Global Scans · Leadership · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Traditional slow, hierarchical leadership models are breaking down to be replaced by more agile systems of decision-making. Consequently, populist leaders are threatening to replace many career politicians while leaders in general are dealing with unprecedented, complex levels and speed of change requiring instant insights and decision-making. Many leaders (middle management) will be lost to automation in the coming years while Millennials will increasingly occupy leadership roles..

• [New] By 2026, leadership will be less about control and more about clarity, trust, and adaptability. Timesceo
• [New] Beyond 2026, the U.S. will be able to achieve a higher level of potential growth based on AI and technological leadership, productivity growth, global competitiveness, critical domestic supply chains, and lower energy and materials costs. Whittier Trust
• [New] Empathetic management will be a cornerstone of effective leadership in 2026, especially as organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid work and integrate AI tools. Groom & Associates
• [New] Absent a coherent strategy to stabilize immigration pathways and protect the research ecosystem, the United States risks weakening the very foundation that has historically underpinned its AI leadership. Brookings
• [New] In short, there's a real risk that the United States could maintain leadership at the technological frontier but still watch other countries conclude that China's models are cheaper, sufficiently capable, and better suited to the practical AI applications they plan to deploy in the coming years. Brookings
• [New] China's efforts to broadly integrate AI into its energy technologies with goals at widespread integration by 2027 and global leadership by 2030 poses the risk of wresting the future of energy out of Washington's hands, attracting an increasingly large customer base of energy-hungry states. Forbes
• [New] U.S. leadership in AI will promote national and economic security and dominance across many domains. Ainvest
• [New] By the end of 2026, Islamic finance will likely be measured not just by its asset size, but by its leadership in the global transition toward ethical and sustainable banking. Meta Lite Gulf
• [New] The global workforce is becoming more flexible, fractional, and project-based, with continued growth expected in fractional leadership, contract specialists, and gig professionals. Training
• [New] By 2027, over 30% of midsize enterprises will have at least one fractional executive on retainer, reflecting a broader shift toward flexible, outcome-driven leadership models. Lion People Global
• [New] NASA leadership argues that relying solely on unproven commercial vehicles creates single-point failure risks for Artemis crewed missions. The Journal of Space Commerce
• [New] Under President Trump's leadership, American astronauts will return to the surface of the Moon by 2028 and establish a sustained human presence with a lunar base. Mirage News
• [New] Analysts expect a volatile February as companies provide their first full-year guidance for 2026, a year already defined by supply chain uncertainty and a leadership transition at the world's largest retailer. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] In 2026, organizations will face a tough truth: ethical AI is less about technology and more about governance and leadership. HR World Summit
• [New] In 2026 and beyond, skills such as communication, leadership, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and collaboration will take center stage for organizations. eLearning Industry
• By opening new pathways for participation, leadership and scholarship, the NCAA strengthens its commitment to expanding equitable opportunities for women and embracing the evolution of modern sport. NCAA.org
• Despite the global energy transition, the region - led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia - is expected to maintain leadership in hydrocarbon supply while rapidly scaling wind, solar, battery storage and digital transformation initiatives. tradearabia
• If states build fragmented, fear-driven AI rules, the U.S. risks stifling innovation, raising costs, and handing leadership to countries willing to experiment. Let People Prosper
• While quantum computing presents promising opportunities, Nvidia's leadership in AI remains central to its growth story. Barchart.com
• The APPG is demanding an independent review of the UK's digital connectivity landscape, citing ongoing shortcomings in urban, rural, and coastal areas that threaten economic growth, social inclusion, and technological leadership. UKAuthority

Last updated: 25 January 2026