Leaders shape their markets and organisation of the future, by addressing change and disruption in a way that is proactive not reactive, shaped in their own vision. This requires bolder thinking, embracing new insights and capabilities, to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. It means thinking about brands beyond products, partners beyond channels, occasions beyond drinking, and strategies beyond financial plans.
Future-ready strategy is about making better choices in an uncertain world. This demands deeper contextual understanding, unlocking assets in new ways, innovative approaches beyond product and promotion, and agile execution. It means working from the future back, combining small experiments with bolder shifts, letting go of the old, embracing the new. In this fast, high energy and interactive session, we seek to inspire leaders to think bigger, bolder and smarter.
Incredible technologies and geopolitical shifts, complex markets and stagnating growth, demanding customers and disruptive entrepreneurs, environmental crisis and social distrust, unexpected shocks and uncertain futures.
How do we make sense of today’s rapidly changing world? How do prepare for tomorrow’s world?
As business leaders, our opportunity is to create a better business, one that is fit for the future, that can act in more innovative and responsible ways.
How can we harness the potential of this relentless and disruptive change, harness the talents of people and the possibilities of technology? How can business, with all its power and resources, be a platform for change, and a force for good?
We need to find new codes to succeed. We need to find new ways to work, to recognise business as a system that be virtuous, where less can be more, and growth can go beyond the old limits. This demands that we make new connections:
Profit + Purpose … to achieve more enlightened progress
Technology + Humanity … to achieve more human ingenuity
Innovation + Sustainability … to achieve more positive impact
We need to create a new framework for business, a better business – to reimagine why and redesign how we work, as well as reinvent what and refocus where we do business.
Imagine a future business that looks forwards not back, that rises up to shape the future on its own terms, making sense of change to find new possibilities, inspiring people with vision and optimism. Imagine a future that inspires progress, seeks new sources of growth, embraces networks and partners to go further, and enables people to achieve more.
Imagine too, a future business that creates new opportunity spaces, by connecting novel ideas and untapped needs, creatively responding to new customer agendas. Imagine a future business that disrupts the disruptors, where large companies have the vision and courage to reimagine themselves and compete as equals to fast and entrepreneurial start-ups.
Imagine a future business that embraces humanity, searches for better ideas, that fuse technology and people in more enlightened ways, to solve the big problems of society, and improve everyone’s lives. Imagine a future business that works collectively, self-organises to thrive without hierarchy, connects with partners in rich ecosystems, designs jobs around people, to do inspiring work.
Imagine also, a future business which is continually transforming, that thrives by learning better and faster, develops a rich portfolio of business ideas and innovations to sustain growth and progress. Imagine a future business that creates positive impact on the world, benefits all stakeholders with a circular model of value creation, that addresses negatives, and creates a net positive impact for society.
Creating a better business is an opportunity for every person who works inside or alongside it. It is not just a noble calling, to do something better for the world, but also a practical calling, a way to overcome the many limits of today, and attain future success for you and your business.You could call it the dawn of a new capitalism.
Holcim Trading and logistics
Holcim Trading is the leader in seaborne trading of cementitious products.
“We provide solutions for the import and export needs of cementitious materials, gypsum, solid fuels and other dry bulk goods and support our customers with adequate services to develop their market.
Our chartering and shipping teams manage a diverse network of seaborne logistics operating bulk carrier vessels and specialized self-discharging pneumatic cement carriers.
From our trading offices in Zurich, Singapore and Miami we offer around the clock support to our suppliers and customers around the world.”
So where are the opportunities for growth?
Technology
AI and Automation: Leveraging AI and automation can optimize supply chain operations, enhance shipment tracking, and improve warehouse management. This can lead to cost reductions and increased efficiency.
Blockchain: Implementing blockchain technology can enhance transparency and security in transactions, making the trading process more reliable and efficient.
Sustainability
Green Logistics: Investing in carbon-neutral shipping solutions, electric vehicles, and alternative fuels can help Holcim meet global sustainability demands and reduce emissions.
Sustainable Practices: Adopting cleaner energy practices at ports and shipping hubs can align with international environmental goals and attract eco-conscious clients.
Market Expansion
Construction Growth: Shift to urbanisation around the world, the growth of megacities, and construction projects more generally, from new Asia to the regeneration of Europe.
Global Trade Expansion: Expanding services in emerging markets and leveraging new trade agreements can drive growth in cross-border shipping.
Customer Experience
Personalized Services: Investing in advanced technologies to enhance customer experience and provide personalized services can differentiate Holcim from competitors.
Real-Time Analytics: Integrating real-time analytics and autonomous systems can revolutionize supply chain management and improve customer satisfaction.
Specifically in the area of technology, AI can be a transformative force in Holcim’s trading and logistics activities. As examples
Predictive Analytics: AI can analyze historical data and market trends to predict commodity prices, helping Holcim make informed trading decisions.
Automated Trading: Implementing AI-driven trading algorithms can optimize buying and selling strategies, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
Risk Management: AI can assess market risks and provide real-time insights, enabling Holcim to mitigate potential losses and make strategic decisions.
Route Optimization: AI-powered logistics platforms, like Holcim’s Transport Analytics Center (TAC), can optimize delivery routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Predictive Maintenance: AI can monitor the condition of vehicles and equipment, predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns occur, thus minimizing downtime.
Supply Chain Management: AI can enhance supply chain visibility, ensuring timely deliveries and efficient inventory management.
Safety Improvements: AI can analyze driver behavior and vehicle data to improve safety standards and reduce accidents.
