High-performing organizations are like luxury cars. They are powerful and advanced, but they need regular care. The same goes for people, even the most productive employees and top-performing teams. “Care” does not only come in the form of better tools, training, or rewards; one essential yet often overlooked part in this aspect is wellbeing. 

By ignoring wellbeing, burnout becomes inevitable. In fact, research shows that employees are 56% more engaged in their work, 34% more likely to stay with their employer, and 37% less likely to experience burnout.

The Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit—The KPI Institute’s strategy and performance audit division—will explore how well-being impacts organizational success in a live webinar titled “Wellbeing as Strategy: Embedding Happiness into Performance Culture,” on October 28, 2025, Tuesday. The session is designed to offer practical insights on how organizations can use wellbeing not only as an initiative or a benefit but as a strategic foundation for sustainable, long-term performance. The session runs from 5:00 – 6:00 PM (KSA Time) and will be facilitated by Bori Péntek, Head of Content Development and Insights at the GPA Unit. 

Péntek is a seasoned management consultant specializing in organizational development and human resource management. She works with businesses to align strategies, processes, and values with a strong emphasis on human and social wellbeing.

What’s in it for you

If you are trying to foster high performance without compromising employee wellbeing, the webinar offers the strategic blueprint you need. It will guide you through how mature organizations embed wellbeing as a key performance driver by integrating strategic metrics into performance dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs). You’ll also discover why emotional labor is a valid, measurable form of contribution and learn how to adapt team rituals and workflows to reduce chronic strain. 

Additionally, you will learn how to apply institutional listening practices (e.g., pulse surveys and stay interviews), how to uncover hidden stress points, and how to establish governance structures that embed well-being into leadership accountability. Expect practical frameworks and evidence-based strategies to help shift well-being from a supplementary aspect to a core performance pillar in your organization.

Whether you are a senior leader, human resource professional, middle manager, or team member, this session offers practical insights for anyone committed to building healthier, high-performing workplaces. Sign up for the webinar now! Find out more information HERE.

In 2025, the global telecommunications industry is expected to surpass USD 1.7 trillion in market value, driven by rapid advancements in 5G, growing data consumption, and the continued convergence of digital technologies. The sector is not only a backbone of global connectivity but also a key enabler of innovation across industries. 

As telecom providers expand infrastructure and launch new services to meet rising demand, the importance of data-driven decision-making and performance optimization has never been greater. In this context, performance measurement has become a strategic priority. As service delivery becomes more complex and customer expectations evolve, key performance indicators (KPIs) offer critical insights for improving network efficiency, enhancing customer experience, managing operational costs, and driving sustainable growth.

To support telecom professionals in navigating these changes, The KPI Institute has released the Top 25 Telecommunications KPIs – 2025 Edition. This report features the most impactful KPIs, selected based on global usage and their relevance to real-world industry practices. 

To provide a glimpse into the report, here are five of the top KPIs featured in the 2025 edition:

•  % Call setup success rate (CSSR) – Measures the percentage of call attempts that successfully connect to the dialed number, out of the total call attempts. It is used to assess the accessibility of the telecommunication network.
•  $ Telecom subscriber acquisition cost –  Measures the average cost of acquiring a new subscriber. It helps optimize acquisition spending by ensuring each new subscriber provides long-term value.
• % Answer seizure ratio (ASR) – Measures the percentage of calls successfully answered out of the total call attempts. It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of call handling. 
• $ Telecom subscriber retention cost (SRC) – Measures the costs associated with retaining a customer, including customer service, retention marketing, and related expenses. It aims to track net retention spending per subscriber.
•  % Data network availability – Measures the percentage of time the data network is operational and accessible. It is used to monitor the overall availability of the data network.

This report is part of the Top 25 KPIs – 2025 series developed by The KPI Institute. The series provides a comprehensive framework for effective performance measurement and addresses key challenges in KPI implementation. Each KPI is documented with practical definitions, calculation formulas, analysis guidelines, and recommended usage scenarios to support integration into performance management systems.

Explore the full report to strengthen your organization’s performance measurement practices. The Top 25 Telecommunications KPIs – 2025 Edition is now available on the TKI Marketplace, with printed copies available for order on Amazon. Get your copy today!

Speed, stability, and effectiveness are more than industry buzzwords—they define how organizations compete in a rapidly changing landscape. As industries race to launch products faster, retain talent amid shifting work dynamics, and convert leads into loyal customers, three key performance indicators (KPIs) stand out as mission-critical: # Time to Market, # Employee Tenure, and % Conversion Rate.

Recent data from a Gartner survey reveals that 45% of product launches are delayed by at least one month, with these delays making companies far more likely to miss their internal targets. At the same time, median employee tenure has dropped to 3.9 years as of January 2024—the lowest since 2002—underscoring the growing difficulty of maintaining workforce stability. Meanwhile, average landing page conversion rates reached 6.6% in Q4 2024, offering a benchmark for organizations striving to turn interest into action. Together, these indicators tell a compelling story: sustainable success depends not only on moving quickly but also on keeping talent engaged and transforming opportunities into measurable results.

In this article, we spotlight three key indicators from the third quarter of 2025—exploring how organizations perform in terms of innovation speed through # Time to market, workforce stability through # Employee tenure, and marketing effectiveness through % Conversion rate.

KPI of July: # Time to market – This indicator tracks the duration between a product’s initial concept and its launch, serving as a measure of how efficiently an organization drives innovation from idea to execution.

This indicator is crucial for organizations aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving landscape. While it may seem straightforward, its measurement is influenced by various factors. To ensure accurate assessment and meaningful benchmarking, download the free digital poster from the TKI Marketplace.

KPI of August: # Employee tenure – This measures the average length of time employees remain with their organization, providing insight and revealing trends into overall workforce stability and retention over time.By segmenting data by demographics or role duration, managers can make more informed decisions on promotions, rotations, and tenure-related benefits—supporting fair and strategic workforce planning. Explore this indicator further by downloading the digital poster from the TKI Marketplace.

KPI of September: % Conversion rate – This reflects the percentage of individuals who take a desired action—such as making a purchase or signing up—out of the total exposed audience, offering a clear view of how effective an organization’s marketing strategies are in driving engagement and results.

How well does your organization turn interest into action? Benchmark your % Conversion Rate against industry standards and discover ways to measure it more effectively. Download the digital poster from the TKI Marketplace to learn more.

These digital posters are part of the KPI of the Month series by The KPI Institute. It is a free infographic series designed to provide practical insights into the application of key performance indicators. Each edition focuses on one specific KPI, offering clear explanations of terminology, addressing common challenges in its use, and outlining essential details such as its definition, calculation, Balanced Scorecard relevance, data profile, typical targets, and actionable recommendations. Explore the other featured KPIs from the past quarters, visit the TKI Marketplace today!

Similar to how a rowing team synchronizes its strokes to move swiftly across the water, organizations must align their strategy, execution, and performance management practices to stay on course. The 2025 State of Strategy Management Report captures this dynamic, offering an in-depth view of how strategy and performance management practices are unfolding across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions.

This year, the majority of participants came from Saudi Arabia (91%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt (3% each), with smaller representation from Jordan, Qatar, and other MENA countries. Public and social services formed the largest industry group (36%), followed by professional services (21%) and industrial sectors (15%). Respondents were almost evenly split between public (50%) and private (43%) institutions, with not-for-profit organizations making up 7% of the respondent pool. This balanced representation ensures that the findings can be generalized and reflect both government priorities and private-sector dynamics.

What’s new in the report

This fourth edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report uses a more refined approach than in previous editions. More than just documenting the current state of strategic practice, the report also seeks to drive meaningful improvement. As Daniela Vuta, Chief Operating Officer at The KPI Institute, explains, “Our vision is to create a collaborative resource that equips the leaders and practitioners on the front lines of business excellence with the insights necessary to turn strategic intent into operational reality.”

Vuta emphasized that the report’s impact is twofold: first, to deliver a data-driven perspective that pinpoints the planning-execution gap, replacing assumptions with clarity on challenges such as weak cross-functional coordination.

Unlike earlier editions that relied on a single, comprehensive questionnaire requiring all participants to answer every topic, the 2025 study employed subject-specific surveys: strategy planning, strategy measurement, and strategy execution. This shift enabled deeper insights, reduced respondent fatigue, and encouraged broader participation.

Another key enhancement was the release of an Arabic version of the survey. To ensure both accuracy and cultural relevance, a rigorous translation protocol was followed, which included stages of professional translation, back-translation, and evaluation by bilingual experts familiar with regional business terminology.

Bridging evidence and experience

Through the State of Strategy Management – 2025 MENA Report, The KPI Institute aims to inspire organizations to break free from strategic inertia by adopting proven best practices and turning research data into a solid foundation for informed decision-making and agile improvement initiatives.

Beyond quantitative findings, this year’s report integrated semi-structured interviews with strategy and performance management professionals across various industries in the MENA region. Each interview, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, offered participants the opportunity to share practical experiences, challenges, and success stories. These qualitative insights enrich the survey findings and provide a holistic view by adding real-world perspectives and contextual examples.

According to Vuta, “The Voices from the Field section complements the quantitative data, providing practical context and real-world examples that enrich the analysis. This approach, combined with a reduced margin of error (between 5% and 6%), ensures the report offers a superior standard of precision for strategy practices across the MENA region.” 

The 2025 edition also introduces several new features designed to guide readers through the material. These include a one-page roadmap outlining the report’s structure, a high-level overview of the most significant findings, and a concluding section that consolidates insights and highlights the evolving direction of strategy management practices in the MENA region. Beyond presenting data, the report places strong emphasis on practical application. Each section contains recommendations from strategy and performance management experts and offers actionable steps organizations can take to strengthen their strategy management efforts.

By combining data-driven results with expert commentary and firsthand accounts, the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Region Report delivers a comprehensive view of current trends in the field. It equips leaders with evidence-based findings and actionable guidance to close gaps, overcome challenges, and drive smarter decisions. To access detailed results and practical recommendations for advancing your strategic journey, download the full report via the TKI Marketplace.

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From The KPI Institute

This report is more than a collection of data; it is a strategic resource that redefines excellence. While the focus is on the MENA region, the challenges identified—the execution gap, the need for alignment, and the difficulty in shifting from instinct to data-driven decisions—are universal. What MENA organizations are learning and implementing in their active effort to reinvent themselves serves as a powerful observation window and a set of applicable lessons on a global scale. 

We urge you to use this study not only to benchmark your performance but also to challenge your own assumptions. Our role at The KPI Institute is to empower the world to achieve performance excellence, and this report is the tool that will help you navigate strategic complexity, turning your vision into lasting impact and measurable results. True performance excellence requires a holistic, agile, and well-executed strategy; this report shows the way.

Daniela Vuta

Chief Operating Officer

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey, 86% of employers expect artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technologies to significantly impact their business by 2030. However, realizing this potential faces a major challenge: the shortage of skills needed to support its integration. Nearly half of global executives identify this as the top barrier to adoption, followed by lack of leadership vision and high costs. In response, 77% of employers plan to upskill or reskill their workforce by 2030, while many also aim to hire AI-proficient talent and reorient business models. Yet, alongside opportunity, there is disruption: 41% of organizations expect to reduce staff as AI capabilities evolve. 

Amid the accelerating shift toward AI-driven operations, the Functional Areas Enablement Institute (FAEI)—a research-driven entity within The KPI Institute ecosystem dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency across key functional areas—has developed the Certified AI Enablement Professional course in partnership with The KPI Institute. This course is designed to meet the increasing demand for professionals skilled at applying AI technologies, especially natural language processing (NLP). It empowers them to effectively engage with AI systems, leverage foundation models, and implement AI strategies aligned with organizational goals. By fostering AI literacy and cultural readiness, the course aims to drive sustainable growth in AI-enabled enterprises. 

The Certified AI Enablement Professional course stands apart from other AI training programs by leveraging FAEI’s proprietary AI Enablement Framework, which offers a systematic approach that guides organizations from early-stage readiness to full integration across the business. The framework covers critical components such as the strategy roadmap, governance, performance metrics and analytics, maintenance mechanisms, and capacity building. At its core, this course supports the alignment of technology with goals, resources, and talent. This approach allows businesses to optimize AI applications, navigate potential challenges, and deliver greater value, all with the goal of driving cost savings through higher efficiency and productivity. 

Offered by maentae, a premier provider of transformative learning experiences, the Certified AI Enablement Professional course arms participants with practical knowledge in areas such as NLP, prompt engineering, and AI deployment, complemented by access to handbooks, templates, and implementation toolkits. The course’s modular structure spans 10 agendas, from fundamentals to advanced practices, and is delivered through a flexible three-stage learning process: pre-course preparation, in-person or online training, and post-course application. For more information, visit these links: Live- Online: Certified AI Enablement Professional and Face-to-Face: Certified AI Enablement Professional.

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Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the News section of Performance Magazine Issue No. 33, 2025 – The AI Edition. To explore more AI-focused insights, download the free digital copy of the magazine via the TKI Marketplace. A print edition is also available on Amazon, subject to standard printing and shipping fees.

As seasons turn, Performance Magazine has also evolved with the years—every issue a new page in the constantly evolving world of strategy and performance management. This September, as the golden hues of autumn symbolize reflection and renewal, Performance Magazine celebrates a decade of its print edition: ten years of transforming digital insights from www.performancemagazine.org into enduring pages of knowledge, growth, and progress.

When Performance Magazine – Print Edition first debuted in autumn 2015, a season often associated with change and maturity, it carried a simple yet powerful mission to bring thought leadership, industry trends, and best practices in strategy and performance management into the hands of readers in a timeless form. 

The first edition

The journey of Performance Magazine’s print edition began by featuring Dr. Aurel Brudan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The KPI Institute, signaling both leadership and legacy. The story, “A Lifetime Dedicated to Performance,” gave readers an intimate look into his vision and the philosophy that laid the foundation for The KPI Institute’s global influence.

That first issue—a 62-page collection—was a milestone that captured the spirit of performance as both science and art. It introduced what would become the magazine’s signature sections, such as interviews with thought leaders, industry-focused key performance indicator (KPI) collections, best practice case studies, practical guides on performance frameworks, and globally sourced insights through Around the World and Ask Our Experts. 

As the years passed, Performance Magazine moved through its own seasons of growth. The early spring years were marked by enthusiasm and focus on core topics like KPI selection, Balanced Scorecard design, and performance culture. By summer, the magazine had matured. Its design became more refined, its voice more confident by expanding its scope to cover innovation, digital transformation, leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

The start of a new season

The transformation began with the Performance Magazine Issue No. 23, 2022 – The Travel Issue, which examined performance through the lens of movement, innovation, and cross-boundary collaboration. The cover story, “Silo Transformation: Breaking Down Barriers in Palm Beach County,” featured Dr. Keith Clinkscale, Strategic Planning and Performance Management Director, who shared how one of Florida’s top travel destinations is transforming the way performance results are measured. In his interview, Dr. Clinkscale discussed how Palm Beach County overcame operational silos, fostered collaboration across departments, and embedded data-driven decision-making in public service delivery.

Following the success of The Travel Issue, the magazine continued its theme-based direction with “The Public Sector Issue” in 2023, which was anchored in The KPI Institute’s Government Services Index (GSI) 2022 report. The edition translated the report’s findings into actionable insights, exploring how high-performing governments leverage strategy execution, digitalization, and citizen engagement to deliver value. It featured analyses of best practices from leading nations, expert commentaries, and case studies that revealed how data-driven governance can improve both institutional performance and public trust.

Completing the year’s series, the Sustainability, Data Analytics, and Government editions reflected the evolving priorities of modern organizations. The 25th edition, “The Sustainability Edition,” featured Eelco van der Enden, CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative, and discussed how organizations embed sustainability into strategy and measure ESG-driven impact. The 26th edition, “The Data Analytics Edition,” spotlighted Madhur Mayank Sharma of SAP Asia PTE LTD, offering insights on creating data-driven cultures and harnessing AI for smarter decisions. Finally, “The Public Sector Issue,” featuring Michael Jacobson of King County, U.S., with perspectives on digital inequality, workforce challenges, and the future of government performance.

The harvest of fresh insights and innovations

In 2024, Performance Magazine marked a new milestone with the release of the Business Excellence Edition, developed in collaboration with the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit. This special issue focused on strengthening organizational performance and advancing performance management systems through maturity assessments, one of the GPA Unit’s signature frameworks. The cover story, “Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: A Fundamental Step for Business Excellence,” by Cristina Mihăiloaie, emphasized the need to align processes, principles, and people to overcome challenges in strategy execution—an essential step toward long-term success.

A major highlight of this edition was the introduction of a new section, “At the Core,” designed to explore the fundamental concepts of strategy and performance management. It featured key articles such as “The Five Levels of Organizational Maturity From a Performance Management Perspective” and “How to Conduct a Strategy and Performance Management System Maturity Assessment,” offering readers practical insights and tools for enhancing organizational maturity. 

This year, Performance Magazine continues to explore the evolving landscape of strategy and performance with two standout releases:  the Employee Performance Edition (Issue No. 32) and the AI Edition (Issue No. 33).

The Employee Performance Edition examines how a clearer understanding of organizational culture can drive alignment, engagement, and sustained success. By turning cultural insights into practical actions, it shows how performance can be embedded in the way people work, interact, and grow.

The spotlight, however, is on the AI Edition, featuring Cassie Kozyrkov—Google’s first-ever Chief Decision Scientist—on the cover. A leading voice in applied artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and decision intelligence, Kozyrkov brings a unique perspective on how leaders can make smarter, faster, and more ethical decisions in an AI-driven world. The issue explores key themes through articles like “The Decision Paradox: How AI is Reshaping Decision-Making,” “From Prototype to Practice: Moving AI Innovations into Real-World Business Impact,” and “Ethical AI & Governance: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Responsible AI Use.”

Later this year, Performance Magazine will release two more editions, which are focused on sustainability and government. Stay updated by following The KPI Institute on LinkedIn. You can explore and download free digital copies of previous Performance Magazine issues from the TKI Marketplace, while print editions are available for purchase on Amazon, with prices varying depending on the edition and region.

Secure your spot today and take the first step toward turning your strategic vision into meaningful impact. Register now HERE.

A clear vision provides the foundation for growth, offering direction and purpose to an organization. Yet, many strategies fail not because the vision is weak, but because execution falls short. Turning big ideas into tangible outcomes requires more than ambition—it demands structure, alignment, and commitment across teams. The real measure of success lies in bridging the gap between what is envisioned and what is achieved.

In light of this, The KPI Institute is hosting the upcoming webinar, “Turning Strategic Vision into Action,” on September 23 at 11:00 AM Gulf Standard Time (GST). The session will run for 45 minutes of presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer (Q&A) to address participants’ specific questions. Anchored in insights from the upcoming edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice – MENA Region Report, which carries the same title, this webinar offers an opportunity to connect research with practice.

About the State of Strategy Management Practice Report

The State of Strategy Management Practice MENA Region Report offers an in-depth look at the latest trends, challenges, and emerging practices shaping the field of strategy management today. More than a data-driven study, it serves as a practical resource and catalyst for change, providing valuable insights that organizations can use to strengthen their strategic capabilities. For professionals, the report functions as a benchmarking tool that can help them evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and adopt more effective approaches to address real-world challenges. Follow The KPI Institute on LinkedIn to be the first to know when the report is released and to get your copy.

Why You Should Attend

This webinar is designed to equip professionals with the insights needed to make strategy execution a strength within their organizations. Participants will discover how to close the gap between strategy and operations, ensuring that high-level goals are effectively translated into action. The session will also explore practical methods to turn objectives into concrete roadmaps, align stakeholders to build stronger collaboration, and empower teams to take ownership of results. Moreover, it will provide solutions to common barriers that often stand in the way of successful execution.

Meet the Facilitators

The session will be led by Cristina Mihăiloaie and Teodora Gorski, who bring over 25 years of combined experience in strategy and performance management across multiple industries and regions.

Cristina Mihăiloaie is the Technical Director of Systaems, the consultancy division of The KPI Institute, with more than 13 years of expertise in strategy and performance management. Over the last decade, she has been actively engaged in research, training, and advisory work, guiding organizations in leveraging KPIs to accelerate growth and build stronger management systems. Advocating for impactful strategy planning and performance management, Cristina has supported organizations across North America, Europe, and the GCC in tailoring and applying best practices to their local contexts.

Teodora Gorski is a Strategy and Performance Management expert with more than 12 years of international experience spanning consulting, advisory, and executive education. In her role as Managing Director MENA at The KPI Institute, she oversees regional operations and supports organizations in enhancing their strategy and performance practices. She also leads Strategic Partnerships & Growth at the Global Performance Audit Unit, where she drives initiatives that foster performance maturity across government, corporate, and academic sectors.

Eric Lynn, senior learning Manager at Microsoft, offered a clear message in an interview featured in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition): performance culture starts with clarity—and leaders who set the tone.

Lynn, who also serves as a professional coach in Microsoft’s Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization, explained that without clear standards, workplace culture risks becoming inconsistent and reactive. With nearly two decades of experience in learning and development, he draws from a background in sports administration and leadership, applying strategic thinking to how teams function.

“In a performance-based culture, it is imperative to have transparency and clear standards,” he noted. That consistency allows individuals to focus, contribute, and move the business forward, especially as technologies like AI change the way work is distributed and measured.

He emphasizes that today’s workplace demands a more team-oriented approach. While individual contribution remains important, accountability now sits with leaders just as much as with employees. “If a member of the team is struggling, leaders must ask why—and what can be done to support them,” he said.

Lynn also cautions against over-reliance on incentives alone to drive results. A strong performance culture, he explained, requires alignment, trust, and a structure that allows individuals to act with autonomy. Without that, even the most well-designed reward systems may fall short.

One of the most practical tools he highlights is coaching based on curiosity. Replacing judgment with questions such as “What about…” or “Have we considered…” creates space for reflection and improvement, while still keeping performance expectations in focus.

Lynn’s advice is grounded in a simple principle: when employees know what is expected of them, and when standards are consistently applied, performance improves. Leaders, in turn, can focus on supporting long-term results instead of correcting short-term missteps.

To read the full interview, download Performance Magazine – Print Edition, No. 32 (The Employee Performance Edition) for free via the TKI Marketplace. Printed copies are also available for order on Amazon (printing and shipping fees apply).

With today’s advanced technologies and digital tools, especially the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, collecting data has never been easier and accessible. Yet, despite the abundance of numbers, many organizations still struggle to transform this information into meaningful insights that drive decision-making.

To address this gap, the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit, the strategy and performance audit division of The KPI Institute, is hosting the second session of its Performance Excellence Webinar Series: “Strengthening KPI Practices for Better Decision-Making.” Scheduled for 16 September 2025, this live 60-minute session is open to all participants with free registration.

The webinar will be led by Teo Gorski, Head of Consulting Services at The KPI Institute, who will guide participants on transforming performance measurement from a bureaucratic checkbox into a true catalyst for decision-making. She’s also the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Growth at GPA Unit.

Why you should attend

• Spot the traps: In this webinar, you will learn how to identify low-maturity measurement habits, from data-driven confusion to over-engineered reports that go unread.
• Design key performance indicators (KPIs) with purpose: Discover how you can align indicators with strategy, ownership, and learning cycles so every number has a clear role.
• Govern for agility: Understand how you can keep the KPI system lean, decision-ready, and adaptable as organizational priorities evolve.

Who should attend

This session is designed for performance leaders, strategy professionals, project management office teams, and data owners—anyone tasked with turning metrics into meaningful action.

With practical insights and tools, the webinar promises to help participants streamline cluttered scorecards, focus on the KPIs that matter, and build governance systems that ensure lasting relevance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your KPI practices and put your metrics to work. Register today! Visit the GPA Unit website for more information.

Performance Magazine has released its newest print issue, and this time, it focuses on one of the most defining changes in today’s workplace: AI in strategy and performance. Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) explores how artificial intelligence is influencing not just tools and workflows but the deeper layers of how organizations plan, execute, and evaluate performance.

The cover story features Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first ever chief decision scientist. Rather than echoing the dominant automation narrative, Kozyrkov calls for a return to disciplined thinking. Her reflections point to a core concern in strategy work today: how to make better decisions, faster, with the support of AI—not at the cost of human oversight. She draws attention to the difference between replacing judgment and reinforcing it, which frames much of what the rest of the edition explores.

Among the features is a practical explainer on how machine learning works, covering its core structure, main types, and underlying learning processes. Another article offers historical context that traces how AI has developed over time, helping distinguish durable progress from hype.

One article takes a closer look at the role of AI in strategy and performance, showing how machine learning models are being used to assess current conditions, simulate future outcomes, and support strategic direction. It also explores how AI contributes to performance management by helping set more accurate targets, cascade KPIs across levels, and monitor progress with predictive insights.

Several articles explore how AI is embedded in the daily flow of work. These cover its integration into familiar tools and platforms, the rise of AI agents, and the increasing importance of prompt engineering as a technical skill. On the governance front, readers will find a scan of AI regulatory developments around the world, focusing on how companies are adjusting policies and compliance mechanisms to match legal expectations.

The Interviews section brings in a mix of technical, academic, and legal perspectives. Alongside Kozyrkov are voices like Tarry Singh, Professor J. Mark Bishop, Frank Naussbaum, and Dr. Jon Truby, who discuss the operational, ethical, and structural implications of adopting AI at scale.

Closing the edition is a contribution from guest editor Islam Salahuddin, a data consultant and facilitator at Systaems. He is certified as a data analyst and trainer by Microsoft and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI. In his essay, he explores how much of the confusion around AI stems from language itself. Even the term “AI” can mean entirely different things depending on background or experience. This confusion, he argues, is especially present in business conversations, where abstract terms often blur rather than clarify. 

Performance Magazine Issue – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition) is now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can be ordered through Amazon, with standard printing and shipping fees applied.