Latest news with #consultancy
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
‘You die if you stop moving:' Advertising legend David Droga on his plans for semi-retirement
David Droga is stepping down as CEO of Accenture Song, the global consultancy's creative marketing services unit. In September Droga will transition from his day-to-day leadership into a broader strategic role as vice chair of Accenture. Within only four years, Droga led Song's growth from $12.5 billion to $19 billion in revenue, all while winning Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity every year, I-COM Data Creativity Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, Webbys, and its first Emmy. Droga came to Accenture back in 2019, after Accenture Interactive acquired his ad agency Droga5. At the time, Droga explained that brand communications had gone far beyond just advertising, seeping into every time and place a consumer experiences a brand—from ads to retail to e-commerce. He knew the combination of Accenture's scale and digital expertise and Droga5's strategy and creativity would be in high demand. 'CEOs, CMOs, and CIOs all need to be on the same page, because they all affect each other now,' he said at the time. 'This isn't a nice-to-have. I think it's going to be crucial for any brand going forward. This is future-proofing.' Six years later, many brands are now just coming to terms with this. When Accenture Interactive was rebranded as Song, Droga (who was named CEO in 2021) saw it as another future-proofing move, to make sure the company's structure matched client demands. 'We're now more in line with each other, working on solutions together, same P&L, so there's no competing forces getting in the way,' he said. 'I think that's the only way to step up and deliver what clients need.' The final deadline for Fast Company's Brands That Matter Awards is this Friday, May 30, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
How AI is making the invisible visible in branding
In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining creative industries, branding stands at a pivotal crossroads. Tools like Midjourney and DALL-E are often portrayed as threats to traditional visual branding, but their true value may lie elsewhere—not in replacing human creativity, but in expanding the sensory dimensions of brand expression. At the bread and butter, a global brand consultancy, we believe branding should never be superficial. It should touch. Move. Resonate. That's why we built our practice around 'Betterment Branding'—a philosophy that connects long-term brand growth to emotional, sensory, and social resonance. Today, the intersection of AI and human sensation is where we see branding's next great leap. The limits of sensory branding—and why AI matters Tactile and sonic brand assets—like the velvet-soft finish of a skincare package or the fizz of a signature sonic logo—are among the most emotionally powerful tools a brand can use. Yet they have traditionally been difficult to describe, prototype, or communicate, especially in early development stages. High-cost testing and abstract metaphors were often the only ways to translate these invisible experiences. Now, AI offers a powerful alternative. Through carefully trained prompts, generative models can simulate not just visuals but feelings: a feathery softness, a glassy chill, or the echo of footsteps in an ancient hall. We are moving from imagination to interactive sketch—enabling faster, richer, and more immersive brand ideation without sacrificing emotional depth. Visualize the senses: A new aesthetic language At the bread and butter, we recently explored this frontier by creating a conceptual series of digital artworks visualizing the five human senses—touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight. Each piece was crafted using AI assistance (via DALL-E) while carefully preserving emotional nuance and contemporary aesthetics. Against pristine white backgrounds, minimalist organic forms bring the intangible into focus: Touch: A dense, fur-like sphere evokes warmth and intimacy. Hearing: A cloudlike bloom suggests sound diffusion. Taste: A flowing droplet reflects flavor complexity. Smell: Fine radiating lines capture scent dispersion. Sight: A glowing orb of rainbow gradient embodies visual diversity. This project demonstrates how AI can serve as an aesthetic translator—turning previously hard-to-articulate sensations into vivid, communicable design assets. Why humans still lead Despite these technological advances, AI cannot feel. It lacks context, culture, and emotional intuition. While AI can generate visual shortcuts, human consultants must embed them with meaning, strategy, and symbolism. At the bread and butter, we use AI not to automate identity, but to amplify insight—making design both faster and more human-centric. Design the invisible future Imagine sketching a brand's signature scent in a mood board or transmitting tactile sensations through AI-informed 3D renderings. These are not distant dreams—they are rapidly approaching realities. As branding becomes more sensory-driven, new roles will emerge: sensory strategists, emotion engineers, multisensory modelers—experts who blend computational tools with human empathy. AI is making the invisible visible, and it's democratizing the ability to design with emotion for everyone from startups to heritage brands. From efficiency to empathy For consultancies like the bread and butter, this evolution isn't just about saving time—it's about elevating meaning. By translating the nuances of touch, sound, and even intuition into design-ready assets, we make brand experience more accessible, more agile, and more authentic. Importantly, we believe that the use of AI in branding must remain ethical and human-centered. Technology should not strip away emotional richness; it should help brands deepen it. By using AI thoughtfully—as a collaborator, not a creator—we ensure that human intuition, empathy, and context continue to lead brand development. This is not the end of branding as we know it. It's the beginning of something more dimensional. More human. More felt. Authentic, human-centric branding is essential. Understanding and reflecting genuine emotions and experiences is fundamental to building deeper connections with consumers.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
James Moore to Provide No-Fee Natural Disaster Resilience and Recovery Assessments for Small Businesses
Service is available to companies throughout the Southeast United States GAINESVILLE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 27, 2025 / James Moore, a consultancy that enables small and mid-sized businesses to satisfy critical business objectives through services including technology, announced that it is providing no-cost Resilience Assessments for small businesses that need guidance to ensure that their infrastructure remains operational in the event of a severe weather incident. The assessment is available to businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. There is no fee for this service, and the offer is limited to the first 200 responding companies. The assessments are conducted remotely through a mobile phone-based consultation. The service will include evaluations of server and hardware configuration, backup systems, data storage, documentation, security, backup policies and procedures, and staff readiness. Assessments can also include compliance with HIPAA and FINRA mandates. 'Each year, American businesses face the inevitable challenge of minimizing any disruption caused by weather events, but they may not be aware of the steps they should take to ensure that they are properly prepared to manage these situations,' said Tomas Sjostrom, president of James Moore Technology Services. 'Our assessment program gives business owners a solid foundation to understand how their respective organizations will fare from a technology infrastructure perspective, and provides specific suggestions on how to fortify their systems to minimize any impact.' To register for the assessment, businesses should visit the registration page here. For more information on how James Moore can help companies meet needs and address the challenges of the modern workplace, visit or for technology services. About James Moore James Moore, founded in 1964, is a consulting firm that helps organizations across the United States meet their operational and financial goals. The firm offers tax, auditing, and accounting and controllership services to its clients, along with comprehensive support in human resources, technology, digital solutions, and wealth management. James Moore's team is comprised of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in their respective fields. The firm serves industry leaders in the construction, healthcare, higher education and collegiate athletics, manufacturing, state and local government, nonprofit, and real estate sectors. Learn more at ### PR Contact: Suzanne Mattaboni Parallel Communications Group, Inc. 610-737-2140 𝕏: @Parallel_PR LinkedIn [email protected] SOURCE: James Moore Advisory press release
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Some firms allow working from abroad for up to a year; eligible roles revealed
Some UAE companies allow their employees to work for a certain period from abroad in order to retain the best talent and as part of remote work policies. In the post-pandemic period, companies have become more flexible when it comes to remote work, especially for certain roles in technology and consultancy sectors. In March, the UAE government allowed remote work systems for government entities outside the country, which would open up access to global talent without additional costs. Hana Abu Kharmeh, chief operating officer of Serco Middle East, said they offer global mobility opportunities that enable employees to work remotely from abroad, provided business needs are met and relevant tax and legal obligations are addressed. 'We've supported remote international working across a variety of roles and departments. This includes client-facing positions, such as advisory — where clients have agreed to the arrangement — as well as internal functions like HR and growth. These flexible models have allowed us to retain top talent, offer diverse career development pathways, and respond effectively to evolving workforce expectations,' she added. 'While there is no one-size-fits-all policy, the duration is typically agreed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the role, performance, operational requirements, and compliance considerations. Some arrangements have been formalised for six to 12 months at a time, with the option to extend where appropriate,' Hana added. Serco Middle East's COO noted that the purpose is to create 'a high-performance culture that supports both individual aspirations and operational excellence.' While speaking during a panel discussion at an event recently, Nasser AlBlooshi, managing director for UAE at Chalhoub Group, said the company allows staff to work four weeks every year from abroad if employees can sustain regular work hours. Mahesh Shahdadpuri, CEO of Tasc Outsourcing, said working from home became a huge possibility because of Covid-19 and technology and certain companies in the UAE allow employees to work from abroad. 'Going forward, individual companies have their own policies. We have seen in the US certain companies asking people to come back to work. Here in the UAE, certain firms do it differently. The essence is what your workforce wants, where are you in the evolution of your company, your objectives are clear, your culture is great, then it doesn't matter where people work from,' Shahdadpuri said. Hana added that the services sector such as advisory and consulting often lend themselves to remote arrangements due to their project-based nature. 'Similarly, technology and digital roles — including software development, data analytics, and IT services — typically allow for effective remote contribution. Corporate functions like HR, marketing, finance, and strategy also tend to support such flexibility, as do creative fields such as content development and design,' added Hana.
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Oman's real estate: How many homes, hotel rooms are to come up by 2030?
Image credit: Getty Images The Sultanate of Oman is poised to deliver 62,800 new residential real estate units by 2030, with 5,500 set to come to market this year, in line with the country's strategic vision, according to new insight from leading According to the firm's Oman Real Estate Market Performance Report, released during Oman Design and Build Week, Oman will also add 5,800 hotel rooms over the next five years, with 35 new hotels and resorts scheduled to open by 2030. This will boost the current hotel inventory by around 25 per cent. Read- Housing inventory and distribution Oman's residential real estate inventory grew by 3.6 per cent in 2024, with 38,400 new homes delivered, bringing the total supply to approximately 1.1 million units. Most of the residential supply is located in Muscat, followed by Al Batinah North and South, and Dhofar. This expansion supports Oman Vision 2040, which targets 90 per cent of the national economy being driven by non-oil sectors by 2040. The population, currently at 5.3 million, is projected to reach 7.7 million by then, driven by both Omani nationals and expatriates. Over 80,000 new homes are expected to be delivered between now and 2040. Demand to outpace supply? Despite the pipeline of tens of thousands of new properties, Cavendish Maxwell warns of a possible shortfall in supply, citing rapid population growth. The consultancy estimates that 340,000 new homes will be required to maintain a sustainable 90 per cent occupancy rate in the long term. 'Oman is undergoing a meaningful economic transformation, with strong momentum in non-oil sectors and a growing population driving demand across real estate and infrastructure. Vision 2040 is not just a plan – it's a commitment to a sustainable, knowledge-driven, globally competitive future,' Khalil Al Zadjali, Head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, said. 'As the country advances with the 2040 agenda, stimulating investment in the real estate sector will be increasingly important. Government-led initiatives to attract foreign and local investment can play a key role in ensuring long-term housing market resilience. However, given the possibility of demand outpacing supply, proactive planning will be essential to avoid a potential shortfall,' Al Zadjali added. Occupancy rates holding strong Occupancy rates in Oman's residential sector remain stable, averaging 85.2 per cent across all units. Villas and arabic houses maintain a slightly stronger occupancy rate at 87.5 per cent, compared to apartments at 80.8 per cent. Apartment occupancy levels rose by 3 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Integrated Tourism Complexes a key driver Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) are playing a key role in shaping Oman's real estate future. These are the only areas where non-Omani nationals can own freehold property and are typically priced more affordably than comparable locations in the GCC, while offering similar rental yields. Aligned with Vision 2040, ITCs aim to support economic diversification. Key ITCs are under development in Muscat, Dhofar, South Al Batinah, South Al Sharqiyah, and Musandam. Apartment sales in ITCs generally range from OMR800 to OMR1,100 per square metre, compared to 1,600–2,100 in Dubai, 1,400–1,850 in Abu Dhabi, and 1,000–1,300 in Doha. Rental yields at Oman's ITCs range from 5 to 8 per cent, comparable to GCC peers. Villa prices range from OMR750 to OMR1,000 per square meter, again lower than Dubai (1,400–1,850) and Abu Dhabi (1,350–1,750). Branded residences gaining traction Branded residences are increasingly popular, offering premium options for investors and residents. Notable developments include: La Vie by Tivoli Hotels and Residences: OMR1,300–1,500 per square meter St. Regis by Marriott: OMR2,100–2,400 per square metre Mandarin Oriental Residences: OMR2,400–2,600/sq metre Tourism on the rise Oman's tourism sector continues to grow, with strong demand from both international and domestic travellers. In 2024, the country's four airports handled 14.5 million passengers – a 2.5 per cent year-on-year increase. Muscat led with 12.9 million passengers, while Salalah managed 1.5 million, underscoring its status as a seasonal destination. Hotel sector outperforms pre-pandemic levels Oman's hotels welcomed 2.15 million guests in 2024 – a 3.6 per cent increase from 2023. Hotel revenues rose by 6.1 per cent to OMR243. Cavendish Maxwell forecasts a positive but stable outlook for the tourism sector. The country currently has around 270 hotels and resorts, offering 24,000 rooms, more than half of which fall into the Upscale, Upper-Upscale, or Luxury segments. An additional 5,800 rooms across 35 hotels are planned by 2030, with 54 per cent in the higher-end segments, indicating a pivot towards premium tourism. Hotel performance metrics improving Hotel occupancy rose by an average of 2.4 per cent in 2024. The Upper Midscale and Midscale segments saw the highest gains – 11.1 per cent and 8.9 per cent respectively. Average Daily Rates (ADRs) reached OMR53.4, with Upper Midscale and Midscale hotels seeing ADR increases of 3.8 and 5.7 per cent respectively.
