Episode Details

Mallesons' Directions Report 2026 is your essential guide to what’s top of mind for Australian directors and senior business leaders.  

Now in its 16th year, co-authors and Corporate M&A Partners Meredith Paynter and Rhys Casey discuss the 2026 findings. 

Key findings include: 

• Australian businesses are getting on with it, remaining committed to growth and investment despite softer optimism and ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty. 
• Productivity has emerged as the defining business challenge, sitting at the centre of strategic decision-making and shaping priorities across investment, technology and organisational transformation. 
• There is no AI 'sugar hit': while AI has become the top priority for business, many organisations are still working to convert significant investment into tangible productivity gains and measurable returns. 
• The relationship between business and government is becoming more strained, as leaders call for policy settings that better support investment, innovation, competitiveness and productivity growth. 
• Geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping business strategy, creating an opportunity for Australian businesses to build trust and act as commercially grounded diplomats in an increasingly fractured world.