The world of work is changing. With the prevailing hybrid work culture on one side and the dynamically growing technology landscape on the other, business leaders have their hands full. The global tech giants are trying out different formulas. For instance, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is rethinking its popular 25/25 work model strategy as the company calls employees back to the office five days a week. About 70 percent of TCS employees have already returned to the office, with the need to ‘align with the company’s values and work culture.’ Is bringing back people to the office is the only solution going forward?

Lend your ears to Thompson P Gnanam, Managing Director & Global CEO, 3i Infotech - one of the leading

global IT services companies. During an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, he recently said, “Amidst the rush of technology transformation, hyper-automation, innovation, and disruption, it is important to re member that people are still at the heart of all these. We take pride in saying they are the key differentiators of all our services.” He adds, “Technology and everything else can be copied, but the value our people bring can't be imitated. We must understand this fact and build value-focused, people-centric cultures perfectly aligned with customer outcomes and goals. The entire convergence of people and customer goals is extremely important.”

While people remain at the heart, there are other troubling headaches for business leaders. For instance, the increasing cyber threat landscape takes it a bit far, especially with the hybrid mode of working culture. Minister of State for Electronics and Information and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar recently informed the Parliament that India witnessed 13.91 Lakh cyber security incidents in 2022. According to the 2023 India Threat Land scape Report by Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Cyfirma, India is the most targeted country globally, facing 13.7 percent of all cyber attacks. This special issue delves deeper into the current business landscape and leadership challenges.