Henry J. Schumacher

It’s hard to read any media without running into a new story about different kinds of corruption, collusion, and rule breaking. Whether or not the stories we read are true, organizations caught up in them often lose credibility.

Again, impunity! Just days after the observance of the International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against journalists, the impunity was again manifested in the Philippines. A popular radio commentator died in a daring gun attack (which is still investigated!) Is it??

Company leaders looking to gain a competitive edge must prioritize data literacy for employees across departments and at all levels within their organization.

Today, I would like to cover three areas in the “Future of Work,” hoping that we will start a dialogue so that we can all learn:

I hate to say this: Artificial intelligence (AI) as a technology is maturing.

There is plenty of news about entrepreneurship these days, encouraging people to start their own companies. Admittedly, I did not achieve that goal. Today, I want to write about the fact that I was a happy intrapreneur throughout my business life and share with you how successful intrapreneurship can be.

You have? Great!!

Business and government must understand how sustainability requirements filter down throughout companies and government operations. Please allow me to highlight a few areas for your considerations.

On August 12, we celebrated the International Youth Day. That was certainly an opportunity to cast a spotlight on the young advocates boldly leading the fight against corruption.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has revealed that as of July, only 16.55 percent or just 662 of around 4,000 enterprises registered with the Deprtment of Trade and Industry had submitted to the National Solid Waste Management Commission their programs for the proper management of their plastic wastes. These include plastic bags, sachets, labels, laminates, and both rigid and flexible plastic used for such products.

Two German brothers in their 60s, who are still expanding their companies and are investing in start-ups were interviewed recently and were asked what drives them. They had one word only:  CURIOSITY. I loved that response!

It should be our clear understanding that every loud proclamation that Corruption—as we know it—is “dead” is followed by something new. Let’s agree that there is plenty of resourcefulness out there to redefine and reinvent corruption. Resourcefulness generates options—through creative and curious problem “creation,” especially in an environment of lacking accountability and supervision. I have my doubts that digitalization is going to be an anti-corruption tool.

Luckily, the youth and their development were part of the President’s SONA yesterday. We must recognize a hard truth: it’s not an easy time to be a young person. 
Young people are deeply concerned about the state of the world: a recent global survey shows that they are seeking real, sustained change. And they’re not just watching from the sidelines. Young people are taking initiative through social movements and activism—with extraordinary results! Just consider the impact of the youth-led global climate movement calling for radical change. 
Today’s youth are also making their mark on the fight against corruption. The youth deserve an end to corruption. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful and prosperous world just now. Remember: 37 million youth were involved in the May 9 elections and many of them certainly listened to the President yesterday to get the confirmation that they made the right decision a year ago.

The information about water interruptions this week and the ongoing El Niño phenomenon reminds me of articles I wrote in 2015 about water scarcity and what should be done about it.

In 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari explains:

I love to read YOUNGBLOOD in the Inquirer. It allows young people to express their issues and thoughts. I am always looking at a column that Daphne S. Sagun, a BA Communications student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, wrote some years ago. I have kept her great story about what parents tell their kids.

Business leaders are pressured more and more to redefine the role of business in society.

Let me start by stating why I am committed to compliance management: it is important because noncompliance may result in fines, security breaches, loss of certification, or other damage to your business. Staying on top of compliance changes and updates prevents disruption of your business processes and saves money.

Ihave been writing about AI many times already and I am always telling myself that all has been said. But whenever I am preparing to write a new column and are looking at impacts on business, AI pops up again. Let my highlight a few developments:

The basic question we need to address is do we in business need to get involved in AI. Of course, the answer is: YES. If we don’t get involved, our competitors will be happy and leave us behind.

Capitalism is better than critics try to make it. Capitalism has the ability to change, keeping long-term profits in mind, but declaring money (making money) and purpose (keeping purpose high on the agenda) as twins.

ChatGPT is a new technology that within a period of 2 months has attracted 100 million people who are testing and using this amazing new technology. This is the fastest development of a technology in human history. And it is also the first time that humans can hardly distinguish whether they are talking to another human or to a computer!