The buzz: “CEOs are looking ahead to their post-Covid challenges. Nowhere is this challenge more daunting than figuring out if the global pandemic and its far-reaching impacts have created a temporary shock to their markets or a permanent shift in them.” (Bob Zukis, Contributor, www.forbes.com/sites/bobzukis/2021/02/15/shock-or-shift-the-post-pandemic-strategic-challenge-for-boards-and-ceos/?sh=48623f2e1870)

As the world gradually emerges from the global pandemic, we expect 2020’s business and digital transformation trends to accelerate in the second half of 2021. While these complex and disruptive business shifts differ by industry, line of business, and region, all acknowledge that adapting to the new reality requires change across all functions.

As business and technology experts last year planned for re-opening and transformation acceleration, strong central themes emerged. The pandemic’s impact on the business demand and supply equation. How a business’s ecosystem will adjust and how technology will help accelerate it. The changing workforce – contract, remote, part-time, gig – coming back virtually or physically with new expectations. Keeping workers motivated and loyal while attracting the best talent for new business demands.

We’ll ask SAP’s Ryad Semichi and Craig Stasila about this perfect storm that will require us to adapt to multi-dimensional shifts in industry, technology, and work.