Tag: 3BL

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about AI — AI this, AI that. No wonder some people roll their eyes at the mention of artificial intelligence. For some, it’s all smoke and mirrors, just a glorified spreadsheet rather than a technological breakthrough capable of real cognitive reasoning.

And just when you think you’ve caught up, something new appears. First, we had simple machine learning and AI, then came Generative AI, and now Agentic AI is all the rage. If you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, you’re not alone.

But whether you love it or loathe it, AI isn’t going anywhere. In fact, some tools are now designed to think, create, and learn—just like Keysight’s Eggplant Intelligence.

The Thinking, Creating, and Learning Framework

This framework simplifies AI by breaking it into three key functions:

Thinking involves decision-making and adaptability, much like Agentic AI, which enables AI to make choices based on real-time data.Creating is tied to generative AI capabilities, allowing AI to generate test cases and user scenarios autonomously.Learning follows the principles of traditional machine learning, pioneered by Alan Turing in 1950, and enables AI to improve over time based on historical data.

So, what’s the real difference between these AI types? How do they impact software testing? And does anyone actually care? The short answer: there are plenty of differences, they have a huge impact, and yes, you should care.

Before we unravel these questions, let’s take a trip down memory lane to understand how we got here.

The Birth of AI in Software Testing – Keysight Eggplant’s Heritage

Back in 1947, Alan Turing gave a lecture that introduced the idea of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour and learn just like a human. Since then, ‘machine learning’ and artificial intelligence has evolved considerably, and in 2018, Keysight Eggplant integrated such tools into its Digital Automation Intelligence (DAI) platform, which is now known as Eggplant Test. This was groundbreaking then and remains so today, enabling automated software testing to:

Identify all user journeys – Machine learning algorithms analyze applications and uncover every possible user journey to generate test cases automatically, improving test coverage and reducing manual effort.Prioritize test cases – By learning from historical test runs and code changes, the system can pinpoint high-risk areas and prioritize testing where it matters most, optimizing testing time and resources.Detect anomalies – AI can track normal system behavior, spot deviations, and flag potential defects early in the development cycle.Adapt test scripts – Automated scripts dynamically adjust to application changes, minimizing maintenance and improving long-term test stability.

This goes beyond simple test automation. Imagine changing your payment gateway on an eCommerce site—Eggplant can auto-generate new test cases to reflect the update without requiring hours of script rewrites. That’s the power of intelligent automation.

But AI in software testing isn’t just about running test cases. Keysight Eggplant Test has also led the way in image-based testing, optical character recognition (OCR), and computer vision—critical for automating graphical user interface (GUI) testing in complex, secure environments.

Generative AI – Automating Test Creation

Next up: Generative AI, the “Creating” part of the framework. This subset of AI revolves around understanding and generating human-like language through natural language processing (NLP), including large language models (LLMs).

Generative AI can be used to automate test cases, reducing manual effort while improving accuracy. But Keysight is taking it a step further—our Gen AI capabilities are in development to generate test case frameworks directly from software requirements documentation, allowing testers to refine them rather than start from scratch once launched.

Security is also a major priority, which is why when Eggplant Test with Gen AI is launched it will operate using secure, offline, technology-agnostic LLMs. Unlike cloud-based solutions, our models will be deployed on-premises, ensuring complete control over sensitive data and compliance with strict security regulations.

Cloud-based AI testing tools that use ChatGPT pose risks, such as “shadow prompting,” where unchecked user inputs generate unreliable outputs. While techniques like prompt engineering can mitigate this, on-premises AI solutions eliminate the risk altogether.

Agentic AI – The Next Evolution

Now, we arrive at Agentic AI, the “Thinking” part of our framework. This evolution introduces intelligent agents that can autonomously design, execute, and optimize test cases. Using chain of thought, a technique that stacks multiple commands to perform complex tasks, these agents perform intricate testing, ensuring all possible user interactions and edge cases are covered.

Another breakthrough is computer use agents (CUA) such as large action models (LAMs), which automate browser-based processes by interacting with web applications just like human testers. This is crucial for end-to-end web testing across various devices and browsers.

And then there’s large vision models (LLaVA), which enhance technologies like traditional computer vision to interpret and validate visual data, verifying UI elements and graphical components in applications.

Sound familiar? It should. Eggplant Intelligence already integrates elements of AI, Gen AI, and Agentic AI into a single platform. Our system optimizes test coverage, automates interactions across digital environments, and executes tests just as a human would, all while remaining offline and compliant with AI governance laws in the UK, EU, and US.

AI Testing Compliance – The Keysight Advantage

Many testing tools rely on cloud-based AI architectures, making them non-compliant with the EU AI Act and other regulatory frameworks. Cloud-based solutions often fail to meet the strict security demands of regulated industries, leaving organizations exposed to potential privacy violations.

For industries like aerospace, defense, and healthcare—where data security is non-negotiable—cloud-based AI testing tools are simply not an option. Storing customer or intellectual property data outside a secure firewall can lead to legal consequences and hefty fines.

This is why Keysight Eggplant is the only AI-powered testing solution that prioritizes security, transparency, and governance. Our on-premises approach ensures that all sensitive data remains secure, meeting even the most stringent compliance requirements.

And let’s be clear—using cloud-based AI for test script generation or test reports is not only risky but illegal in many jurisdictions. GDPR and other data protection laws prohibit storing customer data outside of an organization’s firewall, making cloud AI tools a liability for compliance-conscious businesses.

The Future of AI in Software Testing

AI in testing isn’t just about keeping up with the latest buzzwords. It’s about making smart, future-proof choices that balance innovation with security, scalability, and compliance.

Keysight Eggplant has been pioneering AI-driven testing since 2017, long before many of today’s players entered the field. As AI evolves, we continue to push boundaries, ensuring our platform remains at the cutting edge of secure, offline AI testing.

So, if you’re serious about automated software testing and need a future-proof, AI-driven platform that doesn’t compromise security, compliance, or flexibility—it’s time to take a closer look at Keysight Eggplant.

Contact us today for a 14-day free trial or have a read of the Ultimate AI Testing Playbook.

Originally published on Forbes

Justina Nixon Saintil, IBM’s VP and global head of corporate social responsibility, predicted in a recent interview that “AI agents will become the norm, and soon, managers will need to understand how to manage hybrid teams composed of humans and AI employees.”

Continue reading here on Forbes

Southern Company

ATLANTA, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – The Board of Directors of Southern Company announced the election of James O. (Jimmy) Etheredge as an independent director, effective Apr. 1, 2025. Board committee assignments have not yet been determined.

“Jimmy’s extensive leadership experience makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Southern Company chairman, president, and CEO Chris Womack. “His proven track record in leading large teams, discovering innovative solutions, and understanding various industry sectors, including utilities, aligns with our company’s objectives. Moreover, his ongoing involvement with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and several non-profits, further underscores his strategic acumen and commitment to service and excellence.”

Etheredge was CEO – North America of Accenture plc from September 2019 until August 2023 and a special advisor to the CEO and board until July 2024. His responsibilities as CEO included driving results through an 80,000-member team and executing Accenture’s strategy and consulting, interactive, technology (including AI, cloud and others) and operations practices.

From December 2016 until September 2019, he was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast, responsible for leading Accenture’s business in ten states. In this role, he oversaw the firm’s business across all consulting specialties and client industry segments within the region.

Etheredge joined Accenture in 1985, became a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. During his career, Etheredge advised clients in the utilities industry both in the U.S. and worldwide.

A native of middle Georgia, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. Etheredge serves on the board of Encora Digital LLC and as deputy chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He also serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Police Foundation, Techbridge and Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts.

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333

The logistics industry is growing rapidly, but labor shortages pose a risk of disruption. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines bold strategies to close the skills gap and build a resilient workforce for the future.

The logistics industry is expanding rapidly, with the World Economic Forum projecting that the global logistics industry will surpass $18 trillion by 2030, underscoring its critical role in global trade. However, this growth is accompanied by persistent labor shortages and evolving skill requirements as the sector evolves post-COVID, integrates new technologies, and adapts to changing customer demands, particularly the rise of e-commerce. With an estimated 78 million logistics workers needed worldwide by 2030, the sector must act boldly to attract, train, and retain talent.

In his article, “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge” published by the Fast Company Executive Board, Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines a proactive approach to addressing this critical issue through bold strategies and collective action.

In his article, Clarks identifies three key challenges and potential solutions.

First, he highlights the issue of labor shortages across the industry. The logistics sector has a persistent worker shortage, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting nearly 450,000 job openings in transportation and warehousing as of June 2024, “one of the highest vacancy rates across industries.” An industry survey found that 37% of respondents are experiencing high workforce shortages, with more than half reporting that these labor shortages are affecting customer service.

Clark then examines the rise of technological advancements as the logistics sector evolves into a sophisticated, high-tech network. With 75% of companies investing in digital tools such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. This shift has created a demand for highly skilled professionals in strategic planning, data analytics, and operations management, alongside traditional blue-collar roles like warehouse workers and truck drivers.

Lastly, Clark identifies potential solutions by focusing on workforce development strategies. Meeting workforce needs requires “robust training programs tailored to both white-collar and blue-collar workers” and “pathways to transition into modern ‘new-collar’ roles,” he writes. Collaboration between businesses and governments is essential to train a future-ready workforce. Initiatives should include vocational training, apprenticeships, STEM education, and continuous upskilling for both white-collar and blue-collar workers.

The Path Forward:

A future-ready logistics workforce will require continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in both people and technology. By bridging the skills gap, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering strong partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers, the industry can build a resilient labor force capable of driving long-term growth. As global supply chains become more complex, the ability to attract, train, and retain top talent will be the key to ensuring that logistics remains the backbone of the global economy.

Read the full article here: “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge”.

CINCINNATI, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy recently announced the recipients of its 2024 Duke Energy Economic Development Awards, which recognize communities and individuals that continually support growth and economic development efforts in the region.

These awards originated in 2023 and are presented annually in the company’s Ohio and Kentucky service territory.

The 2024 Duke Energy Economic Development Awards include:

Partner Achievement Award presented to Boone County and Build & Elevate NKY (BE NKY) based on their number of requests for information on projects interested in locating to the region, ongoing partnership with Duke Energy and their commitment to furthering economic development within the community.Visionary Achievement Award presented to Clermont County based on proactive consideration and partnership with Duke Energy for economic development for new and existing sites.Energizing Economic Development Awards presented to Brendan Lyshe, Duke Energy distribution electric planner, and the Duke Energy Natural Gas Business Unit for their continuous efforts to assist and support economic development requests, which require in-depth and thoughtful engineering.

Since 2020, Duke Energy has helped the region attract 5,973 new jobs and $3.98 billion in capital investment. Last year, the Duke Energy Economic Development team worked in conjunction with state, regional and economic development partners to secure new company investments, which has resulted in over $26 billion in capital investment and 16,000 new jobs in the communities the company serves.

In addition, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program drives regional growth by identifying, assessing and improving high-potential industry sites to make them more competitive. Since the program began, it has evaluated 39 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, generating over $2.3 billion in capital investment and over 5,300 jobs.

“We continue to see high economic interest in our service territory,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “The growth of our company and our community depends on economic development, and together, we are bringing new jobs and capital investments to the communities we serve to help them thrive.”

Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky’s collaboration with REDI Cincinnati, the region’s leading economic development group, and BE NKY has been instrumental in the recent economic growth.

“Our partnership with Duke Energy is essential for positioning the Greater Cincinnati region as a premier destination for businesses to expand, relocate and succeed,” said Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “We commend the deserving communities and individuals for their commitment to driving economic development in our region and appreciate Duke Energy’s recognition of the award recipients.”

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

Contact: Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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International Olympic Committee news

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) was honoured with the prestigious “Nurturing Values and Ethics Award” at the Reimagine Education Awards ceremony in London on 11 December.

The accolade celebrates innovative programmes that promote integrity, empathy and ethical decision-making; foster respect, responsibility and ethical leadership; and inspire positive contributions to communities.

OVEP was shortlisted from a pool of over 1,300 applications from over 90 countries, and was ultimately chosen from amongst seven other finalists for first place. The programme’s innovation, scalability and global reach were among the criteria for recognition, as its adaptable framework enables its resources to be culturally relevant across diverse contexts.

Established in 2005, OVEP combines innovative teaching methodologies, tools, content and activities to promote civic values through sport. Now implemented in over 60 countries, the programme emphasises social-emotional learning, teamwork and resilience – equipping young people with essential life skills for a rapidly changing world.

In 2024, OVEP achieved a major milestone by engaging over 12 million children during its third year of implementation in India. Notably, in several Indian regions, the programme has enabled more than 50,000 girls to participate in sport for the first time.

“The Nurturing Values and Ethics Award is a tremendous honour and a testament to sport’s transformative role in education,” said Frédérique Jamolli, Head of International Cultural Affairs at the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage, which oversees OVEP. “Through our strong partnerships, OVEP has been able to harness the power of sport to empower young people with the Olympic values.”

“I am immensely proud of the Olympic Values Education Programme’s global impact,” said Xenia Kourgouzova, OVEP’s lead. “Winning this award not only recognises our past successes, but also encourages us for the future, reinforcing our commitment to promote friendship, respect and excellence through sport. This also marks a high-level endorsement of our unique values-based approach to education worldwide.”

About the QS Reimagine Education Awards

The annual QS Reimagine Education Awards serve as a prestigious platform to recognise and celebrate the pioneers of education across the world, fostering a vibrant community of innovators committed to redefining learning and employability for future generations.

Through 18 diverse awards categories, they honour the most transformative and forward-thinking programmes, technologies and pedagogical approaches that are revolutionising education.

About the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP)

OVEP consists of a series of free and easily accessible teaching resources that complement school curricula using the context of Olympic sports and the Fundamental Principles of Olympism. OVEP communicates the long-term benefits of sport and physical activity through an understanding of Olympism and its impact on individual health, enjoyment and social interaction. For more information, visit the programme’s website.

Cisco’s Fran Katsoudas on the company’s next big ambition for positive global change, and the importance of resilience for countries and communities.

As Cisco EVP and chief people, policy, and purpose officer, Francine Katsoudas helps guide some of the company’s most important initiatives — for its employees, its partners and customers, and communities around the world.

And at a company as committed to positive global change as Cisco, that’s a big responsibility — especially as it celebrates the global impact of its first 40 years and its powerful commitment to the future.

Following her participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, we spoke with Fran about Cisco’s latest Purpose Report; the company’s new 40 Communities ambition, designed to impact underserved people in a wide range of global regions; and its commitment to building tech and societal resilience around the world.

Thank you, Fran! Let’s start with the big picture. What are some key macro-economic and mega forces that are defining our world and our industry today?

The first mega force that all of us are talking about, of course, is AI. What we’re seeing across industries and communities is a belief that this technology can do so much. At WEF there was a theme around growth in AI, and this puts technology front and center as we think about resilience and our interconnected future. The use cases for AI are clearer and more outcome-focused this year — evolving from just productivity to how it can help people, organizations and countries create better and more fulfilling lives — and how we can use AI to help close the digital divide.

The other thing that always has to go hand in hand with AI, is cybersecurity. In today’s world, we need security for AI and AI for security. This idea has redefined how we talk about AI at Cisco. But I think many other companies are also thinking about not only the technology but about practices for their people to keep everyone safe.

Cisco’s Purpose Report is a sweeping, comprehensive document that chronicles progress, innovation, and what more needs to be done to realize Cisco’s commitment to an Inclusive Future. Could you share some highlights from this year’s report.

The first thing that I would say is that we are celebrating 40 years as a company. And there’s a realization that from day one, Cisco has been all about connections. What you see in the Purpose Report is how in this age of AI and global disruption, we as a company are more compelled than ever to make sure we are leveraging our technology and our people to connect and do good. And that’s not just for our business but doing good for the world, because the need for public and private to come together and address pressing global issues has never been more urgent.

There are amazing statistics in the Purpose Report that make me so proud of Cisco and our people. First, our Networking Academy has trained more than 24 million students with technology skills and opportunities since its inception in 1997. Another thing that is so amazing is that this year 86 percent of Cisco employees participated in giving back to their communities — the fifth year in a row that we have been over 80%. I’ve never seen this at another company. It shows how engaged our employees are. And that’s just two examples of what you’ll see in the Purpose Report. There’s so much to be proud of — about our past and all that we will continue to accomplish in the future.

One of the focus areas of the Purpose Report is resilience. How does Cisco define resilience in our tech-driven world?

When we think about resilience today, it’s often from an individual perspective, maybe even a company perspective. What you’ll see in the Purpose Report and in the work that we’re doing is thinking about resilience from a community perspective as well. It comes down to the ability to turn disruption and challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Today, that’s tightly interwoven with technology because so much depends on having access to secure, dependable connectivity. We aim to build a legacy that extends far beyond Cisco’s 40th anniversary and contribute to the world a model for driving resilience and true systems change based on lasting and enduring relationships — engaging, supporting and investing to power an inclusive future for all.

What about the disparity in resilience? How does that play out from country to country?

Everyone is at a different point on the journey to resilience, whether that’s country by country or community by community. This shows up especially when we consider that 2.6 billion people globally are still not connected to the internet. Even things like the cost to access the internet varies from country by country. In less economically developed countries, it’s much more expensive to get connected. That creates an issue from a resilience perspective, but also such an opportunity. Our Rural Broadband Innovation Center in North Carolina is just one example of how we are going after that problem.

You mentioned security. That’s a critical element to resilience.

This year, cybercrime is expected to cost more than $10 trillion globally. So, security is arguably the most important element of connection and resilience, whether it’s individuals, critical infrastructure, or entire countries that are threatened.

From a Cisco perspective, we initially started with connection 40 years ago, and that remains a cornerstone today. But we have to bring security into the dialogue as another vital pillar so that when people do finally get connected they don’t find themselves victims of cybercrime. The most important thing now is to securely connect people — to ensure that security is always front and center. As an example, we’ve done a lot of work looking at security and resilience on the African continent and we see that cybercrime is impacting as much as 10 percent of GDP. That’s exactly what we have to prevent. Also, our world is so interconnected that no one is completely secure until we all are. So, whether the developing world or developed, we need to do all we can to build resilient security, from the smallest business to the biggest enterprise or government.

Looking forward, tell us about one of Cisco’s next big ambitions — impacting 40 Communities around the world.

Something that we’re so proud of as a company is that we met our goal of positively impacting a billion people well ahead of schedule. We actually did that in 2023, and we did it through all of the amazing projects and efforts and partnerships across both the public and private sectors – non-profits, governments and companies all working together. We saw that when we apply Cisco’s unique strengths – our technology, our people, and the trust people have in our brand — that we can create impact at huge scale. All of this led to a big question around what’s next? We decided that over the next decade, we intend to engage, support, and invest in 40 communities around the globe.

Something that we realized at Cisco from day one is that our technology connects best where we leverage it to build resilience in communities. This is why we’ll bring our Resilient Ecosystem Framework into communities — so we can better understand how we can truly serve that community. We’ll be looking at people in society, we’ll be looking at government, we’ll look at economies and what can be done to create projects that are truly meaningful.

I’m sure Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) will have a great impact on the 40 Communities.

Yes, CDA brings together nations’ industry, government, and academic leaders to co-innovate and solve some of their biggest societal problems. And when I think about what we’ve done through CDA against the backdrop of our Purpose, you can expect that we’ll continue to explore things like EDGE Incubation Centers that connect digital skills to jobs in places like Africa. Those EDGE Centers provide a physical space equipped with our technology, accelerating innovation and collaboration for start-ups.

CDA is also celebrating its 10 anniversary this year.

Yes, we are very excited for the global CDA team! They have done so much good work, spanning more than 50 countries around the world. CDA leverages our technologies and expertise while forming great partnerships. We’ve helped many non-profits and governments scale their efforts, and over the past 10 years our strong partnerships have helped our work to narrow the digital divide by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities. CDA has taken on innovation challenges around security, sustainability, and we are looking forward to much more.

For CDA and Cisco, it sounds like the momentum is accelerating.

You can expect that we’ll look at how we can leverage both our mainstream and cutting-edge technologies to drive access to governments in a really positive way and ensure that services like transportation, health care, and education can get easier for citizens to use. We’ll ensure that all of the work we do to connect, we do in a secure way. We talked about our 40 Communities ambition, and right now we’re identifying the first set of communities that we’re going to start with. We anticipate that we’ll be bringing CDA and so many of our employees along with us on this journey.

Beyond being a company-wide effort, the ecosystem perspective is critical. To what extent will Cisco’s efforts continue to reach far beyond the company walls?

Our employees will play a big role in our next big ambition to truly impact 40 communities around the world. But one thing that WEF highlighted was the need for collaboration on a global scale to solve our world’s biggest problems — and public-private partnerships are critical to addressing this. Beyond that, it’s just so important to have that holistic view — to remember that our interconnectedness underscores the need to support vulnerable communities. And why helping them become resilient should matter to us all.

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WASHINGTON, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Two of the leading nonprofit organizations empowering businesses to enhance and safeguard the natural world, Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) and World Environment Center (WEC), are now Tandem Global. The new organization, with its new name and brand, honors 75 years of combined experience, which will now be leveraged in tandem for the benefit of businesses and the environment. The Tandem Global team of experts, from a wide range of fields located across the globe, will provide technical acumen, innovative solutions, and thought leadership to support corporate sustainability efforts. Meet our 100 corporate members here.

Tandem Global corporate members, consulting engagements, and certified programs can be found in 47 U.S. states and 19 countries. With over half the world’s total GDP moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impactful strategies and resilient solutions that support a better future for nature and business. Tandem Global will continue to offer meaningful private sector value through proven approaches in nature, water, climate resilience and social impact, including the world’s leading voluntary sustainability standard for corporate conservation actions, WHC Certification, powered by Tandem Global.

“At Tandem Global, we believe there is no greater cause with global consequences than the intersection of business and nature. The formation of Tandem Global through the combination of WHC and WEC and the establishment of our new brand reflect our commitment to working across sectors for the benefit of both business and nature” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO of Tandem Global. “I have spent nearly two decades working with the C-Suite to the site level operations and beyond fence lines to activate environmental commitments and practices. As business and nature rapidly evolve, it is increasingly clear that together leads to better.”

Since early 2024, the board members and staff from both Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center, alongside trusted professional partners, have been working together on a strategic plan, the new brand identity, and enhancing governance structures. The close collaboration between WHC and WEC has yielded a unique organization that provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward. The combination also includes WEC Europe e.V., which will continue to serve as the Global Thought Leadership hub.

“Tandem Global’s role in providing the platform and expertise for companies to align their business and environmental interests has never been more vital,” said O’Gorman. “We will support, spotlight, coach, and collaborate with team members at every level of an enterprise to provide value to industry and the communities in which they work. We don’t do this work at the expense of business imperatives—we do it with business, climate, nature, water, and community imperatives all in alignment.”

The organization’s annual conference for professionals working at the intersection of business and nature, Tandem Global Conference, will be held June 3 and 4 in Detroit, Michigan.

To learn more about Tandem Global and its network and services, visit tandemglobal.org.

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – At a time when Americans appear to be increasingly polarized, a new study from 3BL and research technology firm Glow has uncovered a remarkable point of unity. Sustainability has evolved from a partisan issue into a fundamental American value that crosses political, generational, and socioeconomic boundaries.

The report, The Big Thing Americans Agree On, reveals that 56% of Americans consider sustainability important or very important in their daily lives. More significantly, the study suggests this shared commitment to sustainability represents a deeper transformation in how Americans view their role in shaping corporate and social behavior.

Key insights from the study point to three major societal shifts:

The Emergence of Consumer-Driven Change 

The research reveals that 73% of Americans believe their purchasing decisions can influence corporate behavior on social and environmental issues. This finding suggests a significant evolution in how Americans view their relationship with institutional power.

Cross-Generational Momentum 

While 65% of Gen Z and 64% of millennials lead in prioritizing sustainability, the study found that only 5% of Gen X and Baby Boomers consider sustainability completely unimportant. This cross-generational agreement suggests that sustainability has become embedded in American cultural values rather than a youth-driven trend.

The Dissolution of Political Barriers 

Perhaps most surprisingly, Republican-leaning respondents showed a stronger inclination (91%) toward increasing their sustainability focus than Democrats (77%). 

Check out the full report here. 

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., February 24, 2025 /3BL/ – FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) is once again ranked among the most admired companies in the world, according to a survey published by Fortune magazine.

The annual “World’s Most Admired Companies” report released recently lists FedEx as the No. 20 ranked company overall. This marks the 25th consecutive year FedEx has been ranked in the top 20 companies on the prestigious list by Fortune. FedEx also retains its position as the highest ranked delivery company on the overall “World’s Most Admired Companies” list.

“I am incredibly proud of Team FedEx for this achievement,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation. “This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our more than 500,000 global team members to deliver outstanding experiences and innovative technology solutions that make supply chains smarter for everyone.”

The survey measures nine attributes, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent.

The Fortune “World’s Most Admired Companies” list is the definitive report card on corporate reputation. Since 1997, Fortune has identified, selected, and ranked the World’s Most Admired Companies, identifying the business practices that make these companies highly regarded among their peers.

Survey Methodology

Fortune collaborated with Korn Ferry on this survey of corporate reputations. They began universe of about 1,500 candidates: the 1,000 largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue, along with non-U.S. companies in Fortune’s Global 500 database that have revenues of $10 billion or more. The list then winnowed the assortment to the highest-revenue companies in each industry, a total of 650 in 30 countries. The top-rated companies were picked from that pool of 650; the executives who voted work at the companies in that group.

To determine the best-regarded companies in 51 industries, Korn Ferry asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate enterprises in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent. A company’s score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.