The 10 most-read stories on Forbes Australia in 2025
From rich lists and tech entrepreneurs to the safest countries in the world – here are the 10 stories that Forbes readers loved in 2025.
Business
The problem with the ‘highest paid person’s opinion’ and leaders being the ‘smartest person in the room’
Ben Dawson believes the best ideas are held by other people and has developed a strategy to get them comfortable enough to speak up. It forms a part of what he calls vulnerable leadership, which he says is now more important than ever.
PE Nation founder Pip Edwards on hiding metres away from the Bondi gunmen
As the world mourns the horrific terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Bondi, an Australian entrepreneur shares her experience hiding underneath a vehicle just metres away from the shooters.
Why perspective, not perception, is key in a world of AI
We’re obsessed with perception—how AI makes us look and what it signals to the market, writes work futurist Dominic Price. What we need is perspective and a sense of how AI actually changes value.
Bill Ackman, Guy Oseary and 43k others raise $2.5m for Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed
Heavyweights from Wall Street and the music industry have joined thousands of everyday Australians raising funds for Ahmed al Ahmed, the hero who tackled and disarmed a terrorist on Bondi Beach.
Kicked off: Australia’s social media ban for under-16s is here
The new law ‘delaying’ social media accounts for minors under 16 is now in effect. Ten tech companies are impacted by the first ‘blanket ban’ in the world. Other countries may now follow suit.
Netflix ‘super confident’ in Warner Bros. deal after Paramount’s hostile bid
Netflix last week announced it would acquire Warner Bros. in a $83 billion deal.
‘Just Say Yes’: How The Iconic’s CMO and Rokt’s AI Chief turn self-doubt into a superpower
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, leaders from Rokt and The Iconic advised this week. Here’s why you should ‘just say yes’ and balance curiosity with intentionality.
NextDC, OpenAI to develop $4.6 Billion data centre in Sydney
The $4.6 billion data center to be built on NextDC’s facility in Sydney will serve OpenAI clients such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Wesfarmers.
Why the 2026 startup boom will be circular
Carolyn Breeze, CEO of ASX-listed investment & advisory firm, Scalare Partners, imagines a circular startup economy where every dollar, lesson, and relationship feeds back into the next wave of founders.