GET READY FOR 2019

I recently attended an event on artificial intelligence which discussed how business and leaders could make the most of the huge opportunities AI presents. And if the attendance of some 1500 people at the sold-out event was anything to go on, the topic is one that a lot of businesses are very keen to come to grips with.

One interesting aspect was that of ethics around AI, of looking after employees and also the legal and regulatory frameworks that should be put in place to protect our privacy in the age of big data.

That resonated with me after a recent internet search had targeted ads for the exact thing I had been searching for turning up in my social media feed next time I logged on.

I would be interested to get readers' feedback on the ways your business is ensuring your customers data is secured and their privacy is protected.

The year has whipped by in a frenzy of global events, that a couple of years ago most of us couldn't really imagine. And there is no doubt that 2019 is likely to be just as eventful. This month we set out to try and gain a glimpse of the issues that business leaders will need to be thinking about as they head into 2019. There are a myriad of issues on the horizon and we're very grateful to the experts who took the time to share their thinking with us. See page 6.

This issue we also highlight a shift in company culture at Auckland-based Watercare which is 11 months into a twoyear transformation project. It's shifting a precision-based engineering company towards being truly customer centric. See page 15.

And our ever-popular columnist Jackie O'Fee turns her eye to the looming work-based Christmas parties. Just how glamorous is too glamorous for a work event? Page 24.

I hope 2018 has been good to you and yours and that 2019 will bring more adventure, challenges and all manner of good things.