Dan Ilett writes The Executive Summary for CEOs and leadership teams of the FTSE 350. He advises boards on growth strategy, organisational change, AI, storytelling and commercial tactics. He chairs the City CIO Club, a private network for technology leaders. As a journalist, he has written for the Financial Times, the Economist Group, the Daily Telegraph, the New York Times and a string of tech publications. He launched several media titles including CoinDesk, where he was founding editor. Dan went on to lead transformation and advise on commercial delivery in FTSE and Fortune organisations. Dan delivers workshops for leadership teams in growth, go-to-market and AI transformation.
AI
What makes the perfect partner? Research suggests it’s someone who listens. Active listening is one of the most important traits in a healthy, lasting relationship. It builds empathy, trust and emotional safety, the foundations of human connection. Tools like ChatGPT and Replika are
Growth
The UK's economic narrative is being written in real time, but no one seems to agree on the plot. In a must-listen episode of The Diary of a CEO, host Steven Bartlett sits down with two men who represent opposing ends of Britain’s economic argument. On one side, Daniel Priestley, the
Leadership
You've probably seen that corporate diversity programmes have been rolled back in a number of US companies. Whether this has truly been driven by legal or political pressure remains to be seen, but CEOs around the world are now being asked to make their position clear. What’s Happening?
Geopolitics
The UK’s decision to cut aid spending is diverting £6 billion annually to defence, while the US has frozen all foreign development aid for 90 days, effectively halting USAID projects worldwide. You might think this is needed, but these moves have implications for global business stability.
Growth
Superfans spend 80% more than the average customer and Goldman Sachs values their market at $4.5 billion. They don’t just buy - they pay for access, connection and status. Take Aliens Expanded, a 5-hour documentary including interviews with James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver and the cast of
AI
Good Friday to you all This week, I've been helping my clients with sales. I have doubted the notion that storytelling is useful to companies, but it seems to be back in full fashion for 2025. Perhaps reality is biting in that while people buy from people, those people had better be smart,
AI
One economist warns exaggerated expectations could drive interest rates to 16%, slow consumer spending and concentrate wealth among AI system owners. The promise of transformation is real, but so is the risk of economic imbalance. If you're not learning AI skills, you're almost certainly
Growth
Marketing gets harder every year. More noise. Fewer eyeballs. Here are my thoughts on how you stay relevant, stand out and get ahead. Breakdown StrategyWhy It MattersWhat to DoAI-Powered PersonalizationPersonalization isn’t a luxury—it’s the standard. Without it, you’re invisible.Invest in
AI
ChatGPT: "AI is unlikely to "seize" control in a dramatic coup—it will gradually take over because it’s better, faster, and more reliable than humans in many domains. AI will effectively control large parts of human life through necessity, dependency, and influence."
Growth
Crypto’s Wild West... If the crypto world were a western, we’d be watching a country of outlaws with no sheriff in sight. Sure, people are finding gold, but keeping hold of it is another thing. I heard a horrifying story about a professional crypto trader who got chased from country to
Growth
There is one outstanding reason Trump beat traditional politicians again - and the opposition has still not learned its lesson. It's the same reason the Brexit vote won. He is bold. He uses common nouns and simple verbs rather than abstract nouns and complex concepts. Children can
Leadership
If you go to an Indian restaurant, you shouldn't expect fish and chips. Equally, if you order a Labour government, entrepreneurs can't expect support. The problem is - the Conservatives showed no love to them either. The UK needs investment and with such a huge Labour majority, it was
