The AI Edition of Performance Magazine – Print Edition takes on a challenge many professionals face but rarely stop to question: when we talk about artificial intelligence (AI), are we even speaking the same language? 

Across the issue, readers will find practical pieces focused on specific use cases, business-relevant applications, and emerging challenges. From machine learning basics and prompt engineering techniques to risks in AI adoption and the global regulatory landscape, the edition focuses on how professionals can work with AI in clear, grounded ways.

This approach reflects a core idea explored by the edition’s guest editor, Islam Salahuddin—a former data consultant and facilitator at Systaems with ongoing studies in AI. In “The Problem of AI Is a Problem of Language,” he argues that confusion about AI begins before anyone starts using a tool. He writes that while the field covers everything from robotics and autonomous systems to generative models and chatbots, many professionals speak about AI as if it’s a single thing. This creates misunderstandings that ripple through strategy discussions, tool selection, and expectations around performance.

Salahuddin outlines three areas where the confusion takes root: definition, taxonomy, and perception. He describes how researchers often try to sort these challenges out through frameworks and classification systems, but these rarely reach business audiences. As a result, terms like machine learning or deep learning either get used interchangeably or misunderstood entirely. 

Part of the problem, Salahuddin writes, lies in how quickly AI references shift. A few years ago, people talked about AI in the context of robots or smart devices. Now, many mean tools like ChatGPT, even though these represent only part of the broader field. Rather than offer a fixed interpretation of AI, the essay encourages business professionals to recognize how their own assumptions shape their understanding.

Where Technical Expertise Meets Language

Salahuddin’s piece sets the tone for the rest of the edition—not just in content, but in its call for clarity and critical thinking. That perspective emerges not only from technical expertise but also from his interest in how ideas are framed and understood. He approaches AI as someone attuned to the role of language in guiding perception, decisions, and strategy.

Drawing on over a decade of experience across data analytics, information design, and communication, he brings a thoughtful approach to how organizations use data for strategy and impact. He is also certified as a data analyst and trainer by Microsoft. His work spans the public and private sectors—from performance management solutions to research and training—always focused on making analytics more accessible and relevant.

Alongside his technical work, he remains engaged in writing and creative projects, often exploring the connections between data, storytelling, and culture. He believes that bridging disciplines—whether through visualization or language—is key to understanding today’s complex challenges.

Read his full essay in Performance Magazine – Print Edition, Issue No. 33 (The AI Edition), now available as a free digital download via the TKI Marketplace. Print copies can also be ordered through Amazon (standard printing and shipping fees apply).

Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first-ever chief decision scientist and founder of consulting firm Kozyr, is best known for championing decision intelligence—a field that helps leaders move beyond instinct and data overload toward clarity and structure. In an exclusive interview for Performance Magazine’s AI Edition, she argues that many leaders still get AI wrong by focusing on automation rather than decision quality.

Kozyrkov draws a sharp line between tool use and automation. She points out that the former empowers employees to use AI systems like ChatGPT or Claude to do better work, while the latter involves handing off decisions entirely to machines. Leaders often conflate the two, she warns, launching AI projects without asking whether they truly understand what outcomes they’re pursuing.

Instead of starting with data, Kozyrkov believes that a good AI strategy starts with intent. “The answers are cheap now,” she says. “It’s the questions that are valuable.” For her, prompting is a leadership skill—one that requires clarity about what success looks like and how to recognize it. Off-the-shelf metrics, like accuracy or speed, often miss the point if they’re not tied to the organization’s core priorities.

Kozyrkov also emphasizes the importance of technical fluency at the leadership level—not necessarily coding expertise, but enough knowledge to manage complexity and ask the right questions. She warns that a “non-technical leader who ignores the technology is a hazard” and that trust, especially in external vendors or automated systems, should always be earned—not assumed.

The conversation spans real-world examples, like AI-driven parking lot metrics and automation misfires, to broader themes of governance and accountability. Kozyrkov calls for what she terms a “new breed of leader”: someone who understands that in a world flooded with tools, what matters most is judgment.

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

The first half of 2025 has been marked by a series of strategic publications from The KPI Institute, underscoring its continued commitment to advancing the field of strategy and performance management. These publications address emerging challenges and opportunities across industries, providing in-depth analysis, practical frameworks, and actionable insights for professionals and organizations worldwide. This mid-year recap highlights the most impactful releases to date, each reflecting the Institute’s mission to support sustainable performance and informed decision-making.

One of the key highlights is the 2025 Global Trends Brief. It is a secondary research report that analyzes the critical forces reshaping the global business environment. Drawing on insights from over 100 leading research and consultancy sources, the Brief presents a clear, data-driven overview of the trends influencing strategy and performance today. Covering themes such as geopolitical developments, artificial intelligence, and evolving regulatory landscapes, the report provides valuable guidance on how these shifts impact decision-making, operational resilience, and long-term strategic planning.

Another significant contribution is the Top 25 KPIs Series, which showcases key performance indicators (KPIs)  across various industries and functional areas. Released in the first half of the year are the Top 25 Oil and Gas KPIs – 2025 Edition, Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition, and Top 25 Local Government KPIs – 2025 Edition. Each report includes not only curated KPI lists but also practical guidance on implementation, along with the latest developments in performance measurement.

For professionals seeking a focused exploration of individual KPIs, the KPI of the Month (KPIoM) series provides in-depth profiles of key metrics. Each feature includes definitions, calculation formulas, and real-world applications. Recent editions have highlighted indicators such as % Return on Assets, % Employee Burnout Rate, $ Internal Carbon Fee, % Production Schedule Attainment, and % First Call Resolution Rate.

Further expanding its KPI-related resources, The KPI Institute released new entries in the KPIs for Industries infographic series during the first half of 2025. These include KPI sets for health and healthcare providers, medical laboratories, and pharmacies. Each infographic leverages Value Flow Analysis—a methodology that maps how value is generated across industry-specific processes—and offers detailed definitions, component metrics, and calculation methods. These resources are designed to support targeted performance improvement initiatives at both strategic and operational levels.

In addition, The KPI Institute launched the first quarterly edition of its flagship publication for the year: Performance Magazine Issue No. 32 – Employee Performance Edition. This edition explores how organizational culture functions not merely as a background element but as a fundamental enabler of performance. Featuring expert commentary, models, and practical tools, the issue encourages professionals to treat culture as a strategic resource—something to be intentionally shaped and applied to reinforce engagement, alignment, and long-term success.

To explore these publications and more, visit the TKI Marketplace and gain access to the latest resources in strategy and performance management.

Just as companies refine their strategies to stay competitive, professionals must equip themselves with the right insights and tools to keep pace with a progressing field. In the world of strategy and performance management, staying informed is not just an advantage but a necessity.

Reflecting this commitment to continuous learning and excellence, Performance Magazine, a publication by The KPI Institute (TKI), an established global research organization, has remained a trusted source of industry insights, expert analysis, case studies, and emerging trends. In 2024, it reinforced its role as a reliable resource with the successful release of four special editions. 

Performance Magazine Issue No. 28, 2024 – Employee Performance Edition 

TKI’s first release of the Performance Magazine – Print Edition in 2024 explores the newest advancements in employee performance management, discovering how to harmonize individual objectives with organizational goals and use cutting-edge technologies to streamline relevant processes.

The cover story examines the significant impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on performance evaluation and talent management. DEI, a framework that promotes fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees, is recognized as essential for improving organizational performance and fostering innovation.

In this edition, we got the opportunity to feature Dr. Malika Viltz-Emerson, a Senior Global Human Resource Leader at Microsoft, where she tackles numerous benefits of involving employees in managing and improving their performance. 

To read the full interview and explore the entire magazine, download the free digital copy from TKI Marketplace. Alternatively, you can purchase the print edition on Amazon.

Performance Magazine Issue No. 29, 2024 – Strategy Management Edition 

This edition uncovers the core elements of strategic success in times of disruption, from managing stakeholder engagement and adopting transformative technologies to fostering strategic foresight. To navigate the evolving work landscape, organizations dive deep into diverse perspectives, scrutinize data, and assess risks, all while considering the impact of culture and communication.

The cover story explores interventions that align with this approach, particularly those that foster an adaptive organizational culture and address resistance to change. Offering in-depth insights into organizational strategy, this edition covers planning, development, and execution, with a focus on best practices, case studies, and data-driven discussions. Readers will gain the tools to integrate diverse viewpoints into strategy implementation, empower employees in change management, and ensure data accuracy for informed decision-making. 

Unlock the strategies for success in uncertain times—download your free digital copy of the magazine from the TKI Marketplace, or purchase the physical copy on Amazon today.

Performance Magazine Issue No. 30, 2024 – Government Edition 

This edition of Performance Magazine offers an in-depth look at how pioneering nations improve government effectiveness through innovative strategies, robust performance management practices, and adaptability to emerging trends and technologies. The publication highlights governments excelling in these areas and examines their successful journeys based on TKI’s Government Services Index 2023.

In the Interviews section, we feature contributions from expert voices representing Saudi Arabia and the USA, with diverse backgrounds in public transportation, education, tourism, religious pilgrimages, and human resources.

In this edition, Dr. Keith Clinkscale returns for a follow-up interview to share the results and advancements of his initiatives in government strategy and performance management, with a special focus on innovation and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of government operations.

Shape the future and uncover the roadmap to improved governance. Get your hands on this magazine by downloading the digital version for free on the TKI Marketplace, or purchase the printed edition on Amazon.

Performance Magazine Issue No. 31, 2024 – Business Excellence Edition

The latest release of the Performance Magazine – Print Edition delves into practical strategies and insights that drive continuous improvement, helping organizations transition from good to great and ultimately attain excellence. It highlights how top organizations excel in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and workforce development, providing a thorough understanding of what it takes to thrive in a competitive business environment.

In collaboration with the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit, a division established by TKI, this edition explores the effective implementation of performance management systems through maturity assessments. It features the GPA Unit’s maturity model frameworks, valuable insights, client success stories, and expert interviews. 

The cover story, “Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: A Fundamental Step for Business Excellence” by Cristina Mihăiloaie, emphasizes the significance of aligning processes, principles, and people to address key challenges in strategy execution. This alignment is portrayed as a crucial element for attaining sustained success.

Dive more into the latest trends, strategies, and tools for enhancing performance management systems! Download the Performance Magazine Issue No. 31, 2024 – Business Excellence Edition on TKI Marketplace, or grab a physical copy via Amazon.

Performance Magazine has reported a remarkable 40% increase in downloads from 2023. Over the last decade, Performance Magazine has established itself as a reliable source for industry know-how, trends, and best practices in strategy, performance management, and data analytics. This milestone not only proves the publication’s long-standing dedication to providing high-quality information, but also demonstrates the growing demand for its insights among professionals worldwide.

In 2023, Performance Magazine rolled out editions centered on the public sector, data analytics, government, and sustainability. As always, the magazine featured industry leaders and top executives from major organizations, such as Eelco van der Enden of the Global Reporting Initiative and Madhur Mayank Sharma, Head of SAP’s AI Services & Accelerator team.

This year, Performance Magazine gave its readers back-to-back releases: the Employee Performance Edition and the Strategy Management Edition. The Employee Performance Edition discusses the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent management, democratizing strategy planning, implementing a hybrid performance management system, nurturing holistic performance management, and more. 

On the other hand, the Strategy Management Edition offers insights into practicing strategic leadership in disruptive times, empowering employees for effective change management, and ensuring data accuracy for informed decision-making. The next two editions of Performance Magazine for 2024 are about business excellence and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in strategy and performance management.

Drawing on The KPI Institute’s (TKI) 20 years of experience in performance management, Performance Magazine provides its readers with prime resources, updates, interviews, case studies, expert recommendations, and global perspectives on strategy and performance management. Its first printed edition was launched in April 2015, with TKI’s CEO, Dr. Aurel Brudan, on the cover.

As the magazine gears up for its 10th anniversary next year, enjoy your free access to past editions of Performance Magazine on TKI Marketplace.

The KPI Institute (TKI) marks its 20th anniversary with innovation milestones, market reach growth, and network expansion. Founded in 2004 by its CEO, Dr. Aurel Brudan, TKI has evolved from being a global pioneer, advancing the field of strategy and performance management into a diversified ecosystem leveraging its research expertise, science, and technology for both business and societal progress.

From building the world’s largest database of documented KPIs to launching enterprises dedicated to various business and lifestyle solutions, TKI has set the standard for structuring knowledge and foundational principles to address a broad range of sectoral challenges.

TKI has delivered educational programs to over 29,000 participants across 60 countries. In addition to its 40 partner organizations across the globe, TKI has its own four offices established in Australia (headquarters), Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. TKI’s standards for performance excellence are best captured by the company’s accomplishments in various areas. Some of the highlights are:

Product and service innovation: Driven by a learner-centric philosophy, TKI started offering its courses in three formats from 2020: face-to-face, live-online, and self-paced. This move signifies the company’s commitment to its participants and their ever-changing needs and participants.

Global partnerships: To make world-class education accessible and impactful, TKI sets an industry standard for professional training organizations by offering the first global certification to validate performance and KPI management expertise.

Strong clientele worldwide: TKI’s multidisciplinary expertise has been sought by major brands, government institutions, and organizations worldwide.

Premium educational programs and certifications: The KPI Institute designed the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Performance to develop a new generation of executives armed with strategic mastery and agile leadership skills. TKI has also introduced alternative learning programs, such as microcredentials in various areas of expertise, to respond to the growing need for upskilling. See our latest release on AI for business productivity.

Research and publications: smartKPIs.com, a database featuring over 21,383 documented KPIs, results from an intensive, ongoing research endeavor by TKI. Another critical moment in this aspect is the release of The Government Service Index, which examines foundational elements that contribute to the success of government services and aligns them with globally recognized indicators.

Publishing: Performance Magazine is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The number of downloads in 2023 compared to 2022 increased by 40%, and the magazine features interviews with experts from major brands such as Google, Microsoft, SAP, Global Reporting Initiative, and more.

Talent acquisition and growth: TKI has scaled its workforce to over 350 employees from different parts of the world and over 20 nationalities, reflecting its mission to leverage cultural diversity.

Community and Networking Prowess: The KPI Institute has reached a significant milestone, cultivating an online community with over 70,000 followers across social media and more than 50,000 LinkedIn group members, highlighting our emphasis on building strong networking links as a key component to improving knowledge flow. 

As TKI celebrates 20 years since its inception, our vision for the future is focused on exploring new horizons, empowering communities, and striving for excellence to achieve organizational success and contribute to the common good.

In recent years, the global labor market has faced a challenging mix of health crises, economic turbulence, and geopolitical uncertainties, with vulnerable populations most severely affected. In response, companies are taking on greater roles in supporting vulnerable groups while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The surge in companies adopting DEI programs underscores the growing recognition of DEI as a strategic imperative and a driver for improving work performance.

DEI is a framework that promotes fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees across a spectrum of protected characteristics, including age, race, religion, gender, and more. The three components of DEI are deeply intertwined (see Figure 1). Each plays a role in establishing workplaces where all employees can thrive. They cannot be addressed as stand-alone criteria, requiring a collective approach to create a truly inclusive and equitable workplace.

The significant value and impact of DEI in various aspects of work make it a moral imperative and an essential strategic requirement that businesses must not underestimate or overlook.

For instance, the “2022 Global Inclusion and Diversity Transparency Report” by intelligent power management company Eaton emphasized the success of its Stretch Assignment Marketplace (SAM), where diverse teams of employees handled 86 business challenges across multiple areas. Employees can select projects that interest them, with up to six people per team allowed six months to finish each challenge. Notably, the company saw an 18% increase in the number of projects submitted compared to the previous year. One of Eaton’s notable achievements is its inclusion in Newsweek’s 2023 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list and certification by Great Place to Work® in 2023.

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This is an excerpt from the cover story of Performance Magazine Issue No. 28 – Employee Performance Edition titled ”From good intentions to great results: developing initiatives and metrics for DEI success.” To read the full article, download a free digital copy of the magazine via TKI Marketplace or purchase a printed copy from Amazon.

What distinguishes a successful company in today’s business environment is its capacity to adapt, innovate, and strategically tackle emerging challenges and opportunities. With change being constant and disruption becoming the norm, organizations must equip themselves with the right knowledge and tools to stay ahead of the curve. This is where Performance Magazine’s back-to-back releases for the first quarter of 2024 come into play: the Employee Performance Edition and the Strategy Management Edition.

The Employee Performance Edition delves deep into redefining employee performance management in the modern workplace. At the heart of this edition lies the cover story, which discusses the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent management. It recognizes that equitable treatment and unbiased opportunities not only drive individual performance but also foster a culture of innovation and organizational excellence. Other key topics include democratizing strategy planning, optimizing employee engagement for effective strategy execution, implementing a hybrid performance management system, and nurturing holistic performance management. Download the digital copy from TKI Marketplace or purchase the printed edition on Amazon.

Complementing that focus on employee performance, the Strategy Management Edition offers insights into strategic leadership in disruptive times. Interventions aligned with executing accessible strategies, particularly those that support an adaptive organizational culture and address change resistance, can be found in the cover story. Readers will also learn how to incorporate diverse viewpoints into strategy implementation, empower employees for effective change management, and ensure data accuracy for informed decision-making. Drawing on global insights and innovative approaches to strategy planning and execution, this edition provides organizations with the principles and frameworks necessary to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities for growth and success. Get the digital copy from TKI Marketplace or order the printed edition on Amazon.

With actionable insights, best practices, and global analyses from industry leaders and experts, Performance Magazine’s back-to-back releases for 2024 provide businesses and professionals with the information and insights they need to stay competitive, resilient, and future-ready. 

According to The KPI Institute’s State of Strategy Management Practice Global Report – 2023, 34% of professionals believe that ineffective change management is a major factor in strategic failure. As the world undergoes dramatic transformations and disruptions, underestimating impactful strategic leadership is no longer an option.

The latest issue of Performance Magazine – Print Edition reveals what lies beneath strategic success in disruptive times, from managing stakeholder engagement to adopting breakthrough technologies to cultivating strategic foresight. To navigate new paradigms of work, organizations delve deep, exploring various perspectives, scrutinizing data, and analyzing risks while taking into account the influence of culture and communication.

As emphasized by one of the experts interviewed in this edition, Jeroen Kraaijenbrink of Strategy Inc., executing a strategy requires organizations to consistently manage relevance, progress, and morale “so that the strategy remains up to date, implementation stays on track, and people remain on board.” Interventions aligned with this approach, particularly those that support an adaptive organizational culture and address change resistance, can be found in the cover story.

For those who want to dive deep into the intricate processes of organizational strategy, this special edition offers nuanced perspectives on planning, development, and execution, all woven with best practices, case analyses, and data-driven discussions. Specifically, readers will find the knowledge and tools necessary to incorporate diverse viewpoints into strategy implementation, empower employees for effective change management, and ensure data accuracy for informed decision-making. Moreover, readers can access a curated collection of multimedia resources tailored for professionals specializing in strategy.

Featuring contributions from expert voices representing diverse backgrounds, including the Netherlands, England, Hungary, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, Performance Magazine’s Strategy Management Edition provides unparalleled insights into modern strategic management challenges. These experts not only offer their unique thoughts but also present actionable recommendations and solutions grounded in their specialized knowledge, extensive experiences, and notable achievements in the field.

Unlock the strategies for success in uncertain times with Performance Magazine Issue No. 29, 2024 – Strategy Management Edition. Grab a digital copy from TKI Marketplace or order the printed edition on Amazon.

Gone are the days when employee performance management simply meant annual reviews and rigid goal-setting processes. Today’s workplaces require a dynamic, agile approach that meets the diverse needs of employees. With remote work, the gig economy, and a focus on work-life balance and well-being, it is essential that leaders and employees hone their ability to demonstrate adaptability and operate within a tailored system that responds to the changing times.

With The KPI Insitute’s first release of the Performance Magazine – Print Edition in 2024, organizations can explore the newest advancements in employee performance management, discover how to harmonize individual objectives with organizational goals and use cutting-edge technologies to streamline relevant processes.

The cover story delves into the profound influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on performance assessment and talent management. DEI, which serves as a guiding framework advocating for equitable treatment and unbiased opportunities for all employees, is also recognized as key to better organizational performance and wider opportunities for innovation. 

Moreover, key topics shaping employee performance management were covered in the In-depth section, from democratizing strategy planning to optimizing employee engagement for effective strategy execution. The magazine also presents best practices for holistic performance management and implementing a hybrid performance management system.

Readers can access first-hand insights from top leaders of major organizations. One of them is Dr. Malika Viltz-Emerson, Senior Global Human Resource Leader at Microsoft, who discussed the advantages of involving employees in managing and improving their performance. 

Additionally, seasoned experts from The KPI Institute provided valuable insights regarding principles governing performance evaluation, the importance of employee experience in driving performance, and employee well-being and mental health.

Stay ahead of the game in the realm of employee performance management. Get a copy of the Performance Magazine Issue No. 28 – Employee Performance Edition. The magazine is available for digital download via the TKI Marketplace and a print copy can be purchased through Amazon.