What a thought-provoking mid-week breakfast with 14 CMOs! Our theme, “Finding Focus and Flow in Flux,” spurred a lively exchange of ideas and insights.

It was remarkable how many marketers have zigzagged across industries, and with rapid changes and new paradigms everywhere, everyone agreed it’s crucial to hire people who bring diverse experiences and backgrounds. “Cross-pollination fosters innovative solutions.”

However, tech often holds businesses back. “Legacy systems make it hard to become truly customer-centric. Tech transformation is tough, costly, but essential as AI speeds things up.” While AI and data are powerful, they’re not the whole answer. AI can streamline processes, but the best solutions come from human insight, emotional understanding, and creativity. “Great results still stem from true customer insight.” The news industry exemplifies how data can sometimes harm by merely catering to perceived needs.

Challenging the status quo is tough. Letting go of “business as usual” is hard, but executives must create mental space to future-proof their businesses beyond just the next 12-18 months.

Balancing quick wins with long-term change remains challenging. Global crises have made us addicted to quick responses, and short CEO tenures focus on quarterly performance. “We must choose: are we aiming for transactional results or iconic status?”

We’re at a crossroads where tech and digital changes are redefining business. Challenger brands like Instagram show that sizeable businesses can be built with few people. This evolving landscape also faces vocal consumers demanding personalisation and instant gratification, adding complexity to maintaining mental wellness. The business world is trying to find a new balance and sort itself out.

The flux is here to stay, that’s for sure. But being customer insight led, with great cultural leadership there will be no problems finding the focus and flow.