Leaning into LinkedIn

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

May 27, 2025

“The content that creates a memory is the content that drives action.”

That’s the message from LinkedIn’s head of customer insights, Nicole Moreo. We sat down with her this week to learn more. With over 1 billion users, including 8.2 million C-level executives, LinkedIn continues to evolve as a powerful and cost-effective tool for building brand visibility, trust and influence, and shaping industry dialogue.

Executives are creating consistent, expert, human content that resonates long after the scroll. In today’s newsletter, we explore why LinkedIn is more essential than ever and how to lean into the latest trends to reach your most important audiences.

ICYMI: The previous edition of COMPASS explored why organizations should embrace generative engine optimization (GEO), as traditional search engine optimization (SEO) declines amid the rise of AI chatbots and Google’s AI-generated results. Read it here.

Why CEOs and leaders should all be active on LinkedIn

The platform offers thought leaders a powerful hub with multiple ways to advance business goals — delivering strong returns on time invested. And as one’s personal profile gains visibility, so does their company’s brand and impact.

1. Establish presence, authenticity and credibility

People prefer hearing directly from executives rather than brands. CEOs active on LinkedIn humanize their companies, building trust, enhancing authenticity and expanding their influence. Executive posts also tend to generate higher engagement and shares than brand posts.

  • Executives are building trust with direct-to-audience video. According to Moreo: “We’ve seen video make a huge difference in true business return.” Short, informal walk-and-talk videos are more authentic and memorable.

  • Video also creates what LinkedIn calls dwell time — the most important metric for platform performance and eventual conversion.

Measure it: A rise in profile views indicates your content is resonating, and dwell time is the new impression. LinkedIn’s latest data show that how long someone engages with your content (not how many people see it) is a leading predictor of conversion.

Who is doing it well? Jon Gray, COO at Blackstone, is known for sharing business and personal insights in a casual tone — he’s often on a run! — which makes him feel relatable while strengthening his professional brand.

2. Gain unparalleled access to decision makers

LinkedIn’s user base has nearly doubled since 2019, significantly growing its network of C-suite leaders, influencers and key decision-makers who use the network to seek expert insights, collaboration opportunities and fresh ideas. And 91% of executives consider LinkedIn their top source for professionally relevant content.

Why it matters:

  • Directly engage senior stakeholders in conversations, skipping intermediaries and delays.

  • Connect with decision-makers in target industries and sectors.

  • Access to relevant groups and forums where industry leaders drive key conversations and influence trends.

3. Attract top talent

According to LinkedIn data, 75% of job seekers evaluate an employer’s brand before applying. Gen Z engagement on LinkedIn is growing fast, and “Gen Z is more likely to follow people than brands,” Moreo said.

Why it matters: Organizations with a strong executive presence that highlights company culture and values attract higher-quality candidates.

  • Candidates are drawn to workplaces that align with their values and offer a supportive culture — priorities that matter even more to Gen Z, who will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030.

4. Lead generation

The unique combination of professional data, advanced search filters and content-driven engagement positions LinkedIn as a top platform for generating high-quality leads.

Marketing and communications teams must think beyond the funnel, says Moreo. At any given time, only 5% of your audience is actively in-market –- the other 95% isn’t ready to buy, but is ready to remember you. That’s why brand-building content on LinkedIn matters. “You have to create a memory when they don’t even realize they need you,” said Moreo.

  • By the numbers: LinkedIn accounts for 80% of all B2B leads generated through social media.

5. Supplement traditional comms channels

Thought leaders increasingly use LinkedIn to sidestep conventional avenues like press releases or media interviews, allowing them to speak directly to their audiences — faster, more authentically and with greater control.

In action: Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno recently announced her plans to step down via LinkedIn. Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff responded, thanking her and noting that he will be stepping in to lead Tinder. Media reporting the news then linked directly to Iosotaluno’s post.

The bottom line: LinkedIn has evolved to become a public mainstage for executive thought leadership. The most effective voices are the most consistent, human and memorable. Whether you’re sharing insights, announcing a bold move, or just showing up, every post is an opportunity to shape reputation and build trust.

Global Gateway Advisors helps leaders communicate with clarity through smart, resonant content strategies tailored to your goals and your audience. Get in touch to elevate your executive presence.

AFS Youth Assembly: Empowering global citizens

Hundreds of delegates aged 18-35 representing over 100 countries will gather in New York City Aug. 8-10 for the AFS Youth Assembly, a global platform dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders through cross-cultural exchange, education and action. If you would like to send someone from your organization, apply by Aug. 1.

What to watch: In response to the global youth mental health crisis, the Assembly is launching a dedicated program track on mental health for the first time. Global Gateway Advisors is proud to support this important initiative by fostering strategic dialogue and amplifying youth-led solutions to break down mental health stigma globally.

Click here to receive our biweekly youth mental health insights newsletter.

Upcoming events

  • Aspen Ideas Festival (Aspen, Colo., June 25-July 1) Leaders and thinkers gather at this annual event to explore critical issues and ignite new ideas around themes like prosperity reimagined; the global contract; breakthroughs and innovations; and what it means to live a good life. Speakers include Susan Rice, former U.S. domestic policy adviser; Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense Fund; Brené Brown, research professor and author; and Laurence Fink, chairman and CEO, BlackRock. More here.

  • American Hospital Association Leadership Summit (Nashville, Tenn., July 20-22) Senior health care executives, clinicians, and industry experts convene to explore strategies for delivering higher-value care, ensuring financial sustainability, tackling workforce challenges and enhancing the consumer experience. More here.

  • Fortune Brainstorm AI Singapore (Singapore, July 22-23) This year’s event focuses on the rise of AI agents, the shift from AI planning to implementation and the urgent need for sustainable, responsible scaling. Featured speakers include Tan Su Shan, CEO, DBS Bank; Oliver Jay, managing director, international, OpenAI; and Madhu Kurup, vice president of engineering, Indeed. More here.

Bookmark Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker, updated weekly.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

  • News sites feel the impact of AI search results: As more people rely on chatbot responses for information, news sites are seeing a significant drop in organic search traffic. When Business Insider laid off 21% of its staff last month, CEO Barbara Peng cited “extreme traffic drops;” data show a 55% decline between April 2022 and April 2025. Read more.

  • Bloomberg Television announces expansion this month: The new launches include Bloomberg Tech: Asia and Bloomberg Tech: Europe. Read more.

  • Social media surpasses TV for the first time in the U.S.: According to a new digital report from Oxford’s Reuters Institute, the proportion of Americans accessing news via social media and video networks (54%) is “sharply up,” outpacing both TV news (50%) and news websites/apps (48%) for the first time. Read more.

  • The Atlantic goes on a hiring spree: With many in the industry heading to Substack — where dozens of writers now earn over $1 million a year — The Atlantic is offering salaries of up to $300,000, with several hires coming from the Washington Post. Read more.

  • Introducing Fortune AIQ: A new series exploring how businesses are adopting AI with a thoughtful, strategic approach — hence the “IQ.” Read more.

  • A new podcast from NBC News: “Here’s the Scoop,” hosted by Morgan Chesky, Brian Cheung and Yasmin Vossoughian will mix deep dives with quick news rundowns every day at 5 p.m. ET. Read more.

  • TechCrunch isn’t leaving Europe after all: According to Michael Reinstein, chairman and founder of private equity firm Regent, which recently bought TechCrunch, the plan is not to retreat, as widely reported, but to “double down.” Read more.

  • Subscriptions surge at The Economist: The outlet said it reached its “highest-ever number of subscriptions” in 2025. Read more.

  • The BBC considers charging Americans: Executives are considering charging U.S. consumers for access to help shore up finances, seeing the country’s media polarization as an opportunity to attract audiences with impartial coverage. Read more.

The Substack takeover continues:

  • Derek Thompson, longtime staff writer at The Atlantic, joined the platform: The move comes on the heels of his new book. “…I felt like maybe the best way for me to say all the things that I have to say about this one thing in my life, the fallout of and potential of ‘“Abundance,’” the best way to do that was to do so as an independent journalist and not as a sort of de facto semi-political actor working for a non-political institution,” Thompson said. Read more.

  • Former ABC anchor Terry Moran made the jump, too: The longtime anchor and correspondent was dropped by the network after calling Trump a “world-class hater.” He subsequently launched a Substack, making the announcement in a video titled “Independence Day.” Read more.

  • News anchors embrace the side hustle: Recent Indeed data revealed that 52% of professionals said they have to take on secondary jobs to make ends meet. Among them are TV news anchors, as networks grow more flexible with staff experimenting with content distribution on Substack. “They’re opening the door because talent who’s left had such immediate impact on Substack,” said Catherine Valentine, Substack’s head of news and politics, of the shift. Read more.

Media moves:

  • Axios hired Madison Mills as a senior markets reporter and author of the daily Axios Markets newsletter.

  • Fortune promoted Emma Hinchliffe to its Most Powerful Women Editor.

  • Business Insider hired Kim Last as editorial director of its news events business, of BI Live.

  • Steven Tweedie was named deputy executive editor at Business Insider.

  • ​​TechCrunch reporter Rebecca Bellan is now covering artificial intelligence.

  • Bloomberg News hired Patrick Howell O’Neill as a cybersecurity reporter.

  • Business Insider hired Julia Herbst as senior leadership and workplace editor.

  • Reporter Brian Delk joined Business Insider’s economy team.

  • The Los Angeles Times hired Eric Bellman as deputy business editor,

  • Adam O’Neal was hired as opinion editor at The Washington Post.

  • Maxine Joselow joined the climate desk at The New York Times.

  • Emma Haidar joined the Bloomberg News Work + Management team as a summer intern.

by Global Gateway Advisors

Are you GEO ready?

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

May 27, 2025

In today’s newsletter:

  • Generative engine optimization (GEO) takes center stage
  • Events on our radar
  • Media moves + news, including a list of those impacted by Business Insider layoffs

ICYMI: The previous edition of COMPASS explored the future of healthcare through the lens of a MAHA-driven agenda, AI, and the growing focus on mental wellbeing. Read it here.

How to win in GEO

Google’s AI Overview feature, combined with other Large Language Models (LLMs) — now used by more than half (52%) of adults — has the potential to fundamentally change how we search the web, with many users finding what they need without accessing traditional results.

Last month, Google announced the rollout of AI Mode that features enhanced reasoning, support for multiple formats, the capacity to dive deeper through follow-up questions and even a shopping “partner” that auto purchases that item you’ve been eyeing when it goes on sale.

Why it matters: Remember when SEO was a game changer? By 2026, search engine optimization is expected to drop by 25% as more people turn to AI chatbots and Google’s AI-generated responses, according to Gartner.

Brands must adapt quickly to stay visible and relevant, which means shifting to GEO — generative engine optimization — or, as it’s also called, “conversational search.” 

  • Go deeper: A recent analysis from Ahrefs of 75,000 brands found that brand web mentions show the strongest correlation with AI Overview brand visibility beating out other factors like backlinks, branded ad traffic and cost. Brands with the highest number of web mentions receive up to 10 times more mentions in AI Overviews than those in the next closest quartile. Explore all the findings here.

What’s next: A possible silver lining for the struggling media industry? One of the best ways for brands to have content reach GenAI users is by talking to journalists. Top-tier, reputable outlets — from mainstream publications to industry trades —  have much stronger influence on GenAI query results about a company than social media campaigns or Reddit threads.

  • To date, publications ranging from The Atlantic to The Associated Press to The Washington Post have entered into agreements with OpenAI for their content to be sourced.
  • Last week, The New York Times, which previously sued OpenAI for copyright infringement, signed its first AI licensing deal with Amazon, allowing its editorial content to appear across Amazon platforms, including Alexa. Experts say this represents a “new wave” of deals to come.

What content wins? LLMs favor content that is concise, conversational and question-driven — as well as supported by subheads, bullet points, charts, graphics and video — according to Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet, in a recent Page Society briefing for industry leaders. 

Next week’s events

  • Fortune COO Summit (Scottsdale, AZ, June 9-10) Fortune’s second-annual COO Summit brings together global chief operating officers, top speakers and editors to explore today’s biggest business challenges — from AI integration and financial pressure to talent strategy and leadership transitions. More here.
  • WSJ CEO Council Summit – London (London, June 10-11) This year’s theme explores the new era of globalization and how companies are navigating a transformed global landscape. With rising nationalism, geopolitical instability and protectionist policies reshaping trade and collaboration, business leaders will examine what globalization looks like now — and where it’s headed. More here.
  • Semafor The World of Work (Washington, D.C., June 12) New tech, shifting expectations, and post-pandemic disruptions are reshaping the workplace. In partnership with Gallup, Semafor will share key insights from the 2025 State of the Global Workplace report and explore how leaders can navigate what’s next — boosting productivity, resilience and wellbeing. More here (and let us know if you’ll also be there!). 

Bookmark Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker, updated weekly.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

A tough week for media:

  • Business Insider lays off 21% of staff: “We’re at the start of a major shift in how people find and consume information, which is driving ongoing volatility in traffic and distribution for all publishers,” said CEO Barbara Peng in a message to staff. See a complete list of those affected and read about the ensuing employee backlash.
  • TechCrunch bids Europe adieu: The continent’s startup ecosystem is scrambling after the outlet that gave many its first coverage shut down. This follows Yahoo’s March sale of TechCrunch to private equity firm Regent; many longtime writers and editors have since departed. Read more.
  • Inc. and Fast Company, too: A recent round of cuts by parent company Mansueto Ventures impacted 7% of its workforce, including Fast Company senior editor Aimee Rawlins and tech reporter Jessica Bursztynsky. See the full list here.
  • And several magazines shutter completely: In Touch, Life & Style, Closer, and First for Women will cease operations by the end of the month, with a spokesperson from parent company McClatchy citing their inability to develop a profitable business model. Read the full story. 

Platforms catching steam:

  • Fun fact: More than 50 people are making over $1 million per year on Substack, according to CEO Chris Verge.
  • YouTube takeover: The platform already dominates when it comes to podcasts, outpacing traditional audio apps like Spotify and Apple. Now it’s coming for television: According to the company, people in the U.S. spend more time watching YouTube on a TV rather than a phone or computer. “As much as Hollywood has worried about labor strife, artificial intelligence and the demise of moviegoing, the rise of YouTube is a much more immediate and real threat,” Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw writes. Read more.
  • Is Bluesky catching on? Kind of. Many left-leaning influencers have made it home, and users have tripled since the November elections. Still, most Bluesky users still post on X, which remains far more popular. Read more.
  • Grammarly to expand AI offerings: The company raised $1 billion from General Catalyst with the goal of becoming an all-in-one productivity platform. Read the full story.

C-suite offerings:

  • Harvard Business Review Executive: In line with industry trends, HBR is targeting the C-suite with a new toolkit to help senior leaders make high-impact business decisions, including a weekly newsletter from editor Adi Ignatius. Subscribe to HBR Executive here.

Media moves:

  • Jason Dean was hired by The Washington Post to lead its AI and Tech vertical.
  • The Information hired Valida Pau to cover tech deals and finance in New York
  • Business Insider hired Sarah Needleman as a leadership and workplace correspondent.
  • The Verge hired CNBC’s Hayden Field as senior AI reporter.
  • Jeff Horwitz joined Reuters as its tech investigations reporter.
  • Brenda Stolyar joined Wirecutter where she will be covering smartphones, tablets and wearables.
  • Kristina Peterson was hired by Bloomberg as a big food reporter.
  • Consumer goods reporter Saabira Chaudhuri has left The Wall Street Journal.
  • Wall Street Journal reporter Jacob Gershman left the news organization for another opportunity.
  • New York Post reporter Josh Kosman was suspended after accusing the editor-in-chief of killing a story for political reasons.
  • Despite rumors speculating otherwise, Gayle King is staying on at CBS, at least through next summer. 
  • Lester Holt officially ended his 10-year stint as anchor of “Nightly News” handing over the reins to Tom Llamas.

by Global Gateway Advisors

AI, wellness and mental health are shaping healthcare’s future

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

May 27, 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to recognize the growing conversation around mental health, especially in the workplace. While awareness is increasing, there’s still significant progress to be made in reducing stigma and improving support.

Meanwhile, the healthcare landscape is at a crossroads. Rapid advancements in AI, combined with a “Make America Healthy Again”-driven political agenda, are unfolding against a backdrop of rising misinformation and declining trust in institutions worldwide.

In this week’s newsletter, we explore what these shifts mean for strategic communicators navigating this complex and evolving environment.

How strategic communication supports workplace mental health

By 2030, Gen Z will comprise 30% of the workforce — a generation that approaches mental health conversations differently than their predecessors. As workplaces adapt, strategic communication becomes essential for creating truly supportive environments.

To explore this shift, Global Gateway Advisors convened a salon, Thriving Workplaces: Fostering Mental Health Equity, that brought together leading voices in mental health to better understand the barriers and learn from each other about solutions we can implement to foster a healthier work environment for all. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Measure what matters: Use employee sentiment data to inform targeted mental health communications that reflect real needs.
  • Normalize the conversation: Encourage leaders to share personal stories to normalize mental health conversations and build employee trust.
  • Empower the front line: Equip managers with clear messaging tools to confidently support team members’ mental well-being.
  • Communicate with cultural intelligence: Craft culturally aware and inclusive messages that resonate across diverse audiences.

Yes, but: Each year, depression and anxiety lead to the loss of an estimated 12 billion workdays globally, costing the world economy around US$1 trillion in lost productivity. And it’s not just a financial issue: new World Health Organization data show that anxiety and depression linked to COVID-19 cut global healthy life expectancy by six weeks.

Why it matters: Gen Z has different workplace expectations, with 61% saying they would leave a job for better mental health benefits — making it a key factor in retention.

  • Support must be visible, fast, and flexible: To meet Gen Z expectations, organizations should offer accessible resources, train managers, and model mental health behaviors from the top. 
  • Just 56% of Gen Z workers feel comfortable talking to their managers about mental health challenges.

The big picture: Gen Z, the first fully digital generation, reports higher rates of anxiety and depression than older generations — likely due to constant online exposure and the social isolation of COVID-19 lockdowns during key formative years. 

By the numbers: Roughly 46% of Gen Z workers say they feel stressed, while 35% experience depression, well above the 20% average of the general population. Worldwide, about one in seven adolescents aged 10-19 years lives with a mental health condition, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 years.

  • Go deeper: Despite increased awareness, social factors like stigma stop many from seeking the help they need.

What’s next: Global Gateway Advisors is taking the global youth mental health crisis head on. In the coming weeks, in partnership with leading mental health organizations, we’ll unveil a coalition aimed at breaking the stigma and driving lasting change for young adults. Stay tuned.

AI’s transformative role reshapes healthcare

Artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare, revolutionizing how we diagnose, treat, and engage patients. It could also help fast track much-needed access to new drugs, with the FDA announcing last week that it would begin using AI to speed up its drug review process. Some experts go as far as to compare the rise of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare to decoding the human genome, in terms of its potential impact.

Why it matters: AI is accelerating a shift to data-driven, patient-centric care. Communicators are key to making complex tech understandable and turning it into trusted, human-centered stories.

What AI is doing now

  • Smarter diagnostics: AI tools can detect diseases like cancer with up to 94% accuracy — often earlier than traditional methods.
  • Proactive prevention: Algorithms spot patterns in health records, imaging and genetics to predict risks before symptoms appear.
  • Personalized care: AI tailors treatments to the individual, optimizing drug therapies and minimizing side effects.
    Patient engagement: On-demand support with chatbots and virtual assistants offers 24/7 help, and is changing the doctor-patient relationship. 

Communicators: Eyes wide open

  • Bias + bad info: Many AI models are trained on biased data, which can perpetuate societal inequalities and stereotypes, leading to disparities in patient care and outcomes. Plus, AI can hallucinate, generating false information with confidence.
  • Low public trust: A general decline in trust in science and medicine, fueled in large part by a flood of misinformation accelerated by COVID, makes clear, accurate communication essential to rebuild trust and ensure AI advances are understood and responsibly adopted.

The big picture: What this means for health communicators

  • Lead with patient impact: Craft messages that emphasize AI’s role in empowering patients — through faster diagnoses, tailored treatments, and accessible care — while addressing concerns about dehumanization. Use relatable stories to build trust.
  • Navigate ethical concerns: Expect increased scrutiny of AI’s data use and potential bias. Communicators should be transparent about how systems are built, tested, and monitored.

Tailor messaging to diverse audiences: From clinicians to patients to policymakers, different stakeholders need different levels of explanation. Effective communicators will adapt their strategies to meet each group where they are — balancing technical accuracy with accessibility.

A potential new direction for public health

MAHA — Make America Healthy Again — is the driving force reshaping the healthcare conversation, propelling Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Casey Means’ nomination as Surgeon General.

Why it matters: While fringe views on vaccines and fluoride often dominate headlines, a growing number across the political spectrum support a broader MAHA-aligned shift — from treating illness to promoting holistic health. In the U.S., 60% of adults have at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, and 42% have more than one. Nearly 40% of children are also affected.

  • Chronic diseases are the primary causes of disability in the U.S. and major contributors to the country’s $3.8 trillion in annual health care spending.
  • Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.
  • The conversation around weight loss is also shifting — with anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1s expected to become a $100 billion market by 2030 — toward a stronger focus on improved health outcomes with long-term metabolic solutions, holistic lifestyle choices, and personalized care plans, rather than just short-term weight targets.

What’s next: MAHA aims to drive policy reforms focusing on preventive care, nutrition, and environmental health. Efforts include tighter regulation of processed foods and pesticides, support for regenerative agriculture, expanded wellness programs and less corporate influence in healthcare. A MAHA commission report released last week also targets the “overmedicalization” of children, as well as vaccines.

Yes, but: Experts have raised concerns about the MAHA agenda — especially vaccine skepticism, which comes amid an uptick in measles cases, and the downsizing of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The big picture: What this means for health communicators

The MAHA movement is reshaping health discourse around prevention, lifestyle, and personalized care. Communicators are key to turning this shift into clear, credible messages that build trust.

  • Lead with outcomes, not ideals: Focus messages on measurable health gains — less disease, more energy, better sleep — and support claims with clear evidence.
  • Meet skepticism with transparency and trust-building: Address concerns directly, use plain language to clarify what’s known and unknown, and amplify diverse, trusted voices. Prioritize authenticity over polish.
  • Bridge holistic and science: Highlight wellness strategies like nutrition, movement, and healthy sleep as complements to — not substitutes for — evidence-based care from qualified professionals.
  • Counter misinformation strategically and with precision: Don’t just correct myths—anticipate them. Monitor emerging narratives and respond quickly with tailored, shareable facts that resonate with each audience’s values, tone, and preferred platforms.

Recent Health Events Reveal Comms Insights

Three recent industry gatherings reveal where healthcare communication is heading — from AI’s practical impact to wellness as core strategy.  

Financial Times US Pharma & Biotech Summit (May 15, New York City)

AI is delivering measurable returns while policy shifts create new messaging challenges around drug pricing and FDA reforms.

For communicators: Prepare narratives that move beyond AI buzzwords to showcase concrete R&D and clinical trial outcomes. Weight loss treatments are evolving from quick fixes to personalized, long-term wellness stories — frame messaging around sustainable health management rather than rapid results.

Axios Future of Health Summit (May 14, Washington, D.C.)

AI’s “superhuman” diagnostic capabilities are real, but transparency demands are intensifying across health policy discussions.

For communicators: Build trust through clear explanations of AI decision-making processes. Personalized medicine faces adoption hurdles — focus messaging on patient outcomes over technological complexity to bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation.

The New York Times Well Festival (May 7, New York City)

Social connections outweigh traditional health metrics for longevity, signaling wellness has become a foundational healthcare strategy.

For communicators: Integrate relationship and community elements into health messaging. Wellness isn’t a trend anymore — it’s core healthcare positioning. Emphasize human connection as a measurable health outcome, not just feel-good content.

Upcoming health-related events 

  • The Prognosis for America’s Pain Management (New York City, May 29) Axios will bring together thought leaders and medical experts to discuss challenges in today’s treatment landscape and the current state of pain.
  • BIO 2025 (Boston, June 16-19) BIO brings together global biotech leaders to share breakthroughs, shape policy, build partnerships, and communicate the industry’s impact across healthcare, science, sustainability, and innovation.
  • Aspen Ideas: Health (Aspen, June 22-25) Join industry leaders to discuss themes like decoding the brain, biomedical breakthroughs, pop culture’s influence on healthcare and the future of food.
  • Fierce Biotech Week (Boston, Oct. 7-9) Top biotech and pharma executives share insights on emerging trends and market forces to help companies better allocate R&D budgets, streamline drug development and clinical operations, and navigate fundraising and partnership opportunities.
  • FT Live: Global Pharma and Biotech Summit 2025 (London, Nov. 11-12) Industry leaders, C-suite executives, investors, and experts gather to explore the latest trends and innovations in life sciences and discuss what’s new in areas such as drug discovery, clinical trials, market access and patient engagement.
  • Forbes Healthcare Summit (New York City, December, exact dates TBA) The annual summit convenes leaders from across the $4 billion healthcare industry to explore the advancements that are reshaping care, including new gene therapies, the rise in GLP-1 use and the AI revolution. 

To keep up with what’s ahead, visit Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker, updated weekly.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

  • Google launches AI chatbot: A.I. Mode, which CEO Sundar Pichai calls “a total reimagining of search,” turns Google Search into a conversational tool that handles complex, multi-part questions with detailed, context-aware answers. It also offers more personalized options, like a tool that automatically buys clothing when it goes on sale. 
  • Time Longevity: This new vertical from Time, launching later this year, will spotlight innovations in science, health, business, tech, and policy focused on aging and lifespan extension. It aligns with Time’s broader coverage aimed at business and policy leaders.
  • Head of CBS News forced out: “It’s become clear the company and I do not agree on the path forward,” Wendy McMahon said in a memo to staff, after executives requested she step down. This follows the resignation of “60 Minutes” producer Bill Owens, amid reports that parent company Paramount is in talks to settle a lawsuit with President Trump.
  • Print is back: At least for major corporations, which view it as a way to strengthen their reputation and connect with hard-to-reach audiences. Last week Microsoft launched its first-ever print magazine, Signal, featuring an article by Bill Gates and interviews with CEOs and experts from Microsoft’s various divisions. 
  • Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business: General Motors CEO Mary Barra tops the annual list, released earlier this week, followed by Accenture’s Julie Sweet and Citigroup’s Jane Fraser.
  • New podcast data: YouTube last week released rankings of its top podcasts, with some of the results diverging greatly from those of Spotify and Apple. For example, “Kill Tony,” YouTube’s second-highest ranking podcast, comes in at 54 on Spotify, while the popular “Call Her Daddy” (21 on Spotify) didn’t rank on YouTube’s top 100. Spotify recently introduced a feature to display podcast play counts — but after creator pushback, it reversed course. Play counts will now appear only after a show surpasses 50,000 plays.
  • And new podcasts! Bloomberg Businessweek debuted “Everybody’s Business,” hosted by Max Chafkin, senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Stacey Vanek Smith, public radio reporter and former “Planet Money” co-host, which promises to “pull back the curtain on conversations happening in offices, Zoom rooms, and group chats at power centers around the world.” At the same time, The Financial Times introduced “Swamp Notes,” a podcast on U.S. politics.
  • A media company for execs: At The Moment Media (ATM) launched earlier this week to provide industry leaders with video coverage of their people, products, and events, intended to complement traditional journalism. “This is another toolkit in a marketer’s tool chest,” said founder and CEO Robert Wheeler. “I’m not a journalist. Brands rely on journalists to tell their stories as well as posting their own content, but they also need a reliable third-party to help spread their message.”
  • MSNBC to launch Washington bureau: As the outlet formally separates from NBC, execs tapped Sudeep Reddy, most recently at Politico, to lead the new bureau, with plans to hire more than 100 reporters to fill gaps that NBC News reporters previously filled.
  • Charter and Cox merge: Two of the largest cable companies in the U.S. have agreed to merge amid increasing competition for viewers.
  • The WSJ adds a new executive membership program: The Chief People Officer Council will bring together chief people officers and other senior HR leaders to collaborate, share insights, and address strategic challenges related to human resources, talent management and organizational culture.

Media moves:

  • Lynn Cook was named senior breaking news editor for business, finance and economics at The Wall Street Journal.
  • Business Insider appointed Julia Hood as its newsroom AI lead, a new role dedicated to enhancing the newsroom’s AI capabilities to assist journalists.
  • Bloomberg hired Andrea Chang as a global business editor. 
  • Charles Rollet, previously at TechCrunch, joined Business Insider as its San Francisco tech correspondent. 
  • Politico hired Amanda Chu to cover the healthcare industry and its relationship with Washington.
  • Samantha Subin joined CNBC.com as a tech reporter.
  • Bloomberg hired Max Rivera to cover wealth and real estate. 
  • Morning Brew hired Beck Salgado as a reporter for its new Revenue Brew newsletter.
  • Kimberly S. Johnson joined The New York Times Business section as consumer and industries editor.
  • Axios chief financial correspondent Felix Salmon is leaving the organization.

by Global Gateway Advisors

Why the Arab Gulf is rising – and why it matters

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

May 13, 2025

Whether currently invested in the region or not, the Gulf’s transformation and its growing global impact is one all of us should be learning more about. As President Trump kicks off his Gulf tour today where he has told advisors he wants to sign deals worth more than $1 trillion, we take a deeper look at the region.

Plus: Our Q&A with Rachel Oppenheim, Semafor’s chief revenue officer, on how the outlet is covering business transformation in the region — and everything you need to know about Fortune’s upcoming Most Powerful Women summit in Riyadh.  

The Arab Gulf takes center stage 

In recent years, the security and energy dynamics that traditionally defined U.S.-Gulf relations have evolved into a landscape more accurately defined by the activity of sovereign wealth funds, cooperation across diverse sectors and a rush of media and finance heavyweights establishing regional hubs.

Why it matters: The Gulf’s rise as a financial hub is reshaping global capital flows and creating new opportunities for U.S. businesses. 

Saudi Arabia: As it embarks on its ambitious Vision 2030 journey, the Kingdom has undergone a striking transformation. It recently announced plans to pursue at least $600 billion in new trade and investment with the U.S. over four years, with Trump pushing for that number to exceed $1 trillion. 

  • With Trump focused on business deals during his visit, the CEOs of BlackRock, Citigroup and others will also travel to Riyadh to attend the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum. 
  • Trump will reportedly offer Saudi Arabia a major arms package, hold additional talks on minerals cooperation and civilian nuclear technology and possibly loosen semiconductor export restrictions.
  • This week, Saudi Arabia announced Humain, an AI company with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at its helm, to lead Riyadh’s approach to the technology. 
  • Last week, Salesforce announced plans to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh as part of its $500 million five-year investment to accelerate AI adoption in the kingdom. Salesforce opened its first Middle East office in Dubai last October. Scale AI, an Amazon-backed startup that supports AI product development, is also planning to open an office in Saudi Arabia.

United Arab Emirates: The UAE pledged $1.4 trillion in U.S. investments over the next decade, focused on AI and energy. As of March, this includes a $25 billion partnership between Abu Dhabi’s ADQ and the U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners to power data centers. G42, the Abu Dhabi-backed AI powerhouse, also has plans to expand stateside. 

    • The Trump administration is reportedly considering easing restrictions on Nvidia chip exports to the UAE to support Emirati ambitions in AI. In May, International Holding Company (Abu Dhabi’s largest listed company), Lunate, a UAE-based alternative asset management firm, and BlackRock announced intentions to establish a $1 billion AI reinsurance platform.
    • In April, the energy unit of Mubadala, a UAE sovereign wealth fund, finalized its first-ever investment in a U.S. energy company, while XRG, an $80 billion spinoff of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, is reportedly ramping up plans to invest in U.S. natural gas, low-carbon energy and chemicals.
    • Money is also flowing into less flashy sectors. UAE-based packaging firm Hotpack plans to invest $100 million in a new manufacturing facility in New Jersey.
  • Disney announced this week it plans to open a park and resort on Yas Island in the UAE — just its seventh location worldwide, and its first in the Middle East. 

Qatar: Ahead of Trump’s visit, Qatar is reportedly finalizing a deal to purchase 100 wide-body jets from Boeing. The country, whose royal family may be poised to gift Trump a luxury plane that could eventually serve as Air Force One, has also taken steps to attract venture capital.

GO DEEPER: To read more about the new Gulf-driven financial order and its impact on everything from sports to AI, click here.

Semafor bets big on coverage of the Gulf region

Semafor introduced its third vertical, Semafor Gulf, last September to cover the region’s economic transformation and rising global influence. We spoke with the outlet’s chief revenue officer, Rachel Oppenheim, to learn more about why the region matters and how Semafor is positioning itself within it.

Compass: Why did Semafor focus on launching Semafor Gulf as one of its first international editions?

Oppenheim: From day one, Semafor was built to be a truly global news brand — one that reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of business, politics, and society. The Gulf was a strategic priority for us because it sits at the nexus of those forces and, as we scale our brand of independent, transparent journalism. The region is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation — economically, politically, and culturally. With that, we saw an opportunity to meet rising demand for high-integrity, global journalism that’s also locally intelligent.

From a commercial standpoint, launching Semafor Gulf was also about engaging a fast-growing, sophisticated audience of business leaders, government stakeholders, and investors who are increasingly shaping global markets. Our model — combining premium editorial with convenings and custom intelligence — resonates in the Gulf, where the appetite for perspectives, analysis and insight is accelerating rapidly.

Compass: Why should business leaders be paying closer attention to the Gulf region?

Oppenheim: The Gulf is no longer just a capital exporter — it’s a capital allocator, innovation hub, and diplomatic power center. Whether you’re in energy, tech, finance or entertainment, the Gulf is shaping global outcomes. Sovereign wealth funds are investing at scale across the global south and in western markets. Governments are deploying policy as strategy — reimagining cities, diversifying economies and building influence through soft power, media and sport.

For business leaders, this is no longer a region to watch from the sidelines. It’s a region to partner with, invest in and understand deeply. Those who do will be better positioned to navigate everything from capital flows and climate policy to geopolitical alignment and the future of global trade. And we hope Semafor Gulf is their go-to news source! 

Compass: What’s the hot topic driving the business dialogue about the Gulf today?

Oppenheim: There are several. First, the scale and speed of economic diversification — especially Saudi’s Vision 2030 — is driving massive investment in infrastructure, tourism, tech and culture. Second, sovereign wealth strategy: how funds like PIF, ADQ, QIA, and Mubadala are deploying capital is reshaping global private markets. Third, energy transition: Gulf nations are balancing net-zero commitments with their role as energy superpowers, leading to a complex but highly strategic positioning on climate and innovation.

There’s also a sharp focus on global influence — whether through high-profile acquisitions in sports and media, or deeper involvement in multilateral institutions and South-South partnerships. For business leaders, understanding how and why the Gulf is making moves across all these fronts is essential to long-term strategic planning.

Event spotlight: Fortune MPW International (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 20-21) 

Following Saudi Arabia’s investment in women as part of Vision 2030, women now represent 36% of the workforce (up from 17% in 2017) and own 45% of small and midsize businesses. 

“Saudi Arabia has historically been a restrictive and even suppressive place for women, but recently it has taken a progressive turn,” Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell said. 

Acknowledging the region’s growing importance, the media organization will host its first international summit, Most Powerful Women International, in Saudi Arabia’s capital next week. 

  • Centered around the theme A New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity, participants will explore key forces shaping the global business landscape and discuss how public and private sectors can collaborate to drive innovation and growth.
  • Featured panels include: Inside the AI Revolution: Risk, Rewards and New Ways of Working; The Future of Travel Takes Flight; What’s Driving Global Investment; The Art of Reinvention; Prioritizing Women’s Health; and Media’s Next Chapter: Building Trust and Navigating Disruption. See the full agenda here. 
  • Speakers range from Rashida Jones, former president, MSNBC; H.E. Yuriko Koike, governor, Tokyo; Lisa McGeough, president, CEO and head of banking, HSBC U.S.; Theresa May, former prime minister of the U.K.; to H.H. Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, CEO, Culture House, among others. 
  • Fortune will also host its annual Global Forum in Riyadh later this year.

Other key regional events to watch

  • Bloomberg’s Qatar Economic Forum (Doha, Qatar, May 20-22)  Bloomberg News will gather world leaders and international CEOs to discuss the Gulf’s transformation into a global center of financial power. Speakers include Michael Bloomberg; Mary Callahan Erdoes CEO, Asset & Wealth Management, J.P. Morgan; and Ryan M. Lance, Chairman & CEO, ConocoPhillips.
  • Reuters NEXT Gulf (Abu Dhabi, UAE, Oct. 22) The outlet is expanding its flagship NYC-based event to the Middle East this year, where global and regional leaders from business, government, media, culture, NGOs and academia gather to tackle pressing issues like geopolitics, economy, banking, technology, AI, climate and leadership.
  • Fortune Global Forum 2025 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 26-27) As AI, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demographics converge, Fortune editors selected Riyadh as the backdrop for top executives from the Global 500 and beyond — including Delta, NYSE, Mastercard and JPMorganChase — to explore the forces redefining global business. With capital flowing to the Gulf and the region pivoting from energy to finance, the forum will spotlight new opportunities for public-private collaboration and growth.
  • Future Investment Initiative (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 27-30) Known as “Davos in the Desert,” this annual gathering — hosted by the Future Investment Initiative Institute, a nonprofit backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund — will convene global leaders under the theme The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth. The agenda will focus on sustainable growth, breakthrough innovation, and shaping capital to empower the next chapter of global development.
  • WSJ Tech Live (Doha, Qatar, Dec. 2-4) The organization’s first-ever Tech Live event in the Middle East brings together leaders who are reshaping the global tech landscape to discuss how AI is transforming economies and society, the shifting landscape of global tech investment and how technology is rapidly changing sports and gaming — from fan engagement to monetization.

To keep up with what’s ahead, visit Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker, updated weekly.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

  • In an AI era, journalists still matter: As PR firms navigate AI disruption, they’re finding that traditional journalism — not social media — has far greater influence on how chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini describe brands. “Earned media and owned content are the primary drivers of how GenAI platforms recommend and describe brands and products. It’s not even close,” said Brian Buchwald, global head of product, data, and AI strategy at Edelman.
  • The Substack “Trump bump”: The platform surpassed five million paid subscribers in March, gaining one million new subscribers between November and March. Over 50,000 publishers earn revenue on Substack, with the top 10 generating a combined total of over $40 million annually.
  • Case in point: New York Magazine is for the first time publishing one of its newsletters — Dinner Party — on the platform, alongside its regular subscriber distribution.
  • The Guardian accelerates its cross-pond expansion: Following a 25% revenue jump and record $44 million in U.S. reader contributions, the outlet is adding a dozen-plus editorial roles, launching its first U.S. daily news podcast, and expanding soccer coverage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
  • $7.3 billion: Podcasting generated that much in sales last year — more than double most estimates, according to research firm Owl & Co.
  • Podcasts get the Oscar treatment. With that kind of revenue, it’s no surprise that the Golden Globes plans to introduce a Best Podcast award in 2026, with six finalists selected from the 25 most popular podcast series.
  • The struggle to save media ads: Amid increasing polarization and economic uncertainty, news outlets have struggled to convince advertisers that their content is safe. To address this, Stagwell, a publicly traded ad holding group, will host a new event, “NewsFronts,” highlighting advertising opportunities within news content. Participating publishers include The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters.
  • A new Brew vertical: Biweekly Revenue Brew promises everything from “game-changing tech to cutting-edge GTM strategies.” 
  • Yahoo Finance launches a new podcast: “The Big Idea with Elizabeth Gore” aims to remove barriers for entrepreneurs and spot opportunities for anyone looking to become their own boss, offering real stories and actionable insights for small business owners.
  • “Learning to Lead”: A new newsletter by Fortune’s Orianna Rosa Royle features interviews with high-profile executives, as well as career tips and strategies from the Fortune success desk.
  • Business Insider launched a weekly tech newsletter: Tech Memo, “where Big Tech secrets go public,” is led by global technology editor Alistair Barr.
  • Comcast names cable spinoff Versant: Highlighting versatility and subject expertise, it will oversee brands like USA, MSNBC and CNBC with a focus on digital growth and strategic acquisitions.

Media moves:

  • Leena Rao was promoted to U.S. tech executive editor at Business Insider.
  • Deepa Seetharaman, a tech reporter at The Wall Street Journal, is leaving the publication.
  • Samantha Murphy Kelly and Chris Welch joined the consumer tech team at Bloomberg.
  • Manal Albarakati joined Semafor as a Saudi Arabia reporter.
  • John Ruwitch joined NPR’s Business Desk as a tech correspondent. 
  • Ryan Barwick was hired as an M&A reporter at Axios.
  • The Atlantic hired Jamie Thompson and Josh Tyrangiel as staff writers. 
  • Nate Wolf is joining the Barron’s trending news team.
  • Deborah Solomon now heads The New York Times’ expanded U.S. economy team, covering both New York and Washington, D.C.
  • Reporter Chloe Berger has left Fortune.
  • Therese Poletti has left MarketWatch and is now freelancing.
  • Ingrid Lunden is no longer at TechCrunch.
  • Choire Sicha, who wrote New York Magazines “Dinner Party” newsletter (yes, the one that just launched on Substack last week) announced he is leaving the outlet to join CNN as senior vice president of features editorial.

by Global Gateway Advisors

The Gulf drives a new financial order

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

May 12, 2025

Beyond their U.S. investments, Gulf states are reshaping global finance, attracting top financial institutions with favorable tax codes and regulations, simple setup processes, and immense pools of capital.

  • In the past year, firms including BlackRock, Lazard, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and others have established regional hubs, seeking to tap into vast pools of capital and Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) in the region.
  • “It feels, when you’re in the region, almost palpable that they are in this position of power that they really have never been in, like this, quite before,” said Heather Perlberg, Bloomberg’s senior wealth reporter, on Gulf SWFs.
  • The U.S. Treasury is reportedly considering granting Gulf SWFs special ‘fast-track’ status, eliminating some regulatory hurdles for Gulf foreign direct investment in the U.S. 
  • The region is also experiencing a crypto surge, with Dubai’s TOKEN2049 drawing 15,000 attendees and Abu Dhabi’s MGX investing $2 billion in Binance.
  • Go deeper: The six largest Gulf SWFs control over $4 trillion in assets—a number expected to double by 2030—with Abu Dhabi in particular having seen a 226% increase in assets under management last year alone. 

The business of sports: As part of broader economic diversification efforts, Gulf countries have invested heavily in sports—from Abu Dhabi’s ownership of Manchester City, to Saudi Arabia’s backing of LIV Golf, the Women’s Tennis Association, and upcoming hosting duties for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following in the footsteps of Qatar’s historic 2022 tournament. 

Media is also riding the wave. Global outlets are expanding their presence and planning events (see below) in the region, with CNN announcing earlier this year its plans to move into Qatar’s Media City to enhance its Middle East coverage while Semafor last year launched a Gulf-focused newsletter, its third, following U.S. and Africa editions. Fortune is hosting two major events in Riyadh this year: the upcoming Most Powerful Women International Summit in partnership with the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, and its Global Forum in October. “Fortune strives to be at the center of new frontiers of global business, and Saudi Arabia is one of those places,” said CEO Anastasia Nyrkovskaya.

The big picture: The Gulf’s transformation extends beyond those operating in the region. Its growing influence in geopolitics, finance and media impacts global technology, wealth flows and cultural narratives. Organizations, even those not active in the Gulf, are increasingly recognizing its role in shaping global markets and perceptions – and are paying close attention to stay competitive in an interconnected world.

  • AI advantage: With early adoption and major investment, the Gulf is emerging as a prime environment to test and scale AI, supported by a regulatory framework that encourages innovation. 
  • ‘America First’: The Gulf’s foreign direct investment strength is central to President Trump’s foreign-policy vision. Companies can leverage this era of bilateral cooperation to tap new capital and engage federal stakeholders.
  • Shape global perceptions: Gulf media expansions and events amplify the region’s influence, shaping perceptions among investors and the general public. Organizations should align their brand with these trends to stay relevant and reach new audiences.

by Global Gateway Advisors

How far is too far when communicating about AI in the workplace?

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

April 28, 2025

In today’s newsletter, we explore how companies and leaders are talking about the role of AI in the workplace – and how strategic communicators can ensure we keep humans front and center during this period of business transformation and transition.

Plus: Takeaways from the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C., and other top events and media moves on our radar.

Shopify CEO: Prioritize AI over humans

A viral memo earlier this month from Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke was clear: “Before asking for more headcount and resources, teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using Al.”

Many leaders perceive an existential threat to their businesses if AI is not integrated effectively – and quickly.

Lütke demonstrated the extent to which some companies are willing to go to demonstrate their embrace of AI to stay competitive. “AI is a tool of all trades today, and will only grow in importance,” he wrote. “Frankly, I don’t think it’s feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft.”

What they’re saying: Data, analytics and AI strategy advisor Douglas Laney called the memo “arguably one of the clearest expressions to date of what CEO leadership should look like in the age of AI.”

Go deeper:

  • Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski similarly made waves when he told Bloomberg: “I am of the opinion that AI can already do all of the jobs that we, as humans, do. It’s just a question about how we apply it and use it.”
  • Fujitsu, a Japanese IT services company with 124,000 employees, has built AI to generate sales leads, respond to IT service tickets, and automate other key tasks. Kotaro Asama, who leads the company’s AI adoption, told The Information that Fujitsu has saved more than 1 million hours of labor over the past year.
  • A recent Vanity Fair headline put it more bluntly: “AI has already come for the interns. You’re probably next.”

But is pitting AI against humans the right communications approach?

The big picture: Workers are already nervous about the impact of AI on their jobs and prospects. Thirty percent of college graduates believe AI has made their degree irrelevant, with the figure rising to 45% among Gen Z, per Indeed. Roughly half of workers are concerned about how AI will affect the future workplace, and 32% believe it will ultimately reduce their job opportunities, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

CEOs must navigate the situation carefully; with employee mental health already declining – and depression and anxiety costing the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity – how they handle it will be critical to retaining and attracting top talent.

Humans and AI, not humans or AI, provides a more inclusive approach – and one backed by research. A recent report from Indeed identified and assessed more than 2,800 unique work skills, finding that none are “very likely” to be replaced by AI. Instead, AI will take on a supporting role, handling modest problems and repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more important things, like higher-level decision-making and creativity.

  • “We have 300 million plus job seekers coming to Indeed every month … and there’s a lot of anxiety [about whether] AI is going to help or hurt jobs,” Indeed CEO Chris Hyams said, noting that some of the concern was unfounded. “AI can do math very well. It can’t draw an IV very well.”
  • Human skills that AI can’t replicate, such as empathy, compassion, decision-making, teamwork, curiosity, adaptability and collaboration, will remain highly valued in the workplace.

What’s next: Leaders should emphasize how AI reduces administrative tasks, freeing teams to focus on strategic and empathetic work – helping ease fears, build support, and show employees how AI can enhance their skills and career growth, rather than replace them.

“We envision AI as a transparent and collaborative partner that works alongside hiring teams with clear logic, human oversight, and accountability, ensuring every decision is fair and effective,” Prem Kumar, CEO and co-founder of AI recruiting tech company Humanly, said.

  • “Providing effective training is crucial – not just an initial session, but ongoing Q&A and refreshers,” Kate Field, global head of human and social sustainability at BSI, said. “Designating some workers as ‘champions’ of the new technology, with additional training, can also be highly effective.”

The bottom line: How leaders talk about AI in the workplace matters. In rightfully advocating for the swift adoption of AI by their teams, employers should prioritize transparency, create space for questions and feedback, and continuously reinforce the value of current and prospective (human) employees in capturing the opportunity.

Being open about AI’s role and its impact builds trust and helps employees feel secure. Setting a digital worker-first mentality can have significant impacts on culture and engagement.

  • KPMG CEO Paul Knopp spoke about the rise of AI at Semafor’s World Economy Summit, noting: “The nature of the jobs and activities people will be doing is becoming less clear,” but “over the long term, it’s going to promote job growth.”

Events update

Semafor World Economy Summit (Washington, D.C.)
Semafor held its third annual World Economy Summit event last week, timed with IMF and World Bank meetings. The three-day conference centered on six theme tracks, featuring a stellar line up of 150+ Fortune 500 CEOs, numerous Trump administration Cabinet members, and other U.S. and European government officials in 1:1 and 2:1 short session formats. And behind the scenes: a separate CEO track and bilateral meetings for leaders on site.

A gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery made the summit even more memorable, leading into White House Correspondents Dinner weekend festivities. The event, which will also appear in a Fall format, is on our must-attend list going forward.

Notable takeaways:

  • Citadel CEO Ken Griffin on the implications of new tariffs: “The United States is more than just a nation. It’s a brand. It can be a lifetime to repair the damage that has been done.”
  • General Motors CEO Mary Barra, also on tariff policy: “I need clarity, and then I need consistency. Everything can be moved over time, but we also have to do it effectively, and we have to do it in a manner where we’re still competitive globally.”
  • Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on consumer sentiment: “When I watch CNBC or when you read the paper, certainly the prospective news is not great. But when we look at our business, the day-to-day habits of consumers around the world look pretty consistent to what we’ve seen for the past couple of years.”

On deck:

Fortune Workplace Innovation Summit (May 19-20, Dana Point, CA)

The inaugural Workplace Innovation Summit will “imagine, debate, and design the bold future of work,” Fortune announced this week. Our client Indeed is the event’s founding partner. We’ll be on site as Fortune facilitates discussions on AI and HR tech, company culture, upskilling and reskilling, diversity and inclusion and more. Indeed CEO Chris Hyams, Indeed Chief People & Sustainability Officer LaFawn Davis, and Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong will speak alongside leaders from companies including OpenAI, IBM and Nike.

The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything (May 28-29, NYC)
Some of the biggest newsmakers will discuss work, wealth and health in an AI-enabled future. Speakers include Sandra Douglass Morgan, president, Las Vegas Raiders; Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines; Alexis Ohanian, founder, Seven Seven Six and co-founder, Reddit; Celine Halioua, founder and CEO, Loyal; and George Arison, CEO, Grindr. Request a ticket.

To keep up with what’s ahead, visit Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker, updated weekly.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

  • Independent journalists prioritize community building: Recently, a wave of journalists from across the spectrum have gone independent, including Bari Weiss’ Free Press (generating $10 million+ annually in subscription revenue), Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter (we’re big fans) and Jim Acosta’s The Jim Acosta Show, with many finding a new home on Substack. Like communication and brand teams, they face the challenge of standing out in the market and establishing a strong reputation. Their solution focuses on creating hyper-engaged communities, a strategy experts say will be crucial as AI reshapes news.
  • Speaking of… The Washington Post partners with OpenAI: The newspaper’s content – summaries, quotes and links to original reporting – will now show up in ChatGPT searches. The Post joins 20 other news publishers that have agreements with OpenAI, including The Atlantic and The Financial Times.
  • 60 Minutes’ executive producer quits: Bill Owens resigned from the news program, blaming a loss of journalistic independence. He told his staff, “it has become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it, to make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience.” This comes amid a significant ratings drop for CBS Evening News, the network’s flagship show, following this year’s format overhaul led by Owens, as well as a pending lawsuit filed by President Trump against CBS and Paramount.
  • CNN announces subscription rollout: CNN CEO Mark Thompson is investing in a suite of paid products. “Our entire industry is going through a revolution,” he said. The first, launching later this year, will be a “non-news digital product” that may still be heavy on information.
  • “Corner Office” returns: The New York Times brought back its popular column where CEOs are interviewed about their roles, helmed by business reporter Jordyn Holman.
  • Instagram launches video creation app: Edits, which offers users features like green screen replacement and subject cutouts, is notably similar to CapCut, from TikTok owner ByteDance.
  • More social media?: OpenAI is developing a social network similar to X, according to those familiar with the project.
  • Where are C-suite execs vacationing? That’s the subject of a new travel series in Fortune. Interested in sharing? Reach out to reporter Orianna Rosa Royle.

Media moves:

  • Zach Goldfarb was appointed the new editor of a Washington Posteditorial team that merges technology, business, climate, health and science to focus on the forces shaping the future. As part of the paper’s reorganization, business editor Lori Montgomery will now oversee politics and government coverage.
  • Kylie Robison is joining WIRED as senior correspondent covering the business of AI. She’s also launching a newsletter focused on scoops and exclusive reporting around major players in AI. Details coming soon.
  • The Information hired Miles Kruppa to cover artificial intelligence and the money flowing into the technology.
  • POLITICO’s chief Washington correspondent Ryan Lizzo left the organization, saying that “their style of political coverage is not meeting the unprecedented moment of democratic peril we are facing.” He launched a new Substack newsletter called Telos.
  • Gizmodo hired Raymond Wong as senior editor of consumer tech.
  • The National hired Manus Cranny as geo-economics editor, based in the UAE.
  • The New York Times business reporter Nico Grant has left the organization.
  • Bloomberg reporter Sarah McBride is leaving her role to become a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT.
  • Media and advertising reporter Ryan Barwick is leaving Morning Brew.

by Global Gateway Advisors

Tariff tensions: Insights from corporate leaders

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

April 11, 2025

We first covered President Trump’s tariff plans in early February, when he announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% on China, linking them to border security and concerns about fentanyl trafficking. 

Fast forward two months: On April 2, dubbed Liberation Day, Trump announced sweeping tariffs on 185 countries and territories. The S&P 500 dropped nearly 5% on April 3, its worst day since June 2020. As The Economist editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes described it, we’re now witnessing “an all-consuming – and terrifying – reality TV spectacle: the Trump Tariff Show.”

The outcome: In a nod to the fluid nature of the situation, Trump announced – while this newsletter was being written – a 90-day pause on implementing the reciprocal tariffs just hours after they went into effect, citing renewed trade talks with foreign nations (and, people getting “yippy”). The outlier is China, where tariffs spiked to 145% over a “lack of respect.” The 10% base tariff remains in effect globally, along with 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts.

Go deeper: Today’s newsletter includes a roundup of corporate leaders’ reactions, covering their responses before and after the broad pause. We also share highlights from our latest salon dinner, where we discussed healthcare and employee engagement with leaders from various industries.

What corporate leaders are saying

Global Gateway Advisors compiled a comprehensive resource for executives, communications professionals, policymakers, and researchers on companies’ reactions to proposed and implemented U.S. tariffs.

Industry leaders are increasingly outspoken, shifting between alarm and strategic critique, while some emphasized resilience. Lamborghini, for example, formed a task force led by the CEO, meeting daily to evaluate Trump’s tariffs and plan the company’s response. 

Here is a sample:

Bill Ackman, CEO, Pershing Square Capital Management

Pre-pause: “The president has an opportunity to call a 90-day time out, negotiate and resolve unfair asymmetric tariff deals, and induce trillions of dollars of new investment in our country,”  Ackman said in a post on X. “If, on the other hand, on April 9th we launch economic nuclear war on every country in the world, business investment will grind to a halt, consumers will close their wallets and pocket books, and we will severely damage our reputation with the rest of the world that will take years and potentially decades to rehabilitate.”

Post-pause: “This was brilliantly executed by @realDonaldTrump. Textbook, Art of the Deal. The benefit of @realDonaldTrump’s approach is that we now understand who are our preferred trading partners, and who the problems are. China has shown themselves to be a bad actor.” 

Larry Fink, CEO, BlackRock

Pre-pause: “Most CEOs I talk to would say we are probably in a recession right now,” Fink told the Economic Club of New York on April 7. “The reality is 62% of Americans now invest in equities – the market impact is impacting Main Street,” he said. The turmoil “is going to freeze more and more consumption, I think we’re going to start seeing that really quickly.”

Greg Ahearn, CEO, The Toy Association 

Pre-pause: “This is untenable for our industry.”

Ken Griffin, CEO, Citadel

Pre-pause: “It isn’t right to tell a middle-class or economically challenged family making $50,000 a year “it’s going to cost you 20%, 30%, 40% more for your groceries, for your toaster, for a new vacuum cleaner, for a new car,” Griffin said. “Even if the dream of jobs coming back to America plays out, that’s a 20-year dream. It’s not 20 weeks. It’s not two years. It’s decades.” “We have led the world for 70 to 80 years,” he said. “I am really afraid of us abdicating our role of leadership for the free world. That’s the path we’re on.”

Jamie Dimon, CEO, JPMorgan Chase

Pre-pause: “The economy is facing considerable turbulence,” Dimon wrote. “We are likely to see inflationary outcomes … Whether or not the menu of tariffs causes a recession remains in question, but it will slow down growth. The quicker this issue is resolved, the better because some of the negative effects increase cumulatively over time and would be hard to reverse.” 

Stephan Winkelmann, President, Lamborghini 

Pre-pause: “We are working constantly on getting updates of the situation,” Winkelmann said of the company’s new tariff task force. “We have daily meetings, with me personally being involved, and we have people who are constantly analyzing the situation.”

Ryan Cohen, CEO, Gamestop

Pre-pause: “I can’t wait for my $10,000 made in the USA iPhone,” Cohen posted on X.

Sean Connolly, CEO, ConAgra Brands

Pre-pause: “I will look at everything from getting more out of our productivity programs, to [seeing] if there’s an alternative source of supply that is lower cost,” Connolly said. “But we’ll also look at targeted pricing because, at the end of the day, we have to protect our margin structure.” 

David Ricks, CEO, Eli Lilly

Pre-pause:  “I think it’s a pivot in US policy and it feels like it’ll be hard to come back from here,” Ricks said. “We can’t breach those agreements so we have to eat the cost of the tariffs and make trade offs within our own companies. Typically that will be in reduction of staff or research and development (R&D) and I predict R&D will come first. That’s a disappointing outcome.”

Joe Brusuelas, Chief Economist, RSM US

Post-pause: “My sense here is that the [US] economy is still likely to fall into recession, given the level of simultaneous shocks that it’s absorbed,” Brusuelas said. “All this does is postpone temporarily what will likely be a series of punitive import taxes put on US trade allies.”

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist, KPMG US

Post-pause: The effective tariff rate is actually HIGHER with the pause than it was as announced on April 2, due to the tariffs on China,” Swonk wrote. “There will be some diversion through connector countries. However, the effective tariff rate now peaks at 30.5% during the pause. That is worse than our worst case scenarios.”

Spencer Hakimian, Founder, Tolou Capital Management

Post-pause: “Even if you support all of the past week. From the escalation to the walk back, although that’s inherently contradictory to support both,” Hakimian said. “Everyone admits that the rollout & rollback of all of this has been needlessly sloppy and unclear, correct? Or is that also some voodoo 8D chess strategy too?”

Brad Gerstner, CEO, Altimeter Capital

Post-pause: “Remember, it was a week ago that we announced these tariffs…so yes there has been maximum uncertainty, yes he was hearing from a lot of CEOs that this uncertainty was causing demand destruction,” Gerstner said. I’m not saying that all this change happens painlessly. But I’ve talked to five CEOs in the last hour, including some of the largest CEOs in technology and they’ve all told me this was exactly the prescription they needed so that when they get on their quarterly calls now they can actually give guidance as to what the path ahead looks like. What wasn’t working was them not having a flight path, not knowing whether or not we are going to have 50% tariffs, 70% tariffs. But knowing we are going to have 10% tariffs, that we’re going to negotiate down from there with these other countries that now gives a framework against which I think people can operate.”

What’s next: Ready your organization for swift changes in policy. Adaptability is key in this regulatory environment, and stay alert for new potential disruptions in the market.

  • Track tariff changes in real time and assess their potential effects on supply chains and operations, preparing contingency plans for key scenarios.
  • Analyze trade policy risks and identify resilient areas such as diversified markets and ranking high-risk regions to prioritize tailored responses.
  • Diversify suppliers by exploring domestic options and leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) to reduce import reliance and tariff costs.

Communications: Now is not the time to hunker down. Transparency and consistency with stakeholders is key to mitigating reputational challenges. Experts also suggest that showing regional markets you’re against tariffs might ease the impact.

  • “It’s good to go out and talk about the impact that these tariffs will have on your particular business,” said Lauren Tomlinson, principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs. “For example, if you have to raise the cost of your product because it’s more expensive to make, that is something that you should go out and talk about to kind of distance yourself from the tariff policy of the United States at the moment.”
  • Consider appointing a trade leader to serve as a spokesperson across business units and regions, offering a clear vision to manage disruptions while understanding local cultures to tailor messaging.
  • Equip executives with talking points on tariffs and your organization’s strategic responses. Ensure consistent messaging across all public appearances and communications.
  • Host internal town hall meetings to keep employees informed about tariff impacts and company strategies, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.

As headlines continue to impact the market and global trade, contact us to discuss how we can support your communications strategies.

Highlights from our workplace salon dinner

Following up on our salon dinner in Seattle, we hosted a second gathering in New York this month. We brought together strategic comms leaders to discuss how their organizations are navigating communications challenges, shifting priorities, and evolving expectations – all while fostering inclusive workplaces.

Here are our five key takeaways:

  1. Combatting uncertainty and misinformation: Companies are grappling with how to manage a volatile media landscape and misinformation without overreacting to every alert. Strategies include using advanced tools like Vinesight, which tracks and mitigates online misinformation, and monitoring and diversifying media channels to effectively reach target audiences.
  2. Reimagining DEI and inclusion: The term “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) has lost traction, prompting a shift to language that better reflects inclusive goals. Organizations should focus on continuing impactful work; for example, move away from “pride washing” and redirect that budget to donations, rather than abandoning the mission due to potential backlash.
  3. Strengthening internal culture and leadership: It’s critical to build a solid internal culture and foster a sense of belonging, with an emphasis on honest communication, acknowledging that morale is low and anxiety high.
  4. Adapting to AI: AI adoption is still uneven, with younger comms professionals not widely embracing it. We must demonstrate AI’s importance to bottom performers and increase their knowledge and capacity to bridge the gap.
  5. Prioritizing mental wellness: There’s a push to normalize wellness again, as the platform for this topic has waned since the pandemic peak. Leaders are encouraged to model self-care, like taking time off… and actually staying offline. 

If you would like to join our next salon dinner in San Francisco, please reach out to info@gga.nyc.

Upcoming events to monitor

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2025 Global Summit (April 22-23, Washington, D.C.) Government officials, business executives, and policy leaders from around the world will explore the changing economic and global landscape, the intersection of diplomacy and commerce, and the industries shaping the solutions for tomorrow. Invitations by request.

To stay up to date on what’s ahead, visit Global Gateway Advisors’ event tracker.

Media news + moves

What we’re reading and watching:

  • Quartz layoffs: The publication let go of nearly all editorial staff after being acquired by Canadian software firm Redbrick, the fourth ownership change since 2018. Only the editor-in-chief and executive editor remain. 
  • TikTok ticks on. Kind of: A plan to “save” the platform – new investors would own 50% of a new American entity, while its Chinese owners would hold less than 20% – has been paused by the Chinese government in response to Trump’s tariffs. In response, the president extended the deadline to reach a deal to mid-June.
  • CNBC ratings soar: Last Thursday, the first major selloff day after Trump’s tariff rollout, CNBC recorded its highest viewership since January 2022, while CNBC Digital tallied its most page views since the same month. 
  • Reuters debuts AI tools: Customers will have access to AI technology including video transcription and translation.
  • Davos founder steps down: Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, will be stepping down as chair of its board of trustees. This follows a board investigation of Schwab’s behavior amid allegations of discrimination. 
  • “Mind The Gap:” The USC Center for Public Relations released its annual Global Communication Report, which explores the profound disruption in the PR industry driven by artificial intelligence, hybrid work, a shifting media landscape, and political polarization. It analyzes how PR professionals across four generations – Gen Z to Baby Boomers – view these changes and their impact on the field.

Media moves:

  • Priscilla Ellington was hired by Business Insider as VP of BI Live, its new events operation.
  • Axios hired Katherine Davis as its biotechnology deals reporter.
  • Colin Campbell was hired by Axios to cover supply chain deals and the freight industry.
  • Sabrina Ortiz was promoted to Senior Editor, AI, at ZDNET. 
  • Antone Gonsalves joined Industry Dive as a supply chain reporter.
  • Lee Meyer was hired by Newsday to cover the business of health care and cannabis.
  • Jake Swearingen was promoted to executive editor, enterprise at Business Insider. 
  • Fortune senior reporter Michael del Castillo is departing the publication to launch his own consulting and research firm.
  • Jeremy Olshan, personal finance bureau chief at The Wall Street Journal, is leaving the organization.
  • Sarah Ebner was promoted to director of editorial growth and engagement at the Financial Times.
  • ​​Liza Laws, former editor at the recently closed BioPharma Reporter and Outsourcing Pharma, is launching a new publication called Discover Pharma, expected in the coming weeks.

by Global Gateway Advisors

What’s on comms leaders’ minds?

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

February 28, 2025

In today’s edition, we share insights from our salon dinner, “Navigating Communications Strategy + Reputation in the 2025 Environment,” with corporate tech, nonprofit, and global policy communications leaders, along with a roundup of media news and moves.

Coming soon: A deep dive into today’s media landscape
 Amid plummeting trust in traditional media, a decline in readers and viewers, and the meteoric rise of AI and newsfluencers, Global Gateway Advisors will soon release our 2025 report on the media landscape. It includes our latest insights and recommendations for communicators. Keep an eye out next week.

Comms leaders discuss challenges in a noisy environment

Communications leaders are struggling to sort through priorities and determine whether, when, and how they should say anything (and to whom) with the flood of issues coming out of Washington, D.C.

This week in Seattle, Global Gateway Advisors brought together a select group of corporate affairs and communications strategists to talk through these challenges under Chatham House Rules.

Several common themes emerged during our conversation:

  • There is an avalanche of news and activity impacting every sector, and every organization is grappling with how to respond to each new event. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most prevalent topic on communications leaders’ minds is diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Organizations are navigating the topic knowing that some language they use comes with inherent risk. Many felt that changing words does not change their values.
  • Some leaders said their CEOs are relieved to step back from the spotlight on DEI – not because they disagree with the principles, but due to general discomfort with discussing these issues when they are not connected to business goals.
  • Still, we heard a shared acknowledgment that employees expect their organizations to uphold company principles and values. Diverse voices are essential for organizations to innovate and thrive.

Here are our key takeaways to guide communications strategy and reputation management in the months ahead.

  1. Lead with your values: There is no one-size-fits-all playbook, but every organization should ensure messaging tracks closely with their values. One attendee suggested that communicators look to the future: “You don’t want to make a statement today that four years from now will show you weren’t true to your values.”
  2. Learn from your peers: Engage your network to discuss which approaches are working, which tactics are ineffective, and how others are handling this environment. Don’t feel pressured to respond to everything. It’s acceptable to wait and see how issues develop before taking a position.
  3. Internal communication is critical: Employees know whether messaging is hollow. Many organizations are focused on internal communications to reassure and provide clarity for employees, rather than making external statements.

What’s next: Reach out if you’re interested in joining our upcoming salon dinners in New York City or San Francisco.

Media news + moves

  • Jeff Bezos announces major changes to WaPo opinion pages:“We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets,” Bezos wrote to the paper’s staff. “We’ll cover other topics too of course, but viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others.” Opinion editor David Shipley is leaving the organization in response to the change.
  • Meta begins signups for Community Notes: Following the platform’s decision to end its third-party fact-checking program and switch to a Community Notes model, users can now sign up to be the first contributors to the program.
  • Axios launches premium media product: Axios introduced the Media Trends Executive Membership ($495/year), providing in-depth insights, actionable data, exclusive events, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, curated by media correspondent Sara Fischer and reporter Kerry Flynn.
  • BuzzFeed rolls out BF Island: A new social media platform from BuzzFeed was built “specifically to spread joy and enable playful creative expression,” allowing users to leverage AI to create and share content. BuzzFeed founder and CEO Jonah Peretti wants to counterbalance the SNARF (stakes, novelty, anger, retention, and fear – his term) that has dominated social content.
  • Substack doubles down on video creators: The company announced last week that it will allow creators to monetize their videos on the platform and publish video posts directly from the Substack app.
  • STAT launches newsletter on AI in medicine: STAT debuted AI Prognosis, a weekly newsletter authored by Brittany Trang, exploring the role of artificial intelligence in science, medicine, and health.

Media moves

  • The Verge hired Marina Galperina as senior technology editor.
  • Bloomberg promoted Mark Gurman to managing editor for global consumer tech.
  • Bloomberg hired Madison Darbyshire, formerly at the Financial Times, as a senior writer for Bloomberg Weekend.
  • Business Insider senior reporter Geoff Weiss is rejoining the media desk, with a focus on companies like YouTube and Netflix.
  • Ece Yildirim joined Quartz as a staff reporter focusing on tech and innovation.
  • James Fontanella-Khan was named U.S. finance editor at the Financial Times.
  • Kat Tenbarge, formerly a tech and culture reporter at NBC News, left the organization to launch a newsletter, Spitfire News.
  • Oliver Darcy’s Status media newsletter (featured this week in The Wall Street Journal) hired Jonathan Passantino, a CNN deputy managing editor, as executive editor.
  • Departures…
    • Manish Singh, a senior reporter at TechCrunch, is leaving after six years to pursue a new opportunity.
    • Tom McKay, a senior reporter for Morning Brew’s IT Brew newsletter, is also leaving for a new role.

by Global Gateway Advisors

Adapting to policy shifts: Trade and DEI updates

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

February 7, 2025

Sweeping changes are coming out of D.C. at an unprecedented pace, signaling four years of seismic shifts ahead that will require organizations to stay agile.

In this edition, we explore the potential impact of tariffs on your organization and best practices to communicate with clarity about trade policy. We’re also providing an update on the latest in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Craft clear messaging for tariff policy changes

President Trump’s trade policies are off to an uneven start. The 10% tariff on Chinese goods went into effect on Tuesday, prompting Beijing to declare several retaliatory tariffs. However, the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods are each on hold for 30 days as Trump extracts concessions from the two countries related to border security and efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking.

The big picture: Tariff reverberations will be felt across the board, beyond only those working directly within the targeted import/export sectors.

  • If tariffs go into effect as initially proposed, the Tax Foundation estimates they would effectively tax U.S. households an additional $830 this year, while experts predict the average household would lose more than $1,000 in purchasing power.
  • On an organizational level, tariffs could increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and strain stakeholder relationships, requiring strategic adjustments to mitigate the effects.

Go deeper: A recent survey found 82% of executives said the new tariffs are prompting strategic adjustments, while 72% acknowledge the need to adjust supply chain pricing strategies to navigate the volatility.

Balancing diverse audiences: Communications must reach a range of audiences – including policymakers, members, and consumers – with differing attitudes toward the efficacy of tariffs, the rationale of their imposition, and the ability to withstand their impacts.

  • Trade and industry bodies are motivated to maintain a positive working relationship with the Trump administration, despite the reported potential negative impacts of tariffs.
  • Members of trade associations and industry bodies have rationale to oppose tariffs, which threaten to increase costs and curtail exports.
  • Consumers are inundated with mixed messages on tariffs, leading to confusion, apprehension, and sometimes panic.

What leaders are saying:

  • “Manufacturers understand the need to deal with any sort of crisis that involves illicit drugs crossing our border, and we hope the three countries can come together quickly to confront this challenge. At the same time, protecting manufacturing gains that have come from our strong North American partnership is vital.” – Jay Timmons, President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers
  • “The plastics industry recognizes the importance of securing our borders and combating illegal drug trafficking to protect American communities. A strong and secure nation is fundamental to economic growth and industrial stability. PLASTICS is concerned about the new tariffs and their impact on U.S. plastics manufacturing and jobs. While we understand President Trump’s rationale, a blanket tariff policy could have significant economic consequences, disrupting the movement of essential machines, products, and materials that keep American manufacturers running.” – Matt Seaholm, President & CEO, Plastics Industry Association
  • “America can compete by safeguarding access to low-cost, essential imported inputs and securing fair, competitive access to key customer markets around the world. ACC wants to work constructively with the Administration to advance a trade agenda that addresses genuine challenges to our supply chain resiliency. Together, we can help stop circumvention of tariff protections and advantage U.S. based production and exports by expanding science-based regulatory approaches that will continue to grow our competitiveness while also ensuring advantage to trading with trusted partners.” – American Chemistry Council

 

The ever-changing landscape for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Leading up to the election, we covered the divisiveness around diversity, equity, and inclusion. A few weeks into Trump’s second term, the efforts to dismantle these initiatives have accelerated significantly.

Catch up: Trump’s executive order terminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal workforce, placed staff on leave, and banned “special observances” like Black History Month, a move seemingly at odds with his proclamation announcing “February 2025 as National Black History Month.”

The new executive order also aims to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion in the private sector, stating that federal agencies will identify “up to nine potential civil compliance investigations” of publicly traded corporations, nonprofits, and universities, among others.

How the investigations will be chosen remains unclear. “Until those nine are announced, it’s going to cause others to be risk-averse,” Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional lawyer at NYU and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, told the New York Times.

  • Meta, Aldi, Google, McDonald’s, Target and other companies have scaled back or adjusted diversity efforts. Target, for instance, ended its program for minority-owned products. NPR today reported that GM, Pepsi, and Disney removed specific references from their investor reports.
  • Meanwhile, Costco, Apple, Netflix, e.l.f. Beauty, Pinterest, Microsoft, and JPMorgan have reaffirmed their diversity commitments.
  • Some organizations are taking a middle ground by “reframing” diversity initiatives, often replacing “diversity” with terms like “inclusivity” and “belonging.”

What’s next: Organizations can take steps now to address the shifting environment.

  • Assess and adapt: Review programs, align with regulations, and adjust focus or language to reflect evolving priorities while preserving the organization’s core values.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Prioritize audience needs and maintain open channels of communication with employees, shareholders, and communities to understand their perspectives and concerns.
  • Monitoring and flexibility: Stay informed about ongoing policy changes and be prepared to pivot strategies as needed.

Upcoming events on our radar

  • Axios What’s Next Summit (March 25) will explore how government, business, and technology operate and succeed in a shifting landscape shaped by a new administration and rapid advances in AI.
  • Semafor’s 2025 World Economy Summit (April 23-25) bills itself as the largest gathering of Fortune 500 leaders in the U.S. Co-hosted by David Rubenstein, Ken Griffin, Penny Pritzker, and Henry Kravis, the event will explore solutions to expand the global economy while highlighting actionable insights on key challenges.

Media updates

Media news:

  • LinkedIn’s video push: The platform has been actively engaging video creators, and it’s paying off. Short-form video is the fastest growing content type, as more brands see LinkedIn as a valuable space for marketing investment. Meanwhile, the platform recently improved its advertising attribution models.
  • News for CEOs: The Wall Street Journal launched its CEO brief, a daily newsletter led by Alan Murray that hit inboxes for the first time this week. Likewise, Semafor launched The CEO Signal, an invitation-only weekly newsletter for leaders of companies with revenue of $500 million+.
  • Reuters’ Middle East expansion: The news organization is launching an Arabic website aimed at readers in the Gulf. It is also expanding its global leadership summit, Reuters NEXT, to Abu Dhabi in October.
  • White House welcomes “new media”: In her first briefing as press secretary, Karoline Leavitt invited nontraditional media to apply for coveted White House press credentials. “We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House,” she said. As we wrote last month, 2025 is the year of the newsfluencer.
  • Trump floats TikTok solution: Trump signed an executive order this week to establish a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, suggesting it could eventually purchase the embattled platform.
  • And, another newsletter: Veteran NYC journalists Lachlan Cartwright and Ravi Somaiya are launching Breaker, a weekly newsletter and podcast spotlighting power and culture in downtown Manhattan through a media lens.

Media moves:

  • CNN Business hired Lisa Eadicicco as its technology editor.
  • The New York Times’ Jess Testa is transitioning to the business desk to cover media.
  • Alex Konrad is leaving his position as senior editor at Forbes to “build something new.”
  • CNN anchor Jim Acosta left the news network after nearly 20 years following its decision to move his time slot from 10 a.m. to midnight. Acosta has since launched a Substack, The Jim Acosta Show, which has already garnered more than 120,000 subscribers.
  • Bloomberg hired Alex Chapman as an Asia-Pacific digital editor.
  • MarketWatch tech editor and San Francisco bureau chief, Jeremy Owens, is leaving the news organization in search of a new opportunity.
  • Bloomberg News reporter Jessica Nix is joining the publication’s health team.
  • The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute hired Gwendolyn Bounds as senior vice president and head of content.
  • Newsday named Leema Thomas deputy assistant managing editor for business coverage.

by Global Gateway Advisors

Maximizing Event Strategy: Insights for 2025

Insights

Global Gateway Advisors

By Global Gateway Advisors

March 28, 2025

Five years after COVID-19, C-suite events and communities are back in full force — and are undeniably different from pre-2020. The way we engage, network, and experience conferences has been reshaped by new technologies, changing executive expectations, and a growing demand for hybrid formats.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll dive into the principles defining the 2025 events and memberships landscape.

ICYMI: Global Gateway Advisors released the 2025 Copernicus Media Landscape Report, delivering key insights to help communications leaders navigate the evolving landscape.

Optimizing the value of C-Suite Events

For years, industry conferences and events have been essential for organizations looking to drive thought leadership, establish credibility with key stakeholders, and strengthen connections within their industry and beyond.

By the numbers: 71% of attendees believe in-person B2B conferences offer the most effective way to learn about new products or services. 

The event industry as we know it is changing. Here are key trends to inform your events strategy.

Paid sponsorships are proving to be a game-changer 

While securing earned speaking opportunities for executives has always been a primary focus, the landscape has changed. Paid sponsorships — though a considerable investment — now offer increased value, providing editorial engagement and coverage, customer prospecting, digital and social content, and brand visibility among key stakeholders.

Next steps: Align marketing and corporate communications strategies to maximize impact and leverage paid opportunities effectively.

The full C-suite bench is getting involved

The entire C-suite (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CCO, etc.) is becoming more active event participants — many through dedicated media-led communities. Leaders are utilizing stage time, media interactions, and networking to enhance their organization and personal visibility. They’re also using these groups to learn and engage with their peers on the biggest challenges they face.

Embrace the power of small gatherings

Hosting your own event may seem daunting, but small, intimate gatherings are thriving this year. These events allow for meaningful connections and deeper engagement without the need for extensive resources. Smaller gatherings also reflect shifting attendee preferences for more personalized, impactful opportunities as people become more selective about where they allocate their time.

Next steps: Consider leveraging your network and/or partnering with a media outlet to host a small-scale event that aligns with your strategic goals and resources.

In-person vs. virtual: The conference debate

In-person meetings remain the preferred choice for professionals, even in an AI-driven world, but virtual conferences are proving to be effective for fostering formal interactions and collaborations.

The big picture: 60% of conference organizers expect in-person attendance to increase in 2025, according to Convene.

  • Virtual conferences offer unique advantages, such as convenience and broader reach, which are increasingly being recognized by professionals.

What’s next: As the landscape continues to evolve, organizations should strategically leverage both formats to maximize engagement and collaboration opportunities.

Mastering media engagement at events

Engaging with media on-site at events requires strategic planning. Identify key journalists in advance, prepare clear messaging, and designate spokespeople. Offer exclusive insights, facilitate interviews, and provide media-friendly materials to maximize coverage.

Next steps: Follow up post-event and leverage social media to highlight coverage.

Which event is right for you?

A great event may meet a single set of criteria — like getting in front of high-value clients. Or, it can serve multiple purposes, from engaging media about your strategic vision to rolling out a new product. Even if an event only helps a brand do one thing really well — it’s worth considering. 

Each event should also be considered in the context of the overarching strategic plan. What does a business and leader want to accomplish over the next year? Or, the next three years? If the event is likely to get a team closer to goal, that’s a positive sign.

Particularly within exclusive, C-suite events there is an increasing return over time as executives (and the top-tier journalists that follow these leaders and their companies) are in the same places, engaging in conversations on the issues they collectively care about.

This element can be harder to measure initially, but over time can often equate to increased inbound speaking opportunities — deepened relationships with organizers, increased media opportunities, brand recognition and affinity and so much more.

Next steps: Do the research to know where peers, clients, and customers are engaging. Consider if more touch points in those places is important, or if there are other opportunities to break out and distinguish a leader or company. Work across Marketing, Events, Communications, and other teams to recognize the true value that a successful event can bring. Create measurable goals and track progress over the long-term.

We regularly partner with clients to navigate where to make investments, how to best engage with organizers, and the steps needed to ensure a great event. If you would like to learn more about how Global Gateway Advisors can navigate the 2025-2026 events season, please reach out to info@gga.nyc.

Anchor events for 2025 executive participation

Top-tier Media Events 

  • Semafor World Economy Summit (April 23-25, Washington, DC) Against the backdrop of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Meetings, Semafor brings together preeminent figures and power brokers across the global economy, including co-chairs David Rubenstein, Ken Griffin, Penny Pritzker, and Henry Kravis to discuss the state of the global economic landscape.
  • Milken Institute Global Conference (May 4-7, Los Angeles)
    The 28th annual Global Conference gathers the world’s brightest minds to address urgent challenges and unlock opportunities in health, finance, business, technology, philanthropy, and society, aiming to find solutions for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
  • Fortune Brainstorm AI London (May 6-7, London) Fortune Brainstorm AI gathers technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and leading experts to explore the most pressing questions about AI. The event focuses on the business community’s shift from planning for AI to actively implementing it.
  • Financial Times  Pharma and Biotech Summit (May 15, New York City)
    Organized by FT Live and Endpoints News, the event brings together top executives, investors, and experts to discuss the future of life sciences, AI-driven innovation, and workforce transformation.
  • Fortune’s Workplace Innovation Summit (May 19-20, Dana Point, CA) HR and executive leaders from Fortune 500 companies, startups, investment firms, government, academia, and culture-making sectors will convene to discuss the future of work. Highlighted topics include AI and HR tech, company culture, upskilling and reskilling in an AI-driven world, and diversity and inclusion. Indeed is the founding partner.
  • WSJ Future of Everything (May 28-29, New York City) The Wall Street Journal’s largest live event unites major newsmakers from across the Journal’s key areas — business, tech, economics, sports, streaming, and style — to explore the future through their unique perspectives and address today’s most pressing questions.
  • Axios AI+ Summit: NY (June 4, New York City) Examine the forces driving the global race to dominate AI, the current landscape of enterprise AI, and how industries such as finance, healthcare, and media are grappling with rapid changes as a result.
  • Bloomberg Tech (June 4-5, San Francisco) Senior Executive Editor Tom Giles and Bloomberg Originals Host and Executive Producer Emily Chang bring together CEOs, tech visionaries, and industry icons to discuss AI, advanced robotics, quantum computing, and the increase in state-sponsored cyber attacks.
  • Fortune’s COO Summit (June 9-10, Scottsdale) Highlighting operational excellence in an age of AI, this summit will cover topics such as optimizing talent, C-suite relationship management, and industry deep dives. The event promises high-level networking, engaging hands-on workshops, and expert-driven thought leadership.
  • WSJ CEO Council Summit (June 10-11, London) Amid rising nationalism, geopolitical threats, and growing tariffs and protectionism, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council will convene to discuss ‘The New Era of Globalization.’
  • Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (June 16-20, Cannes) The advertising and communications industry comes together to showcase top work from around the world, creating a space for insights from influential thought leaders, ideas from innovative companies, inspiration from all corners of the creative marketing community, and global networking.
  • Aspen Ideas Festival (June 25-July 1, Aspen) Explore critical issues and uncover awe-inspiring ideas through panels, interviews, lectures, and interactive sessions that address topics shaping the AI revolution, business and the economy, the role of art in our lives, geopolitics, sports, leadership, and more.
  • Fortune Brainstorm Tech (Sept. 8-10, Park City) Leading thinkers gather to discuss the role of technology in society and tackle the most pressing problems at the intersections of Silicon Valley, Wall Street, Washington, and Hollywood. This year’s topics include the next chapter for cryptocurrency and the resurrection of fintech; rising privacy and cybersecurity risks; AI and hyper automation in the workplace; and collaborations in aerospace and defense tech, among others. Qualtrics is an event sponsor.
  • Fast Company Innovation Festival (Sept. 15-18, New York City) Thousands of makers and innovators from across the globe — exceptional leaders and doers shaping the future — will gather for four days of inspired conversation, purposeful networking, and meaningful takeaways.
  • The Atlantic Festival (Sept. 18-20, New York City) Expect discussions with leading thinkers and cultural icons, exclusive book readings, film screenings, and performances. 

 

Global Gatherings 

  • World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings (April 21-26, Washington, D.C.) Global central bankers, finance ministers, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders convene to discuss global economic policy issues.
  • World Health Assembly (WHA) (May 19-27, Geneva, Switzerland) Delegates from WHO member states gather to review global health polices, agendas, and budgets for the upcoming year.
  • 2025 G7 Summit (June 15-17, Alberta, Canada) Meeting of heads of state and government of G7 member countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union.
  • 2025 NATO Summit (June 24-26, The Hague, Netherlands) Heads of state and government, and ministers of defense from NATO member states gather to discuss threats facing the bloc and defense preparedness. Alongside the NATO Summit, the NATO Public Forum will bring together 500 politicians, experts, journalists, and young people for discussions and events over two days.
  • BRICS Summit (July 6-7, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Leaders from BRICS member states gather to discuss global south cooperation.
  • UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) (Sept. 9-23, New York City) High-level gathering of all UN member states to debate topics of international importance and deliver addresses to delegates.
  • APEC CEO Summit (Oct. 28-31, Gyeongju, South Korea) Annual summit of business, finance, and government leaders from Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies.
  • Future Investment Initiative 9th Edition (Oct. 27-30, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Annual gathering of global policymakers, heads of business, and finance leaders organized by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
  • United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) (Nov. 10-21, Belém, Brazil) Annual summit of parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to assess progress on and establish new benchmarks for combatting climate change.
  • Financial Times Global Pharma and Biotech Summit (Nov. 11-12, London)
    This annual event delves into the latest trends in life sciences, featuring industry leaders discussing advancements in drug discovery, clinical trials, market access, and patient engagement, all within a rapidly changing landscape shaped by technological breakthroughs and regulatory challenges.
  • 2025 G20 Summit (Nov. 22-23, Johannesburg, South Africa) Leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies convene to address global economic and policy challenges.

Media updates

What we’re reading and watching:

  • The Signal saga. Cabinet officials and senior White House staff members added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a Signal chat where they discussed details about an upcoming attack in Yemen. The Wall Street Journal reported that downloads of the encrypted messaging app “are double what they were last week.”
  • CNBC adds new international shows, including “U.S. Markets Edition,” which will highlight key insights from the network’s U.S. programming to a global audience, along with Asia-focused “The China Connection” and “Inside India.”
  • Alex Konrad launches new media brand. The former Forbes senior editor debuted Upstart Media earlier this week, which focuses on in-depth coverage of the startup ecosystem, and the opportunities and challenges they face. For now, expect a twice-weekly newsletter on Substack, with video interviews, a podcast, and events to come.
  • Yahoo sells TechCrunch to investment firm. The 20-year-old tech journalism site was sold by Yahoo to Regent, a media investment firm that recently acquired Foundry, the parent company of several online tech publications.
  • Megyn Kelly introduces podcast network. MK Media will launch in April, with journalist Mark Halperin, columnist Maureen Callahan, and influencer and political commentator Link Lauren as some of the first hosts.
  • Ziff Davis acquires TheSkimm. The newsletter, notable for its highly engaged millennial female audience, has been acquired by Ziff Davis. It will be part of Everyday Health Group, Ziff Davis’ health content arm.

Media moves:

    • Former Axios business reporter Hope King launched Macro Talk, a LinkedIn and YouTube-based media brand focused on content for workers worried about their jobs and industries. See her first few episodes here.
    • Melia Russell is launching a new beat at Business Insider, exploring how AI is transforming legal and professional services
  • The Wall Street Journal announced a slew of new editors: Kate Linebaugh as corporate editor, Vanessa Fuhrmans as life & work bureau chief, Wilson Rothman as deputy tech & media editor, Colin Barr as breaking-news editor for BFE, and Lauren Pollock as energy editor.
  • Ben Fritz, formerly The Wall Street Journal’s artificial intelligence editor, is now covering the entertainment industry for the publication.
  • Frederic Lardinois, senior enterprise editor at TechCrunch, leaves to join The New Stack as senior editor for artificial intelligence.
  • MarketWatch hires Laila Maidan as tech and investing reporter.
  • Business Insider senior features reporter Anna Silman is leaving to freelance. 
  • Tim Baysinger, who has been covering media deals at Axios, is leaving.
  • Emma Goldberg pivots to the New York Times Styles Desk after reporting on workplace culture. She will focus on illuminating how people live, work, create and consume culture. 
  • The Information hired Evan Robinson-Johnson to cover Tesla, SpaceX, and other businesses run by Elon Musk.
  • CNN hired Andrew Kirell as a senior media editor.
  • The Wall Street Journal reporter Aaron Tilley is returning to The Information to cover Apple.
  • Sarah Owermohle joined CNN to cover health policy and politics.

by Global Gateway Advisors