Tag: flexibility

A difficult period for the performance of some thematic funds has given fuel to the naysayers’ arguments. But we believe thematic investing with an active approach is a powerful tool for investors now and in the years to come. Thematic investing has taken off in recent years. Global thematic assets under management stood at $400 billion as of 1 July 2023, up 11% from the end of last year (according to data from Goldman Sachs).

The pace of technology change keeps accelerating, not just in the manufacturing sector, but across industry sectors globally. Machines are faster, more powerful and more sophisticated than ever, and this trend shows no signs of easing off. However, for many reasons, South African industrial equipment and machinery (IM&E) manufacturers have been slow to adopt some of the latest technology, relying instead on old models. In doing so, they run the risk of falling behind their regional and global counterparts.

I have always been interested in the theory and practices of different leadership styles across the wide range from ‘authoritative’ to ‘visionary’. For a long time now, I have supported the practices of servant leadership as one of the most effective leadership styles.

Is it time to say goodbye to the good old job specs? In the midst of rapid change and innovation, the concept of rigid job descriptions is fading fast. Modern workplaces are evolving, and it's clear that the traditional way of defining jobs simply doesn't cut it anymore.

Effective communication, emotional intelligence (EQ), trust, and willingness to be vulnerable are the most sought-after qualities for today’s business leaders. New global research reveals a significant shift in our relationship with work and our expectations of it in recent years with employees seeking work environments in which they can grow. In a nutshell: we want more from our work and our bosses.

In the ever-changing South African labour market, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) has adopted digital transformation to improve accessibility and efficiency. The introduction of an online portal streamlines CCMA referrals, accommodating modern communication demands.

Today’s workplace – and the way we work – has been majorly disrupted over the past few years. The arrival of a remote or hybrid way of working has seen the adoption of several transformative technologies within organisations to enable work to be done virtually.

In the modern era of corporate travel, companies are investing heavily in ensuring the well-being of their employees on the move. From ergonomic travel tools to nutritious meals on the go, the focus has shifted from merely reaching a destination to ensuring the holistic wellbeing of the traveller. But as businesses lean heavily into this trend, a pertinent question emerges: Are we taking it too far?

Over the past several years sustainability has become a growing priority for most, if not all, organisations. Forward-thinking businesses, consumers and governments alike are increasingly looking at how to increase their sustainability efforts, while many decisions are increasingly being made with enhancing sustainability as an important driver.

Mauritius has increasingly become a sought-after destination for African asset managers and international investors. This is primarily due to its diverse range of options and familiarity as a jurisdiction of choice for fund structures and investment vehicles, particularly those which permit the segregation of assets and liabilities, such as protected cell companies (PCCs) and variable capital companies (VCCs).