My thoughts on strategy, communications and digital and technology, and how it’s creating opportunities and transforming service delivery in businesses and governments.
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In today’s multipolar world, diplomacy is no longer the sole domain of governments. Multinational corporations are stepping into roles once reserved for diplomats—navigating geopolitical risks, engaging regulators, and shaping public policy. Corporate diplomacy is now essential for business resilience, reputation, and global growth.
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, companies must be prepared to defend their reputation against targeted attacks—especially when they come from high-profile individuals with vast online influence. The recent controversy involving Elon Musk and Verizon’s $2.4 billion FAA contract is an example of how social media can be weaponised to undermine competitors. Musk’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) not only questioned Verizon’s technology but also influenced public perception, investor confidence, and even regulatory discussions.
This blog explores how corporate misinformation can harm corporate reputation, what businesses can learn from Verizon’s situation, and a structured approach to protecting public and stakeholder trust in the face of digital disinformation.
Legal wins mean nothing if your company loses trust. In today’s fast-moving world, reputation is as valuable as compliance. Many companies still let legal teams dictate messaging, but failing to integrate strategic communications with legal counsel can cost businesses their credibility, investors, and long-term success. From Boeing’s crisis fallout to Microsoft’s M&A triumph, this article explores why General Counsel (GC) and strategic communications must collaborate to navigate legal risks while safeguarding trust, reputation, and stakeholder confidence. Boards that fail to act risk financial and reputational losses that far outweigh any legal victory.
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.
Venture capital is evolving rapidly, with AI, fintech, and climate tech dominating investment flows. According to CB Insights’ State of Venture 2024 report, global VC funding has hit an eight-year low, but key sectors and regions are still thriving. While the US, UK, and parts of Asia attract strong investment, China, Canada, and Germany face declines. As governments refine policies and start-ups adapt to investor demands, 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for venture-backed innovation.
A readout from Lord Livermore’s Number 10 briefing with public affairs professionals, outlining the UK government’s economic growth strategy and the critical role businesses play. The discussion and question and answers highlighted the government’s three-pillar approach—stability, reform, and investment—while addressing key challenges such as regulatory barriers, planning delays, and post-Brexit trade relations. This readout captures the key insights, business implications, and how companies can engage with policymakers to shape the UK’s economic future.
The rise of open-source LLMs like Deepseek’s R1 is disrupting the AI landscape, challenging proprietary models from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. As businesses and investors weigh the benefits of open-source AI—lower costs, greater customisation, and reduced vendor lock-in—governments are grappling with regulatory concerns, data sovereignty, and national security risks. In this blog I look at the strategic implications of this shift, outlining the risks, opportunities, and how companies, investors, and policymakers can navigate the rapidly evolving AI market.
The Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative led by the U.S. government, SoftBank, and OpenAI, is set to redefine the global AI landscape. With cutting-edge infrastructure and support from tech giants like Microsoft, Arm, NVIDIA and Oracle, with investment from Softbank, Stargate aims to turbo-charge innovation across industries, from healthcare to energy and manufacturing. This transformative initiative offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses, investors, and governments worldwide. Discover how to navigate the risks, unlock strategic benefits, and position your company, start-up or investment portfolio at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution.
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a world grappling with distrust and grievance. Business leads as the most trusted institution globally at 62%, but growing concerns over misinformation, economic inequality, and institutional inaction threaten this fragile confidence. To rebuild trust, leaders must prioritise transparency, address societal grievances, and invest in workforce development and ethical practices. Trust is no longer a passive asset but an active strategy for sustainable growth and reputational resilience.
