The world as we knew it has changed. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated an already ongoing digital revolution and upended traditional models of business operations. As businesses grapple with a new reality, the corporate strategy must undergo a corresponding shift to ensure relevance and competitive edge in a post-Covid era. In the face of such substantial shifts, many corporate leaders are asking - what does the future look like? How can we redefine our corporate strategies to navigate these changes successfully? At Stratagem Consulting, we've been closely tracking these shifts and helping our clients adapt and thrive. Here's a closer look at how the landscape is changing, the impacts on corporate strategy, and how we can help your business navigate these changes. The Changing Business Landscape The Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably become a catalyst for colossal changes in the global business landscape. Its disruptive influence has prompted rapid shifts in nearly every aspect of how businesses operate, necessitating a broad and deep transformation that goes beyond mere digitalisation. At the heart of this shift lies the rapid and dramatic adoption of digital technology. The pandemic-era constraints on physical interaction have meant that businesses had to fast-track their digital transformation strategies to maintain operations and survive. Remote working became the new normal, virtually overnight. Companies had to scramble to implement the required technology and security infrastructure to support a largely remote workforce. Moreover, customer interactions went digital in an unprecedented way. With physical stores shuttered and face-to-face service limited, companies had to quickly adapt their customer service operations to online and digital formats. Businesses across industries, from retail and banking to healthcare, found themselves needing to create or enhance digital platforms to maintain customer engagement and keep the transactions flowing. According to a McKinsey Global Survey of executives, businesses accelerated the digitisation of their customer and supply-chain interactions by approximately three to four years and the share of digital or digitally enabled products in their portfolios by an astonishing seven years. But it's crucial to understand that the changing landscape isn't only about technology. The crisis has also brought about substantial changes in customer behavior, supply chains, and operational models. Consumer behaviors and expectations have transformed. With increased online interactions, customers are demanding more seamless and engaging digital experiences. They expect round-the-clock service, personalised interactions, and enhanced digital capabilities from the businesses they engage with. The pandemic has also laid bare the vulnerabilities in many global supply chains. Businesses have had to reassess their reliance on far-flung suppliers and consider localising or regionalising parts of their supply chains. The shift towards more flexible, resilient, and sustainable supply chains is likely to continue post-pandemic. Operational models too have been disrupted. Businesses are needing to become more agile, embracing a culture of adaptability and continuous learning. Traditional, hierarchical models of working are being replaced with more flexible and collaborative structures. The confluence of these changes has culminated in a new business landscape that is digitally driven, consumer-centric, resilient, and agile. Businesses that can understand and adapt to these changes are the ones that will thrive in the post-pandemic world. Key Trends and Impacts on Corporate Strategy A slew of significant trends have emerged as businesses grapple with the changing landscape, and these trends are shaping the direction and the very essence of corporate strategy. Here, we explore these trends and the associated impacts in more depth. Remote Working Arguably, one of the most significant shifts has been the widespread adoption of remote work. Prior to the pandemic, remote work was a flexibility perk offered by some forward-thinking companies. However, the onset of COVID-19 has compelled businesses across industries and sizes to implement remote work policies out of sheer necessity. Industry titans like Twitter and Square have taken a step further by announcing a permanent shift to remote work. This seismic shift has far-reaching implications on corporate strategy. First, it alters the talent strategy. The geographical barriers in hiring have dissolved, giving companies access to a wider talent pool. On the flip side, it also means more competition for top talent. The remote work phenomenon also affects real estate and office space investments. With employees working from home, companies could reap significant cost savings by reducing their physical footprint. However, businesses must also invest in creating a robust digital workplace that fosters collaboration and productivity. Digital Customer Experience The acceleration of digital adoption means that customer experience is increasingly being defined by digital interactions. Brands such as Amazon and Netflix have set the bar high, offering seamless and personalised experiences to their users. To meet evolving customer expectations, businesses must focus on enhancing their digital customer experiences. This could range from redesigning websites for optimal user experience, leveraging AI for personalised recommendations, to integrating multiple channels for a seamless omni-channel experience. In short, a customer-centric digital strategy is no longer optional - it's a critical business imperative. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility The pandemic has brought social and environmental issues to the forefront of consumers' minds. According to a survey by Cap-Gemini, 79% of consumers are changing their purchase preferences based on factors such as social responsibility, inclusiveness, and environmental impact. Companies must embed sustainability and social responsibility into their core business strategy. This could involve adopting environmentally friendly practices, prioritising diversity and inclusion, and contributing to community development. Companies need to be transparent and accountable for their actions, as consumers are increasingly evaluating companies based on their ethical footprint. A Redefined Corporate Strategy The convergence of these trends necessitates a redefinition of corporate strategy. Going forward, successful corporate strategies must be built on the pillars of digital transformation, employee experience, customer centricity, and sustainable growth. Businesses must leverage digital technology not only to transform customer experiences but also to drive operational efficiencies. They must focus on nurturing their human capital, recognising that employee experience directly impacts customer experience. They need to place the customer at the center of their strategy, focusing on meeting and exceeding evolving customer expectations. And finally, they need to operate responsibly, ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. In this era of rapid and dramatic change, the need for a robust, forward-thinking, and adaptable corporate strategy has never been more critical. As Albert Einstein famously said, "In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity." Businesses that can successfully navigate this transformation will not only survive but also thrive in the post-pandemic world. How Stratagem Consulting Helps Businesses Navigate These Changes Stratagem Consulting stands at the forefront of helping businesses adapt to the rapidly changing landscapes. As experts in corporate strategy, we deeply understand the dynamics that are reshaping businesses across industries, and we are committed to helping you navigate these turbulent waters. Our approach is consultative and personalised. We don't offer one-size-fits-all solutions; we understand that each business has unique challenges and opportunities. Therefore, our first step is to spend time understanding your business - your mission, vision, strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, your aspirations. We look at your business through the lens of broader industry trends and the shifts brought about by the post-Covid world. Our team of expert strategists then works closely with you to develop a strategic roadmap. This roadmap is your guide to transformation, pointing out the critical areas you need to focus on to ensure success in the post-Covid era. It's tailored to your business, industry, and market, ensuring relevance and applicability. At Stratagem, our expertise covers the full spectrum of the key areas that your business needs to consider in a post-Covid world: Digital Transformation We help businesses leverage technology to streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and drive innovation. Whether it's about migrating your operations to the cloud, integrating AI in your customer service, or implementing data analytics to glean valuable business insights, our team can guide you through the complexities of digital transformation. Sustainability Initiatives In response to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and socially responsible businesses, we assist in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives. We'll help you find ways to reduce your environmental footprint, engage in fair trade practices, promote diversity and inclusion, and contribute positively to your community. Customer Experience Redesign: Recognising the crucial role of customer experience in business success, we work with you to redesign your customer journey. We'll help you identify touch points, improve interactions, and leverage technology to deliver seamless and memorable experiences. Operational Model Reshaping As remote work and flexible models become the norm, we assist businesses in transitioning smoothly. We help you implement effective remote work policies, establish digital workplaces, and build a culture that fosters collaboration, adaptability, and resilience. With Stratagem, you can be confident of a partner who doesn't just understand your needs but also has the expertise, experience, and commitment to guide you through the complexities of redefining your corporate strategy. We're more than just consultants; we are your partners in transformation, standing by your side at every step of the journey. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities, ensuring your business thrives in the post-Covid era and beyond. Leveraging Industry Insights Stratagem Consulting understands that in a fast-changing world, information is power. We leverage a wide range of tools, from data analytics to trend forecasting, to ensure that our clients are always ahead of the curve. By staying attuned to emerging trends and shifts in the business landscape, we help you preemptively adapt your strategies and seize new opportunities. Building Organisational Resilience A crucial aspect of navigating these changes is building organisational resilience. We help our clients establish robust risk management systems and build adaptive business models that can withstand shocks. Through scenario planning and stress tests, we ensure that your business is prepared for any eventualities. Promoting Innovation Innovation is a key driver of growth in the post-Covid era. At Stratagem, we support our clients in fostering a culture of innovation. We provide tools and frameworks to stimulate creative thinking, develop new products and services, and rethink business models. We guide you in creating a conducive environment where innovative ideas can flourish and be turned into successful ventures. Driving Stakeholder Engagement Engaging with stakeholders is more important than ever. We assist our clients in developing comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies to build trust and foster meaningful relationships. We guide you in communicating effectively with your stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the community, ensuring that they are aligned with your strategic vision. Conclusion In this era of profound change, businesses need to be proactive, resilient, and innovative. At Stratagem Consulting, we're committed to guiding businesses on this transformation journey. With our deep industry insights, expertise in key strategic areas, and commitment to your success, we're well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of the post-Covid world. Let's leverage these changes to redefine your corporate strategy, create value, and secure a thriving future for your business. Are you ready to redefine your corporate strategy? Reach out to Stratagem Consulting today, and let's start the conversation on how we can steer your business to success in the post-Covid era.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are making waves in the financial world, and many countries, including Switzerland and the UK, are exploring the potential of creating their own digital currencies. As a leading financial consultancy, Stratagem is well-positioned to provide guidance on this new market, with expertise in sustainable infrastructure development in emerging markets, renewable energy, clean technology, and infrastructure. In Switzerland, the Swiss National Bank is actively exploring the potential of a CBDC, with the publication of a report in 2020 outlining the potential benefits and risks of a digital currency. Similarly, in the UK, the Bank of England has announced plans to roll out a CBDC and has established a joint task force with the Treasury to explore the feasibility of a digital currency. These developments indicate that CBDCs are set to play a significant role in the financial industry in the coming years. One of the key advantages of CBDCs is their potential to increase financial inclusion, as individuals who do not have access to traditional banking services can participate in the financial system. This can open up opportunities for economic growth and development, particularly in emerging markets. Additionally, CBDCs can be more secure than traditional banking systems, reducing the risk of fraud and other financial crimes. However, the introduction of CBDCs also presents some challenges for the financial industry. The design of the CBDC infrastructure will need to take into account issues such as scalability, interoperability, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, CBDCs could potentially pose a threat to the traditional banking system if they become widely adopted by consumers. At Stratagem, we are taking proactive steps to prepare for the introduction of CBDCs. Our team of experts is closely following the latest developments in this field, including government legislation and published reports, such as the Swiss National Bank's report. We are also investing in our technical infrastructure, ensuring that we have the necessary tools and resources to advise clients on CBDC-related issues. Moreover, as a consultancy with a focus on sustainable infrastructure development in emerging markets, we are uniquely positioned to provide guidance on CBDC-related projects that align with sustainable development goals. Our expertise in project financing, risk assessment, and project management, as well as our insights on local regulations and political dynamics, can help clients navigate the complexities of CBDC-related infrastructure projects while ensuring they are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. In addition, we are working closely with our clients to help them understand the potential impact of CBDCs on their business. This includes assessing the risks and opportunities associated with CBDCs and providing advice on how to best position themselves in this new market. We are committed to partnering with our clients to develop innovative solutions that meet their unique needs and drive sustainable growth. In conclusion, the introduction of CBDCs is set to have a major impact on the financial industry, and it is important for financial consultancies like Stratagem to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in this field. With our expertise in financial consulting and our commitment to staying at the forefront of the latest developments in CBDCs, we are well-positioned to help our clients navigate this new market and seize the opportunities that it presents. Additionally, our focus on sustainable infrastructure development in emerging markets positions us uniquely to provide guidance on CBDC-related projects that align with sustainable development goals. We look forward to partnering with our clients on this exciting new journey.

Stratagem Consulting is recommending a potential investment strategy in the European building materials industry with the goal of generating significant returns. The rebuilding of Ukraine post the Russia-Ukraine war has opened up a unique opportunity for the European building materials market. With the anticipated increase in demand for construction materials in Ukraine, there is a real opportunity for European building materials companies to capitalise on this demand. According to a recent report by the European Commission, the construction sector in Ukraine is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, driven by a significant increase in public and private investment in infrastructure and residential construction. This growth is expected to create a significant demand for building materials, including cement, concrete, and steel, among others. One specific example of a potential investment opportunity in the European building materials market is the Swiss company LafargeHolcim. The company has a strong presence in Europe and has already made investments in Ukraine in recent years, positioning itself to capitalise on the expected increase in demand. LafargeHolcim has also recently announced plans to invest in a new cement plant in Poland, which is expected to further increase its production capacity in the region. Furthermore, LafargeHolcim has already demonstrated strong commercial performance, reporting a net income of $2.3 billion in 2021, an increase of 50% from the previous year. The company also has a solid dividend history, paying out CHF 2.00 per share in 2021. Investors interested in capitalising on the potential of the European building materials industry can consider investing in LafargeHolcim, either through direct purchase of company shares or through investment funds such as the BlackRock European Equity Fund, which holds LafargeHolcim as one of its top holdings. In conclusion, the anticipated growth in the Ukrainian construction sector presents a unique investment opportunity in the European building materials market. LafargeHolcim is a strong example of a company positioned to take advantage of this growth, with a solid commercial performance and a history of dividends. Investors interested in this opportunity can consider investing in LafargeHolcim through direct purchase of shares or through investment funds such as the BlackRock European Equity Fund. Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Stratagem Consulting is not a licensed investment advisor and does not provide personalised investment advice. Any investment decision you make should be based on your own investment objectives and risk tolerance. It is important to do your own research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, there has been a growing need to transition towards renewable energy sources. This shift has created a range of investment opportunities, as governments and businesses alike seek to build a more sustainable future. Stratagem Consulting has been at the forefront of this trend, providing expert guidance to clients looking to invest in the renewable energy sector. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of renewable energy investments, the importance of sustainable development, and strategic growth opportunities for the next 15 years. Renewable Energy Investments: Renewable energy is increasingly seen as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy has the potential to create over 40 million jobs by 2050. This growth is being driven by a combination of declining costs and supportive government policies. The cost of solar energy has fallen by 90% over the past decade, while wind energy costs have dropped by 70%. At the same time, governments around the world are implementing policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources. In Europe, the European Green Deal aims to make the continent carbon-neutral by 2050, while individual countries such as Germany and Spain have set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption. Sustainable Development: At Stratagem Consulting, we believe that sustainable development is essential for long-term success. Our approach to renewable energy investments is grounded in the principles of sustainable development, which seek to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations. By investing in renewable energy, we can promote economic growth and job creation, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air and water quality. In addition, renewable energy investments can help to strengthen local communities by providing access to affordable and reliable energy sources. This is particularly important in developing countries, where energy poverty remains a significant challenge. Strategic Growth Opportunities: Looking ahead, we see significant strategic growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector. According to a report by BloombergNEF, global investment in renewable energy is expected to reach $11 trillion by 2050. This growth will be driven by the continued decline in renewable energy costs, as well as the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources. In addition, we expect to see significant innovation in the sector, as new technologies and business models emerge. One example of this is the rise of community-owned renewable energy projects, which allow local communities to invest in and benefit from renewable energy production. Another example is the increasing adoption of energy storage technologies, which enable renewable energy sources to be used more efficiently and effectively. Looking forward, we believe that strategic growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector will continue to emerge, driven by technological innovation, supportive government policies, and increasing demand for sustainable energy sources. At Stratagem Consulting, we are committed to helping our clients navigate this rapidly changing landscape and build a more sustainable future for all.