Welcome to the first in a series of blogs that explores all things Data and AI, and explore the rise of AI agents, the concept of Agentic AI, and introduce the Model Context Protocol (MCP) a game-changer set to redefine how we collaborate and deliver value through technology.

CIOs have stepped into the role of digital evangelist and strategic advisor, according to the 2023 Global CIO Survey from Logicalis, a global technology service provider. The study questioned 1000 technology leaders and explores how the role of the CIO is evolving. This year’s survey, The Meteoric Rise of the CIO, demonstrates a monumental shift in the role of the CIO from tech implementor to business leader.

It goes without saying that the pandemic permanently changed the way people work and how organisations operate. Hybrid working has become the norm and employee expectations have evolved – and will continue to do so – as people balance professional and personal responsibilities in a way that works for them.

Business leaders need to redefine workstyles and empower people using the digital workplace as we move forward. Equipping people with optimised spaces, streamlined processes and cutting-edge technologies will support collaboration, innovation and productivity.

The workplace of today is hybrid in many ways. Physical office space remains but is combined with remote working capabilities and virtual communications. There are those who work from home full-time and there are those who split their time across different locations. The hours people work vary greatly, as do the locations they work in.

Many people nowadays have preventative health checks. Increasingly, we screen whole cohorts for disease that, if treated early, reduces the overall impact – breast and bowel cancer being the most well-known. This not only improves the chance of making a full recovery, but also requires less visits to the doctors. Our nations also invest heavily in healthcare for the unwell, but increasingly invest in public health to prevent us getting unwell - the COVID test and vaccination programme being a leading example. So, should we also be making regular health checks on our business?