Each week, the Tomorrowist team publishes a video podcast and a deep-dive article on a single important trend facing businesses. But business leaders need a holistic view of the changing business landscape. Here are a few stories from around the web focused on other Tomorrowist-worthy trends that readers shouldn’t miss.
Even a Volvo Bestseller Presents Headaches for Returning CEO (Bloomberg)
What to Know: Volvo’s EX30 has faced major roadblocks in the U.S. CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who was recently reinstated to lead a turnaround, must navigate declining sales, software delays, fierce Chinese electric vehicle competition, and the looming threat of U.S. regulations targeting cars with Chinese components.
Why It Matters: Volvo’s challenges show how geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and regulatory scrutiny can reshape the global business landscape. Leaders must prepare their organizations to navigate unexpected headwinds, such as shifting supply chains and new compliance risks. Modernized workforce planning, risk mitigation, and change management will be critical for maintaining resilience and protecting growth opportunities.
Airlines’ Muddy Outlook Sparks Anxiety Across Travel Industry (The Wall Street Journal)
What to Know: Several major U.S. airlines have withdrawn their full-year financial projections amid early signs that consumers are cutting back on travel. Domestic leisure travel and government-related trips have fallen sharply, sparking broader fears across the travel industry.
Why It Matters: The travel sector’s uncertainty reflects deeper consumer caution and could signal a broader economic cooling ahead. For organizational leaders, this volatility highlights the need for adaptable strategies around talent planning, customer experience, and budget management.
Widespread Power Outage Hits Spain, Portugal, and Parts of France (The New York Times)
What to Know: A massive power outage struck Spain on Monday. The outage disrupted trains, airports, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure across Spain, with effects also reported in Portugal and parts of France. Authorities attributed the blackout to a disruption in the European electricity grid but ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack.
Why It Matters: The widespread outage highlights growing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the ripple effects when systems fail. It’s also a reminder that cyber-physical threats — digital disruptions that trigger real-world consequences — are rising fast. For HR leaders and employers, this reinforces the need to update crisis plans regularly, strengthen employee safety protocols, and integrate cybersecurity with physical security to build organizational resilience.
YouTube Responsible for 16% of Global Internet Traffic (Forbes)
What to Know: YouTube’s first upload turned 20 this week, marking the company’s evolution from a hub for amateur clips to the largest source of internet download traffic globally. In 2024, YouTube accounted for 16% of fixed internet download traffic and 21% of mobile traffic, outpacing Netflix, Facebook, and TikTok.
Why It Matters: YouTube’s influence highlights how user-generated platforms have transformed media, marketing, and workplace culture. As decentralized platforms increasingly shape consumer and workplace behavior, organizations must proactively manage digital literacy, content risk, and employee engagement.
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