Use of 'journey' in conference calls by S&P 500 executives up 70% in 2021

It's one of the fastest-growing corporate buzzwords in recent memory

As corporate executives grapple with the pandemic, rising inflation and stubborn labour shortages, they all can agree on one thing: It’s been quite a journey.

Mentions of the word “journey” by S&P 500 executives on conference calls this year have soared almost 70% to 3,091, making it one of the fastest-growing corporate buzzwords in recent memory.

The term was rarely used before — in fact, just once in 2001 — but it’s now used to describe practically any kind of business goal, even if it’s totally mundane.

“You’re always looking for new ways to say the same things,” says Grant