Op-ed

For too long the investment space has been dominated by male investors, but I believe the next decade will define a new age of female investor power. This has partly been driven in the US by investment democratization through the crowdfunding boom and growth in the private securities market, and by a post-pandemic re-appraisal of household finances.

It’s fair to say that the global political and economic landscape has shifted in recent weeks due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since last month’s 'special military operation’ first took hold – perhaps marking the largest land war since 1940 – it would be fair to assume that the financial markets would have been heavily impacted by the conflict. In reality, it is not always possible to predict how war will impact the world, let alone the stock markets. If we look back at other moments of conflict in recent history, examples show that the markets remain relatively composed in response to geopolitical events.

Following the federal budget announcement last week, several executives from various businesses across Australia shared with BusyContinent what they’re satisfied with, what they’re not...

Many Australian businesses have introduced new technologies to help overcome the challenges of the past two years. This rapid digital transformation has enabled businesses to maintain, and often improve, a seamless customer service experience. But with so many technologies offering solutions to the same problem, many businesses have struggled to identify the best solution and have instead created new problems.

Many hoped by this point in time we’d laugh about the infamous toilet paper shortage in early 2020. However, Australia’s still experiencing the ramifications of supply chain disruptions. Although we’re seeing stock levels return to normal, the rising price tag attached to basic goods such as groceries and fuel is evidence of ongoing challenges within the supply chain.

It sounds counterintuitive - work one day less but get the same amount of work done, or perhaps even more. But that’s exactly what the four-day work week movement proposes. When New Zealand's Perpetual Guardian tried a four day week, they counted improved staff morale and low stress levels as benefits without any loss of output. Microsoft Japan cited increased productivity and a 23% energy saving when they reduced working hours similarly.

Dating in the 21st century can be quite challenging. It’s no longer as simple as boy-meets-girl and they live happily ever after, we have to account for the messy, confusing and exhausting factors that play into our lives of work and leisure. Thankfully, for most, the surge in dating apps has made finding your significant other a whole lot more convenient. When dating apps first arrived on the scene circa 2009, the path to love was forever changed. Individuals were exposed to an entirely new means of meeting people, engaging in instant conversations, and more openly flirting with the concept of casual sex.

Australian businesses were hit hard by the pandemic, leading to increased digital transformation to keep up with changing consumer demands. Government agencies, in particular, across Australia and around the world have been forced into digital transformation to cater to the booming demand for online social services since the pandemic began.

They don’t make land anymore and for first-time buyers, young families and downsizers, they all want a home with some land attached so the family can gather and the kids play. Retirees who move out of their large family home into a smaller home, also want to keep enjoying all the benefits of having a garden to potter around in. Having access to a garden is now one of the most important things people are looking for in a home.

Over 20 years ago, when Carlos Villazon was riding around town at the tender age of 17 as an apprentice freight forwarder for a local Sydney company delivering paper contracts and handwritten cheques, he had no idea that he would later become one of the most in-demand and valuable business assets during a worldwide pandemic. But that is exactly what has happened, and Carlos and his fellow business partner, Chris Dimitriou are now front and centre of a pandemic supply chain storm helping businesses to navigate the choppy, if not at times, cyclonic, conditions.