EDITION 1059
3 MARCH 2025

On this day in 2005, American adventurer Steve Fossett became the first person to complete a solo nonstop circumnavigation of the globe without refuelling when he landed in Kansas after more than 67 hours in flight.

So, as another week passes into the annals of history, here are 10 things which caught my attention and may have escaped yours. Please feel free to share on social media and forward to your colleagues and friends so they can also subscribe, learn and engage. I would be very grateful if you did.

Just before you dive in, remember our POTENTIAL workbook [see below] is on offer for only £99. This unique workbook will help guide your organisation to its highest potential. Contact us today to start your transformation.

William Montgomery
Editor and CEO of TEN

1. How to spot your prized employees. Some of your most valuable employees are those junior staff who act and contribute far beyond their pay grade. Look out for these individuals so you can recognise them, cultivate their talents, and set them up as examples to others. READ MORE

2. Graduates struggle to find jobs. New graduates are facing a tough UK job market, with many unable to find roles that align with their qualifications. The employment landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with a growing number of graduates vying for a limited number of positions. The average UK employer received 140 applications per graduate vacancy in 2023-24 – a 59% increase on the previous year, according to the Institute of Student Employers. A slowdown in economic growth, rising employer costs and a skills mismatch are contributing to a slack graduate labour market. Financial Times

3. Mediterranean diet cuts cancer risk. A large study across 10 European countries has revealed the potential cancer-preventive benefits of the Mediterranean diet regardless of body weight. Even overweight or obese people who follow a Mediterranean diet have a 6% lower risk of developing 14 cancers, including breast, colorectal and pancreatic types, Spanish researchers found out. The study analysed eight years of data from 450,000 adults, averaging 51 years old, comparing cancer development in participants from Southern European countries (Greece, Italy, Spain) with those from Northern and Western European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK). CNN

4. Almost one million Neets. Almost one million young people are not working, studying or looking for a job, the highest figure for a decade. Official figures show that 987,000 people aged 16-24 were not in education, employment or training (“Neet”) in the three months to last September, the highest figure since the end of 2013. The numbers are up 42 per cent in only three years, with more than a quarter of a million more young people outside work and education than just after the pandemic. The problem is most pronounced among men, with 150,000 more male “Neets” than women, and the figure has risen rapidly from a low point of 644,000 in mid-2021. The Times

5. Does attire impact leadership credibility? Last week’s White House meeting sparked intense coverage, but one point stood out: President Zelensky was criticized for not wearing a suit. Yet just weeks ago, Elon Musk arrived in a T-shirt, baseball cap, and overcoat - without a word of criticism. That’s privilege in action. But beyond the double standard, what does this say about leadership, respect, and power? If we accept this kind of scrutiny on the world stage, what message does it send about how we treat others at work? Is respect really about what you wear - or who you are? Please share your thoughts in our latest poll. VOTE HERE

6. The challenge of staying motivated. In today’s fast-paced world, staying motivated can feel like an uphill battle. Every day, we face distractions, self-doubt, and shifting priorities that can quickly derail our focus. From juggling work and personal responsibilities to battling inner fears and setbacks, the journey toward maintaining long-term motivation is filled with challenges. Yet, understanding these obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them and unlocking the drive to pursue our goals with renewed energy. Need help? CONTACT US

7. School struggles. An estimated 3.3 million British schoolchildren, which accounts for approximately one-third of the total student population, have refused to attend school on more than one occasion over the past year. Additionally, a significant number of parents, around one-third, report that disagreements and arguments over attending school have become a regular issue, occurring at least once a week. These findings come from Censuswide polling conducted on behalf of Parentkind. The Times

8. Generational divide. According to the latest data, 32% of adults aged 65 and over would choose to vote for Reform UK if an election were held tomorrow, while 26% would support the Conservative Party and 18% would back Labour. In contrast, among younger voters aged 18 to 34, Labour holds the lead with 36% support, followed by Reform UK at 20% and the Conservatives at 17%. YouGov

9. Britain's culinary capital. A village in West Lancashire has been hailed as the culinary capital of Britain after winning its fifth Michelin star (across three restaurants). With just 8,300 residents, Aughton, near Ormskirk, now has the highest per capita number of stars in the world – an accolade previously held by the Japanese city of Kyoto. The Guardian

10. The bottom line. Workers in around 16% of employee jobs in the UK earned less than the living wage last year, according to The Living Wage Foundation. The organisation said it was the highest increase on record. The living wage is £12.60 nationally and £13.85 in London, and is the amount needed for a minimum acceptable living standard. Living Wage Foundation