Unlocking Tomorrow: Tuck Faculty Share Expert Insights on Upcoming Business Trends for 2024

by Kirk Kardashian
Jan 23, 2025

As we step into 2025, many changes are reshaping the business landscape. We talked to Tuck faculty about the trends and predictions that will impact organizations this year. From AI developments to evolving workplace dynamics, their insights offer a glimpse into the business world ahead.

Adam Kleinbaum

Professor of Leadership and Organizations
Expertise: Social networks

PREDICTIONS:

1. AI will transform how leaders understand their organizations. It’s expected to analyze communication and collaboration data, helping identify influencers and improve team dynamics.
2. Debates about remote work will fade. Companies will recognize that strict return-to-office rules could drive away top talent. Hybrid work models will support both creativity and collaboration.
3. The New York Mets, supported by substantial investments, will aim for a World Series title. Let’s go Mets!

Mark DesJardine

Associate Professor of Business Administration
Expertise: Corporate governance

PREDICTIONS:

1. We will see more board turnover as activist investors gain traction in shareholder elections.
2. Investors will emphasize ESG pillars as leverage, focusing on companies that may be sidelining core operational needs.
3. Management buyouts will become a more common strategy to fend off activist pressures.
4. Activists will shift their focus to practical operational improvements over mere top-line growth.

Sonya Mishra

Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Expertise: Gender inequality

PREDICTION:

Companies will revamp their diversity and inclusion strategies to align with the changing political climate. Many will integrate these goals into broader HR initiatives, recognizing the ongoing demand for diversity from employees and consumers.

Scott D. Anthony D’96

Clinical Professor of Business Administration
Expertise: Innovation

PREDICTIONS:

A divide will grow between companies embracing AI and those lagging behind. Investment in training will be crucial. Expect significant mergers and acquisitions as businesses adjust to AI. Adaptability will become a key to survival in the uncertain landscape ahead.

Scott Anthony’s book, Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations that Shaped the Modern World, will be released in September 2025.

Prasad Vana

Associate Professor of Business Administration
Expertise: Marketing and machine learning

PREDICTION:

AI will become cheaper and more widely adopted in unexpected areas. Companies will navigate a landscape where regulations differ vastly, influencing how AI is used in marketing and operations.

Lauren Xiaoyuan Lu

Professor of Business Administration
Expertise: Supply chain management

PREDICTION:

Generative AI will enhance customer service efficiency. However, firms must ensure human agents remain engaged and capable of managing complex interactions. Balancing AI and human skills will be vital for success.

1. Companies should find meaningful roles for human agents as tasks become automated.
2. Designing hybrid jobs that merge AI efficiency with human empathy will be essential.
3. Retaining and developing top talent is crucial to sustain innovation in customer service.

Paul Argenti

Professor of Corporate Communications
Expertise: Corporate communication

PREDICTIONS:

1. Companies will struggle to balance support for social issues with diverse employee expectations.
2. Overreliance on AI poses risks to innovative thinking and problem-solving.
3. Organizations will need to show genuine integrity as scrutiny around their DEI efforts increases.
4. Finding a balance between workplace presence and remote work challenges will be essential for company culture.