In these turbulent times, when predictions are not always possible, having confidence in one's luck may make all the difference between taking inspired action or not acting on that opportunity or great idea after all.

Over the last decade Australia has generally economically outperformed other OECD nations while maintaining a reasonable -- though debatable -- fiscal and monetary stance. But great success can breed even greater complacency, and this is the unfortunate case for Australia.

Success in today's global environment clearly depends on our ability to be maximally competitive -- to excel in our ability to compete with other established and start-up organizations from all corners of the world.

Without competition most businesses would be average. Embrace your competition and thank your lucky stars for those irritating pains in the butt, here's why.

Since Japan's asset bubbles burst over 20 years ago, policy makers have persistently fiddled with the levers of monetary and fiscal policy but their efforts have spectacularly failed.

All innovative companies should be deeply concerned about India's recently announced trade practices. Open markets and respect for IP are key to ensuring American innovators can continue to develop new products.

A November 2011 Deloitte/Manufacturing Institute poll reveals that only 20 percent of American adults would advise their children to pursue manufacturing careers. Their bias is strong, their views distorted by old pictures of factory workers on the assembly line performing mind-numbing tasks.