Not long ago, I was invited to a “brainstorming session” at a high-tech company. The major investor, who had just taken over, wanted my view on what exactly he’d walked into.I expected an intimate, strategic meeting. Instead, I observed a full-scale corporate production. Every senior executive and mid-level manager had been summoned to the company auditorium.The CEO stood on the podium. We were here, he said, to save the company…
According to CEO and Managing Director T. V. Narendran, Tata Steel has been actively pursuing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ideals since its establishment in 1907. For instance, founder J. N. Tata did not want the company to replicate the problems English laborers experienced during the industrial development of the 1800s, so he built workers’ accommodations close to steel factories. In the 1920s, Tata Steel instituted an eight-hour workday, introduced…
Quick Hits In the EU, pay transparency has been identified as a key obstacle to closing the gender pay gap. Directive (EU) 2023/970 aims to close the gender pay gap and promote fair pay practices by increasing transparency and accountability between employers and employees. The principle of “equal value” will require employers to undertake an evaluation exercise to determine where equivalence of the respective value of roles may exist across…
Europe’s technology ecosystem stands at a turning point. While this ecosystem has matured significantly over the past decade, persistent structural barriers—fragmented markets, conservative corporate norms, and a slower flow of late-stage capital relative to early-stage investment—continue to constrain the region’s ability to scale global champions. However, a rare alignment of geopolitical, regulatory, and technological shifts is creating new momentum and, with it, a window to build global leadership. This report…
In September 2023, a bizarre global seismic signal was observed which appeared every 90 seconds over nine days – and was then repeated a month afterwards. Almost a year later, two scientific studies proposed that the cause of these seismic anomalies were two mega tsunamis which were triggered in the remote Dickson fjord in East Greenland by two major landslides which occurred due to warming of an unnamed glacier. The waves…
Stanford captured its third NCAA title in school history on Sunday morning, highlighted by victories in the second varsity eight and varsity four crews in their respective Grand Finals as racing concluded at Mercer Lake.Stanford, which also claimed NCAA championships in 2009 and 2023, put the finishing touches on an impressive season in which it lived up to its billing as the national championship favorite. The Cardinal totaled 129 points…
Imagine a plant with entirely new abilities – more nutritious food, crops that survive heatwaves, or leaves that grow useful materials. With new ARIA funding Cambridge researchers hope to unlock the technology to fast-track crop development and enhance plants with new qualities, like drought-tolerance to reduce the amount of water they need, or the ability to withstand pests and diseases.Their research has the potential to revolutionise the future of agriculture…
Sustainability is facing increasing resistance. In the United States, President Donald Trump and other political figures have criticised environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards as distractions from economic growth. Similar pushback is surfacing elsewhere, as firms face scrutiny over greenwashing, shifting regulations and the perceived costs of ESG compliance.Despite this climate, many companies are proving that sustainability can drive – instead of dilute – business value. Take the case studies…
Au terme d’une audition contestée, BLG a obtenu la nomination de Raymond Chabot inc. à titre de séquestre aux actifs de 9444-4486 Québec inc., 9444-4494 Québec inc., 9444-4441 Québec inc. et 9444-4445 Québec inc. (collectivement les « Débitrices »)1. Faits Dans la foulée de la pandémie de COVID-19, les Débitrices acquièrent deux résidences pour personnes âgées. Cette transaction est financée par La Banque Toronto-Dominion (la « Banque »). À compter de mai 2023, les…
Michael Friedman, the Suppes Professor of Philosophy of Science, Emeritus, in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences, known for studying Immanuel Kant through the lens of the natural sciences, died March 24, 2025. He was 77.Friedman’s lifework explored how philosophy and science interact. He began by grappling with the philosophy of physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity and then turned his attention to Kant, the 18th-century German philosopher famous for…
With an estimated one in three Canadians being affected by a mental illness in their lifetime, mental health challenges can have a significant impact on the Canadian workforce, and it is crucial that employers address these challenges effectively. To help employers deal with these complex issues, BLG’s experienced team of labour and employment lawyers from across Canada — Shelley-Mae Mitchell, Kailey Hubele, Laura Mensch, Jessica Wuergler, Dan Palayew, Kate Agyemang and…
All securities or derivatives dealers and advisers registered in Québec with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), including members of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and firms that service clients in Québec while having no business location in Québec, will have new compliance obligations regarding complaint handling as of July 1, 2025. The Regulation respecting Complaint Processing and Dispute Resolution in the Financial Sector (the Regulation), requires firms to assess and…
It was an only-at-Stanford moment that became a tradition: a group of students gathered in a spacious bathroom in Outdoor House to hear three of their classmates play George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” on their saxophones from the shower stall. Turning the space into a mini jazz club on the first Wednesday of winter quarter has become a “cherished highlight of dorm life, a testament to the creativity and camaraderie that flourishes…
In today’s global workplace, managing sexual harassment complaints is no longer a matter confined to a single jurisdiction. As companies expand across borders, their legal obligations become increasingly complex. A recent Seyfarth Shaw webinar brought together employment law experts from the US, UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Latin America to explore the challenges of conducting cross-border investigations into sexual harassment. The key takeaway? There is no universal playbook. Each jurisdiction…
On April 17, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued its long-anticipated Notice of Action and Proposed Action setting out the fees that would be levied on Chinese-built vessels calling at American ports, among other trade measures targeting the People’s Republic of China. While there was another hearing on May 19, 2025, it only concerned further proposed tariffs on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling equipment. Discussions and…
To millennials and Gen Zers, wellness has become a daily, personalized practice rather than a set of occasional activities or purchases. As this shift takes hold, it’s influencing the direction of the $2 trillion global wellness industry, which is expanding beyond its core categories. Even though younger demographics may be pushing the industry forward, older consumers, too, are becoming more interested in an expanding definition of wellness. In our fourth…
Every year, millions of tourists flock to Italy to take in cultural sites and, of course, shop. Italy is home to major global fashion brands and storied craftsmanship, playing a critical role in the global fashion industry. There may be high foot traffic on Via Montenapoleone in Milan or Via Tornabuoni in Florence, but the Italian fashion sector nevertheless faces several challenges, some of which are homegrown, while others are…
In a special episode recorded at Connecticut’s largest entrepreneurship event, Howie and guest host Megan Ranney, the dean of the Yale School of Public Health, welcome four Yale innovators: entrepreneur and YSPH lecturer Kaakpema “KP” Yelpaala; Basmah Safdar, director of Women’s Health Research at Yale; Kayla Wooley, a YSPH graduate and the founder of two nursing home staffing companies; and Yale College student Laurie Jimenez, founder of FulcrumCare, a value-based…
Most CEOs recognize the transformation opportunities inherent in an M&A transaction. As we’ve noted previously, the deal can be a catalyst for reimagining the strategy of the combined business; identifying and pursuing new sources of value; enhancing operations, or the way the business executes on its strategy; and attracting and developing new talent and capabilities. Of those four opportunities, the last one—the talent factor—holds perhaps the most promise in terms of…
On a recent morning in an industrial yard on the east side of campus, a group of Stanford students and staff emptied a trash bin onto a table. Dressed in aprons and gloves, they carefully sifted through the waste. “The bin came from a residence hall, so inside we found bathroom products, personal items, a lot of food wrappers, food containers, to-go boxes, plastic forks – stuff like that,” said Katelyn…
Featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions and performances that bring together leading voices from policy, activism, business and academia to explore the relationship between climate change and human rights, the launch event will set the stage for a 24-hour global online plenary continuing into World Environment Day on 5 June.The evening will begin with opening addresses from Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Volker Türk, United Nations…
Quick Hits New Jersey will consider new regulations that could significantly limit the classification of workers as independent contractors by clarifying the state’s “ABC test” for determining employment status. The proposed rules aim to define the control, independence, and business engagement of workers, raising concerns among business groups about increased liability for misclassification. The proposed regulations will have a sixty-day public comment period, which began on May 5, 2025. On…
Advertising is the industry that won’t sit still. Over the past three decades, the industry has morphed again and again. Brands once reached people primarily through mass media like TV, print, and radio, gaining precious few consumer insights. The internet changed all that with targeted and interactive campaigns online. More recently, retail media networks (RMNs) helped retailers enter the media business. Leveraging shopper and transaction data, RMNs help brands reach prospective…
Such positive changes do not, however, cancel the existing threats to stability in the continental space surrounding Russia. First, relations between even the largest regional powers are not free from conflicts and contradictions. The recent tragic events on the border between India and Pakistan have shown how vulnerable Eurasian stability is in terms of the problems existing between states that are, in principle, good partners of Russia. These include those…
Medtech companies are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, developing life-changing devices and solutions to help clinicians diagnose diseases earlier, perform interventions more precisely, and monitor patient health more effectively. Innovations such as minimally invasive surgical robots, AI-powered diagnostic imaging, and connected diabetes management systems have transformed patient care. As the industry emerges from a period of margin compression and dampened multiples, AI, enhanced by gen AI, can play a…
Quick Hits The Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to include Section 89A, which outlines the duties of employers and employees regarding the early and safe return to work of injured workers. This change will come into effect on July 15, 2025. Starting September 1, 2025, the act will also amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act to include psychological health and safety in the…
Quick wins alone can’t solve long-term problems. For instance, as anyone who has tried to get healthier can attest, cutting calories can be a good first step, but making comprehensive changes in diet and exercise is most critical to achieving lasting results. The financial-services industry provides another example. Like other industries, it has experienced increased instability over the past decade. To address long-standing cost challenges, many financial-services companies have responded…
Quantum computers could unlock unprecedented computational power far beyond current supercomputers. However, the performance of quantum computers is currently limited, due to interactions with the environment degrading the quantum properties (known as ‘quantum decoherence’). Physicists have been searching for materials resistant to quantum decoherence for decades, but the search has proved experimentally challenging.In this new study, researchers from the Davis Group at Oxford University have demonstrated a highly effective new…
The Stanford Alumni Association has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards honoring outstanding Stanford seniors and graduate students who have contributed significantly to the Stanford community. These awards include the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award, the Outstanding Achievement Award, the Award of Excellence, and the Community Impact Award. J.E. Wallace Sterling AwardPeyton Klein | Kailani WebbPeyton Klein is this year’s recipient of the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award. Faculty and staff…
Oxford University has launched a free online platform for teachers in UK state schools to support their schools’ academic enrichment offerings. Oxplore Teach provides ready-to-use activities for learners from the age of 11 to support them in developing confidence and critical thinking skills, encouraging them to think like a university researcher. The project is the latest access and outreach initiative from Oxford University, which has expanded its programmes to engage pupils earlier on in their educational journey, from the age of 11. The move is in response to research…
As I was writing my upcoming book, Navigating a Toxic Workplace For Dummies (Wiley), I was reminded about all the research on workplace bullying that indicates HR gets the blame for bullying, HR is not helpful, and, in fact, according to the research, most often makes things much worse for people who complain of bullying. I have always taken issue with this research because that’s just not been my experience.…
Immigration and French Domestic Politics The Franco-Algerian relationship is also heavily burdened by the politicisation of immigration within France. Rising far-right influence has led to increasingly harsh rhetoric and restrictive policies targeting Algerians. In September 2021, the French government slashed the number of visas granted to Algerian nationals by half, citing Algeria’s reluctance to issue consular passes for its deported citizens. This policy was widely interpreted in Algeria as discriminatory…
Scams, fraud, and abuse are an increasingly difficult problem for the payments industry. In this episode of Talking Banking Matters, David Excell, the founder of Featurespace, speaks with McKinsey partner and payments industry expert Grace Klopcic about how the company got its start in the gaming and sports betting world, and why it uses machine learning rather than a complex set of rules to understand consumer behavior and quickly identify…
Throughout 2024, the US dairy industry experienced numerous operational headwinds. Reduced herd sizes, inflation, and ongoing labor challenges put pressure on volume, prices, and costs across the dairy value chain, and in March 2024, avian influenza was discovered in North American cows. These challenges have evolved in 2025, and shifting international trade policies have added more unknowns.But the news hasn’t been all bad. Consumers increasingly choose dairy, driving overall volume…
Open heart surgery is a hard thing to practice in the real world, and airplane pilots cannot learn from their mistakes midair. These are some scenarios where virtual reality solves really hard problems, but the technology has limits. That’s the upshot of a review of experimental research on VR, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior.“Virtual reality is not for everything,” said Jeremy Bailenson, lead author and director of Stanford’s…
Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 3, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (“DOL”) filed proposed new rules codifying its interpretation of the statutory ABC test to determine whether an individual is considered an independent contractor across several statutes. The effect of the proposed rules is that it would be more difficult for employers to classify workers as independent contractors. Background The DOL has long utilized the ABC…
28 May 2025By Pedro Baptista, Maarten Dossche, Andrew Hannon, Dorian Henricot, Omiros Kouvavas, Davide Malacrino and Larissa ZimmermannDespite recent ECB rate cuts, the average interest rate on mortgages is expected to increase further. This is because of lagged effects from the latest hiking cycle. The ECB blog shows that the resulting drag on consumption could last at least until 2030.Mortgage contracts often have interest rates fixed for long periods, or…
As the first pontiff born in the United States, yet formed within Latin America’s pastoral and theological traditions, Leo XIV intends to pursue a path that combines global pragmatism with church orthodoxy, Ekaterina Shebalina writes. The pontificate of Pope Francis – vibrant, unpredictable, and marked by contradiction – was characterised by numerous reforms that raised more questions than answers. In 2013, the cardinals were called upon to respond to a…
Companies are now turning to building new businesses to fuel innovation and open new revenue sources. Half of CEOs surveyed in the fifth annual McKinsey Global Survey on new-venture building view the development of new businesses as one of their top three strategic priorities, and 90 percent of investors advocate for increased or maintained new-business-building investments. Furthermore, according to other McKinsey research, new ventures are expected to drive over half…
Competition in digital markets is a topic that seems omnipresent right now. What are the elements that have emerged that make this into an issue that needs a lot of discussion? The platforms are extremely important for growth and innovation in GDP, and for how we live our lives as a practical matter. Keeping up with friends and family, shopping, searching for information, maps, etc. I carry around an iPhone…