HLB has launched is annual survey of business leaders. The Professionals speaks to Nikola Verespejova, HLB’s Brand Manager, to learn more.
In the business world, staying ahead is not merely a goal but a necessity. With the rapid pace of technological advancements business leaders are under increasing pressure to adapt, innovate, and thrive. Enter the HLB Survey of Business Leaders—a pivotal research initiative now in its sixth year, designed to equip executives with insights and strategies for navigating today’s complex landscape.
A powerful tool for business development
Launching in January 2025, the HLB Survey of Business Leaders promises to be an indispensable tool for business development. Gathering insights from global C-suite leaders across 52 countries, this survey will explore how leaders are leveraging AI and digital transformation to enhance performance and profitability. By participating in this survey, business leaders can engage in more informed conversations with clients, backed by data-driven insights and expert opinions.
Themes and Structure
This year’s survey theme, “Powering-up Your Profitability,” centres around two primary areas—people and technological advancements. These elements are crucial as businesses strive to optimise their operations and achieve higher performance objectives.
People
– Improving People Effectiveness: Companies are focusing on fostering a high-performance culture, supporting continuous learning, and enhancing workforce engagement post-pandemic. AI plays a vital role in automating routine tasks, thus freeing up time for strategic work.
– Client-led Innovation: Staying close to client needs and emerging demands is essential. By involving clients in research and development (R&D) and leveraging AI for client relationship management (CRM) and insights, businesses can drive innovation and improve satisfaction.
Technological Advancements
– Modernising Operating Models: The adoption of AI and cloud technologies is key to streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making. Identifying inefficiencies and using AI to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations can significantly boost operational efficiency.
– Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage: According to the survey, 68% of leaders believe AI and emerging technologies are crucial for driving innovation, creativity, and productivity. AI is not only a tool for process automation but also an enabler of new product developments and strategic initiatives.
Engaging with industry trends
The survey is not just a snapshot of the current business environment but a forward-looking tool that identifies emerging trends and prepares leaders for future challenges. With a focus on operational efficiency, business model transformations, and technology-driven innovation, the survey provides actionable strategies for enterprises to remain competitive.
Building on last year’s findings…
The adoption of AI and other emerging technologies is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage. Last year, the survey highlighted varying attitudes towards AI, categorising leaders into three cohorts—Innovators, Explorers, and Conservatives. Innovators are fast-tracking AI adoption, leading the charge in process automation, customer analytics, and sales strategies. Meanwhile, Explorers and Conservatives are either evaluating AI’s potential or expressing scepticism about its impact.
This year, we will build on this assessment by examining how these groups have evolved in their approach to AI. We will analyse the progress Innovators have made in scaling their AI initiatives and explore whether Explorers are transitioning into Innovators by adopting more aggressive AI strategies. Additionally, we will investigate whether Conservatives have shifted their stance, perhaps driven by competitive pressures or successful case studies, to embrace AI as a strategic tool. This expanded analysis will provide deeper insights into the shifting landscape of AI adoption and its implications across industries.
Conclusion
The 2025 HLB Survey of Business Leaders will be more than just a report—it’s a strategic resource for executives seeking to harness the power of AI and digital transformation. By participating, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of industry trends, benchmark their AI maturity, and craft strategies that power up your profitability!
To explore how your business ranks on the AI maturity curve please take the HLB AI assessment here.