Blog•Feb 23, 2026
The BYOAI Trap
The 2026 L&D Global Sentiment Survey reveals that AI interest has peaked, yet practitioners are increasingly using personal, unmanaged AI tools to meet “doing more with less” pressures. Over 40,000 words of respondent commentary highlight rising concerns about redundancies and the human element, while daily AI use for content creation and coaching goes largely invisible to organisations. This “Bring Your Own AI” (BYOAI) creates a trap where demonstrated efficiency justifies further budget cuts, undermining L&D’s strategic case. The article argues that L&D must shift from efficiency to diagnosing capability gaps and removing performance constraints to stay relevant.
By Lost and Desperate
News•Feb 23, 2026
Smoking and Vaping Breaks ‘Cost Hours of Working Time Each Week’
A new Alternix analysis shows vaping now consumes about five percent of a typical work week, with one in five vapers spending more than two hours on nicotine breaks. Younger employees, especially those aged 18‑24, are the most intensive users,...
By HRreview (UK)
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Past Returns Don't Guarantee Future Success
Early in my career, I recommended a hedge fund to five clients. Impressive track record. Global brand everyone would recognise. 28% annual returns for three years. I felt like I'd found something special. I was wrong.
By Ben | Finance & Investing
News•Feb 23, 2026
10 Do’s and Don’ts of a Smart ORSA Report
The article outlines ten practical do’s and don’ts for crafting a smart Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) report. It highlights that many insurance CEOs, CFOs, and CROs view ORSA as a burdensome compliance exercise rather than a strategic tool....
By Carrier Management
News•Feb 23, 2026
Hobbycraft Owner Explores Potential Sale of the Business
Modella Capital, which bought Hobbycraft from Bridgepoint in 2024, is reportedly preparing to explore a sale after receiving interest from an undisclosed buyer. The retailer posted a 6.3% revenue increase in the six weeks to 28 December, helped by a partnership...
By The Retail Bulletin (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Nissan Highlights Heritage, Connects Locally Ahead of Kuwait National Day
Nissan Kuwait launched the “Japanese but Kuwaiti at heart” campaign, highlighting its Japanese heritage while emphasizing local cultural relevance ahead of the 2026 National Day. The initiative, developed by Horizon FCBKuwait, centers on a hero film distributed across social media,...
By Campaign Middle East
News•Feb 23, 2026
Design Hotels Appoints Asia Pacific Senior Director
Design Hotels has appointed Aik Wee Ong as senior director for the Asia Pacific region, bolstering its executive team. Ong previously served as deputy managing director at a Singapore‑based design‑and‑build studio, where he led a multidisciplinary team and drove growth....
By TTG Asia
News•Feb 23, 2026
UK Floods Raise Specter of ‘Mortgage Prisoners’ Across Banks
UK banks are confronting mounting flood‑risk exposure as climate change pushes millions of homes into high‑risk zones. Nationwide led the way by halting loans to flood‑prone properties, prompting peers such as Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC to map flood exposure...
By Claims Journal
Blog•Feb 23, 2026
How I Acquired 4 Businesses Without Wiring My Own Capital
In this episode, M&A expert Sebastian H. Amieva explains how he acquired four businesses without using his own cash by leveraging seller financing, senior debt, and equity partners. He emphasizes the importance of early preparation—defining clear acquisition criteria, cultivating lender...
By Mergers And Acquisitions Newsletter™
News•Feb 23, 2026
Co-Op Q-Commerce Managing Director Steps Down
Co‑op’s managing director of quick‑commerce, Chris Conway, announced his departure after eight years at the retailer. Conway, who joined from Morrisons in 2018 after a long tenure at Asda, oversaw the growth of Co‑op’s online and q‑commerce platform. Under his...
By The Retail Bulletin (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
In London, Amiri Plans to Go Head to Head With Luxury’s Giants
Amiri is set to launch a 6,500‑square‑foot flagship on London’s Bond Street in April 2026, joining the world’s most expensive retail corridor alongside LVMH’s Rimowa and Emporio Armani. The brand reported over $300 million in sales last year and plans to...
By The Business of Fashion (BoF)
News•Feb 23, 2026
The Government Wants VCs to Co-Invest in a $1 Billion Defence Industry Fund
The Australian federal government is preparing to contribute up to $500 million as co‑investment alongside venture capital firms into one or more Advanced Capabilities Investment (ACI) funds aimed at defence and dual‑use technologies. A Request for Expressions of Interest on AusTender...
By Startup Daily (ANZ)
News•Feb 23, 2026
D2C Lifestyle Brand DailyObjects Posts Rs 110 Cr Revenue in FY25
DailyObjects, the Indian D2C tech‑accessories brand, posted Rs 110 crore revenue for FY25, a 31% increase over the prior year. The surge in sales was offset by a 60% jump in net loss, which rose to Rs 16 crore as total expenses climbed 30%...
By Entrackr
News•Feb 23, 2026
DWP Tech and STEM Placement Applications Close This Week
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital is accepting applications for its University Leavers Engineering Programme, a two‑year placement that blends hands‑on software and infrastructure engineering with leadership training and a master’s qualification. Launched in April 2025, the scheme operates...
By UKAuthority (UK)
Social•Feb 23, 2026
China’s 2026 Policy Loosening Boosts Steel, Non‑Ferrous Demand
China signals looser policy and faster green transition for 2026, supporting steel and non-ferrous demand. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/china-2026-economic-policy-direction.html
By The Metalnomist
News•Feb 23, 2026
Retailers Reset Expectations for 2026 – Operations Is Where the Battle Is Won
Australian retailers and e‑commerce firms are entering 2026 with a pragmatic outlook, prioritising operational discipline over aggressive expansion. Productivity has become a frontline commercial issue as labour constraints and cost pressure erode margins. Companies are moving from blunt cost‑cutting to...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Feb 23, 2026
Private Equity Has Entered a Hyper-Competitive Era – Bain Report
Bain & Co’s Global Private Equity Report 2026 warns that the industry has entered a hyper‑competitive era. General partners now face heightened deal competition, tighter exit windows, and stronger investor demands for cash generation. To succeed, firms must boost cash‑flow...
By Private Equity International
News•Feb 23, 2026
Robotaxis Are Coming to London. The Citys Famed Black Cab Drivers Are Skeptical
London will launch a national robotaxi pilot this spring, featuring British startup Wayve, US‑based Waymo and China’s Baidu. The trials aim to test autonomous vehicles on the city’s congested, historic streets and support the UK’s push to become a leader...
By Mint â Technology (India)
News•Feb 23, 2026
40% of GPs Expect to Mull CV in the Next Two Years – Bain Study
Bain’s latest survey finds that 40% of private‑equity general partners plan to evaluate a continuation vehicle (CV) within the next two years. More than half of those respondents say the primary motivation is to return capital to existing limited partners....
By Secondaries Investor (PEI Group)
News•Feb 23, 2026
3 Standout Strategies Driving Revlon’s 2026 Comeback Plan
Revlon, under CEO Melissa Peluso, is executing a three‑pronged turnaround aimed at reviving its legacy brands. The strategy emphasizes a narrowed “e‑glam” identity for Revlon, a clean‑beauty refresh for Almay, and an aggressive expansion of its fragrance portfolio through new...
By Glossy
News•Feb 23, 2026
As It Ramps up Push to Fund AI Bets, Meta Makes a New Play for Agencies
Meta has launched the Agency Growth Collective, a pilot program for independent agencies in the United States. The initiative replaces the traditional single Meta representative with a shared alias that routes communications to a rotating bench of specialists and offers...
By Digiday
News•Feb 23, 2026
SPX Skew Steepens to 1Y High as Tariff Uncertainty Rises
The Cboe report shows the S&P 500 1‑month skew surged to a one‑year high, reflecting heightened demand for downside protection as tariff policy uncertainty intensifies. Oil implied volatility spiked to 52% after fears of a US‑Iran conflict, while equity and rates...
By Cboe – Insights
News•Feb 23, 2026
SPX Skew Steepens to 1Y High as Tariff Uncertainty Rises
Cboe’s Macro Volatility Digest shows SPX 1‑month options skew climbing to its highest level in a year. The steepening reflects heightened uncertainty from evolving U.S. tariff policy, geopolitical tensions and lingering AI concerns, while oil volatility spiked to 52%. Equity...
By Cboe – Insights
News•Feb 23, 2026
41% of Organizations Have Hired a Fake Candidate
A GetReal Security survey reveals that 41 % of IT, cybersecurity, risk and fraud leaders admit their firms have hired and onboarded a fraudulent candidate, underscoring AI‑driven identity attacks’ real‑world impact. The same study shows 88 % of organizations encounter deep‑fake or...
By Security Magazine (Cybersecurity)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Reese’s Quality Debate Highlights Shrinkflation Risk
Brad Reese, grandson of the Reese’s creator, publicly accused Hershey of lowering quality in newer Reese’s extensions, while the company insists the classic cup remains unchanged. The criticism highlights a shift toward cheaper ingredients and smaller portions in seasonal and...
By Retail Insider Canada
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Master Your P&L in Five Minutes, Not Months
If you can’t explain your P&L in 5 minutes, you’re not a boss—you’re a passenger. Managing money isn’t about complex spreadsheets; it’s about control. The 5-Step Survival Plan: Track Everything: Know exactly where every cent goes. Find the Levers: Focus on the...
By Abraham Kah
News•Feb 23, 2026
Kogan.com ‘Firing on All Cylinders’, Founder Says, as Group Profit Falls 20%
Kogan Group reported mixed H1 FY26 results, with its flagship Kogan.com platform delivering 21% sales growth and a 17% revenue increase, while the New Zealand acquisition Mighty Ape saw sales fall 9% and a 25% revenue drop, dragging group NPAT down 20%...
By Startup Daily (ANZ)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Study Shows AI Skills Gap in Singapore Malaysia
Epitome Global’s latest workforce study reveals that only one in five professionals in Singapore and Malaysia demonstrate AI‑ready traits such as persistence, curiosity and reflective learning. While more than 70% claim advanced digital literacy, 56% rate their decision‑making and 42%...
By Vietnam Investment Review (VIR)
News•Feb 23, 2026
AS Watson Parent Mulls Bid for Collapsed Australian Pharmacy Group’s Assets
Hong Kong‑based AS Watson, majority‑owned by CK Hutchison, is weighing a bid for 92 Priceline pharmacies in Australia that were placed in receivership after Infinity Pharmacy Group’s collapse. The assets, franchised from Wesfarmers‑owned Priceline, are being sold by administrator Teneo with a...
By Inside Retail Asia
News•Feb 23, 2026
HR's Strategic Influence Growing, Specialist Skills in Demand
HR’s strategic influence is expanding, prompting employers to seek senior HR business partners and specialists who can lead workforce planning, change management, and regulatory navigation. Robert Half’s 2026 salary guide shows overall HR pay is flat, but premiums are rising...
By HR Daily (Australia)
News•Feb 23, 2026
BJC Moves to Snap up MM Mega Market Vietnam in $720m Deal
Berli Jucker (BJC) announced a US$720 million acquisition of MM Mega Market Vietnam, buying 921.8 million shares of TCC Land International through its Singapore subsidiary C‑Distribution Asia. The deal, valued at 22.5 billion baht, targets completion in the second quarter pending shareholder and...
By Inside Retail Asia
News•Feb 23, 2026
LinkedIn Gets Real About Work, One Awkward Moment at a Time
LinkedIn unveiled a global brand campaign, “The network that works for you,” created with McCann New York. The humor‑driven ads spotlight awkward, everyday work moments while positioning LinkedIn as a partner for career and business growth. The rollout is split...
By Marketing-Interactive
Social•Feb 23, 2026
AI Turns Cognitive Labor From Scarce to Abundant
Human intelligence has historically been economically valuable because it was scarce. Productivity systems, from professional hierarchies to wages, capital allocation and taxation, were structured around the limited supply of human cognitive labour. That constraint is now loosening. Artificial intelligence gives us...
By Donald Clark Plan B
News•Feb 23, 2026
15 Smarter Interview Questions For Hiring Digital Marketers In 2026 via @Sejournal, @Brookeosmundson
Digital marketing hiring now demands strategic thinking over platform familiarity. The article presents 15 interview questions that probe candidates’ use of AI, data privacy adaptation, budget prioritization, metric storytelling, and cultural fit. It emphasizes evaluating the reasoning behind answers to...
By Search Engine Journal
News•Feb 23, 2026
VectifyAI Launches Mafin 2.5 and PageIndex: Achieving 98.7% Financial RAG Accuracy with a New Open-Source Vectorless Tree Indexing.
VectifyAI unveiled Mafin 2.5, a multimodal financial agent that achieved a record‑breaking 98.7% accuracy on the FinanceBench RAG benchmark, and released PageIndex, an open‑source framework that replaces traditional vector embeddings with a hierarchical tree index. The new stack natively ingests SEC...
By MarkTechPost
Podcast•Feb 23, 2026•38 min
771: Fixing Fairness in the Workplace, with Lily Zheng
In this episode, host Dave Stachowiak talks with Lily Zheng, a strategist and author on systemic fairness, about why most Americans actually support diversity (82% in surveys) despite a perception that opinions are split. Zheng explains why typical DEI initiatives—single...
By Coaching for Leaders
News•Feb 23, 2026
‘Sweet Surprise by Aster’ Raises Awareness on Hidden Sugar as UAE’s Sugar Tax Takes Effect
The UAE introduced a tiered sugar tax on January 1 2026, targeting beverages by sugar content per 100 ml. In response, Aster Clinics UAE opened the Aster Diabetes 360 Care Clinic in Al Qusais and launched the “Sweet Surprise by Aster” campaign, featuring a vending machine...
By Campaign Middle East
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Cancel Meetings: Give Teams Time Back This Week
Leaders, you have the chance to do something truly groundbreaking this week. CANCEL THE MEETING. You don’t need another formal update, just let the team provide an email. You don’t need another slide deck/powerpoint to tell you what you already know....
By Julia Rock
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Five AI‑Native Startup Ideas Before Embed Apps Close
Last 5 AI-native startup ideas from us @Conviction before Embed apps close (robotics cert, red-teaming chips, materializing institutional memory, physics sim, and getting assurance on abundant generated code) https://t.co/9ykAggZY9P
By Sarah Guo
News•Feb 23, 2026
EPU: A Beneficiary Of Peru's Solid GDP Growth And High Commodity Prices
The iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF (EPU) has delivered double‑digit returns in 2026, extending the strong performance it posted in 2025. Its trailing price‑to‑earnings ratio sits at 20.83×, still cheaper than the S&P 500, reflecting a higher cyclical tilt....
By Seeking Alpha – ETFs & Funds
Social•Feb 23, 2026
China’s Overlapping Industries Amplify Industrial Policy Impact
Kyle Chan: "China’s strength across multiple overlapping industries creates a compounding effect for its industrial policy efforts." https://t.co/1Z2o8dcRWq
By Michael Pettis
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Question S/4HANA Vendor Push: Assess Real Benefits
Software vendors push for company-wide S/4HANA implementations for their benefit. Be objective: does it truly benefit you and is it the right solution? Critical assessment is key. #SAP #TechStrategy https://t.co/N21GhWHIIA
By Eric Kimberling
News•Feb 23, 2026
Inside Sukoshi Mart’s Plan to Launch 40 Stores in the US by the End of 2026
Sukoshi Mart, a Canadian‑born Asian beauty retailer, aims to open 40 U.S. stores by the end of 2026, pushing its annual sales past $100 million. The company has doubled its store count each year since 2023 and now offers over 5,000...
By Inside Retail Australia
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Syria's Oil Output Slashed To
Syria's oil production is a zero-rounding error @NoamRaydan Current levels are roughly 100–120 kb/d. Max production before the Civil War was 400 kb/d. As you note, its heavy, sour crude must be exported to Greece or Italy b/c it has no complex...
By Art Berman Blog
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Stocks Soar; Economy Avoids Recession for Years
Stocks have had one of their best three year runs in history and the economy hasn't sniffed a recession. https://t.co/hBhFjc8em2
By Ryan Detrick
News•Feb 23, 2026
South Korea Passes, Most Fail: Inside Trump’s New Hierarchy of “Model Allies” Even In Post-SCOTUS Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6‑3 decision invalidating Trump’s IEEPA‑based tariffs did not dismantle the president’s emerging hierarchy of “model allies.” Trump’s administration continues to press allies to meet three benchmarks: 5% of GDP defense spending, sizable U.S. arms purchases...
By Eurasian Times – Defence
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Europe’s Gas Crunch Stems From Storage Shortage, Not LNG Scarcity
Europe’s gas problem isn’t a lack of LNG — it’s a lack of buffer, writes @seb_kennedy With storage below 32%, even hypothetical risks like Hormuz move prices fast. #TTF #LNG #EnergySecurity #GasMarkets #Geopolitics
By Art Berman Blog
Social•Feb 23, 2026
Tariff Tensions Rise as Markets Await Inflation and Fed Signals
Trump's tariff drama intensifies while markets await key inflation data and Fed signals. The plot thickens on every front this week. 🟢 Open https://t.co/8tpXkyVt89
By Ed Yardeni
Social•Feb 23, 2026
German Firms Decry China's Unfair, Destabilising Trade Practices
Reuters: "German businesses warned of what they called destabilising and unfair global business practices by China, accusing Beijing of driving overcapacity, massive subsidies, distortive foreign-exchange policies and politically motivated export controls. https://t.co/701kYKGi2T
By Michael Pettis
Social•Feb 23, 2026
97% of Chinese Megacities Now Have High‑speed Rail
SCMP: "High-speed rail services are already accessible in 97 per cent of Chinese cities with populations of more than 500,000, the State Council said in December." https://t.co/bD3P6HUata
By Michael Pettis