Overview
The final Ripped from the Headlines Athena/GEC Risk Salon of 2025 focused on reviewing the year’s headlines and discussing predictions for 2026. I presented a summary of the monthly topics voted on by our participants, which highlighted key themes around political, technological, and geopolitical issues and their business implications. See Chart below.
Participants shared their thoughts on what was missed in the discussions, with particular emphasis on the business and social implications of climate change, healthcare, and press freedom.
The group also explored predictions for the coming year, including continued challenges to democracy and data privacy. Members emphasized the importance of local community action and suggested ways to address the issues facing society, with a focus on women’s leadership and the need for more empathetic leadership overall.
KEY THEMES
Year in Review and Future Predictions
The group reflected on the year’s headlines and discussed what topics might have been missed. I noted that climate issues were surprisingly absent from our discussions, despite significant global warming trends but probably crowded out by so many other material and significant issues. The group agreed we should consider climate topics in 2026.
We also discussed our monthly voting process for selecting Salon discussion topics (on which these blogs are based), observing that political issues clearly dominated our discussions due to current events. The group expressed appreciation for the constructive tone of our discussions especially in the second half of the year, when we consciously focused on finding more positive points and associated solutions.
I shared one of my predictions for 2026, underscoring the deepening geo-technological shifts and their national security implications, illustrated by the continuing rise in wealth and power of the leading US technology companies and their founders/CEOs and the clear emergence of a global AI/exponential tech competition between China and the US.
Climate, Press, and Women’s Health
One participant highlighted the importance of discussing climate change and freedom of the press, noting a shift in global behavior and concerns about press bias and freedom. Another participant emphasized the impact of healthcare, government policies, and research on women’s health, as well as the need to address data gaps and professional reclassification. Participants encouraged attendees to provide feedback on missed topics through our monthly pre-Salon surveys to help guide future discussions.
U.S. Global Role, Challenges and Business Implications
The group discussed concerns about US policy and its impact on global issues, with one participant highlighting the consequences of certain policies such as the dismantling of USAID. A participant shared insights from COP30, noting the significant role of oil and gas industries and the U.S.’s shifting position on climate issues. A participant raised concerns about the U.S.’s involvement in international forums and suggested examining how the insurance industry is adapting to climate change. The discussion underscored the need for continued efforts in promoting constructive solutions and the potential for renewed engagement when opportunities arise.
Addressing Domestic US Issues with Business Implications
A participant highlighted the need to address gun violence and vaccination rates, expressing concern about the safety of schools for children. Another participant expressed worry about the framing of support for Palestinians as anti-Semitic. The discussion emphasized the importance of critical thinking, balanced media coverage, and addressing complex social issues.
Another participant expressed concerns about insufficient attention to ICE raids and illegal deportations, while another participant agreed and mentioned the need to address broader issues like gun violence and healthcare degradation.
Women’s Role in Energy Innovation
A participant highlighted the importance of scenario planning and noted that women have historically driven environmental change, such as the shift from coal to fossil fuels. She discussed the economic challenges of fossil fuel extraction and nuclear power, emphasizing the importance of local community action and women’s engagement in driving change. She also highlighted the advantages private companies have in fostering innovation, particularly in areas like diversity, equity, and the environment, and encouraged women to take action rather than complain about systemic issues. Finally, she stressed the need for education, particularly about women’s historical exclusion from clinical trials, and advocated for grassroots efforts to address local issues.
Tech Regulation and Social Impact
The group discussed concerns about the absence of technology regulation and its impact on society. A participant emphasized the need to ensure a future for young people in the technology sector, while another highlighted the lack of adult supervision in tech policy, noting the influence of billionaires and politicians. Another participant brought up the mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic and questioned the lack of progress in gender equality in leadership roles, advocating for emotionally intelligent leaders. Another participant encouraged community involvement at the local level and expressed frustration with women who supported certain political decisions.
Community Support and Local Action
Finally, the group discussed community support and local solutions for addressing social issues, with one participant highlighting a fivefold increase in individual donations despite reduced government funding. Another participant raised concerns about the erosion of voting rights and the normalization of data breaches, while two other participants emphasized the need to address AI, data privacy, and trade issues with China. The conversation ended with another participant expressing worry about the deterioration of democratic protections and the need to reset democracy, thanking the Athena team and members for their contributions throughout the year.
