In the fourth issue of the AIB Review, we are Looking Back, Learning Forward. Reflecting on the past and forecasting the future, looking back can mean over a month or a year or a century, or more. What do we repeat, what changes, and what do we learn, transform and adapt?

This article discusses the emergence of flexible working arrangements (FWAs) for women, noting that while they have worked well for female workforce participation, they have largely failed so far in moving women into the top rungs of professional and corporate life. The writers point to the possibility of more progress possible. Despite the setbacks caused by the global pandemic in the short-term, the system is more capable of beneficial change than might have seemed possible even two years ago.

Although supply chain disruptions are not new phenomena, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, affecting countless supply chains across a range of industries. This article introduces a new idea – anti-fragility – to begin thinking about supply chain models that benefit from random events rather than being the victims of them.

For many, self-reflection can feel uncomfortable. Yet, being uncomfortable is often a step in developing leadership capabilities. These writers discuss ways of expanding beyond the comfort zone and becoming a better leader through the art of reflective practice.

Until recent decades, the traditional way of generating electricity and delivering it to users has barely changed since the 19th century. Now, however, every aspect of the system is being reimagined, including the grid itself. In this article, the writer provides an overview of the current stage of progress.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) make up most of all Australian businesses and drive growth, provide employment opportunities and the create new markets. This article discusses some of the problems SMBs face when accessing finance during the current crisis, and suggests that alternative sources of lending are emerging.

Most people experience high and low phases in their career. In this article, the writer uses her personal experience and the concept of “imposter syndrome” to suggest that this can be a hidden roadblock for some, especially if there have been periods when they were experiencing difficulties in their lives.

While most readers of AIB Review would be familiar with bitcoins and other forms of cryptocurrencies, in-depth knowledge of their prevalence is less common. This article explains some of the features of this brave new world, and why it needs to be taken seriously in all areas of life and work.

Around the world, many education courses had to switch from face to face to online as a result of COVID-19. This article summarises the experience of one lecturer in Marketing at an Australian university.