makes customers happy and loyal. It shows that the shop truly supports them.” Community and Collaboration in a Digital Era Speaking at the Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia (RESA) Thailand 2025, where he delivered the Opening Keynote Presentation, Thanawat highlighted the country’s next big leap: transforming speed and creativity into sustainable growth. His keynote, “ Thailand’s Next Leap in the Digital Economy: Are We Already Digitalized?”, explored how e-commerce leaders can strengthen competitiveness while contributing to a digital economy projected to surpass $30 billion by 2025. Reflecting on his experience, Thanawat praised rockbird media’s organization of the summit, noting how the event fostered genuine collaboration among Thailand’s retail leaders. “The event is very well-organized,” he said. “It has a good atmosphere and a strong community of Thai retail leaders connecting with each other.” For Thanawat, the value of such gatherings lies in their ability to unite visionaries across industries, creating a shared space for learning, networking and charting the future of Thailand’s digital commerce ecosystem. A Leader Shaping Thailand’s Digital DNA Thanawat’s vision goes beyond market data and KPIs. His message to brands and policymakers alike is to see e-commerce not as a single industry but as an ecosystem of trust, creativity, and collaboration. In his keynote, Thanawat revealed that 83 % of Thai consumers now make purchases based on influencer recommendations, while the country’s quick-commerce market is projected to grow by 20–30 % year-on-year. For him, these figures represent more than performance metrics, they mirror the country’s evolving digital behavior, where authenticity and speed define success. He described 2025 as “the year of affiliate marketing,” where content and commerce converge to create seamless purchase journeys. From YouTube short-form videos to Meta’s live selling ecosystem, Thai creators are no longer just storytellers, they are catalysts of conversion. As data shows, free delivery and fast fulfillment have become top purchase drivers, cementing the nation’s expectation for same-day or even instant gratification. “As technology connects faster and smarter,” Thanawat emphasized, “the real advantage lies in how people use it to build trust.” As Thailand’s digital economy, already valued beyond USD 35 billion—continues to expand, Thanawat believes its true measure isn’t in scale alone but in shared progress. Each influencer partnership, each delivery innovation, each data-driven insight becomes part of a wider movement: one where Thai creativity powers Southeast Asia’s digital growth story. In this vision, e-commerce is not just the future of retail, it’s a reflection of how Thailand’s people think, create, and care. And at the center of that transformation stands Thanawat Malabuppha, proving that when speed meets sincerity and influence meets integrity, the result is not just growth but greatness.