Group 1 - Upslope Capital Management reported a strong performance in Q4 2025, with a net return of +2.0%, outperforming the S&P Midcap 400 ETF and HFRX Equity Hedge Index, which returned +1.6% [1] - For the full year 2025, the Fund achieved a return of +14.8%, significantly higher than the +7.2% and +10.1% returns of the respective indexes [1] - The firm noted that the current market environment is dynamic, with investment decisions increasingly driven by aggressive, thematic, and short-term strategies [1] Group 2 - Upslope Capital highlighted Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE:BAH) as a key stock, which provides management and technology consulting services primarily to government and corporate clients [2] - As of January 16, 2026, Booz Allen's stock closed at $97.40, with a one-month return of 12.61%, although it has lost 28.41% over the past 52 weeks [2] - Booz Allen Hamilton's market capitalization stands at $12.004 billion [2] Group 3 - Booz Allen Hamilton derives approximately 50% of its revenue from defense, 15% from intelligence, and 35% from civil agencies, focusing on technology solutions such as digital transformation and cyber defense [3] - Following the 2024 election, Booz Allen's shares experienced a significant de-rating from nearly 30x EPS to a low of 14x, attributed to concerns over cost-cutting measures [3]

Still, there are drawbacks many don’t consider. A Goldman Sachs analysis using data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Survey of Information Work Participation (SIWP) found that gig workers earn less per hour than they would in a traditional job (4).In some cases, though, gig work isn’t a choice. For Americans who can’t keep up with the rising cost of living (or who’ve been laid off), gig work could offer a lifeline. For others, side-hustle culture has additional appeal, beyond being your own boss: T ...

Core Insights - IBM has launched IBM Enterprise Advantage, a unique asset-based consulting service designed to help organizations build and operate tailored internal AI platforms at scale [1][6]. Group 1: Service Features - IBM Enterprise Advantage allows organizations to redesign workflows and connect AI to existing systems without altering their cloud providers or core infrastructure, supporting platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and IBM watsonx [2]. - The service combines IBM's technical and industry expertise with its internal AI-powered delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage, which has already supported over 150 client engagements and increased consultant productivity by up to 50% [3]. Group 2: Client Applications - Clients like Pearson are utilizing IBM Enterprise Advantage to create custom AI-powered platforms that integrate human expertise with AI assistants for managing daily tasks and decisions [4]. - A manufacturing company has implemented its generative AI strategy using Enterprise Advantage, focusing on high-value use cases and deploying AI assistants in a secure environment to facilitate enterprise-wide generative AI expansion [5]. Group 3: Market Context - Many organizations are investing in AI, but achieving scalable value remains challenging. IBM aims to address these challenges by leveraging its own AI transformation experiences to provide clients with a proven framework for success [6].

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Speed Liu as a Senior Managing Director in the Business Transformation practice in Asia, enhancing its Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment [1][3] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a leading global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 8,100 employees across 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024 [5] Appointment Details - Speed Liu brings over 20 years of experience in private equity, focusing on growth strategies, turnaround plans, and cost optimization initiatives [2] - Liu's expertise includes advising on buyout transactions and business transformations across various sectors, including consumer, service, and industrials [2] Strategic Focus - In his new role, Liu will assist private equity and corporate clients in Asia and globally with portfolio transformation, transactions, exit readiness, and maximizing value creation [3] - His appointment is expected to strengthen FTI Consulting's approach in the region, combining strategic insight with practical execution in complex situations [3][4] Market Context - The private equity environment in Asia is increasingly challenging due to rising costs, higher interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and pressure from limited partners [4] - Liu's unique perspective is anticipated to enhance FTI Consulting's ability to support clients during critical moments in the evolving business landscape of Asia [4]

Core Insights - Aon plc has introduced a new data-driven tool called Aon's Resilience Quotient, developed in collaboration with Gallup, aimed at helping organizations build sustainable resilience and unlock growth [1] - The tool integrates Aon's Risk Capital and Human Capital data with public sentiment analysis to provide a comprehensive portfolio view of risk [1] - Aon's Resilience Quotient addresses the need for quantitative data in decision-making amidst increasing populism and fragmented information sources [1] Summary by Categories Risk Analysis - The new framework clarifies how risks compound across four megatrends, enhancing understanding of risk dynamics [1] - It emphasizes the importance of resilience and how it can be built and activated effectively [1] Performance Influence - The tool identifies where targeted actions can most effectively influence organizational performance [1]

Core Insights - Mercer, a business of Marsh, has released preliminary findings from its Global Talent Trends 2026 report, highlighting ongoing challenges employers face in fully leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) [1] Group 1 - Many employers are struggling to unlock the full value of AI [1]

Core Insights - Applexus Technologies Inc. has announced the acquisition of Lavendel Consulting, the largest independent consulting partner of Pricefx, which combines Lavendel's pricing expertise with Applexus's SAP and AI capabilities [1][2] - The acquisition allows Applexus to offer fully integrated pricing transformation programs that combine strategy, implementation, automation, and continuous optimization within a single intelligent enterprise platform [2] Company Overview - Applexus Technologies is a global leader in SAP consulting, analytics, and business AI solutions, helping companies become intelligent, autonomous enterprises [5] - Lavendel Consulting is recognized as the largest independent implementation partner of Pricefx, providing comprehensive services in pricing strategy, optimization, and support to Fortune 1000 companies worldwide [6] Strategic Positioning - The partnership positions Applexus at the forefront of AI-driven pricing transformation, leveraging innovations from Applexus Labs and the pricing expertise of Lavendel to address complex pricing challenges for clients [3] - Approximately 80% of Pricefx customers utilize SAP, making this partnership ideal for companies seeking integrated pricing and ERP optimization [3] Leadership Insights - The CEOs of both companies emphasize the goal of becoming the leading partner for pricing transformation in the market, with Applexus's global reach and SAP expertise providing a strong platform for end-to-end pricing solutions [4]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Jason Smolanoff as a Senior Managing Director in its Cybersecurity practice, enhancing its capabilities in cyber risk management [1][2]. Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a leading global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 8,100 employees across 32 countries as of September 30, 2025 [5]. - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024 [5]. Industry Context - The cybersecurity threat landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated, leading to higher demand for tailored risk management and investigative expertise from clients [3]. - FTI Consulting aims to address the full spectrum of cyber risk management needs, including program assessments, incident response, and complex investigations [2][3]. Leadership Background - Jason Smolanoff has over 25 years of experience in information security, previously leading the Cyber Risk practice at Kroll and serving as a Senior Advisor [2][3]. - His prior roles include being the CEO and founder of CISO Advisory & Investigations and a Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, overseeing cyber national security investigations [4].

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has expanded its transactions, shareholder activism, and issues management capabilities with the appointments of Dan Scorpio and Heather Wilson as Senior Managing Directors in the Strategic Communications segment [1][2] Group 1: Appointments and Expertise - Dan Scorpio brings over a decade of experience in leading high-profile M&A and reputational engagements for Fortune 500 companies and private equity, advising on M&A transactions and shareholder activism defense [2][3] - Heather Wilson has deep expertise in transactions and crisis management, having worked with various organizations including IBM and HP, and will enhance FTI's presence on the West Coast [4][5] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The addition of Scorpio and Wilson is seen as a significant milestone for FTI's transaction and event-driven communications, aimed at helping clients navigate complex stakeholder risks [2][6] - FTI Consulting's integrated transaction communications offering is designed to support clients in achieving deal success by addressing investor support, political risk, and integration challenges [6] Group 3: Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a leading global expert firm with over 8,100 employees in 32 countries, generating $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024 [8]

Group 1: Core Insights - McKinsey & Company is leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine the qualities of top candidates, emphasizing resilience and adaptability over traditional academic excellence [1][2] - The firm analyzed 20 years of hiring data using AI, revealing that candidates who have overcome setbacks are more likely to achieve long-term success, such as making partner [2][3] - McKinsey receives approximately 1 million résumés annually but only hires about 1% of applicants, with a notable reduction in partner promotions in December 2022 compared to the previous year [3] Group 2: Hiring Practices and Assessments - The company employs a game-based assessment called Solve to evaluate problem-solving skills, ensuring candidates from diverse backgrounds can showcase their strengths [4] - Other firms, including BlackRock, are also transforming their hiring practices by prioritizing AI proficiency, curiosity, and problem-solving skills alongside interpersonal abilities [6] Group 3: Job Market Implications - The rise of AI is reshaping the job market, particularly affecting entry-level positions and pushing graduates towards skilled trades, retail, hospitality, and STEM careers [5] - Experts warn that millions of jobs could be replaced by AI by 2026, highlighting the need for retraining and skill development to remain competitive in the evolving job landscape [7]