Hi Reader

Remember when pillow menus and monogrammed robes made hotels feel luxurious? Now they’re just basic. It’s a good reminder for anyone in business: if you’re not reinventing how you wow your customers, you’re probably falling behind. This week’s newsletter is about exactly that – keeping things fresh, whether it’s your presentations, your marketing strategy or how you manage your remote teams. Plus, a look at why CEO turnover is spiking and some useful insights on funding and leadership. Let’s dive in and shake off the ordinary.

Enjoy!

7 ways to open a presentation that wows

Whether you’re presenting F2F or on a video call (where the dull default opener seems to be ‘can everyone see my screen?”), Marcus John Henry Brown – the charismatic founder of the Speakery presentation agency – reveals a set of attention-grabbing ways to kick off a presentation. Find out how to upgrade your ‘hook’ here.

Revolution at the top: why CEO turnover is surging

A surge in CEO turnover is reshaping the global C-suite. According to a Russell Reynolds report, the transformation is being driven by mounting pressures from technological shifts (particularly AI), evolving investor expectations and heightened public scrutiny. Interestingly, I wonder if this also means we’re seeing the impact of a post-pandemic cycle of change, with many executives reaching the natural end of their tenure or seeking personal reinvigoration and new challenges.

This shift, occurring 3-4 years after Covid, runs counter to typical recessionary patterns, where economic uncertainty often leads to stability in leadership, with senior leaders opting to stay put rather than jump into a challenging job market. Whatever the reasons, the result is a pivotal moment of transformation as companies search for leaders capable of steering them through rapid change.

Is your customer experience living off past glories?

Are you stuck offering "above and beyond" experiences that customers now see as standard fare? This piece from Fathom explores the shift in hotel amenities once considered high-end – think pillow menus, monogrammed robes and in-room iPads – that have since become overused clichés. It’s a reminder for businesses: what once delighted customers can quickly lose its magic. Staying ahead means continuously innovating and redefining what looking after your customer really means in your market. Are you still surprising them, or just ticking off a checklist of tired extras?

Turning insights into great ads

The creative director of the latest McDonald’s TV ads reveals the human truths that helped to inspire the new ‘Only at McDonald’s’ brand platform. From sneaking your friend’s fries to sharing gherkins, it’s a great example of building marketing content around small, relatable customer moments. Find out more here.

Why DeepSeek was inevitable

I know, I know, you’ve read a million articles about the new AI that’s shaken things up. And I won’t pretend that I fully understand the smart tech behind the company’s breakthrough. But as an adjunct to the story, I thought this piece on the Hardcore Software blog was interesting, revealing why history teaches us that more innovative (and cheaper) tech will always usurp the big players. This Substack piece is also worth reading, as it delves into the management structure at DeepSeek and how it helped accelerate the company’s performance.

From brand to demand – the rules of B2B marketing

I’ve been a follower of Ronnie Higgins’ insights on the changing world of B2B marketing for some time now, and this is an excellent summary of his thinking. Read his “new-ish” rules to B2B marketing here.​

Exploring alternative funding options

Here’s a useful guide from Sage that could help businesses looking to scale. It dives into various non-traditional funding sources, from invoice financing to peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding. These methods can provide vital liquidity without the strings of traditional loans or the equity sacrifices of venture capital. Whether you're navigating tight cash flow or planning your next big expansion, it’s a handy resource for finding creative ways to fund your business growth. Read the guide here.

Spotting burnout in remote teams

Remote work may be here to stay, but it’s not without its challenges. A recent HBR article identifies five warning signs of burnout among remote employees, including increased detachment, decreased productivity and reduced engagement in team activities. For leaders managing distributed teams, it’s a reminder that keeping your workforce thriving requires both flexibility and vigilance. Read more about how to spot and prevent burnout here.​

9 steps to a happier, healthier workforce

On a related note, team members won’t always speak up when you’re getting it wrong, so here’s a helpful checklist to remind yourself what good leadership looks like.

Drop me a line

That's a wrap. Hopefully, you're leaving with a head full of ideas and maybe a few presentation icebreakers to try. If you've got a trend or story that'll blow my mind (or at least make me smile), send it my way. Until next time – stay sharp and keep making magic. See you next Sunday.

Cheers!
Adam

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