Neurodiversity in the workplace, a creativity festival and jumping ahead in tech

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This week, we’re reimagining businesses through the lenses of sustainability, technology and people.

1. Mapping the motivations that matter for today’s consumers

A recent Accenture survey showed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused half of consumers to reevaluate their priorities and values. So how can businesses cater to these new, “Reimagined” consumers?

• Reimagined consumers are people who say the pandemic made them “rethink their personal purpose and reevaluate what’s important to them in life.” They choose where to take their business based on a company’s values and reputation.
• Accommodations during the pandemic were something consumers came to expect from a business. Reimagined consumers especially appreciate empathy and regard for safety when it comes to the companies they buy from.

Find out how to convince consumers to switch, stay and pay.

2. An ADHD diagnosis and neurodiversity in the workplace

Tobias Butler, a tech innovation director at Accenture Australia, shares how a recent ADHD diagnosis changed how he sees the world.

•  Neurodiversity is the concept that many people learn and work differently than most people. Neurodiverse people may have autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other neurological difference.
• Tobias’s ADHD diagnosis was a relief because it explained his unique ways of navigating home and work life. However, he worried about how others would judge him.
• ADHD makes some tasks difficult, but Tobias also appreciates how it helps him see things others don’t. He suggests companies tap into the vast talent pool of creative neurodiverse people by providing accommodations for different working styles.

Discover how you can help accommodate neurodiverse employees.

3. How to put people first when tech is your strategy

Accenture’s Dr. Kelly Monahan shares how she connected to the second episode of the Built for Change podcast, titled, “Why Business Leaders Must Become Tech Leaders.”

• “Tech debt” occurs when a company holds onto its old technology, refusing to push forward in the digital space. Unfortunately, many companies realized the true extent of their tech debt during the pandemic.
• As a talent researcher, Kelly focuses on the “people” aspect of business. By moving forward in tech, she thinks companies can help their employees keep jobs and avoid shutdowns.

Learn how to crush tech debt and become a first-mover.

4. What you didn’t know about being a Cannes Lions 2021 jury member

Accenture’s Natasha Chetiyawardana talks about her experience judging Cannes Lions 2021, a festival celebrating creativity in business. 

• Natasha was impressed by the truly global scale of Cannes Lions. Entries came from all over the world, many of them focusing on social issues and inclusivity. English wasn’t the default at the festival—instead, subtitles were provided for international films.
• Natasha noted that the presenting schedule was surprisingly strict. Each participant has 10 minutes to present—no more, no less—and the schedule coordinator counts down their time.

Follow Natasha through a thrilling day as a Cannes Lions judge.

5. Will they still be “Utilities” by 2030?

The utilities industry is one of the keys to success for the sustainability movement. Accenture’s Stephanie Jamison challenges utility companies to meet the net-zero goal. 

• Electrification may be the answer to meeting energy goals. Not only does electrification help heal the environment, but it also creates new jobs and opportunities in the utility industry.
• Stephanie calls for “widespread digitization” across the industry, ideally with little to no impact on consumers. Not only will this reduce costs, but it will also draw investors.

Find out how utilities can become the leading industry in sustainability.