The Complex Definition of “Youth” in Our Time
The notion of “youth” in the modern world is remarkably complex and nuanced, reflecting an amalgam of social, cultural, and economic factors that go far beyond a simple age-based classification. This ambiguity highlights how youth — traditionally associated with the transition from adolescence to early adulthood — has evolved into a more inclusive and fluid […]
What Happened to the Middle Class?
The economic crisis that began in 2008 dealt a severe blow to the middle class, marking the start of a turbulent period characterized by significant job losses and wage reductions. Independent professionals, once seen as stable and secure, were particularly affected, exposing their growing vulnerability in an increasingly uncertain labor market. With the arrival of […]
A SWOT as if nothing
In the business world, excessive simplification of processes can lead to results of little real value. A clear example of this is the implementation of a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) conducted through interviews with department heads without first establishing a clearly defined strategy. Often, the outcome of this approach resembles a shopping list: […]
The same old new competitiveness
At the beginning of this century, we live in a highly stratified and competitive society, characterized, among other things, by phenomena such as globalization, the development of the information society, and the new competition arising from emerging countries. All of this, seasoned by the rise of the so-called economic bubble, its burst and the deep […]
A response for strategists
Dear strategist, I invite you to think for a moment: On which of the following dates do you believe Nazi Germany began to lose the war? On September 1, 1939 itself, when through Operation “Case White” the invasion of Poland began, prompting, two days later on September 3, England and France to declare war on […]
Baltasar Gracián’s Lessons for Consultants — from Campo Grande
When reading again the poem The Just by Jorge Luis Borges, I paused at the line “He who discovers with pleasure an etymology,” and my memory, like Proust’s madeleine, took me back to the bench in Campo Grande, refuge of my adolescent readings, among the thick carpet of leaves and the declamatory song of the […]
The motive of necessity
Meeting needs lies at the core of why products and services exist. For human beings, a need is the feeling of lacking something that generates a desire to satisfy it. A person becomes aware of a need either through self-recognition or an external stimulus. The need exists in the individual’s mind. Its origin can depend […]
The cultured and informed consumer
Among the traits that define today’s consumer are that they are more educated and better informed. However, we cannot generalize by saying that the modern consumer is more cultured. On the contrary, a significant portion of the new generations are not more cultured than their predecessors, despite living in a more open, cosmopolitan environment with […]
10 trends led by consumers
Consumers have a voice — and they’re speaking louder and clearer than ever. Through their purchasing choices, they express their preferences and opinions. They’ve moved ahead, learning from their knowledge of brands and from the experiences gained through their buying and consumption habits. These are sustainable, ethical, committed, responsible, and empathetic consumers. People who, through […]
The Duck with a name of its own
My friend Celestino bought a little duckling for his daughters, and it quickly became the center of everyone’s attention — practically another member of the family. The duck, named Paco (a very original choice), played, ate, and grew. Before long, a corner of the living room had turned into a real duck-feeding area, and Paco […]