October 24: Anniversary of “Black Thursday” (1929), which marked the beginning of the Great Depression. 

October 24, 2025 reminds us of one of the darkest moments in world economic history: the “Black Thursday” of 1929, the day that marked the beginning of the Great Depression. The crash of the New York Stock Exchange wreaked havoc on markets, brought down businesses and caused mass unemployment, leaving indelible lessons about risk management and financial sustainability. 

Today, businesses and investors are being asked to rethink their strategies in light of this crisis, especially at a time of economic uncertainty and rapid globalisation. A key lesson from 1929 is the importance of diversifying investment. Excessive borrowing and concentration of capital in overvalued assets were two of the main factors leading to the crash. 

In addition, financial transparency is a foundation for maintaining investor and customer confidence. In 1929, inadequacies in regulation and lack of reliable information exacerbated the crisis. Today, modern businesses can protect themselves through strict regulation, transparency in financial reporting, and ethical governance. 

Market psychology and panic is another factor that emerges as critical. The massive sales that triggered the crash of 1929 underscore the need for a coordinated response and leadership in times of crisis. Today, business leaders must be prepared to make quick, informed decisions and communicate crises to prevent disasters. Services such as executive coaching and management consulting services contribute greatly to this preparation. 

The anniversary of Black Thursday also reminds us of the importance of long-term strategic thinking. Short-term optimism, without foundations, can lead to bubbles collapsing. Modern businesses can learn to balance innovation with stability by adopting strategies that withstand market fluctuations. 

The Great Depression was a tragic reminder that the economy, markets, and business are deeply intertwined. As 21st century businesses continue to operate in a complex and rapidly changing environment, studying history offers invaluable lessons for building resilience and sustainable growth.