Whether you meet with an accident or a lesser anticipated epidemic, it always pays to have a plan. This article endeavors to highlight the major trends for 2021 that will ultimately inform your business strategy in the next normal.

Trend 1: Merit to Forward-looking Data

Historical correlations hardly hold in a crisis. The dynamics of COVID-19 crisis proved that extrapolating from the past is not always helpful. In 2021, for every decision, forward-looking data or projections will become as important as past trends. It will be paramount to make smarter, better, and resilient decisions.

Every situation is different – be it trade wars between countries or pandemics. While how a crisis will evolve can be projected from similar past events, future-looking data is pertinent to assess the peculiarity of current circumstances and understand the challenges that are likely to arise.

Trend 2: Leave No One Behind Outlook

Diversity and inclusion efforts will come to the forefront. Organizations will not shy from asking embarrassing questions from themselves. 2021 will see companies making significant efforts to demonstrate their pledge to diversity. D&I will not be an issue on paper. Firms will bring changes to the top tiers as well as at the bottom to truly make it a part of the business.

Trend 3: Decarbonizing Economies

Clean energy and clean tech, albeit lofty goals, will rise in prominence for entrepreneurs. Climate change, and social issues matter quite a lot to the new generation of consumers. This will drive the agenda toward ‘net zero’ carbon emissions.

Trend 4: Anywhere Operations

Businesses with no physical address will emerge in the post-pandemic era. COVID-19 has given an unprecedented digital focus to the operations to such an extent that leaders never thought was possible.

Trend 10: Asset-lite Platforms

Digital disruption is permeating every aspect of businesses and their operating models. Incumbents will need to make big and bold decisions to stay ahead and relevant. Platforms and network effect will help businesses achieve scale and secure the market as well as profits.

Events of the past year have raised many questions for strategy leaders on how they should move forward. 2021 will be the defining year for fundamental changes. It will set a few changes in the stone and weed away the rest. It’s time to spearhead bolder and broader growth initiatives. Learn to make smart moves and anticipate the future with powerful business strategy certifications to position yourself for success in 2021 and beyond.