Welcome to The Lookout. This month, we take a closer look at the forces reshaping leadership, strategy, and decision-making - from AI’s impact on the workplace to shifting security dynamics in our region.

In the third installment of the Sister City Challenges series, leaders from Aspen and Queenstown came together to tackle two of the toughest infrastructure issues facing these mountain resort towns: energy and transport. Moderated by Christine Maiden Sharp, the conversation revealed just how tightly these systems are now linked - and how innovative thinking, community engagement, and international knowledge exchange can deliver resilient, affordable solutions. While local in detail, the lessons shared apply to any community navigating growth, climate pressure, and the need to build with people at the centre. 

This month, we examine New Zealand’s shifting defence posture, new survey findings on WTO reform, and the implications of China’s expanding global influence. On the local front, we explore housing challenges in Queenstown and Aspen - and share upcoming events, including a new flagship partnership with the University of Otago - the inaugural Aspen Otago Security Forum, a major gathering on regional security set to launch later this year.

In the second session of the Sister Cities Challenges series, moderated by Aspen NZ CEO, Christine Maiden Sharp, Queenstown and Aspen came together to unpack one of the most complex issues facing their fast-growing resort towns: housing & urban planning. With population growth and tourism economies placing pressure on both supply and infrastructure, and affordability slipping out of reach for many residents, the forum explored what’s working - and what still isn’t - in two of the world’s most sought-after mountain communities. 

This month, we examine the ripple effects of AI, India’s evolving strategic priorities, and how major global events are being reshaped by politics, technology, and the growing desire for narrative control. Plus, we highlight upcoming events to add to your calendar.

In this edition, In Focus examines three key takeaways from Empowering Economies, showcasing new opportunities for New Zealand businesses in India, and why a proactive, private-sector-led approach is essential.

Leadership in Action features international business consultant Nikolaus Lang, who shares his insights on global trends and five essential leadership strategies for navigating geopolitical shifts. In Depth unpacks McKinsey's latest research on AI and how organisations can unlock it's full potential to enhance creativity, efficiency, and productivity in the workplace.

New Zealand and India share a long-standing relationship, with significant opportunities to increase trade across sectors . The recent forum, Empowering Economies: A New Era of NZ-India Business Relations, bought experts from both nations together to explore how these opportunities can be leveraged for mutual growth. Hosted by the High Commission of India to New Zealand in Wellington, the discussion built on the NZ - India forums held by the Aspen Institute New Zealand, which focussed on how New Zealand can apply their skills and expertise to assist India, while also providing opportunities to strengthen and build long-term relationships between the two nations. 

At the recent Global Changemakers workshop: The Race to a Greener Future, Aspen NZ alumna, Shreya Singaraju spent three and half days with young leaders from the Aspen International Partners network to address the ethical, geopolitical, and economic complexities of environmental sustainability and the procurement of critical minerals and rare earth metals. Reflecting on her time in Warsaw, Shreya shared three takeaways that have reshaped her outlook on global and local challenges.

The first session of the Sister Cities Challenges series, Aspen and Queenstown came together to address a shared and pressing issue: the impact of climate change on winter sports and mountain communities. This virtual forum brought together leaders from the winter sports business community, climate scientists, and sustainability advocates to discuss how these two iconic destinations are responding to the challenges of a warming climate.