2024 Brought Threatening Changes. Here’s How We Thrive in 2025
How JAM CQ is turning cultural intelligence into a skill that shapes the future of work, wellness, and global connection.
As we close out 2024, we can’t help but feel a swell of gratitude, excitement, and curiosity for what lies ahead. We first want to say, thank you to our readers, our first subscribers. It’s been a transformative year for JAM CQ—our journey into uniting cultural intelligence with global business trends has been nothing short of exhilarating. As co-founders, we, Jenny Abamu and Alice Shin, are thrilled to share where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and what’s next on this incredible adventure.
But First, a Common Question. What does JAM CQ mean?
The “JAM” is about connection and communication. The name carries dual meanings: in Korean, “jam” means fun, and the concept of a JAM session—a free-flowing, creative exchange of ideas—captures our feel, practice and tone.
We believe cultural intelligence—what we like to call CQ—is the bridge between the “us” and the “them.” It’s the tool that allows you to walk into a room (or a Zoom call) with anyone, anywhere, and leave having built trust, connection, and understanding.
We’ve experienced this firsthand. Between us, we’ve navigated American boardrooms, Chinese coffee shops, Saudi markets, and countless other spaces around the world. As women of multiple identities—Korean, Nigerian, American—we’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also found ways to open doors and seize opportunities others couldn’t with people from all walks of life. These experiences have shaped our vision for JAM CQ: to help others effectively connect, no matter where they are or who they’re with.
Cultural intelligence isn’t just about understanding others—it’s about understanding yourself. It’s about SCALE (Self-awareness, Curiosity, Adaptability, Listening, Effective communication). These are the skills we need to thrive in today’s global playground, whether we’re negotiating business deals, resolving conflicts, or planning a trip to a new country.
Our mission stems from a shared belief: the world is at its most innovative and humane when people learn from one another. In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming more “human,” we see an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration—not competition—that can elevate humanity, and build win-win relationships.
Looking Back: Trends That Shaped 2024
The Pre-COVID vs. Post-COVID World
The contrast between the pre-COVID and post-COVID world continues to define how we live and work. Remote work is no longer an experiment—it’s a permanent fixture, reshaping cities, workplaces, and families. The ripple effects extend into the way we raise our children, plan our careers, and connect with our communities. COVID forced us to rethink the fundamentals of life, and the lessons learned continue to ripple across the globe.
The Pre-AI vs. Current AI World
Just as COVID reshaped our physical and social landscapes, the rise of AI is transforming how we think, work, and create. This year, we’ve seen a collective reckoning with what AI can do—from revolutionizing industries to sparking debates about ethics and governance. It’s not just a technological shift; it’s a global experience. Countries are taking bold stances on how they want AI to shape their futures, creating a fascinating combination of strategies, challenges, and opportunities.
The Global Experience of Change
What makes this moment in history so unique is the shared nature of these transformations. From COVID to AI, the entire world has experienced profound change, together. Countries are evolving, companies are pivoting, and individuals are navigating a rapidly shifting landscape. This shared experience underscores the importance of cultural intelligence—the need to adapt, connect, and thrive in an interconnected world.
Looking forward: JAM CQ in 2025
As we step into 2025, we’re laser-focused on helping our readers navigate these changes. At JAM CQ, we’re streamlining our approach to focus on three key verticals, each designed to empower you with the insights and tools you need to thrive in a globalized, AI-driven world:
1. CQ in Technology
We hate that so many technology titles end up only being on AI, but we are going to be obsessed with AI next year for a lot of reasons. AI is here to stay, and its influence will only deepen in the years to come. In 2025, we’ll dive into:
• The Gulf’s ambitious plans to diversify through AI. If you don’t already follow our AI in the Gulf context, you should.
• Europe’s strict AI governance and ethical debates.
• The U.S.’s struggle to define its stance amidst rising global competition.
• The broader implications of the China-U.S. AI trade war.
Our goal is to provide both opportunities and warnings, helping you approach AI with cultural intelligence and caution.
2. CQ in the Future of Work
The way we work is undergoing a seismic shift. Remote work, social media careers, and the questioning of traditional education pipelines are challenging old norms. In this vertical, we’ll explore:
• The rise of Gen Z and their non-linear career paths.
• The growing emphasis on human skills—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and compassion (our 4Cs)—as AI takes over repetitive tasks.
• The global redefinition of what “work” means for individuals and families.
3. CQ in Wellness & Lifestyle
Health and wellness have become global phenomena, blending cultural practices with cutting-edge technology. In 2025, we’ll investigate:
• The rise of personalized wellness solutions driven by AI.
• Cultural habits, like Korea’s baek-sae-shi-dae (“the era of centenarians”), and their impact on longevity.
• Global food trends, from the probiotics of kimchi and sauerkraut to the demand for cleaner, more transparent products.
Each vertical is a lens through which we’ll explore the cultural intelligence needed to adapt to these shifts—and thrive.
The AI That Feels Like Home: AJ, Our Culturally Intelligent Assistant
One of our most ambitious projects for 2025 is AJ, our culturally intelligent AI. AJ helps you navigate the world with confidence and ease, turning the unfamiliar into familiar. Picture walking into any country, any room, and leaving with trust, connection, and understanding—that’s what AJ is designed to achieve.
AJ isn’t just a tool; it’s your guide to cultural intelligence. It scaffolds your learning, helping you decode unspoken social cues, understand nuanced traditions, and communicate effectively—all on the go. It’s about making you a more thoughtful, compassionate global citizen, bridging divides and fostering meaningful connections.
In a world where AI often replaces human tasks, AJ is different. It’s built to enhance humanity, not replace it. Whether you’re prepping for a business trip to Tokyo or navigating social norms in Paris, AJ is your partner in creating psychological safety and trust. Sign up now for early access, and join us in building a smarter, more connected future.
Join Us on This Journey
Here’s how you can get involved with JAM CQ as we step into an exciting 2025:
Suggest Topics for Us to Explore
Have a cultural, business, or global trend you’re curious about? We’d love to hear from you. Email us your suggestions at info@jamglobalstrategies.com.
Become a Sponsor
If you want to support JAM CQ and align with our mission, let’s collaborate. Sponsors can reach us at info@jamglobalstrategies.com.
Get Early Access to AJ
AJ, our culturally intelligent AI, is launching in 2025. Join the waiting list by clicking this link and signing up. You don’t want to miss this tool!
Sign Up for Training and Courses
We’re offering online courses to help individuals and teams grow their cultural intelligence. Email us at info@jamglobalstrategies.com to learn more and reserve your spot.
Share JAM CQ With Two Friends
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Lock in Your Membership at the Current Rate
Starting next year, more of our content will move behind a paywall to sustain the publication. Lock in your discounted rate now and enjoy uninterrupted access to the insights you love.
Tell Us What You Think
We love hearing from you! Share your thoughts, what you loved, what you didn’t, and what you’d like to see more of. Leave a comment or email us at info@jamglobalstrategies.com.
Attention Investors: Don’t Miss Out
At JAM CQ, we’re not just responding to change—we’re shaping it. Cultural intelligence is the future of work, and we’re at the forefront of merging global trends with skill-building and leadership development. With AJ, our culturally intelligent AI, launching in 2025, we’re redefining how people work, connect, and lead in a globalized world.
This isn’t just a company; it’s a movement. AJ isn’t replacing humanity—it’s enhancing it, equipping individuals and teams with the tools to navigate the complexities of a changing world with empathy and adaptability. If you want to be part of shaping the future, this is your moment.
Here’s the truth: We’re raising in January. Investors who see where the world is headed understand the urgency of getting in on the ground floor. You’ll look back on this and know you were part of something monumental—or regret that you weren’t.
Email us at info@jamglobalstrategies.com with the subject line INVESTOR, and let’s shape the future together.
Thank You and See You in 2025
At JAM CQ, we’re building a company culture that values time with loved ones and creating space for special moments. That’s why we won’t be publishing newsletters on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day or in between. We’re taking this time to recharge, spend time with our families, and embrace the kind of balance we believe is essential for a thriving startup.
You’ll hear from us again on January 8th, refreshed and ready to dive into an exciting and transformative 2025.
From all of us at JAM CQ, thank you for being part of this journey. Have a wonderful holiday season, and here’s to a globally connected and inspiring new year!
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