For most of the internet era, customer data was valuable because it helped companies understand consumers. In the AI era, work data may become equally valuable because it captures how humans create knowledge, make decisions, and solve problems.

Excerpt Wendy’s is in the middle of a turnaround after reporting declining sales, falling customer traffic, and weaker franchisee economics. But the real story may be its ownership. Trian Fund Management and BlackRock together own roughly 30% of Wendy’s. Trian is known for pushing companies to improve performance, while BlackRock focuses on accountability and long-term value creation. Together, they create a powerful combination of pressure and oversight.