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The New Face Of Fraud: How Deepfakes Are Targeting Small Businesses

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by Ken Griggs — Founder of Julia.social & Creator of not.bot

There’s a good chance you’ve laughed at a deepfake or two. But trust me, the ability to fake someone’s face or voice using AI is no laughing matter. Deepfake technology is getting more real and more dangerous, and small businesses like yours are the new targets.

A recent study revealed that 62% of organizations reported some form of AI-driven attack within the past year. Small businesses account for an increasing share of deepfake incidents. Unlike large corporations with dedicated cybersecurity teams and advanced detection tools, small enterprises often lack the resources needed to identify and counteract sophisticated digital impersonations.

Deepfake attacks on your small business can take many forms. Imagine a video that mimics you authorizing a fraudulent wire transfer. Picture a fake customer service announcement intended to damage your brand reputation. Consider the implications of an audio message designed to dupe your employees into revealing sensitive information. These false clips can quickly cause real damage, and they’re growing more convincing by the day.

When seeing is no longer believing, we need digital identity verification

A striking example of this challenge emerged recently when CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta addressed a deepfake video circulating on social media that showed him announcing a groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research discovery. The problem is that this never actually happened.

Viewers trusted the clip, and Dr. Gupta was compelled to spend valuable airtime debunking it. His message? Authentic communication often has a certain tone, phrasing, or context that fakes lack. However, discerning these requires familiarity with the person involved, and most people don’t know public figures well enough to spot those subtle differences.

Not only are deepfakes becoming nearly indistinguishable from reality, but they also threaten to undermine genuine content. What happens when the message in your authentic video is broadly dismissed as a deepfake? It’s becoming almost impossible to separate fact from fiction on digital platforms.

Without digital identity verification, small businesses are the silent victims

Big celebrities get the news spotlight and can set the record straight when a fake video damages their reputation. But what about small businesses? You don’t have the same platform to defend against deepfake attacks. Without the ability to respond, your reputation and your livelihood can suffer.

Policies aimed at moderating fake content often fall short. Perpetrators simply create new identities and resume attacks. As a small business, you need more than reactive content moderation. You need proactive measures to authenticate and verify your digital communications.

Exploring the digital identity solution

One way to fight back is by having a secure digital identity. Think of it like a special online signature that proves any message, video, or email really came from you. Governments around the world, including the United States, are starting to create digital ID systems.

Ironically, most of these systems require people to scan their government-issued IDs while taking a selfie video. The catch? Doing that uploads detailed images and videos of you, which provide bad actors with all the raw material they need to create highly convincing deepfakes.

It’s a catch-22. You need to prove your identity to be safe, but proving it the wrong way makes you less safe.

How blockchain and cryptography make digital identity secure

Fortunately, technology already exists that will verify your identity without requiring you to share invasive biometric or personal data, which is where blockchain and cryptography come into play.

Digital signatures work through a pair of cryptographic keys. There is a private secret key known only to the signer, and a public key that anyone can use to verify the signature’s authenticity. When a message or video is signed with a private key, others can use the corresponding public key to confirm it genuinely originated from that person.

The tricky part is ensuring people trust which public key belongs to you. Usually, a company or government acts as a middleman and manages the list of keys. The problem? That middleman can change things behind the scenes without telling you. The lack of transparency undermines trust.

Finally, blockchain technology enables that layer of trust. It offers a secure, unchangeable list spread across many places. Only you can change your public key, and everyone can trust that it represents your real identity.

For example, if Dr. Sanjay Gupta created a digital identity anchored on a blockchain, then anyone viewing videos signed with his cryptographic key could instantly verify their authenticity. This approach creates a verifiable chain of trust that is absolutely resistant to fraud and tampering.

Building trust with identity verification that protects privacy

For small business owners, using this kind of digital identity means you can connect with customers in a way they can trust — without sharing your photo or private info every time. This protects your privacy and reduces the chances of hackers stealing personal data.

On a side note, this type of privacy-first software also gives you the means to verify your customers’ digital identities without collecting and storing their personal data. Why is this important? It protects you from a world of liability.

Data breaches happen all the time. Even tech giants like Google have been hacked. There is no safe way to store highly sensitive user data. By verifying digital identity without stashing sensitive data, you’re protecting both your business and your customers.

What small businesses can do now to prevent fraud and authenticate digital IDs

The reality is that deepfake scams will only get more common and harder to spot. That makes strong ways of verifying identity online more important than ever.

We live in a world where a single fabricated video can ruin your reputation or cripple your operations. Just like antivirus software became essential, secure identity verification will soon be a basic part of doing business online.

The future of business is digital, and it’s up to us to stay one step ahead of the scammers and hackers. Start learning about digital signatures and blockchain identity solutions today. It’s time to reclaim trust, one verified signature at a time.

 

Ken Griggs

Ken Griggs is an Emmy Award–winning technologist, inventor, and entrepreneur with multiple patents in blockchain and cryptography applications. He is the Founder and CEO of Julia.social, a stealth-mode startup built on the Chia blockchain, and the creator of not.bot, a platform designed to authenticate real digital identities. With over two decades of experience leading innovations at Deloitte, Nexidia, and Chia, Griggs is a recognized leader in building technology solutions that prioritize privacy, trust, and transparency.

 

Five Habits That Set Successful Entrepreneurs Apart

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by Samantha Holway, Vice President of Regional Sales and Business Development for North America at Herbalife

In my work supporting thousands of independent business owners and entrepreneurs across the country, I’ve seen a clear pattern emerge. Success isn’t built overnight; it’s built through consistent habits that compound over time.

And with November marking National Entrepreneurship Month, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the daily disciplines that drive long-term business growth and resilience.

Recent research commissioned by Herbalife and reported by Talker News found that nearly one in three Americans now consider themselves entrepreneurs, including 36% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials. Younger generations are approaching entrepreneurship with optimism, creativity, and a desire for greater control over their future, reflecting how today’s workforce continues to evolve.

But optimism alone doesn’t create a thriving business. The entrepreneurs who succeed, whether they’re running full-scale companies or managing side hustles, are those who turn big goals into daily disciplines.

These are the habits I see time and again in the people who don’t just start strong but stay strong.

1. Start Each Day with Intention.

Successful entrepreneurs begin their day with purpose. They plan their priorities before distractions take over.

Some of the most consistent leaders I work with start each morning by reviewing their goals and connecting with a few clients, partners, or colleagues. Those simple steps create early momentum and set the tone for the rest of the day.

When you begin with intention, every action, no matter how small, moves you closer to your goals. For example, write down your top three priorities before opening your laptop and commit to finishing them before noon.

2. Stay Curious and Keep Learning.

The best entrepreneurs never stop learning. They’re open to new skills, perspectives, and ideas that help them grow personally and professionally.

In today’s fast-changing environment, curiosity is essential. Whether it’s attending a training, learning from a mentor, or exploring new ways to serve customers, continuous learning keeps you adaptable and confident.

When you approach every challenge with curiosity, even setbacks become opportunities to grow. Set aside 30 minutes each week to read, listen, or learn something that strengthens your business.

3. Build Relationships That Last.

Strong relationships are the foundation of any successful business. Great entrepreneurs lead with care, empathy, and authenticity.

The most effective leaders I know spend time understanding their customers and teams. They listen, follow up, and genuinely invest in people’s success. Over time, those individual connections grow into a community built on trust, support, and shared purpose. Successful entrepreneurs understand the power of community and how it can inspire growth, resilience, and long-term success.

When you focus on connection before transaction, you create loyalty that lasts far beyond a single sale. This week, take a few minutes to reach out to three people such as clients, partners, or colleagues to check in and reconnect. A simple conversation can strengthen relationships and remind others that you are in their corner.

4. Stay Consistent When It’s Hard.

Every entrepreneur faces challenges such as slow periods, self-doubt, or shifting goals. What sets successful people apart is that they keep showing up.

Consistency doesn’t mean working nonstop. It means honoring your commitments and staying focused even when it’s uncomfortable. Over time, steady effort builds trust, credibility, and results.

When things get tough, remember that progress often happens quietly, one consistent day at a time. Track your weekly activity, including outreach, meetings, or milestones, and focus on effort, not just outcomes.

5. Celebrate Progress Along the Way.

Entrepreneurs tend to be goal-driven, but success isn’t only about reaching the finish line. It’s also about recognizing the growth that happens along the journey.

Taking a moment to celebrate small wins, such as a productive week or a personal breakthrough, helps reinforce motivation and gratitude.

When you make progress visible, you remind yourself and your team that every step counts. At the end of each week, write down one win and one lesson learned to reinforce progress and perspective.

A New Era of Entrepreneurship

Today’s entrepreneurs are more diverse, tech-savvy, and purpose-driven than ever before. They’re creating their own opportunities and redefining what success looks like.

I’ve seen these same habits drive lasting success among the entrepreneurs I work with every day. They prove that consistency, curiosity, and connection aren’t just business strategies; they’re the foundation of long-term growth.

No matter where you are in your journey, success begins with showing up, learning continuously, and leading with purpose.

 

Samantha Holway

Samantha Holway is Vice President of Regional Sales and Business Development for North America at Herbalife. She leads initiatives that empower thousands of independent distributors to build thriving wellness businesses and foster stronger communities. With more than a decade of experience in sales leadership, training, and business growth, Samantha is passionate about helping entrepreneurs develop the habits and skills that drive lasting success.

 

Smart Car Shopping: When Timing Can Help You Save More

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BMW car driving wheel

BMW car driving wheel

Key Takeaways

  • Shopping at the end of the year and on specific holidays leads to significant savings.
  • Weekdays, especially Mondays, see less competition and more negotiation flexibility.
  • Preparing your finances and researching deals are crucial steps before buying.
  • Using reputable dealerships and considering your long-term needs ensures a wise investment.

Why Timing Matters When Buying a Car

Timing can play a surprisingly significant role in making a vehicle purchase more affordable. Market trends, seasonal demand, and dealership incentives all fluctuate throughout the year, creating opportunities for buyers to secure better deals. Understanding these patterns can help shoppers plan their purchases strategically, reducing stress and maximizing value without compromising on their preferences or needs. Even small shifts in timing can make a noticeable difference in the final price.

For those exploring specific brands, knowing when dealerships are looking to clear inventory can be particularly useful. Visiting local Chrysler dealers during end-of-quarter or year-end periods, for example, often aligns with sales goals, which may translate into more flexible financing options or attractive trade-in offers. Being aware of these patterns allows buyers to make informed decisions and potentially save more on their next vehicle.

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Car

The best times of year to buy a car are typically during the final months, from October to December. Dealerships are eager to clear out older inventory to make room for new models, often offering significant discounts and incentives. Major holidays, such as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, also bring attractive promotions. For those exploring specific brands, checking local inventory at a CDJR near me can help compare deals and take advantage of manufacturer incentives. Planning purchases around these periods can maximize savings and value.

Weekday vs. Weekend Deals

Dealerships experience their highest customer traffic on weekends, resulting in less personalized attention and increased competition for popular models. Shopping on a weekday, particularly Monday, gives you the advantage. Fewer buyers mean sales staff are motivated to negotiate and close deals quickly, and you’ll likely have a better opportunity to ask questions or request additional perks such as complimentary maintenance or added features.

Kelley Blue Book data shows that car buyers shopping during the week tend to experience more flexible negotiations because sales targets need to be met, no matter the number of daily visitors. This less pressured setting can make buyers feel more comfortable and better able to make informed choices.

Holiday Sales and Special Events

Major holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday offer substantial discounts and promotions. Used cars are particularly popular around New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while Presidents’ Day and the Fourth of July also feature attractive deals. Dealerships increase their advertising efforts, emphasizing manufacturer incentives and low-interest financing, to lure shoppers with limited-time offers. These holidays often coincide with the launch of new models, resulting in discounts on previous-year models. Given how quickly inventory moves, it’s wise to start your research and financing process early.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop.

Securing a pre-approved loan from your bank or credit union gives you a clear budget and negotiating edge. Lenders outside the dealership often offer more competitive rates and transparent terms. Having a pre-approval letter in hand shows sales staff you’re a serious buyer, making them more likely to work with your terms.

Pay Attention to Your Credit Score.

A strong credit score unlocks better loan rates, lower monthly payments, and access to exclusive financing incentives. Before you begin car shopping, check your credit report for errors and take steps to pay down outstanding debt where possible.

Research Vehicle Values and Local Deals.

Use reputable online pricing guides and local dealership websites to understand market prices for the car models you’re targeting. Knowing the average sale price empowers you to spot genuine deals and avoid overpaying.

Leverage Trade-Ins for Greater Value.

If you have a current vehicle to trade, request written offers from several dealers or use online trade-in estimators to determine the value. A higher trade-in value can make a significant difference in your final out-the-door price.

Final Thoughts on Smart Car Buying

Strategic timing, thorough research, and meticulous financial preparation are essential for securing the best value when purchasing a car. By combining seasonal insights, weekday advantages, and holiday promotions with pre-approvals, credit awareness, and trade-in leverage, buyers can make informed decisions that strike a balance between cost savings and long-term satisfaction. Approaching your next vehicle purchase with these strategies increases the likelihood of securing a deal that meets both your needs and budget.

 

How Small Businesses Can Use Data Signals To Spot New Clients And Partnerships Before Competitors Do

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by Robert Fon, Operational Growth & Strategic Partnerships at PredictLeads

In business, the difference between staying ahead and falling behind often comes down to timing. While most small businesses rely on ads, referrals, or luck to find new opportunities, others quietly use data signals to see what’s coming next.

Every day, companies post job openings, announce funding, and share partnerships. These public updates reveal what’s happening behind the scenes. When used smartly, they help you anticipate who’s growing, who’s hiring, and who might soon need your help.

At PredictLeads, we’ve seen how powerful these signals can be. Two stand out in particular: Job Openings and News Events. Here’s how small businesses can use both to uncover new clients and partnerships before competitors even notice.

The Hidden Power of Job Openings

Job postings are more than hiring notices; they are real-time insight into what a company is prioritizing.

When a business starts hiring for new roles, it’s signaling a change. A marketing agency adding a Growth Manager is preparing to scale campaigns. A SaaS company hiring a Customer Success Lead might be struggling with client onboarding. A manufacturer looking for Process Engineers is probably expanding production.

Using data from the PredictLeads Job Openings Dataset, you can automatically track these changes across more than 100 million companies. Instead of cold-calling random prospects, you focus on companies that are actively growing and have a clear need for your services.

Small teams can start manually. Set Google Alerts for phrases like “hiring” or “expanding team” in your target industry. Once you’re ready to scale, data providers like PredictLeads continuously surface those hiring signals so you can act first.

News Events: The Pulse of the Market

If job data shows intent, news data shows movement.

Every funding announcement, partnership, or product launch tells a story of where a company is heading next. A startup that just raised a Series A round is about to spend money. A company that announced a new partnership might be reorganizing systems. A business that launched a product could soon need marketing, logistics, or customer support.

The PredictLeads News Events Dataset tracks millions of these stories in real time, organizing them into categories such as funding, expansion, product launch, acquisition, and partnership. By watching these shifts, you can time your outreach precisely when a company is most receptive.

Imagine being the first to congratulate a business on their funding round and offering a useful resource instead of a generic sales pitch. That personal timing builds trust.

Why Timing Beats Volume

For many small businesses, marketing feels like a numbers game: send more emails, make more calls, buy more ads. But smart timing almost always outperforms volume.

By combining job and news signals, you can predict where demand will form weeks before it’s visible to competitors. If a company is both raising capital and hiring for new roles, that’s a strong growth signal. If another is downsizing or changing leadership, it may need operational help or consulting support.

With PredictLeads, these insights can feed directly into your CRM or sales workflow. The result is outreach that feels natural and helpful, not random or forced.

Making Data Work for You

You don’t need a data science team to get started.

  1. Start small. Track five to ten companies you already follow and note any job or news updates.
  2. Log patterns. After a few weeks, you’ll start seeing trends — like which roles appear before new product launches.
  3. Act fast. When a relevant signal appears, reach out with context, not a cold pitch.

A simple message like “I saw you’re expanding your operations” can open the door to a real conversation if it’s timed right.

From Data to Relationships

Data doesn’t replace human connection; it strengthens it. When you reach out because you noticed a real signal, you’re showing awareness and initiative.

That’s the philosophy behind PredictLeads: helping companies use public business data to build authentic, well-timed relationships. Instead of chasing leads, you learn to recognize the signs that someone actually needs your help.

The Takeaway

For small businesses, success isn’t just about working harder but it’s about seeing the signals others overlook.

Job postings and news stories are more than noise. They’re clues that reveal who’s hiring, who’s changing, and who’s ready to grow. If you start paying attention to those signals today, you’ll stop reacting to the market and start predicting it.

And in business, being early often makes all the difference.

 

Robert Fon

Robert Fon is the Operational Growth and Strategic Partnerships Lead at PredictLeads, a Y Combinator–backed data company indexing over 100 million companies worldwide. PredictLeads provides real-time insights from Job Openings, News Events data, Technologies, Key Customers and more – helping sales, marketing, and investment teams identify new clients, partners, and opportunities before competitors do.

Robert focuses on optimizing sales processes, building strategic partnerships, and leading marketing initiatives that connect data to real business outcomes. PredictLeads powers intelligence for leading GTM teams, data marketplaces, and automation platforms, helping them stay ahead of emerging signals that drive growth.

 

How To Build A Culture Of Respect

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by Robert L Dilenschneider, author of “Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time“

Respect may be one of the least discussed human qualities, often taken for granted as most of us go through life without giving it much thought. However, it is my contention that respect deserves more attention, consideration, appreciation, and praise. Respect is fundamental: mutual respect creates friendships and enables societies and organizations to function effectively. It is respect for one another that builds healthy relationships and establishes trust between individuals, groups, and nations. Ultimately, being respectful makes this a better world, while failing to show respect can make it a worse place.

My decades-long career in international public relations has afforded me a unique perspective on human nature, compelling me to explore this vital topic. The visible erosion of respectfulness is what prompted the writing of this book, particularly as civility and respect go hand-in-hand. Today, the world often feels fueled by chaos, where disorder is the new order. Unfiltered platforms like social media have encouraged nastiness and rancor, often leading to the perception that respectfulness is merely an outdated virtue.

To counter this environment, respectfulness must emanate from each individual in all endeavors and interactions. The foundation for this outward display is self-respect. It is difficult, if not impossible, to be authentically respectful of others if you do not respect yourself first. Gaining self-respect requires looking inward, rather than seeking validation from others. As the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu advised, when you are content to be simply yourself and do not compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

Building self-respect allows us to cultivate the qualities necessary for respectful interaction with others. I have identified five essential qualities, though many others contribute to this virtue:

  • Acknowledge the dignity of human life, regardless of one’s station, culture, or preferences.
  • Practice compassion and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Be courteous; help others see the good.
  • Understand that everyone has their own experiences and beliefs.
  • Listen to others, really listen; instead of mentally preparing your response.

The act of truly listening, or active listening, is foundational to respectfulness. It is more than just hearing words; it means seeking to understand the meaning and intent behind the speaker’s message. We must also recognize that differing perspectives are inevitable. As anthropologist Margaret Mead wisely stated, manners are a way of dealing with people you do not agree with or like. Civility demands that we respect another person’s point of view, no matter how misguided we may find it. We must resist the urge toward snark, which is the opposite of respectfulness, attempting to annihilate reputation through nasty, subtle abuse.

Although some leaders believe that civility is seldom rewarded in the political arena today, I remain an optimist. The necessary changes begin with individual effort. When you live a life of respectfulness, following the adage, “you get what you give,” you will ultimately gain respect.

 

Robert Dilenschneider 2

Robert L. Dilenschneider is the founder of The Dilenschneider Group, a strategic communications firm. Widely recognized as a leading communications professional, he has authored numerous books including “The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence“, “Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership“, and his latest “Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time” (Wiley).

 

How Moving Companies Stay In Business Despite Massive Competition

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moving company

moving company

The moving industry is brutal.

There are over 7,000 moving companies in the United States. In cities like Fort Collins alone, you’ll find dozens competing for the same customers.

Yet somehow, many of these companies not only survive, they actually thrive.

How?

We’re going to show you exactly what separates successful moving companies from those that close within their first year.

The Numbers Tell An Interesting Story

What most people don’t know is that the moving industry generates over $18 billion annually in the U.S.

That’s a massive pie. But the catch is that the average moving company only captures a tiny slice.

Most moving companies are small operations. They own 2-5 trucks and employ 10-15 people. They’re not competing with national chains for every job. Instead, they focus on specific customers.

An affordable moving company fort collins doesn’t try to compete with United Van Lines for corporate relocations. They focus on local moves, apartments, and budget-conscious families.

This is the first secret to survival: knowing exactly who you serve.

They Specialize Instead Of Doing Everything.

The moving companies that struggle try to do everything for everyone.

Big moves. Small moves. Long distance. Local. Residential. Commercial. Piano moves. Antique furniture. Everything.

The problem? When you do everything, you’re not great at anything.

Successful moving companies pick their lane and dominate it.

Examples Of Smart Specialization.

Student moves: Some companies only handle college apartment moves. They know exactly how to pack dorm rooms quickly. They offer August and May discounts when students need help most.

Senior relocations: Other companies focus on helping elderly people downsize. They take extra time. They’re patient. They help sort through decades of belongings.

Small business moves: These companies move offices over weekends so businesses don’t lose workdays. They handle IT equipment carefully and set everything back up.

Luxury moves: High-end movers pack everything with premium materials. They use climate-controlled trucks. They charge three times normal rates because their customers want white-glove service.

When you specialize, customers know exactly what you do. You become the obvious choice for that specific need.

They Build Reputations That Bring Repeat Business

Here’s something most people miss: moving companies don’t survive on one-time customers.

They survive on referrals and repeat business.

Think about it. When someone moves, who do they tell? Friends. Family. Coworkers. Neighbors.

One happy customer creates five potential new customers.

One unhappy customer tells twenty people to avoid you.

How They Build These Reputations.

  • They show up on time: This sounds basic, but many movers run late. Companies that consistently arrive when promised immediately stand out.
  • They protect belongings: Successful movers wrap furniture carefully. They use moving blankets. They take time at doorways. Damaged items destroy reputations.
  • They communicate clearly: They answer phones. They respond to texts. They confirm appointments. Simple communication builds trust.
  • They train their teams: Good moving companies don’t just hire anyone with a strong back. They train employees on proper lifting, packing techniques, and customer service.
  • They fix mistakes quickly: When something goes wrong (and it will), they take responsibility. They replace damaged items. They offer discounts. They make it right.

These practices create word-of-mouth advertising that no marketing budget can buy.

They Master Local Marketing

National moving chains spend millions on advertising. Small moving companies can’t compete with that budget.

So they focus on local visibility instead.

Google Business Profile Dominance.

When someone searches “movers near me,” the first results are Google Business profiles or listing with reviews and ratings.

Successful moving companies:

  • Get reviews from every happy customer (50+ reviews minimum)
  • Respond to every review, good or bad
  • Post photos of their trucks and teams
  • Update their business hours and service areas
  • Add posts about seasonal specials

This costs zero dollars and brings in calls daily.

Local Partnerships.

Smart moving companies partner with:

  • Real estate agents (who recommend movers to buyers)
  • Apartment complexes (who give moving company info to new tenants)
  • Storage facilities (who suggest movers to customers)
  • Home staging companies (who work with sellers)

These partnerships create steady referral streams without advertising costs.

Community Involvement.

Successful movers sponsor:

  • Youth sports teams
  • School fundraisers
  • Community events
  • Charity drives

Their trucks become mobile billboards around town. People recognize the company name. When they need a mover, they remember seeing those trucks at their kid’s soccer game.

They Price Strategically (Not Always Cheapest)

Here’s a mistake many new moving companies make: they compete on price alone.

They think, “I’ll charge less than everyone else and get more customers.”

This fails for three reasons:

First: Customers assume cheap movers mean low quality. They worry their stuff will get damaged.

Second: Low prices mean low profits. You can’t buy good equipment or pay good employees when you charge too little.

Third: Price-focused customers complain the most. They expect perfection but don’t want to pay for it.

How Successful Companies Price.

They charge fair rates based on:

  • Time required (hourly rate for local moves)
  • Distance traveled (per-mile rate for long distance)
  • Difficulty factors (stairs, elevators, heavy items)
  • Seasonal demand (higher rates during summer moving season)

They’re not the cheapest. They’re not the most expensive. They’re somewhere in the middle with clear value.

They explain exactly what’s included. No hidden fees. No surprise charges.

Customers pay more but feel good about it because they know what they’re getting.

They Keep Costs Under Control

Moving companies have tight profit margins. They typically make 10-15% profit on each job.

That doesn’t leave room for waste.

Where They Save Money.

Fuel efficiency: They plan routes carefully to minimize driving. They maintain trucks so they run efficiently.

Equipment maintenance: They fix small problems immediately before they become expensive repairs. A $200 brake job prevents a $3,000 accident.

Smart scheduling: They book multiple moves in the same area on the same day. This reduces drive time between jobs.

Seasonal staffing: They hire extra help during busy summer months. They use core teams during slower winter months.

Bulk purchasing: They buy moving supplies in bulk. Boxes, tape, and blankets cost 40% less when ordered in large quantities.

These small savings add up to thousands of dollars annually.

They Adapt To Technology Without Overspending

Modern customers expect certain technologies. But successful moving companies don’t waste money on fancy apps nobody uses.

Technology That Actually Helps.

Online booking: Simple websites where customers can request quotes and schedule moves without phone calls.

GPS tracking: Customers can see where the truck is in real-time. This reduces “where are you?” phone calls.

Digital inventory: Photos of items before and after moves. This protects both the company and customer if disputes arise.

Electronic payments: Credit card readers and digital payment options. Customers don’t carry cash anymore.

Simple CRM software: Basic customer tracking to send follow-up emails and request reviews.

They skip expensive custom software. They use affordable tools that solve real problems.

They Survive Slow Seasons By Planning Ahead

Moving is seasonal. Summer is crazy busy. Winter is painfully slow.

Companies that only think about the current month go out of business.

How They Handle Seasonal Fluctuations.

Summer profits cover winter losses: They save money during busy months to cover expenses during slow months.

Winter services: Some offer furniture delivery, junk removal, or storage services when moves slow down.

Maintenance season: Winter is when they repair trucks, train employees, and update equipment.

Marketing for spring: They spend winter months building relationships with real estate agents and apartment managers for spring busy season.

They think twelve months ahead instead of one month ahead.

They Treat Employees Well (Because It Saves Money)

Moving is physical work. It’s hard on bodies. Turnover is normally high.

But replacing employees is expensive. Training takes time. New movers break things because they’re inexperienced.

How Good Companies Retain Workers.

They pay above minimum wage: Quality movers earn $15-$25 per hour plus tips. Good pay attracts reliable people.

They provide benefits: Health insurance for full-time employees. Paid time off. Retirement options.

They respect schedules: Employees know their schedules two weeks ahead. No last-minute changes.

They provide proper equipment: Good dollies, quality gloves, back support belts. These prevent injuries.

They create advancement paths: Hard workers become team leaders, then supervisors, then operations managers.

Happy employees work harder. They’re careful with customer belongings. They represent the company well.

The Bottom Line: Why Some Survive And Others Don’t

After watching hundreds of moving companies come and go, the pattern is clear.

Companies that survive:

  1. Focus on specific customer types instead of everyone
  2. Build reputations through excellent service
  3. Master local marketing on tight budgets
  4. Price fairly instead of cheapest
  5. Control costs without cutting corners
  6. Use helpful technology without overspending
  7. Plan for seasonal slowdowns
  8. Invest in good employees

Companies that fail do the opposite. They chase every customer, neglect reputation, compete only on price, and ignore employee satisfaction.

The moving industry is crowded. But there’s always room for companies that do things right.

That’s why good moving companies don’t just survive, they actually grow year after year.

 

The Logistics Shift: Why 2025 Is The Year Businesses Stop Flying Blind

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The Old Way Isn’t Working Anymore

There’s something about the way businesses used to manage fleets that feels… outdated. You had spreadsheets. Phone calls. Maybe a whiteboard with routes scribbled in marker. It worked, kind of, until it didn’t. Because now, things move faster. Customers expect updates in real time. Fuel costs are unpredictable. Compliance rules keep changing. And if you’re still relying on guesswork, you’re already behind.

Fleet management in 2025 isn’t just about moving vehicles. It’s about managing data, predicting problems, and staying ahead of the curve. And the curve? It’s steep. According to Fleetpal’s February 2025 report, the industry is being reshaped by electrification, automation, and real-time analytics. Companies that adapt can cut costs and improve uptime. The ones that don’t? They’re burning cash and losing contracts.

That’s why platforms offering vehicle tracking are no longer a luxury. They are the baseline, i.e, the bare minimum. If you don’t know where your vehicles are, how they’re performing, or what your drivers are doing, you’re not managing a fleet. You’re just hoping things go right.

Real-Time Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Let’s talk about what “real-time” actually means. It’s not just seeing a dot on a map. It’s knowing when a driver brakes too hard. It’s getting an alert when a vehicle idles for too long. It’s seeing fuel consumption spike and knowing why. In 2025, real-time tracking is the difference between reacting and responding.

SpotSaaS published a breakdown in May showing how GPS and telematics are transforming fleet operations. Managers can now monitor movement, driver behavior, and route performance in real-time. Not after the fact. Not at the end of the day. Right now. That kind of visibility changes everything. You’re not just managing vehicles. You’re managing outcomes.

And it’s not just logistics companies. School bus operators, construction firms, and rental fleets are all using tracking to reduce delays, improve safety, and keep customers informed. Tech isn’t niche anymore. It’s everywhere.

The Cost of Not Knowing

Fuel prices in 2025 are volatile. One week they’re stable, the next they spike. And idling? That’s money burning. According to GPSLive.io, companies using intelligent fuel monitoring systems are cutting emissions and fuel costs sharply. That’s not a small win. That’s a competitive edge.

But it’s not just about fuel. It’s about maintenance. Missed oil changes. Overdue inspections. Vehicles breaking down in the middle of a delivery. Real-time tracking systems now include automated maintenance alerts. They track engine hours, mileage, and service intervals. No more relying on memory or manual logs. No more unexpected downtime.

And then there’s compliance. Hours of service. Driving behavior. Location history. Regulations are tighter than ever. Tracking systems log everything automatically. That means fewer errors, fewer fines, and less paperwork.

Safety Isn’t Just a Metric — It’s a Strategy

Driver safety used to be reactive. You waited for an incident, then dealt with it. Now? You prevent it. Tracking systems monitor speeding, harsh braking, and aggressive acceleration. Managers get reports. Drivers get coaching. Insurance claims go down. Morale goes up.

GPSLive.io’s 2025 report highlights how advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are being integrated with tracking platforms. Cameras, sensors, and AI work together to detect fatigue, distraction, and risky behavior. It’s not about surveillance. It’s about support. Drivers feel safer. Companies feel more in control.

And with a sharp global shortage of truck drivers still looming, retention matters. Safety tech isn’t just a compliance tool. It’s a recruitment advantage.

Sustainability Is No Longer Optional

Green fleets are growing. Fast. The Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles by 2032 and the EU’s ban on gas and diesel cars by 2035 are forcing companies to rethink their strategies. But going electric isn’t just about buying new vehicles. It’s about managing them.

Tracking platforms now monitor battery health, charge cycles, and energy consumption. They help fleets balance diesel and electric assets. They optimise routes to reduce emissions. They calculate carbon footprints using real-time data. It’s not just about meeting regulations. It’s about proving you care, to customers, investors, and regulators.

And the numbers back it up. Companies using tracking systems to manage hybrid fleets are seeing measurable reductions in CO2 output. Some report up to 20 percent lower emissions within a year of implementation.

Cybersecurity Is the New Frontier

Connected vehicles are vulnerable. Ransomware attacks have increased by 400 percent in recent years. Tracking systems are targets. If your platform isn’t secure, your data — and your operations- are at risk.

The best systems now include encryption, regular updates, and custom vulnerability detection. GPSLive.io, for example, responds to issues within five minutes and maintains a zero critical vulnerability record. That kind of speed matters. Because one breach can shut down an entire fleet.

Security isn’t just an IT issue anymore. It’s a fleet issue. And in 2025, ignoring it is a gamble no business can afford

Smart Mobility Is Changing the Game

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is growing. Fast. The market is expected to expand by over 300 percent by 2028. That means fewer private car trips. More shared rides. More connected transport.

Tracking platforms are adapting. They’re monitoring scooters, taxis, buses, and even battery levels and maintenance needs. They’re helping cities reduce congestion. They’re helping companies tap into new revenue streams.

It’s not just about logistics anymore. It’s about ecosystems. And tracking is the glue that holds it all together.

What Businesses Are Actually Doing

Let’s get practical. Companies aren’t just talking about tracking. They’re using it. Fleetpal’s 2025 report reveals that businesses investing in real-time data are experiencing lower costs, improved uptime, and enhanced customer satisfaction. They’re not guessing. They’re planning. 

And it’s not just the big players. Small businesses are using tracking to compete. To optimise deliveries. To manage remote teams. To stay lean and agile.

The tools are scalable. The data is actionable. And the results? Tangible.

The Bottom Line: Visibility Is Power

In 2025, fleet management is no longer about control. It’s about clarity. Knowing where your vehicles are. Knowing how they’re performing, knowing what’s coming next.

Tracking systems aren’t just tech. They’re strategy. They help businesses respond more quickly, plan more effectively, and operate cleaner. They reduce waste. They improve safety. They build trust.

And in a world where every mile, every minute, and every decision counts, that kind of visibility isn’t optional. It’s essential.

 

From Swag To Sustainability: How Corporate Gifts Are Becoming ESG Powerhouses In 2025

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by Jason Cheng, Managing Director of DTC World Corporation Pte Ltd

In today’s competitive marketplace, corporate gifting has moved far beyond branded mugs and keychains. Once a simple gesture of appreciation, it has now become a strategic lever for brand credibility, ESG impact, and sustainable engagement — especially across Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region, where sustainability is rapidly reshaping consumer and business behaviour.

The global corporate gifting market is forecast to reach US $966.3 billion in 2025 and is expected to hit USD 1977.17 billion by 2034 reflecting a healthy 8.28 % CAGR. Within that growth lies a clear shift: brands are no longer satisfied with “any gift.” They want sustainable, meaningful, and regionally relevant merchandise that aligns with ESG principles.

1. The problem with traditional gifting.

Across Asia, countless promotional items end up unused or discarded — an estimated 40 % of corporate gifts end up in landfill. These “cheap freebies” not only waste resources but can also damage a brand’s reputation in sustainability-conscious markets like Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, where green initiatives and corporate ESG reporting are becoming the norm.

Employees, partners, and consumers now see corporate gifts as an extension of brand values, not an afterthought. That means poorly sourced, short-lived items can conflict with a brand’s public ESG commitments.

2. The rise of sustainable and ethical corporate gifting.

In 2025, eco-friendly and ethical merchandise is leading corporate gifting trends across Singapore and APAC. Several forces drive this transformation:

  • Eco-conscious design – Gifts made from recycled, organic, or renewable materials, designed for durability rather than disposability.
  • Local and regional sourcing – Singapore and neighbouring markets like Malaysia and Vietnam are reducing carbon footprint by producing closer to end-users, lowering shipping emissions and lead times.
  • Personalisation with purpose – Customized, lifestyle-fit items that tell a story while aligning with sustainability goals.
  • Alignment with ESG frameworks – More companies are embedding gifting within their broader sustainability roadmaps, linking items to circularity, waste reduction, and measurable impact.

Sustainable premiums are now brand differentiators. When a company gifts something made responsibly — with transparent sourcing, ethical labour and measurable carbon savings — it reinforces brand integrity.

3. What marketers in Singapore & APAC should look for.

When rethinking a corporate gifting strategy, consider these key criteria:

  • Verified sustainability credentials – Choose corporate gift suppliers with recognised certifications such as EcoVadis Platinum or ISO-based environmental systems. These third-party audits provide assurance of sustainable sourcing and fair-labour practices.
  • Lifecycle thinking – Focus on gifts that are reusable or recyclable, with eco-friendly packaging and minimal waste.
  • Regional sourcing efficiency – An integrated supply chain across Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China can reduce both costs and carbon output while improving fulfilment agility.
  • Simplicity in design – Consumer psychology favours simple, thoughtful designs over complex gimmicks.
  • Measurable ROI & ESG alignment – Track metrics such as carbon reduction, re-use rate, and recipient satisfaction alongside marketing KPIs.

4. Actionable steps for marketers.

  1. Audit your gifting portfolio – Determine what portion of your spend is already sustainable or regionally sourced.
  2. Integrate ESG criteria – Align gift selection with your sustainability or CSR objectives.
  3. Localise sourcing – Where possible, produce in or near markets such as Singapore or Vietnam to cut emissions.
  4. Design for longevity – Favour high-quality, multipurpose gifts over disposable novelty items.
  5. Track performance – Measure both environmental (carbon savings) and marketing (brand recall) impact.

5. The new definition of a “good gift”.

Across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific, corporate gifts are no longer just tokens — they are storytelling tools for sustainability. Whether it’s a reusable travel kit, a recycled-fabric tote, or an IP-licensed collectible with eco-packaging, these items now communicate a company’s purpose as much as its logo.

Brands that reimagine their merchandise this way are discovering a double dividend: stronger ESG credentials and deeper human connection.

Jason Cheng is the Managing Director of DTC World Corporation Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based APAC brand-merchandise company specialising in sustainable and IP-licensed promotional gifts.
DTC World holds the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, the EcoVadis Sustainability Achievement Award, and was recognised for Regional Sustainability Leadership 2025.

 

SHIFTS For Remote Teams And A High-Trust Environment

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remote work screen

remote work screen

Dr. Sam Adeyemi, author of “SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership”

Many of today’s offices aren’t offices at all; the steady growth of hybrid and remote work has cut down on the face-to-face interactions that once drove productivity. In this disconnected world, trust has become the invisible force holding teams together — or failing to. When we no longer see one another in offices, cubicles, and hallways, it becomes far easier to phone it in, take a shortcut, or worry about it later. With these temptations always at hand, the true test of leadership lies in whether people still show up — mentally, emotionally, and ethically — when no one is watching.

February 20 may be National Leadership Day, but one thing is true every day: Titles don’t build trust; actions do. Every professional, regardless of position or experience, has the opportunity to lead from where they are by modeling reliability, openness, and consistent effort — all qualities that sustain collaboration and workplace culture across screens and time zones.

Over three decades of coaching leaders around the world, I’ve found that the most effective ones make a series of SHIFTS — my catchword for mental and behavioral adjustments — that strengthen trust, even when distance makes it easy to cut corners.

Here’s how you can apply those same principles to your own team.

1. See — Clarify What Trust Looks Like.

Leaders often assume everyone shares the same definition of trust. In reality, it’s highly contextual. Begin by clarifying what trustworthy behavior means for your team: meeting deadlines, turning cameras on during key meetings, responding promptly, or sharing honest feedback even when it’s uncomfortable.

When you discuss trust as a tangible part of your workflow, rather than a vague ideal, you make it something employees can measure — and therefore, something they can improve on.

2. Hear — Listen for What Isn’t Being Said.

Remote settings can sometimes hide important nuance. A colleague’s silence in a chat may mean disengagement — or it may mean they’re overloaded, confused, or frustrated. In the absence of regular real-world contact, teammates may not have enough experience with each other’s moods, tics, and communication styles to truly understand one another — which means things that could once be assumed must now be made explicit. Practice “hearing between the lines” by asking concrete questions such as: “What obstacles are slowing you down? What can I do by close of business today to support you? Are you being quiet because you agree or disagree?”

Empathetic listening communicates care. And care, expressed consistently, becomes the foundation of loyalty.

3. Insight — Examine the Beliefs Driving Behavior.

Mistrust often stems from unseen assumptions: “If I can’t see my employees, they’re probably slacking,” or “Leaders only care about results, not effort.” These beliefs are corrosive to a healthy culture. Reflect on what stories you — and your team — tell yourselves about one another.

To combat this, replace suspicion with true insight. You can do this by insisting that all members of the team learn to assume positive intent until proven otherwise, and never lead with an accusation if you haven’t yet asked a question. When leaders interpret data through the lens of curiosity instead of control, they inspire accountability rather than fear.

4. Formulate — Create Systems That Reinforce Integrity.

Creating a high-trust team that communicates well, embraces vulnerability, and has each other’s back is only a start: Good intentions fade without a supporting structure. Once trust is achieved, you’ll need to translate that trust into repeatable, scalable systems: transparent goals, clear deliverables, free-flowing information, and intentional communication.

These frameworks make consistency visible. They also protect relationships by reducing ambiguity — because nothing erodes employee trust faster than being criticized for failing to deliver on tasks that were never clearly articulated in the first place.

5. Transform — Model What You Expect.

Remote employees, like anyone else, tend to mirror the energy they receive. If you habitually show up prepared, meet deadlines, and communicate with empathy, your team learns that excellence is the norm, not the exception.

Transformation begins when leaders intentionally model the culture they’re building — including accepting their own accountability to the team. Demonstrating humility, admitting mistakes, and keeping promises all have a compound effect, creating a virtuous cycle of ever-increasing trust and accountability.

6. Succeed — Celebrate Reliability as Much as Results.

Many organizations reward only high performance, not dependability. Yet in distributed teams, reliability is a crucial part of team performance. Make it a point to highlight employees who consistently follow through, collaborate well, and elevate others by their consistency.

Consistent recognition of those who embody your company values transforms trust from an abstract virtue into a daily practice. Over time, those celebrations build momentum — and people begin holding themselves to the same standard without the need for constant oversight.

The Hidden Dividend of Trust

When trust thrives, efficiency skyrockets. Meetings shrink, approval chains shorten, and creativity expands. Employees who feel trusted reciprocate with ownership; they don’t just complete tasks when assigned, they proactively seek and solve problems.

This is especially critical for small businesses and startups, where every hour and idea matters. A culture rooted in trust multiplies limited resources and attracts people who stay for meaning, not just money.

In a remote world, the leaders who will stand out are those who prove they understand — day after day — that leadership is not a position; it’s a pattern.

 

Sam Adeyemi

Dr. Sam Adeyemi is CEO of Sam Adeyemi, GLC, Inc. and founder and executive director of Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA). He is the author of “SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership” (Wiley) and “Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership.” He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Virginia’s Regent University, and is a member of the International Leadership Association. Learn more at SamAdeyemi.com.

 

Top 10 Productivity Tools To Master Remote Work In 2026

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Let’s be honest: working from home is great until your dog begins barking during a call with a customer or you spend half the day trying to remember what was said in your previous meeting. The fantasy of working from home may rapidly turn into a messy reality of digital chaos.  But what if you had a digital toolbox that helped you get things done faster and cut through the noise?

We’ve tested a lot of different platforms and made a list of the best productivity tools for remote work that actually deliver on their promises. These apps aren’t simply random; they are solutions that help scattered teams get things done. And although they’re all great, one AI-powered tool, Krisp, has completely transformed how we think about how productive meetings are.

The Rise of Smart Productivity Tools

Do you remember when “productivity software” meant a calendar that was complicated to use and a computerized to-do list? We’ve made a lot of progress. The progress has gone from simple applications that only save our data to smart assistants who help us with tasks. The greatest change we’re seeing in productivity tools 2025 is how AI is built right into the products themselves.

When you’re looking for the best productivity tools for remote work, the goal isn’t just automation, it’s augmentation. The most effective tools today actively enhance how you work. 

We’ve tried out all of these tools for remote work, and these are the 10 we think are the best.

Top 10 Productivity Tools for Smart Remote Working 

Krisp – The #1 AI Meeting Assistant & Note Taker.

Krisp AI meeting assistant is the best productivity solution for teams who work from different locations. It completely changes the way virtual meetings work. Its advanced AI technology works on two important levels: first, it instantaneously removes all background noise from both ends of your call, giving you crystal-clear audio. 

Second, and most interestingly, it acts as an AI note taker that automatically writes down what people say, picks out the most important topics, and makes detailed summaries with clear action items. This strong combination lets professionals actively participate in talks without being distracted, while still easily remembering every important detail. Krisp is the best way for businesses to make meetings as productive as possible and make sure everyone remembers everything.

Best for: Remote teams and hybrid organizations committed to achieving flawless communication and maximizing meeting ROI.

Notion – For Task Management and Documentation.

Notion changes the way we organize our workspaces by bringing together task management, documentation, and databases into one platform. Its building components may be used for any kind of process, from basic checklists to large project trackers. In networked workspaces, teams may create wikis that everyone can edit, organize sprints, and keep client databases up to date. 

Real-time collaboration features ensure everyone is on the same page, and strong templates make it easy to scale procedures.

Best for: Teams wanting a customizable, all-in-one workspace for knowledge and project management.

Slack – For Team Communication.

Slack makes it easier for teams to communicate with each other by replacing long email chains with organized, channel-based discussions. Its user-friendly design groups chats by topics, projects, or teams, making it simple to locate and get information.

Slack’s most notable feature is how effectively it combines with tools like Google Drive and Asana, which bring significant updates straight into your conversations. It contains threaded replies, audio clips, and huddles that make it easier to talk to people at work. It also offers remote teams the framework they need to operate together even when they’re in different time zones.

Best for: Companies needing a central hub for day-to-day communication and quick collaboration.

Asana or ClickUp – For Project Management.

Asana and ClickUp are among the finest project management tools because they provide great capabilities for visualizing and keeping track of tasks. Asana is great because it has a simple layout and lets you examine things in many ways (Boards, Lists, Timelines), which makes hard tasks seem easier to handle.

ClickUp lets teams create their own workspaces with built-in documents, objectives, and time tracking, which gives them more options for personalization.

The choice often comes down to preference: Asana’s elegant simplicity versus ClickUp’s all-in-one depth.

Best for: Teams requiring structured project tracking with clear accountability and progress visibility.

Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 – For Collaboration.

Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 form the foundation of modern workplace collaboration. Google’s strength lies in its seamless real-time co-editing across Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with changes saving automatically to the cloud. Microsoft 365 offers familiar, powerful desktop applications combined with cloud collaboration through Teams and SharePoint. 

Both suites provide essential business tools from email and calendaring to video conferencing and file storage. While Google leads in simultaneous collaboration, Microsoft offers deeper enterprise integration and advanced features for complex document formatting and data analysis.

Best for: Organizations needing reliable, enterprise-grade document creation and team collaboration tools.

Loom – For Async Communication.

Loom changes the way people talk to one other by letting them send short video messages instead of long emails and pointless meetings. The platform lets you record your voice, camera, and screen all at once, making updates that are interesting and keep the meaning and context. 

Viewers can react with emojis and comment at specific timestamps, creating interactive dialogue without scheduling conflicts. For remote teams spanning multiple time zones, Loom becomes essential for maintaining clear communication while respecting individual work schedules. It’s particularly effective for project updates, feedback sessions, and explaining complex processes.

Best for: Distributed teams communicating across time zones and reducing meeting overload.

Clockify or Toggl – For Time Tracking.

Clockify and Toggl stand out as essential time management tools that deliver valuable insights through straightforward tracking. Both platforms feature intuitive one-click timers and comprehensive reporting capabilities, though they cater to slightly different needs – Clockify with its generous free plan for unlimited users, and Toggl with its sophisticated project management integrations. 

These tools help teams identify productivity patterns, ensure accurate client billing, and transform rough time estimates into actionable business intelligence that drives better resource allocation decisions.

Best for: Teams and agencies needing to track billable hours and analyze productivity patterns.

Zapier – For Workflow Automation.

Zapier automates workflows by connecting your favorite productivity apps without requiring coding knowledge. Its “Zaps” trigger actions between web applications, like automatically creating Trello cards from new Gmail emails or saving Slack files to Google Drive.

With compatibility for more than 8,000 applications, the platform is the best way to connect all of your gadgets. Zapier takes care of data input and other tedious activities so that teams can concentrate on more important work. It also makes sure that information flows smoothly across platforms. It’s especially good at keeping client data up to date, keeping track of leads, and automating reporting tasks.

Best for: Organizations looking to automate repetitive tasks and connect their application ecosystem.

How to Choose the Right Tools for Your Remote Workflow

Selecting the right remote work software requires a strategic approach. Focus on these four pillars: usability (intuitive interface), integrations (how well they connect with your existing stack), automation capabilities, and AI support. The most effective tools for working from home don’t create more work; they seamlessly blend into your workflow to eliminate friction. 

A powerful, core productivity stack for 2025 often combines tools like Krisp for communication clarity, Notion for centralizing information, and Slack for seamless team connection. This trio creates a robust foundation that enhances, rather than complicates, your daily operations.

Conclusion

When looking for the greatest productivity tools for remote work, you should look for ones that help you get your attention and time back. As we go farther into the age of remote work, using AI-powered tools is no longer a luxury; it’s a must if you want to remain productive and competitive. For the modern professional looking to cut through the digital noise, we consistently find that Krisp delivers the most immediate impact.

It’s the all-in-one solution that transforms meeting fatigue into productive clarity. We encourage you to explore what Krisp can do for your workflow and experience a smarter, more focused way of working.

 

Refreshing Your Story: Why Brands Need To Evolve Their Narrative

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by Heather Holmes, CEO & Founder of Publicity For Good

Every brand has a story, but not every brand remembers to keep that story alive. In a fast-moving media landscape, yesterday’s pitch quickly becomes background noise. Refreshing your story isn’t about abandoning your foundation, it’s about updating how you share it so audiences and reporters stay engaged.

Done well, it turns a static narrative into a living, breathing asset that grows with your business.

Timeless Meets Timely

The key to effective storytelling is to anchor in what’s timeless and frame it through what’s timely. Your purpose shouldn’t change, but the way you express it should. For example, a wellness brand might always stand for “healthy living,” but tying that message to seasonal moments like back-to-school routines or holiday stress management makes the story relevant again. This seasonal reframing doesn’t dilute the brand’s mission, it amplifies it in ways that resonate with current conversations.

Timely updates also help maintain visibility in the eyes of reporters and audiences alike. Editors are constantly scanning for relevance. If your pitch feels dated or disconnected from today’s trends, it’s unlikely to break through. By contextualizing timeless values within today’s narrative, you give your story the best chance to capture attention.

Leadership Voice Matters

Another overlooked area is leadership voice. Too many founders recycle the same anecdotes year after year. Reporters notice when they’ve heard it all before. Thought leadership should evolve just like the brand itself. Updating your narrative with new lessons learned, recent milestones, or fresh challenges keeps your brand voice both authentic and credible.

For example, if a founder has always told the origin story of building a company in a garage, it may have resonated five years ago. But today, what matters more might be how they navigated supply chain disruptions, scaled culture with remote teams, or embraced AI tools in a purposeful way. These new stories show evolution while still honoring the brand’s core identity.

Data + Humanity = Impact

Refreshing storytelling also means balancing authority with relatability. Numbers prove expertise, but human detail makes it memorable. A consumer brand can point to a 300% growth in sales, but pairing that with a customer’s personal transformation paints a more compelling picture. Media outlets want both: the facts to substantiate credibility, and the stories that spark connection.

When brands lean only on data, they risk sounding clinical. When they lean only on anecdotes, they risk losing credibility. Blending both creates resonance. Data gives audiences a reason to believe; stories give them a reason to care.

Practical Steps to Refresh Your Story

  1. Audit your existing narrative. Review what stories you’ve told in the last 12 months and where they may feel stale or repetitive.
  2. Identify seasonal or cultural hooks. Ask: how does your mission connect to what’s happening now?
  3. Update leadership bios and talking points. Ensure they reflect growth, current priorities, and lessons learned.
  4. Pair stats with stories. Build every pitch or content piece with proof and humanity together.
  5. Reintroduce your brand to the media. Don’t assume reporters remember your last pitch. Treat updates as an opportunity to re-engage them with fresh context.

Why Refreshing Matters

Refreshing your story is about reminding the world why you matter, without losing the consistency that builds trust. Brands that fail to evolve risk fading into irrelevance, even if their products or services remain strong. The brands that thrive are those that revisit their narratives often enough to stay relevant, but not so often that they lose coherence.

When done intentionally, refreshing your story is one of the most powerful ways to re-engage audiences and reset momentum. It ensures that your narrative feels alive, aligned with the moment, and ready to support both media coverage and consumer connection. In a world where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, keeping your story fresh isn’t just a PR tactic, it’s a growth strategy.

Final Thought: Every brand has a foundation worth protecting. The challenge — and the opportunity, is to find new ways to express that foundation so it never goes stale. Refresh your story, and you refresh your relevance.

Heather Holmes is the Founder and CEO of Publicity For Good, a public relations agency specializing in purpose-driven consumer brands. With over a decade of experience in PR, media, and communications, she has led campaigns for more than 200 brands across the food, wellness, lifestyle, and CPG space.

Innovative Careers In Healthcare: New Paths And Opportunities

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The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving due to advancements in technology, changing patient expectations, and a focus on accessibility. This evolution creates new career opportunities that integrate clinical knowledge with digital skills, appealing to both recent graduates and seasoned professionals. The demand for tech-savvy healthcare workers is increasing, with roles extending beyond traditional bedside care to areas such as patient advocacy, medical technology, analytics, and sustainability.

These specialized positions are crucial for delivering efficient and equitable healthcare, offering opportunities for growth, satisfaction, and making meaningful contributions to patient outcomes and community health. Embracing innovation in healthcare is crucial for shaping the future of patient care, policy, and research.

Telehealth Coordinators

Telehealth coordinators are at the forefront of digital healthcare. They oversee the deployment of virtual care solutions, ensuring that remote consultations, diagnostics, and patient records are seamlessly managed. Their responsibilities include automating digital workflows, staff training, and ensuring compliance with patient privacy regulations, such as HIPAA, particularly as telemedicine becomes permanently integrated into care protocols.

For those looking to pursue this growing career path, online health degrees Missouri programs provide a strong foundation in healthcare IT systems and project management. With telehealth adoption continuing to grow, these credentials position graduates to meet the sustained demand for skilled coordinators.

Genetic Counselors and Precision Medicine Experts

Precision medicine personalizes healthcare by tailoring treatments to an individual’s genetic profile. Genetic counselors translate complex genetic data into actionable information, advising patients on inherited conditions and disease risks. Precision medicine experts develop and implement targeted therapies, optimizing effectiveness and minimizing adverse effects. Success in this sector requires a fusion of advanced biology, genomics, technology acumen, and the ability to convey sensitive information with empathy.

As highlighted by programs offered through https://online.nwmissouri.edu, the demand for these professionals continues to rise as genomics becomes more integrated into standard care, making specialized education a key pathway into this growing field.

AI and Robotics Specialists

Artificial intelligence and robotics professionals are needed to harness rapidly evolving technology in healthcare settings—enabling everything from automated diagnostic tools to robotic-assisted surgery. These roles involve designing, training, and maintaining AI systems, improving operational efficiency, and supporting clinicians with data-driven insights. Expertise in computer science, engineering, and healthcare protocols is essential for leveraging these advances ethically and effectively.

Virtual Reality in Medical Training

Virtual reality (VR) is redefining medical and emergency training by offering immersive environments for skill development. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics can rehearse complex procedures or rare scenarios with no risk to real patients. This hands-on, interactive technology improves retention, confidence, and teamwork, making VR developers and instructional designers highly valuable in medical education programs and simulation centers.

Big Data Analysts in Healthcare

Healthcare systems generate enormous volumes of data daily, ranging from patient records to research and operational data. Big data analysts apply analytical frameworks and software tools to transform this data into actionable insights, supporting initiatives like disease outbreak prediction, resource optimization, and personalized medicine. Success in this specialty requires expertise in analytics platforms, programming languages, and an understanding of clinical workflows. The continued growth of this role is highlighted by the American Medical Association, which calls data-driven healthcare transformation “a new frontier” for modern medicine.

Sustainability Coordinators in Healthcare

As the healthcare industry strives to minimize its environmental footprint, sustainability coordinators play a crucial role. They design and execute eco-friendly initiatives—from reducing hospital waste to improving energy efficiency and meeting regulatory requirements. Their efforts not only benefit the planet but also improve community health outcomes by prioritizing clean environments.

Success in this career often requires expertise in environmental science, policy, and stakeholder management.

Quantum Health Informatics

Quantum computing holds promise for revolutionizing health data analysis, enabling faster, more comprehensive disease modeling and research. Specialists in quantum health informatics explore how these advanced computational tools can accelerate discoveries, optimize complex operations, and strengthen healthcare security.

While this field is in its early stages, early adopters with quantum skills are poised to shape the next breakthrough in healthcare IT.

Autonomous Mobile Clinic Developers

Autonomous mobile clinics combine robotics, telehealth, and mobile healthcare to reach underserved populations. These vehicles travel independently to deliver care in remote areas, improving healthcare equity by bridging resource gaps.

As technology evolves, so does the need for professionals in these fields. Staying informed, pursuing relevant education, and adapting to new trends are essential for shaping a healthier future for individuals, communities, and healthcare as a whole.

Conclusion

The future of healthcare is being reshaped by innovation, with new career paths emerging at the intersection of medicine, technology, and sustainability. Roles like telehealth coordinators and genetic counselors drive change amid advances in AI, robotics, VR, and big data. Sustainability and quantum health emphasize responsibility and research. As mobile clinics and other solutions develop, demand for skilled professionals grows. These careers reflect healthcare’s evolution and mission: improving lives through accessible, personalized care. Graduates who seize these opportunities will lead in a rapidly transforming landscape.

 

How Fair Practices Strengthen Teams And Inspire Innovation

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In modern workplaces, fairness is more than just a moral principle: it’s a catalyst for success. When employees feel respected and treated equitably, they are far more likely to work collaboratively, trust their leadership, and think creatively.

Read on to discover that fair practices not only strengthen team bonds but also fuel the innovative spirit that keeps organizations thriving in competitive industries.

Building Trust as the Foundation of Teamwork

Trust is the bedrock of any strong team. Without it, collaboration breaks down, and employees become disengaged. Fair practices (such as transparent decision-making, consistent expectations, and equitable treatment) are essential for building that trust. When team members know that everyone is held to the same standards, they feel secure enough to take initiative, share their ideas, and support one another’s success.

Leaders who prioritize fairness set the tone for the entire workplace. By modeling ethical behavior and consistency, they show that integrity is valued above all else. Employees respond by investing more of themselves in their work, confident that their contributions will be recognized and appreciated.

Fostering a Culture of Inclusion and Creativity

Fairness and inclusion go hand in hand. When employees from different backgrounds and experiences feel they have equal opportunities to participate and be heard, it leads to richer discussions and more innovative outcomes. Diverse teams generate a wider range of ideas;  but only if those ideas are received with openness and respect.

A fair workplace ensures that every voice carries weight, whether it comes from a new hire or a senior executive. This kind of environment encourages experimentation and collaboration. When people believe their ideas will be judged objectively rather than through bias, they are more likely to share fresh perspectives that drive progress.

Motivation Through Equity

A sense of fairness also plays a major role in keeping employees motivated. Teams that operate under clear, fair systems of reward and recognition tend to perform better and with greater enthusiasm. Transparent pay structures, performance reviews, and promotion opportunities eliminate confusion and resentment. People are more likely to stay loyal to a company that treats them justly, therefore reducing turnover and improving morale.

Motivated teams don’t just work harder; they work smarter. When employees are inspired by fairness, they feel a shared sense of purpose that unites them. They push each other to achieve more, knowing that their hard work benefits everyone equally.

Ethical Guidance for Stronger Structures

Maintaining fairness is not only an ethical priority but also a legal one. Companies that establish and uphold fair employment practices protect themselves from disputes and reinforce their credibility. Expert legal partners, such as Baird Quinn, can help organizations create frameworks that align with both employment law and best practices in workplace culture. This combination of legal insight and ethical clarity helps businesses build stronger, more resilient teams.

When businesses make fairness part of their structure (from hiring policies to conflict resolution) they demonstrate accountability. Employees see that the organization doesn’t just talk about fairness; it practices it. That consistency earns long-term trust and loyalty.

Inspiring Innovation Through Fairness

Innovation thrives in environments where fairness is woven into the fabric of daily operations. When people know they will be credited for their ideas and supported through challenges, they take creative risks. They explore solutions that others might overlook, confident that their efforts will be recognized fairly.

Fair workplaces become breeding grounds for innovation because they replace competition with collaboration. Rather than guarding ideas, employees share them openly, knowing success is collective. That mindset transforms teams into creative powerhouses capable of adapting to change and leading industries forward.

Conclusion

Fair practices are not abstract ideals, they are practical tools that shape stronger teams and spark innovation. By building trust, promoting inclusion, supporting motivation, and upholding ethical standards, fairness creates a culture where every individual can thrive.

When employees feel valued and respected, they bring their best selves to work, and that’s when organizations truly move from functioning to flourishing.

 

Understanding The Steps Of The Bankruptcy Process From Start To Finish

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money grow on trees

money grow on trees

Filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming at first glance. Between the paperwork, the court hearings, and the long-term implications, it’s easy to feel lost or intimidated. But once you understand the process, it becomes much more manageable. In truth, bankruptcy is simply a legal framework designed to help people or businesses regain financial control when debts become unmanageable.

While every situation is unique, the filing process follows a fairly predictable pattern. Knowing what to expect at each stage can make the experience less stressful — and give you a clearer sense of how to prepare.

Step 1: Evaluate Whether Bankruptcy Is the Right Option.

Before filing anything, it’s essential to decide whether bankruptcy truly fits your circumstances. Many people reach this point after exhausting other debt management strategies like consolidation loans, debt settlement programs, or informal repayment plans. If none of these solutions are enough, bankruptcy may be the best way to reset.

The two most common forms of consumer bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7, sometimes called “liquidation bankruptcy,” involves discharging most unsecured debts, like credit card balances and medical bills, after selling certain non-exempt assets. Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a “reorganization” that allows you to pay down debts over three to five years under court supervision.

Talking to a bankruptcy attorney is the best way to determine which path makes sense. Your lawyer will review your income, assets, and debts to recommend a strategy that aligns with your goals. Some people qualify for Chapter 7 based on income and expenses, while others may need Chapter 13 to protect their home or other key assets.

Step 2: Complete Credit Counseling.

Federal law requires everyone who files for bankruptcy to complete a credit counseling course before submitting a petition. This course, offered by government-approved agencies, typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and can be done online, over the phone, or in person. It helps you evaluate your finances, review alternatives to bankruptcy, and confirm that filing is the right move. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate that must be filed with your bankruptcy paperwork. Without it, your case can’t move forward.

Step 3: Gather and Organize Financial Documents.

The next step is collecting all the financial information necessary to prepare your bankruptcy petition. This includes pay stubs or proof of income from the last six months, tax returns for at least the previous two years, bank statements, loan documents, and credit card statements, and a list of all debts, assets, monthly expenses, etc.

This step is critical because accuracy matters. Any missing or incomplete information can delay your filing or, in rare cases, result in penalties. Your bankruptcy attorney will use these documents to draft your official petition and supporting schedules, which detail your financial picture for the court.

Step 4: File the Bankruptcy Petition.

Once everything is ready, your attorney will file your bankruptcy petition with the appropriate U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This filing immediately triggers what’s known as an automatic stay, a powerful legal protection that stops most collection actions in their tracks. Creditors must halt lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosure proceedings, and harassing phone calls as soon as the stay goes into effect.

From that moment forward, your debts are under court supervision, and your creditors will need to communicate through official legal channels rather than contacting you directly.

Step 5: Work With the Bankruptcy Trustee.

After filing, the court will assign a bankruptcy trustee to your case. The trustee acts as an independent party responsible for reviewing your financial information, ensuring accuracy, and overseeing the process. In Chapter 7 cases, the trustee may liquidate non-exempt assets (if any) and distribute the proceeds to creditors. In Chapter 13 cases, the trustee reviews your proposed repayment plan and collects monthly payments to distribute to creditors over the course of your plan.

Step 6: Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors.

Within a few weeks of filing, you’ll attend a brief hearing known as the 341 meeting of creditors. Despite its name, creditors rarely appear. Instead, this meeting is typically between you, your attorney, and the trustee. It’s an opportunity for the trustee to verify your identity, confirm the accuracy of your paperwork, and ask straightforward questions about your financial situation.

Step 7: Complete the Debtor Education Course.

Before your debts can be discharged, you must complete a debtor education course (sometimes called a financial management course). Like credit counseling, it’s mandatory and typically takes about two hours. This course teaches budgeting, money management, and responsible use of credit going forward. You’ll receive a certificate upon completion that must be submitted to the court before your case can close.

Step 8: Wait for Discharge or Plan Confirmation.

For Chapter 7 filers, the final step is receiving a discharge order, which permanently eliminates eligible debts. This typically occurs about 60 to 90 days after your 341 meeting. Once the discharge is granted, creditors can no longer attempt to collect those debts from you.

For Chapter 13 filers, your repayment plan must first be approved by the court. After that, you’ll make regular payments to your trustee for three to five years. Once you successfully complete the plan, any remaining qualifying debts are discharged.

Step 9: Begin Rebuilding Your Financial Life.

Bankruptcy gives you a clean slate, but it’s up to you to make the most of it. Rebuilding your financial life takes time, patience, and good habits. Start by reviewing your credit report to ensure all discharged debts are correctly marked. Then, begin rebuilding credit gradually by using a secured card, paying bills on time, and keeping balances low.

While bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for several years, its impact diminishes over time, especially if you demonstrate responsible financial behavior. Many people are surprised to find that their credit score begins improving within a year of discharge.

A Fresh Start With a Clear Plan

The bankruptcy filing process may seem daunting, but in practice, it’s a series of clearly defined steps designed to help honest debtors recover. With guidance from a skilled attorney and a commitment to financial discipline, you can emerge from the process stronger, smarter, and ready to move forward.

 

Sustainability As Differentiator: Why More Consumers Turn To Ethical Brands

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by Sagar Singhvi, founder of Singhvis

Industry by industry, consumer expectations are changing. Consumers no longer are content with brands that merely provide a great product for a reasonable price. They want to know more about how the product was produced, who produced it, and what it costs the environment and society.

For startups and small businesses, this change is a sure opportunity. Sustainability is not merely a signal of values; it’s becoming increasingly a commercial imperative that drives both loyalty and purchase. Ethical practices are now a valid differentiator that can create long-term trust and drive business growth.

What Ethical Branding Really Means

Ethical branding is more than just claims of surface-level sustainability. It is a reflection of how a company works in making things, sourcing, and long-term responsibility. True ethical brands make conscious decisions that value transparency, fairness, and respect for the environment.

This can manifest in many ways: using natural materials, using small-batch production to minimize waste, or directly working with craftspeople rather than mass producers.

Singhvis is one such example, a modern brand born out of India’s age-old block-printing tradition. The business works with artisanal communities and manufactures in small batches, marrying traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities.

The Statistics Behind Sustainable Buying

Time and again, research indicates that sustainability has transitioned from a desire to an expectation. Consumers are now no longer hearing about ethical claims as an afterthought but are actively supporting their values with their wallets. 

As per PwC’s Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024, consumers are ready to pay a premium of 9.7% for sustainably produced products even during times of inflation. McKinsey and NielsenIQ’s research concluded that 72% of global consumers are ready to pay extra for sustainable products, with those making ESG-related claims constituting 56% of total U.S. retail growth.

Younger generations are leading the change. 73% of Gen Z and 60% of Millennials say they will pay more for sustainable products, with many prioritizing sustainability over brand name when making a purchase. Gen Z’s impact is even crossing generations, with older consumers increasingly embracing similar tastes.

The numbers create the same picture: sustainability is not a niche phenomenon but a mainstream force shaping the global economy.

Sustainability and Brand Loyalty.

Not only do ethical practices appeal to customers, but also enhance retention. Research indicates that sustainability drives trust, emotional attachment, and repeat business. 

90% of customers are more likely to believe in socially responsible businesses, and customers who believe in a brand are 67% more likely to remain loyal, as per the Edelman Global Trust Barometer. Research also discovers an increasing segment of “ethical loyalists” who will keep on supporting those brands that incorporate their personal values, even in the face of less expensive options.

 In reality, brands that effectively tell the story of genuine sustainability commitments tend to record more repeat purchases and word-of-mouth advocacy. The connection between purpose and loyalty isn’t something theoretical anymore; it is quantifiable and increasing.

How Small Businesses Are Leading the Way.

While once the purview of multinational corporations, increasingly, the best examples today are coming from small businesses. 

Hola Manolo!, a Mediterranean food brand, teamed up with Plastic Bank to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste. The project assisted the brand in gaining B2B partnerships throughout Europe as well as bolstering local customer loyalty. 

Mamaearth in India started out as a toxin-free baby-care brand centered on natural ingredients and recyclable packaging. Its sustainable positioning enabled it to expand into one of the country’s quickest-growing personal care companies, worth more than ₹1,000 crores.

Other inventors have created new markets out of trash. Millions of PET bottles are recycled every day into jackets and T-shirts by EcoLine, and Tengin has a zero-waste coconut business that utilizes the entire fruit. Currensea, a fintech startup, enables cardholders to cancel out plastic waste with each purchase, demonstrating that sustainability-fueled differentiation isn’t limited to tangible products.

Throughout these examples, the thread is evident: sustainability brings real value, enhances brand reputation, and increases resilience in competitive economies. 

Small Changes, Big Impact.

Substantive sustainability is not always about grand overhaul. Even modest efforts can impact customer attitude and sales.

  • Eco-packaging: A soft drink company replaced traditional packaging with 100% recycled material and experienced a 30% boost in sales after relaunch.
  • Fair-trade labeling: In one U.S. study, Fair-Trade coffee sold more than the non-certified equivalent by almost 10%, even at a higher price.
  • Small-batch production: Studies indicate that 81% of shoppers are willing to pay extra for limited-edition apparel, linking it with quality and accountability.
  • Eco-packaging perception: Surveys suggest that 63% of shoppers feel sustainable packaging enhances their image of a brand.

Each of these cases demonstrates the way straightforward, focused measures of sustainability can enhance brand differentiation and align with customer values. 

Getting Across the Message of Sustainability

The most effective sustainability stories are authentic. Consumers today are extremely sensitive to authenticity and immediately sense insincere or overblown claims. Truth needs to be told.

Brands that explicitly articulate the intention and effect driving their sustainability decisions are in a better position to establish trust. It can be as low-key as highlighting sourcing facts, reporting quantifiable progress, or featuring individuals behind the products. Small businesses, for one, leverage the benefits of proximity and narrative, two things that establish trustworthiness and emotional affinity.

A Strategic, Not Just Ethical, Advantage

Sustainability is today a core business strategy, and not an ethical aside. It creates differentiation in saturated markets, builds loyalty, and draws talent and partners of like mind. 

For small businesses and startups, this is a chance to pioneer, rather than be a follower. By being agile, transparent, and authentic, moral practices can be both a competitive advantage and a source of long-term growth. 

Those brands that approach sustainability as fundamental to how they are, and not an afterthought, will be the ones to survive as consumer expectations continue to grow.

 

Sagar Singhvi

Sagar Singhvi is founder of Singhvis, a brand built around handcrafted apparel, accessories, and home décor. Singhvis is rooted in the centuries-old craft of Indian block printing, and work closely with artisan communities to create pieces that honor traditional craft while appealing to modern tastes.

 

 

Reza Satchu And The Alignvest Family Remember Nadir Mohamed: A Legacy Of Leadership

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Reza Satchu

Reza Satchu

The Alignvest Management Corporation family is mourning the loss of Nadir Mohamed, the company’s long-time Chairman and one of Canada’s most admired business leaders. Mohamed, who passed away on September 19 at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer, leaves behind an inspiring legacy that reaches far beyond the boardroom.

For Reza Satchu, Alignvest’s co-founder and managing partner, and for the extended Alignvest family of entrepreneurs and investors, Mohamed’s life is an ideal model for young founders seeking to lead through humility and consensus-building.

Building Alignvest on a Foundation of Family and Trust

Alignvest began more than a decade ago with a mission to create an investment platform that was entrepreneurial in speed and institutional in discipline. When Nadir Mohamed joined as Non-Executive Chairman, he brought to the team the same quiet strength he once demonstrated as CEO of Rogers Communications, where he succeeded Ted Rogers and oversaw a dramatic transformation of the company’s wireless business.

“Nadir was a rare combination of intellect, integrity, and empathy,” Reza Satchu said in a statement. “He led with quiet strength and inspired everyone around him to be better. His impact on Canadian business and entrepreneurship is immeasurable.”

For Satchu and the Alignvest partners, Nadir’s leadership created a sense of family inside the firm. He guided discussions with patience, sought consensus rather than conflict, and treated every member of the team, from analysts to senior partners, as an equal stakeholder in the company’s mission.

A Family Dinner that Sparked a Lifelong Bond

Their friendship began almost by accident. As Satchu recalls, his parents introduced him to Nadir more than 20 years ago, when Satchu was starting a self-storage business and Nadir had just moved to Toronto to lead Rogers’s wireless unit.

“My wife and I were going to have a dinner party, and my parents said, ‘We told them to come over to your house.’ And of course, I said to my parents, ‘OK, you’ve got to stop doing that,” Satchu remembered with a laugh. But the invitation held, and Nadir and his wife came. “Nadir was, in all his humility, talking about his good fortune, and others at the table were sort of beating their chests and talking about all the things they’d done to get there.”

That dinner set the tone for a family-like friendship that would shape both men’s careers. Satchu notes that Nadir’s ability to blend business acumen with deep personal warmth made him a natural mentor: “I think he saw the power of believing in yourself and believing you can build things.”

A Model for Young Founders

Nadir’s leadership at Rogers proved that a people-first approach can thrive even at the helm of a $35-billion company. As he helped Rogers shift from a broadcasting pioneer to a wireless leader, he also invested time in Canada’s startup ecosystem, co-founding ScaleUP Ventures (now Climate Innovation Capital), championing the Digital Media Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University, and supporting NEXT Canada, the entrepreneurial accelerator Satchu founded.

“He viewed Rogers as a place where he could give back to Canada and be the one in corporate Canada who was helping bridge the gap between the startup ecosystem and the corporates,” Satchu said.

As a fellow immigrant from East Africa, Reza Satchu has embodied many of the same values that Nadir championed. Over a career marked by bold ventures and aggressive mentorship, Satchu has been recognized with Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal, and Canada’s Top 25 Immigrant Award for 2025.

Through NEXT Canada, Satchu continues to mentor thousands of young founders, echoing Mohamed’s belief in the power of entrepreneurial ecosystems — and in the principle of treating colleagues and partners as extended family.

As the Alignvest family reflects on Nadir’s life and guidance, Satchu is clear about the path ahead: the company will continue to build on a foundation of integrity, partnership, and collective purpose. The example Nadir set of fostering unity and believing in the potential of others remains central to Alignvest’s DNA.

 

Why “Fan-First” Is The Future Of Brand Experience

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sports fans in a stadium - depositphotos

sports fans in a stadium - depositphotos

We all understand that brands are consistently trying to push a message, but these days, more than ever, it’s not what the message is; it’s how it’s being relayed that matters most. Where in the past, a brand could throw money at a celebrity endorsement or fill magazines, TV screens, billboards and more with a host of promotional content, audiences today are a little more sceptical. They see through the sales pitch. Even when brands become more innovative, consumers are a little reluctant to engage.

Digital brain rot is real, and with so much content coming from every angle (much of it providing minimal stimulation), consumers are not finding value in brand interactions. That’s why the “fan-first” approach is being utilised more and more.

What does “fan-first” mean for brand advertising?

When brands advertise via traditional channels, you can think of it like a “throw something at it and see what sticks” type of approach. Lots of money is invested in a campaign, and hope rests on the advertising resonating with existing customers and inspiring new ones. This can be an expensive gamble.

Targeting existing fans with a “fan-first” brand experience means connecting with the most passionate, vocal sector of the customer base, who, in turn, act as brand advocates by promoting your brand through their social channels and word of mouth.

For brands, “fan-first” designs experiences that reward the passion, loyalty and advocacy the core base of customers shows. This could be through exclusive merch drops, VIP events, interactive experiences and early access to premium content.

Put yourself in the shoes of a customer who has been invited to an exclusive product launch. It could be a video game, sneakers, fragrance, the list is endless. Whether they liked the end product or not, the exclusivity of being invited to that event is likely to be shared. This, by the nature of how we interact, will pique some curiosity from those not invited to at least investigate the brand a little more.

Why do “fan-first” brand experiences work?

Brands that follow a “fan-first” approach can see the trust in them grow. Rather than having a paid celebrity state why one product is THE product of the year, actual consumers are doing this by experiencing it first-hand and often before many others have. Fans become ambassadors, and if the fandom states something is good, it normally is. No filters, no bias (ok, perhaps a little) and no scripted words of praise, consumers not part of this exclusive group, but perhaps on the fringes of it, find the words of the “superfan” as a glowing endorsement of the brand and product.

It becomes about much more than that though. With vast amounts spent on advertising campaigns, brands can spend less yet get more through utilising “fan first” experiences. Such experiences curated by a brand experience agency are designed to be shared, and by sharing on social media, the extended reach is free but priceless.

You can view fandoms as powerful micro communities. The Taylor Swift fanbase is a great example of this. She can post on social media, and instantly, fans are breaking down whether there is any hidden meaning and what could be coming next. That’s a powerful and influential level of brand power. Communities like these exist across multiple platforms. Sport, gaming, fashion and more all have huge fanbases that show unwavering loyalty to a brand. That’s why brands should target real fans, and not just influencers. There needs to be a degree of exclusivity without elitism, and with real fans, you tap into the authentic, exclusive experience.

Fan-first vs traditional advertising

In a simple table, we can see some key differences between fan-first advertising and the more traditional routes brands take.

Traditional Campaigns Fan-First Experiences
One-way messaging Interactive and co-created
Mass reach Targeted loyalty
Brand-led Fan-centred
Short-term Long-term emotional equity

Why should brands invest in a fan-first approach?

Spending time focusing on fans and creating events centred around them and your product can be a key pathway to success.

Fans don’t just consume what they see, hear or feel. They amplify it. Whether sharing online, telling friends or wearing the latest collection, the reach of the brand can transcend unexpected levels, and this will drive much higher engagement rates than projected.

As mentioned earlier, this extended reach also stands to deliver a greater ROI. Where mass market campaigns can cost huge sums and deliver little, a targeted fan-first activation can easily outperform broader campaigns. With only the core fan base targeted, the campaign is only resonating with those interested in the brand. They then share it on your behalf, for free, showing off the level of exclusivity they enjoyed, and others missed out on.

Furthermore, communities are loyal. We only have to look at the Apple and Android customer bases to see examples of this. This loyalty breeds customer retention, which then sees a lower churn and a boost in lifetime value.

How can brands build a fan-first experience?

Brands mustn’t assume that a fan-first approach is the same for all of their marketing efforts. There can be distinct differences depending on what part of the fandom is being targeted.

Understand the fandom.

Not every customer is a superfan or even a fan. Some are just casual consumers who found a price point or product suitable for an immediate need. Look at your top 10%, see what motivates them, drives them towards purchase and makes them like your brand above others. Focus your activation on these people, not the masses.

Keep exclusivity, access and community in mind.

The experience should ensure that loyal fans feel part of something special and something that they, and only a few others, have access to. Money can’t buy exclusives, VIP products, or unique interactions that create a community within a community and make those not present want to be present, for example. Through doing so, you create a desire for non-attendees to be included next time, and smartly, through targeting the few, you are really reaching the many!

Make it shareable.

Your biggest asset is your fans, and you want this experience to be memorable for them. Think about how this experience can be shared. Are there aspects that make themselves “insta-worthy”? Are there touchpoints that deserve a TikTok? Maybe a live stream is how some want to showcase their experience.

The fan first approach is a way to tap into existing markets yet find new ones. It isn’t something many brands can achieve on their own, and in some cases, hiring an agency with experience will help create activations that linger long in the memory and help enhance the relationship between brand and consumer.

 

Seeing The Forest And The Trees: Remembering Your Customers In B2B Branding

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marketing charts meeting

marketing charts meeting

by Grant Polachek, head of branding for Squadhelp.com (now Atom.com)

Failing to see the forest for the trees is a popular metaphor for missing the big picture, but when it comes to B2B branding and marketing, there’s an opposite concept: missing the trees for the forest. B2B startups are all about the big picture: big ideas, big strategies, and big ambitions. That means it’s natural for founders to focus on their own knowledge, experience, and the innovative solutions we offer when brand building.

This offers a solid foundation for growing your business, but a fixation on big-picture ideas can crowd other things out. Put simply, it’s easy to forget who’s actually buying our product or service when we’re busy thinking big and, in the process, to miss the trees for the forest.

While B2B brands are selling to businesses, they need to connect with people: the decision-makers embedded in the businesses you’re marketing to and building your brand for. B2B markers and founders can’t afford to ignore personal psychology any more than B2C brands and, in fact, leveraging insights from the world of psychology can supercharge your B2B brand strategy. Here’s how.

The Evolving Landscape of B2B Branding

A colder, more clinical brand strategy often emerges out of B2B branding because we’re focused on emphasizing efficiency and expertise. While trust, professionalism and performance are often at the heart of B2B brand positioning, a hyperfocus on these concepts can overlook the fact that people must always be at the heart of any business. These people’s needs, values and passions have to be heard. That means psychological insights are essential for B2B brand strategy and marketing, particularly in a changing landscape.

As of 2025, there has never been a better time to build a powerful B2B brand, as an integrated digital ecosystem and sophisticated AI tools create huge opportunities for both reach and engagement. Conversely, it’s never been harder to stand out as new startups emerge daily, each clamoring for the attention of an increasingly younger and more marketing-savvy set of end-users.

Traditionally, B2B brand-building and marketing has tended to be a dry affair, focusing on legacy, reliability, and the objective features of a product or service. But in 2025, it’s not enough to solve your customers’ problems in the most optimized and effective ways; you need to connect on a personal level to forge the relationships that will see your B2B brand outpace competitors and find success.

Leveraging Psychology in B2B Marketing

Effective B2B branding takes in both the forest and the trees: the larger organization might be your ‘customer’, but the individuals, with their opinions, preferences and emotional commitments are the ultimate decision-makers. Meeting the needs of business and individual, and marketing to both, requires an understanding of human psychology as well as the industry expertise you’ve built your product or service around.

Creating Connection in Naming

Your business name is the first opportunity to create a long-lasting connection with the individuals who act as decision-makers for the businesses you’re targeting. Your name should hint at your brand’s commitments and character: don’t just tell your customers what you do, but tell them how you do it. Evoking emotions in your customers leaves a lingering impression than the brute facts of your impact on efficiency, workflow or conversions.

Traditionally, B2B brands landed on factual, informative yet ultimately passionless names, and some of these historied brands are still industry powerhouses, like IBM and General Electric. But in today’s fast-paced commercial landscape, that’s no longer enough. Modern B2B brands like Slack, Mailchimp, and Shopify have powerful names that are memorable for their quirks and modern styles and tell a much better story of these brands’ aims than a simple acronym.

Make a Visual Impact

With half of the human brain being devoted to vision, it’s fair to characterize humans as intensely visual creatures. Understanding the relationship between color, design and psychology takes advantage of this constant background search for meaning taking place in your customers’ minds.

Atom.com’s research on color psychology found that brand color has an immediate impact on your audience, who will perceive red as exciting but unfriendly, and blue as cool, calm, and collected. Whether your logo consists of smooth, swooping lines or hard angles will guide your customers to perceive you as creative or calculatingly rational.

MailChimp, for example, has built a powerful brand with an impactful visual style: a playful monkey logo, a ubiquitous yellow brand color, and humanized, hand-drawn design. While MailChimp is squarely positioned as a B2B brand, they understand that people — business founders, entrepreneurs and creatives — are their true audience.

A strong and consistent visual identity reinforces the character of your brand and enhances an emotional connection: the foundation of loyal customer relationships.

Build Relationships with Reciprocity

Reciprocity is the principle of exchanging goods and services for mutual benefit and it’s deeply embedded in our psyche as well as universally present across all cultures of the world. Psychologists speculate that reciprocity has contributed to our survival as a species, making it evolutionarily ingrained.

Reciprocity is all about relationship building, and in B2B branding this requires that you make the transaction a little less transactional. Think about what you can offer your customers above and beyond your core service, like offering your expertise in webinars and walkthroughs or through free tools. Follow up a sale with additional value-adding materials that aren’t hinged around upselling a further add-on for your product or service.

Add the Personal Touch

Personalization is an important psychological tool because it allows your customers to feel heard and valued. In a B2B setting, this can be especially important: people don’t lose their identities when they step into the office and appreciate being treated as individuals.

With the rapid expansion of AI tools facilitating data gathering and analytics, personalization has never been easier. This is about more than greeting people by name in your email marketing. Fine-tune your campaigns with personalized email headers and even content based on how they’re using your product, to provide highly relevant content that optimizes their experience.

A Digital World Needs a Personal Touch

Businesses aren’t faceless entities, and even in today’s digital, AI-powered world, a real human is making every important decision at the businesses you’re selling to. Even though your customers are organizations, understanding the psychology of those organization’s employees will help you build relationships and lasting connections. In B2B branding, you have to see both the forest and the trees.

 

Grant Polachek

Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com (now Atom.com), 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. The world’s leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients such as Nestle, Dell, Nuskin, and AutoNation.

 

Sales Tax And Scalability: Why Your ERP Isn’t Enough

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by Mike Sanders, Co-Founder and CEO at CereTax

As businesses grow, so does tax complexity. New markets. New channels. More jurisdictions. Faster reporting cycles. If you’re relying on your ERP’s native indirect tax tools to keep up, you’re taking a risk.

ERP systems are powerful for core operations. But indirect tax is a different beast. It demands specialized capabilities that most ERP platforms simply can’t deliver. Here’s where they fall short, and why scalable tax compliance requires a purpose-built tax automation platform.

ERP Tax Compliance Falls Short in Complex Jurisdictions

ERP tax compliance tools were designed to handle basic, static tax scenarios: simple sales tax calculations on standard transactions within a limited geographic footprint. They were never intended to manage the dynamic, multi-jurisdictional tax environments modern businesses face today.

As tax complexity grows, ERP-native tools fall behind. Thousands of evolving tax rules, rates, and exemptions overwhelm manual configuration processes. The tools lack the depth and flexibility needed to address complex scenarios like bundled products, usage-based taxability, cross-border sales, and industry-specific exemptions.

Manual rule maintenance becomes unmanageable. Edge cases and exceptions multiply. And as your footprint expands, keeping rates, rules, and tax treatments accurate and current becomes a constant challenge that introduces risk and inefficiency.

ERP Tax Modules Lack Transparency and Control

ERP tax modules were designed for basic sales tax calculations tied to the general ledger or invoicing, not the complexities of modern indirect tax. They lack the power of a true tax engine—one that dynamically applies evolving rules, manages exemptions, and delivers clear, auditable decisions.

Without this capability, tax teams are left in the dark. When tax decisions can’t be explained or traced, audits become high-risk and time-consuming. And as tax laws change, ERP modules can’t keep up without costly development or risky workarounds.

A true tax engine does more than calculate. It manages layered logic, adapts in real time, tracks every rule change, and delivers full transparency from calculation to audit.

Patchwork Add-Ons Can’t Fix ERP Tax Compliance

Many businesses try to extend their ERP’s tax capabilities with bolt-on modules or manual workarounds. These bolt-ons: third-party add-ons or custom-developed extensions—are designed to fill functional gaps in ERP-native tax tools. But they introduce complexity, risk, and hidden costs.

Patchwork add-ons typically lack deep integration with the ERP’s core data and processes, leading to inconsistent tax treatment across systems. Custom integrations require constant maintenance to keep pace with ERP upgrades and changing tax rules. Workarounds, like offline spreadsheets or manual adjustments, drain tax team bandwidth and introduce opportunities for error.

What’s more, add-ons rarely deliver the transparency, flexibility, or scalability required to maintain ERP tax compliance as the business grows. They can’t match the capabilities of a purpose-built tax automation platform, and relying on them compounds risk over time.

ERP Sales Tax Capabilities Can’t Scale With Your Business

As businesses expand into new markets or add new product lines, ERP sales and use tax capabilities often become a bottleneck. These tools were never designed to handle the level of complexity and scale modern tax environments demand. ERP tax modules rely on rigid configurations that must be manually updated for each new jurisdiction or product variation. This makes them difficult to adapt quickly when entering new markets or launching new offerings.

The growing complexity of tax requirements across regions and product lines pushes ERP-native tools beyond their limits. To compensate, tax teams resort to time-consuming manual processes and constant system updates. These inefficiencies slow down expansion initiatives and heighten the risk of configuration errors and compliance gaps.

The result? Delayed launches as tax processes can’t keep pace, compliance gaps from inconsistent tax treatments, and elevated audit risk due to a lack of transparency and control. These impacts don’t just affect tax; they can slow revenue recognition, erode customer trust, and stall strategic growth.

ERP Sales Tax Compliance Isn’t Enough

ERP systems were never built to manage the demands of modern sales and use tax compliance. They handle core operations well, but indirect tax is a different challenge entirely. The growing complexity of tax rules, the need for real-time transparency, and the pressure to scale quickly all expose the limits of ERP-native tax tools.

Relying on these tools means accepting bottlenecks, manual workarounds, and audit risk… none of which belong in a modern growth strategy.

 

mike sanders of ceretax

Mike Sanders is a tax technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building and scaling successful businesses. As CEO and co-founder of CereTax, he leads the company’s vision and strategy, ensuring the development and delivery of a next-generation cloud-based sales tax automation platform designed to help businesses navigate complex compliance and regulatory requirements with accuracy and efficiency.

 

Taylor Thomson: The Agency Executive Who Spends His Mornings Curating Intelligence For His Team

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Taylor Thomson

Taylor Thomson

While many executives guard market intelligence as a private resource, Taylor Thomson takes the opposite approach. Each morning, the Head of Finance at performance branding agency WITHIN spends 15 to 20 minutes scanning through roughly 15 newsletters. From there, he distills the most relevant insights into a shared Google sheet accessible to his entire team. The routine, modest in time investment, has become a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy: knowledge should be democratized, not hoarded.

For Thomson, this practice transforms individual learning into organizational capability. Instead of concentrating insights in a single leader’s hands, he ensures intelligence flows across business development teams, amplifying impact far beyond his own client work.

“I read a lot. I read every morning. I probably read 15 different morning newsletters, and then I do this for my team actually. I take those newsletters. I find the most interesting or the most relevant articles, and I put ’em into a Google sheet,” he explained during a podcast interview.

Turning Personal Learning Into Team Capability

Thomson’s approach reflects a philosophy that organizational strength scales through shared intelligence, not isolated expertise. By curating and contextualizing external information, he provides his team with actionable knowledge that can be applied to client relationships, business development, and industry positioning.

The curated Google sheet serves as a persistent resource. Team members consult it before client meetings or when preparing proposals, turning what would otherwise be fleeting newsletter items into an institutional knowledge base. The system reduces duplication of effort while ensuring the entire team benefits from Thomson’s analytical discipline.

A Methodology Rooted in Analysis

The effectiveness of this practice lies in Thomson’s editorial eye. Rather than passing along every article he encounters, he filters aggressively, identifying insights that matter most for WITHIN’s client base and business context. “It probably takes me 15 to 20 minutes every morning at this point. I’m good at scanning through those newsletters and then I’ll read all those,” he noted.

The skill of rapid synthesis traces back to his time as a multi-industry analyst at Ridgetop Research, where he learned to identify key drivers across varied sectors. This analytical rigor later helped him build revenue models and dashboards at WITHIN that guided the agency’s transformation from $250,000 contract values to enterprise deals worth $1.8 million.

Multiplying Impact Across Business Development

The ripple effects of Thomson’s morning ritual are evident in his team’s performance. Equipped with curated intelligence, business development representatives can engage clients with fresh perspectives and relevant industry context without spending hours on research themselves.

“For us, it’s a lot of retail, so it’s modern retail, it’s glossy, it’s Morning Brew, it’s all those different types of sites, and I think you can just pull so much interesting information from how people are thinking, what they’re doing, what their challenges and pain points are,” Thomson explained. By framing content in ways that spark conversation, his process strengthens client relationships and accelerates trust-building.

Often, insights curated for one context prove useful in unexpected ways. What begins as a note on a competitor’s IPO may inform a strategy discussion about market positioning or provide an angle for a client pitch. The efficiency of shared intelligence multiplies as ideas are applied creatively across the organization.

Building a Culture of Shared Learning

Thomson’s practice is as much cultural as it is tactical. By modeling transparency and generosity with information, he encourages his team to view knowledge as a collective resource. “If I see that a startup is IPOing, I know that that’s not only going to affect that startup, but also every one of their competitors. Knowing that that company is about to get a massive influx of cash makes it easier to put myself and my team to put themselves in their position,” he said.

This perspective, embedded in daily practice, fosters a culture of continuous learning. Team members are not dependent on a single leader’s expertise but instead develop collective problem-solving habits. That cultural shift has been instrumental in WITHIN’s operational evolution, where Thomson’s frameworks generated $7.6 million in incremental revenue through tighter collaboration and coordinated client lifecycle management.

Strategic Intelligence for Long-Term Advantage

Thomson’s newsletter mix includes mainstream publications like Morning Brew alongside specialized retail and marketing technology sources, balancing broad economic signals with industry-specific developments. This curated blend feeds both immediate business development needs and long-term strategic planning.

By systematizing information consumption and sharing, Taylor Thomson ensures that WITHIN maintains a competitive edge rooted in market awareness. His philosophy illustrates a broader leadership lesson: sustainable advantage comes not only from proprietary tools or individual expertise but from the disciplined distribution of intelligence across an organization.

For Taylor Thomson, the morning routine is less about habit than principle. In a business environment where information moves quickly, he has found a way to convert personal reading into collective capability—and in the process, to turn knowledge democratization into a strategic asset.

 

Everything You Wanted To Know About Modern Laser Technology Explained Simply

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laster technology used in a cutter

Lasers might sound like something from a science-fiction movie, but they’re a familiar part of daily life and an essential tool across industries. From scanning barcodes at the supermarket to cutting metal in high-tech workshops, lasers combine science and engineering in a way that’s both fascinating and practical.

Here’s a clear and engaging look at how lasers work, what makes them special, and why they’re shaping the future of innovation.

What a Laser Really Is

The word “laser” stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While that might sound complex, the basic idea is simple. Inside a laser device, a special material, which is called the gain medium, is energised so that its atoms release light particles called photons. These photons bounce back and forth between mirrors, encouraging other atoms to release more photons in perfect unison. When the light builds to a high enough intensity, it escapes as a narrow, powerful beam.

Unlike the light from a bulb or torch, a laser beam is extremely focused and travels in a straight line without spreading out. It is also made of a single, pure colour, and the light waves move in perfect step with each other. These qualities, including precision, purity, and direction, are what give lasers their unique capabilities.

The Many Faces of Laser Technology

Modern lasers are incredibly diverse. Some use gases like carbon dioxide, others rely on solid crystals, tiny semiconductor chips, or even optical fibres. Each type has its strengths. Gas lasers are excellent for cutting and engraving, solid-state lasers deliver powerful pulses for medical procedures, and fibre lasers are prized in industry for their efficiency and reliability. Compact diode lasers power everyday devices like DVD players and barcode scanners, while ultrafast lasers produce pulses so short they can study the behaviour of molecules in real time.

Everyday Applications You Already Rely On

Lasers have moved far beyond the laboratory. They’re used to cut, engrave, weld, and drill materials in manufacturing. Surgeons depend on them for delicate procedures such as eye surgery and cosmetic treatments. Telecommunications networks use laser light to carry vast amounts of data through fibre-optic cables at incredible speeds. Scientists employ lasers to measure distances with pinpoint accuracy, analyse chemical compositions, and even explore the frontiers of quantum physics.

New Frontiers in Laser Development

The latest generation of laser technology is smaller, smarter, and more versatile than ever. Engineers are developing systems that can change their beam shape or colour on demand, making them more adaptable for complex tasks. Ultrafast lasers capable of producing pulses measured in trillionths of a second are opening doors in medicine and materials science. Researchers are also working on ways to integrate lasers into everyday devices, from compact sensors to precision tools for creative makers.

Environmental and Energy Advantages

Modern lasers are becoming increasingly energy-efficient. Many new systems deliver higher output while consuming less power, reducing both running costs and environmental impact. Their ability to cut materials with minimal waste also supports more sustainable manufacturing processes.

Expanding Role in Education and Training

Universities and technical colleges now use laser equipment to teach everything from physics to design engineering. Students can learn advanced fabrication skills and experiment with cutting-edge technology, preparing them for careers in industries that rely on precision tools.

Bringing Lasers into Your Own Projects

What once required a huge laboratory is now available to workshops, studios, and small businesses. With the right equipment, a laser can cut intricate patterns into wood, mark metal surfaces with permanent designs, or engrave glass with photographic detail. Companies like Opt Lasers supply advanced laser modules and accessories that can be added to CNC machines and other systems, allowing creators to upgrade their tools without starting from scratch.

Staying Safe While Exploring

Because lasers produce concentrated light energy, safety is essential. Proper enclosures, eye protection, and careful calibration ensure that projects stay exciting rather than hazardous. Modern equipment includes built-in safeguards, but understanding basic safety practices is still important for anyone using a laser system.

What to Take Away

Lasers may be built on complex physics, but their value is easy to see. They offer unmatched precision, speed, and control, making them indispensable in industries ranging from healthcare to high-end manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve and advanced systems become more accessible, the potential for innovation keeps expanding. Whether you’re a scientist, a business owner, or a curious hobbyist, laser technology offers endless possibilities to explore and create.

 

What Startups Get Wrong About SaaS & Cloud Spending – And How To Fix It Early

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by Andrew Alex, founder and CEO of Spendbase

SaaS tools and cloud infrastructure lay the foundation of any startup’s operational efficiency and the ability to scale, but only if managed properly. Unfortunately, as data proves, this is frequently not the case. In fact, quite the opposite: most businesses overspend on their SaaS and cloud without even realizing it.

According to the Spendbase Benchmarking Report, businesses waste on average 10.5% of their total SaaS and cloud costs, which could otherwise be optimized. While it may sound comparatively insignificant, these recurring expenses add up and create a substantial annual bill.

For example, the latest report insights revealed:

  • Annual SaaS and cloud costs reach up to $444,875 for very large companies;
  • Annual overspend from inefficient management of SaaS and cloud tools goes as high as $79,660 for enterprises with 500–2,000+ employees;
  • The spend varies across industries, with the Retail enterprises leading SaaS & cloud spend at $3.57M annually, followed by Financial Services at $2.2M.

cloud spending by industry - data from spendbase

This article unpacks where founders and CFOs so often go wrong and how to fix it before the budget blows up.

Cost Optimization Is Worth It Only After Scaling

Startup leaders often think cost optimization should only be addressed once the company has grown and expenses are “big enough to matter.” This mindset often leads teams to ignore inefficiencies in their SaaS tools and cloud usage during the early phases.

In reality, actively scaling businesses are the ones that need cost optimization the most. As the report data suggests, smaller companies have significantly higher SaaS & cloud costs per employee, which signals high inefficiencies. By ignoring them or delaying fixes, startups risk runaway bills that can threaten their runway, profitability, and even survival.

Commonly, when a company scales, it can negotiate better rates with vendors, benefit from volume discounts, and leverage economies of scale, which altogether help optimize spend per employee. However, smaller companies can manage SaaS costs efficiently with several handy principles as well.

They include:

  • Watch out for shadow IT — review SaaS usage quarterly to uncover unused or duplicate tools.
  • Utilize off-the-shelf SaaS and cloud discounts from spend management solutions providers
  • Right-size resources from day one by starting with the smallest viable instances and upgrading only when utilization consistently passes thresholds.
  • Build cost reviews into culture while ensuring all new tools go through IT or finance approval. 

SaaS Cost Is Fair for All

It’s common sense to presume SaaS pricing is fixed and fair for every customer. The sad truth is, SaaS cost structures often lack transparency, with hidden fees, unclear seat-based pricing, and vague usage thresholds. As a result, two companies of similar size can end up paying dramatically different amounts for the same software simply because one negotiated more effectively.

Vendor discounts, contract terms, and even billing cycles are highly negotiable. Eventually, the truth is that SaaS cost fairness depends less on what’s published and more on how efficiently you negotiate and manage vendor relationships.

To secure the best SaaS deals, use the following tips:

  • Negotiate early or partner up with spend management experts to handle negotiations for you; 
  • Benchmark solutions meticulously — compare vendor quotes with market rates to spot overpricing;
  • Time your renewals, since vendors often give bigger discounts at quarter- or year-end.

Scalable Means Cost-Scalable

Many startup executives think this way: if the architecture is technically scalable, costs will scale smoothly too. However, in reality, many technologies become unproportionally expensive as usage grows.

Among the overspend reasons, one underlooked fact is that many technologies become unproportionally expensive as usage grows. For example, serverless platforms or third-party APIs can cause costs to skyrocket during scaling. The same happens with cloud egress fees from moving large datasets across regions, SaaS tools that charge per seat or per transaction, and machine learning workloads that require costly GPU clusters. What looks affordable at low volume often becomes unsustainable at scale.

This was a lesson learned the hard way by one startup that was nearly killed by a $12,000 AWS bill. What looked affordable at a small scale, exploded in cost when a client requested image analysis, followed by a sudden surge of 600,000+ images and driving their monthly bill from ~$340 to $12,847.

To mitigate such potential mistakes, ensure the following practices are in place:

  • Run cost forecasts and model how they can grow with user or data scale;
  • Use hybrid approaches, such as mixing serverless for unpredictable workloads with reserved instances for steady-state loads;
  • Review architecture every 3–6 months to reassess cost scalability while product and usage evolve.

“We’ll Notice If Costs Get Out of Hand…”

One of the most common misconceptions lies in a belief that escalating SaaS or cloud costs will be obvious. In reality, businesses lose thousands annually from unused licenses or forgotten workloads that keep billing invisibly.

Similarly, cloud costs might often spiral even from seemingly small oversights: common cases include over-provisioning for peak traffic, forgotten test environments, expensive GPU instances left running, or runaway autoscaling without caps.

Take the shocking example of a startup that burned $450,000 on GCP through API misuse in just 45 days. Their Google Cloud API key was compromised and used to perform massive automated translation workloads, all without their knowledge.

To avoid situations like this, luckily there are several ways, including:

  • Set billing alerts with thresholds that trigger notifications if spend spikes;
  • Practice daily and weekly checks with a dedicated person along with automated monitoring tools like Datadog or CloudHealth;
  • Enforce hard limits on API calls, workloads, or budgets to automatically stop runaway charges as soon as they happen;
  • Automate monitoring tools like Datadog, CloudHealth, or others.

Monthly Billing Ensures Flexibility

Some startups prefer monthly over annual billing because it avoids large upfront payments and reduces financial commitment. For early-stage companies still experimenting with their tech stack, this can feel safer than being locked into a long-term contract. However, the trade-off is that monthly billing often gets significantly more costly.

Statistically, startups end up paying up to 65% more in the long run — money that could otherwise be used for more strategic initiatives or extending their runway.

To avoid overspending on monthly billing, follow these principles:

  • Balance flexibility with savings:  by using monthly billing only for tools you’re currently testing out;
  • Bundle purchases across teams to unlock volume discounts;
  • Negotiate annual contracts with opt-out clauses, since some vendors allow early termination, combining flexibility with discounts.

Conclusion

SaaS and cloud spending doesn’t have to spiral out of control. The earlier cost optimization becomes part of the culture, the less likely founders are to face runaway bills that threaten growth.

If startups embed cost awareness into their culture from day one, leverage spend management tools, and negotiate proactively with vendors, they can turn cloud and SaaS spend from a financial risk into a growth enabler from early on.

 

Andrew Alex of Spendbase

Andrew Alex is the founder and CEO of Spendbase, a Google-backed FinTech helping companies optimize SaaS and cloud costs. Fluent in tech trends and a TED evangelist, he regularly advises startups and finance leaders on cost efficiency, vendor negotiations, and scaling sustainably.

 

 

How FSP Partnerships Enhance Clinical Trial Success Rates

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drugs medication

drugs medication

Clinical trials are constantly evolving, and functional service provider (FSP) partnerships have become instrumental in enhancing the success rates of clinical trials.

These collaborations enable sponsors to leverage specialized expertise, scalable resources, and flexible service models, thereby optimizing trial outcomes and accelerating the path to market.

Understanding FSP Partnerships

An FSP is a strategic outsourcing model where sponsors engage external providers to manage specific functions within the clinical trial process. Unlike traditional full-service contract research organizations (CROs), FSPs focus on delivering targeted expertise in areas such as biostatistics, data management, clinical monitoring, and pharmacovigilance. This approach enables sponsors to maintain control over their core operations while benefiting from the specialized capabilities of their partners.

Key Benefits of FSP Partnerships

  • Access to Specialized Expertise

FSPs bring deep domain knowledge and technical proficiency to clinical trials. By partnering with organizations like Cytel, sponsors can tap into a wealth of experience in biometrics and analytics. Cytel’s FSP solutions offer tailored support, rapid access to talent, and a comprehensive model that enhances clinical trial execution. Their emphasis on experienced talent and collaboration ensures seamless integration and improved efficiency throughout the trial lifecycle.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

Clinical trials often require adjustments in resource allocation to meet changing demands. FSP partnerships provide the scalability needed to adapt to these fluctuations. Sponsors can scale services up or down based on program needs without long-term commitments, allowing for more efficient use of resources and cost savings.

  • Operational Efficiency

By outsourcing specific functions to FSPs, sponsors can streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. FSPs offer hands-on experience in various aspects of clinical trials, providing just-in-time, fit-for-purpose resources and eliminating the need for sponsors to develop in-house expertise. This leads to faster study start-up times and more efficient trial management.

  • Enhanced Risk Management

FSP partnerships enable sponsors to mitigate risks associated with clinical trials. By collaborating with experienced providers, sponsors can identify potential issues early and implement corrective actions promptly. This proactive approach helps in maintaining trial timelines and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • Global Reach and Local Expertise

Expanding clinical trials into non-footprint countries can be challenging. FSP partnerships facilitate this expansion by providing access to local expertise and resources. Partners with a global presence can navigate regional regulations, cultural nuances, and logistical challenges, ensuring successful trial execution across diverse geographies.

The Role of Culture in FSP Partnerships

Beyond technical expertise, the cultural alignment between sponsors and FSPs plays a crucial role in the success of partnerships. Shared values, communication styles, and work ethics foster collaboration and trust, leading to more effective teamwork and better trial outcomes. Establishing a strong cultural fit ensures that both parties are aligned in their objectives and approaches, enhancing the overall success of the clinical trial.

Closing Remarks

FSP partnerships offer a strategic advantage in the complex and resource-intensive process of clinical trials. By providing specialized expertise, scalability, operational efficiency, and enhanced risk management, these collaborations significantly contribute to higher success rates in clinical research. As the clinical trial landscape continues to evolve, leveraging the strengths of FSP partnerships will be essential for sponsors aiming to navigate challenges and achieve successful trial outcomes.

 

Top 5 Tips For Creating A Seamless Online Shopping Journey

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The world of online shopping has transformed the way people buy and sell products and services, creating an environment where convenience, choice, and speed are king.

In a marketplace that never sleeps, customers have endless alternatives at their fingertips, so if your brand cannot keep up, you can be sure that a competitor’s will.

A seamless online shopping journey is about more than just a functioning website; it is the sum of hundreds of small details working together to create something wonderful.

Below are the top five tips to create an effortless and exciting online shopping journey for your customers.

1. Simplify Website Navigation.

Navigation is the foundation of the user experience on your website.

Online shoppers want to find products quickly and intuitively, without too much thought or difficulty. If your website’s navigation feels cluttered or confusing, customers will not hang around for long.

Navigation matters because it serves as a digital map for your online store.

It dictates how easily users can browse, and effective navigation encourages customers to spend more time exploring products, making shopping effortless.

Avoid overly complicated menus, redundant categories, or unclear product labels because they create unnecessary friction. Poor navigation also negatively affects SEO, as it impacts search engine crawlability and indexing.

2. Page Loading Times.

In the e-commerce environment, speed is critical.

No matter how beautiful your products are or how well-designed your website is, if your pages load too slowly, your bounce rate will be high.

Delays in load times can significantly lower conversions because shoppers expect instant gratification. Slow-loading websites frustrate users, and shoppers are quick to abandon carts and head straight to your competitors.

Apart from that, Google and other search engines use page speed as a ranking factor, so a slow website can be pushed further down search results, directly reducing organic traffic.

3. Improve Order Fulfillment.

The customer experience doesn’t end at checkout. It extends through every aspect of order fulfillment, from processing to delivery.

While this process is largely invisible to customers, fulfillment is one of the most critical parts of the shopping journey. Offer a smooth and reliable fulfillment process by partnering with a trusted brand, such as Philadelphia Couriers.

It is essential to partner with a supplier that offers same-day and rush courier services and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whenever you need a package shipped in a rush.

4. High-Quality Product Photos.

Digital customers rely on visuals to shape their impression of a product and influence their final purchasing decision.

High-quality product photos act as your brand’s silent salesperson, persuading customers to buy your products. Clear, professional photos communicate value and quality in an instant.

Provide several images from all angles and some lifestyle shots to show your customers how your product can fit into their lives and help them to imagine using the product themselves.

5. Detailed Product Descriptions.

Online shopping is quick and convenient, but what it lacks over traditional shopping is the tangible elements.

Online customers can’t physically touch, try, or test products, so they rely almost exclusively on what they see and read to help them make a decision. If your product description is lacking or inaccurate, you will lose sales.

A well-crafted, detailed description bridges the gap between curiosity and conversion, giving customers the confidence to buy.

Final Notes

In the competitive world of online shopping, success belongs to brands that make shopping engaging and enjoyable.

These five tips above can help turn first-time visitors into repeat customers and avid brand enthusiasts.

 

How To Protect Your Rental Investments From Legal Disputes

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Owning rental properties as a business means thinking like a business owner 24/7. You can’t be a hobbyist. Serious investors know that tenants can and do file lawsuits for all sorts of reasons, and they can drain profits fast. Whether it’s a security deposit dispute or claims of unsafe housing, legal battles are a real risk. Protecting your investment requires a strategy and strong systems. 

Here’s how you can protect your investments against costly legal disputes. 

1. Build solid lease agreements with a lawyer.

Your lease is the foundation of your business relationship with your tenants. Make sure you connect with a lawyer to draft your lease agreements so they hold up in court. It’s crucial to avoid online templates – paid or not – because they’re too general. You need state-specific, attorney-reviewed leases to ensure legal compliance.

Leases should use clear language to spell out the terms like rent due dates, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and policies. Ambiguity can work against you in court. You also want to include clear default and remedies provisions to strengthen your position, should you end up in court. According to research, poorly written leases are a top reason landlords lose lawsuits.

For the best protection, it helps to work with a professional property manager. For example, Green Residential, a company that manages properties in The Woodlands, Texas, handles lease creation for all of its investor clients. They have lawyers on their team who help draft legally-compliant lease agreements and provide them with necessary updates when state and federal laws change.

The risks are too high not to take precautions and have a lawyer at least review your lease agreements and help with legal standards. 

2. Document everything as a standard practice.

Good records win cases. You don’t want to be left scrambling if you end up getting sued. Always document move-in and move-out inspections in detail, with photos and checklists, and get the tenant’s signature to protect you in case they dispute damage. 

Always follow up when you make a verbal agreement. Use email or certified letters to create a paper trail. Keep all of your financial records organized, including rent receipts, maintenance invoices, and official notices. These documents can make or break your legal defense. 

3. Stay on top of compliance.

Professional landlords need to treat compliance as non-negotiable. Perform regular inspections for hazards, like faulty wiring and mold, to avoid negligence claims. Train your team to follow all applicable fair housing laws to avoid discrimination lawsuits. And follow security deposit laws to the letter. Ignoring compliance can result in lawsuits and steep government fines. 

4. Invest in landlord insurance.

Insurance is an important part of risk management. In addition to having a general liability policy, you need landlord insurance. This kind of policy will cover legal costs, property damage, and lost rent in the case of a tenant dispute. If you own multiple rental properties, consider umbrella coverage for an extra layer of protection. 

5. Treat your tenants like customers, not adversaries.

The most profitable landlords know lawsuits usually arise from poor relationships. Respond quickly to your tenants’ concerns and keep your interactions respectful. Fix issues before they spiral into major disasters and claims of unsafe housing. Happy tenants are far less likely to sue and more likely to renew their lease. 

6. Work with legal professionals.

Smart investors know the value of regular legal support. Regular consultations will ensure your leases and notices are airtight. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to consult a lawyer to find out where you went wrong. Be proactive and stay up to date on a regular basis.  

7. Work with a tax professional.

In addition to legal help, work with a tax pro to help manage your tax liability. Taxes can get complex for landlords, and it’s important to make sure you do everything by the book. 

8. Enforce policies consistently.

Sometimes lawsuits arise when tenants feel like they’re being unfairly targeted, or if the landlord isn’t enforcing lease policies across the board. Enforce your policies consistently for all tenants so there’s no favoritism. 

Think Like A Business Owner 

Tenant lawsuits are an inevitable cost of doing business, but they don’t have to tank your profits. By creating iron-clad leases with the help of a lawyer, carrying insurance, and staying compliant, you can minimize the risk. When you’re a serious investor, protecting against lawsuits isn’t optional.

 

How Top Tech Leaders Level Up Their Performance With These 6 Tips

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The tech industry is absolutely saturated with buzzwords, some more useful than others. One that’s both ubiquitous and somewhat relevant these days is “optimize”: as in, “optimize your performance.”

This isn’t a new idea, but it’s gaining traction as the artificial intelligence race heats up and whispers of imminent superintelligence grow louder. For humanity, keeping up means leveling up.

Tall order? Not really. To boost your productivity and output, you don’t have to swing for the fences. You just have to get a little better every day, says productivity expert James Clear. He’s a fan of the “1% approach.”

“Improving by just 1% isn’t notable (and sometimes it isn’t even noticeable)… but it can be just as meaningful, especially in the long run,” he says. Rack up sequential 1% improvements over a long enough period and the results will be impressive.

Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, executives and thought leaders have figured out how to do that. Here are (some of) their secrets.

1. They’re Bullish on the Next Big Thing.

Successful tech leaders have a keen eye for the next big thing, says Sky Dayton, the entrepreneur and investor behind groundbreaking digital businesses like EarthLink and Boingo Wireless.

“It feels like we’re on the verge of cures for all diseases, universally available online education, space travel, abundant clean energy, and yes, even flying cars. All of these possibilities are emerging on an accelerating curve…I get to work with brilliant people every day creating this future,” Dayton says.

Dayton’s examples hint that his advice applies far beyond the software industry, to the emerging “hardtech” sectors set to define the second quarter of the 21st century. Leaders who embrace innovation in these sectors could thrive in the next decade and beyond, surpassing those wedded to the same old ways of doing things.

2. They Follow Their Passion.

Dayton also advises leaders looking to level up their productivity and output to do what they love, not just what they’re good at (or what they’ve fallen into). He’s not the only one. The late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs remained deep in the weeds of product design long after it was necessary; his return to the company during a particularly rough patch most likely saved it from irrelevance in the pre-iPhone days.

3. They Drive a Hard Bargain — And Deserve It.

High performers know what they’re worth and aren’t afraid to ask for it. 

Take Elon Musk, the Tesla cofounder whose board recently proposed a compensation plan that could make him the world’s first trillionaire. 

“The proposed plan would grant Musk up to 12% of Tesla’s stock, worth about $1.03 trillion if the company hits its target market value of $8.6 trillion,” says Reuters reporter Akash Sriram.

Despite falling sales in Tesla’s core automotive business, Musk has been unwavering in his vision of a company that dominates in AI and robotics. His shareholders have faith in his ability to execute, and with good reason; now it’s on him to deliver.

4. They Take Care of Themselves.

The legendary parties of Web 2.0’s heyday a decade ago have given way to a (literally) sober reality where execution — not “buzz” — is the ultimate currency. 

The shift tracks a broader, long-term trend of declining alcohol consumption (and consumption of other intoxicating substances as well). Just 24% of Americans say they drink daily and 40% say they drink weekly, both of which are well below historical averages. But that’s only a sidebar to the larger point that peak performers realize there’s no time like the present and no time to waste. 

5. They Build Identities Separate From Their Work.

High performers know there’s no time like the present and no time to waste. They also know that tightly coupling one’s identity with one’s work is a one-way ticket to burnout. 

So they strike a balance and carve out time for family and pursuits that have little or nothing to do with their day jobs. When they disconnect, they really disconnect, and they come back ready to hit the ground running.

6. They Learn From the Best.

Finally, high performers know they can’t do everything on their own, even when they’re the best person to get it done. They build strong and deep personal and professional networks, seeking out mentors and acting as the same when the time comes. They embrace community and do everything in their power to learn from the best — other than themselves, of course.

Optimize, Optimize, Optimize

Forget the word of the day. “Optimize” is the word of the decade, maybe of the century. The drive to perform better and produce more on an individual and collective basis has been with humanity for eons and is only becoming more urgent as — for the first time ever — we find ourselves contending with a new type of intelligence.

These strategies might not be enough to put you on equal footing with the uber-smart AIs of the future. But they will help you get more out of your work, and your life, in the here and now. That in itself is worth aspiring to.

 

Personalization At Work: How AI Micro-Learning Helps Employees Grow Smarter, Faster

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by Curtis Vincent, CHRO of Phillips & Cohen Associates

Think about the last time you bought something online. Chances are, the experience felt tailored. The way recommendations matched your interests, then reminders showed up at the right moment, and the entire journey felt seamless. That’s no accident. It’s personalization in action.

Now imagine if your workplace learning followed the same principle. People don’t absorb skills in identical ways or on identical timelines. Some individuals sprint and later need a nudge to stay focused. Others prefer to circle the topic before they land. Traditional training rarely accounts for this reality and adheres to a standard slide deck or even a single method.

AI is changing that approach by analyzing how employees interact with learning material. AI can personalize the experience in real time. Instead of a rigid course, employees receive training that adapts to their specific needs.

Why Employee Learning Needs the Same Personalization as Customer Experience

Hyper-personalization is quickly becoming table stakes for the employee experience as AI allows us to tune development to each person’s role, strengths, and pace. The most forward-leaning HR thinking frames this as the path to relevance. It utilizes AI and automation to adapt the experience in real-time so growth, benefits, and learning align with individual needs rather than generic programs. That shift is the new standard for how people want to work and develop.

That said, personalization always matters for outcomes. When platforms analyze performance and recommend the next step, like a practice set, scenario, or stretch module, people spend more time at the edge of their capability, not in the comfort zone or the red zone. And that is where growth compounds. It results in higher engagement and improved speed to competency on the skills that matter most to everyone on the team.

Continuous Micro-Learning Beats One-Time Training

Traditional, long-form courses struggle against the “forgetting curve” and the realities of busy schedules. Microlearning flips that script with short, focused lessons delivered in the flow of work. This format enhances retention and completion by respecting attention and time constraints. In 2025 overviews, micro-learning is credited with better knowledge transfer and higher completion rates versus conventional courses, precisely because people can act on a three-minute module far more readily than a 45-minute class.

AI strengthens microlearning on three fronts.

  • Creation speed: teams can turn source material into concise modules, checks for understanding, and coaching prompts in minutes, which effectively trims development cycles dramatically.
  • Adaptivity: In response to performance signals, such as what was missed, how long it took, and where confidence faltered, difficulty, sequence, and reinforcement are modified.
  • Analytics: learning and development teams can consistently improve content by monitoring completion rates, engagement drop-offs, and proactive refreshers.

All of these skills work together to increase participation, reduce time to competency, and maintain training standards.

Building a Culture of Growth Through Smart Technology

Personalized micro-learning is now a cultural lever. When learning becomes a daily habit, individuals perceive that the organization is investing in their development rather than merely demanding more from them. The benefits run both ways.

Firstly, employees gain clarity and confidence because feedback loops are short and specific. Secondly, organizations gain agility as their capabilities build steadily, not in occasional spikes. This allows managers to identify what to reinforce, where to pair mentors with learners, and when recognition will be effective. Such clarity accelerates adoption across teams, and the next thing you know, the workplace feels distinctly different, where learning is continuous, personal, and seamlessly integrated into the work itself.

Invest in Competence, Not Just Courses

What reshaped customer journeys is now reshaping employee growth. When learning feels timely and genuinely helpful, people lean in. AI and micro-learning give us the tools to deliver that feeling at scale: relevant content, right-sized practice, real-time reinforcement, and better visibility for leaders on what to adjust next.

This goes beyond just updating training for leaders. It’s an investment in culture, competence, and self-assurance. Begin modestly by choosing a high-impact talent, segmenting it into manageable chunks, and creating an adaptable route with distinct milestones. Iterate on the combination of practice, reinforcement, and material after piloting with a single team and gathering feedback. Make careful expansions, appreciate little victories, and improve using the data. Not only do individuals learn more quickly and perform better, but they also operate in an environment where they can envision their own future and know how to get there.

 

curtis vincent

Curtis Vincent is the CHRO of Phillips & Cohen Associates, ​a global leader in compassionate debt recovery, specializing in estate resolution and consumer financial services​. He brings over a decade of experience in talent management and workforce strategy, guiding initiatives that foster employee growth, retention, and a culture of excellence.

 

How Introverts Can Lean On Community And Strengths For Lasting Impact

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by Goldie Chan, author of Personal Branding for Introverts

I had spent years writing thoughtful pieces from an introverted perspective, often scribbling late at night after quiet recharge moments. The award and views were awesome, but the real win? Building a career that lets me recharge in solitude while making an impact that feels true.

I stepped back from the grind of daily videos and that always-on hustle, finding a rhythm that feels authentic and sustainable. If you’ve chased follower counts or shiny job titles only to feel drained and empty, you’re not alone. I’ve been right there with you, feeling that pull.

The turning point comes when you realize you don’t need to fix your introversion. You need to work with it. And that begins by finding your tribe of fellow thinkers, the people who remind you that your best ideas often come after reflection, not rapid-fire collaboration and my new book Personal Branding for Introverts (Basic Venture) goes through a few of the ideas that I explore below.

Building a Supportive Community

You do not need a huge network to make an impact. A few close, supportive connections amplify your voice far more than a long list of acquaintances. So, feel free to lean on peers, mentors, and colleagues who get you and lift you up.

Find Your Values-Based Circle.

Look for people who share your values, not just those in your line of work. What really matters for building lasting professional relationships is common ground over job titles. Someone who values quality as much as you do will be a way better support for your career than just a random connection eager to trade business cards.

Engage Thoughtfully on Professional Platforms.

The next best thing you can do is to be involved in real conversations on LinkedIn, where you have a moment to think before you reply. Avoid getting swept up in trending hashtags. Instead, look for posts that explore issues you care about. Your thoughtful responses will stand out more than quick, off-the-cuff reactions.

Share Your Expertise Through Honest Analysis.

Offer straightforward insights about industry trends in smaller groups or through one-on-one discussions. You have a knack for spotting patterns and analyzing things deeply, which makes your viewpoints really valuable. Aim to be the most insightful person in the room rather than the loudest.

Create Reciprocal Relationships That Sustain You.

Genuinely celebrate the successes of others so they feel inclined to support you in return. This doesn’t mean you have to be phony or constantly cheer them on. Just notice when someone does something good and acknowledge it in a way that feels authentic to you.

Choose Energy-Giving Interactions.

Be mindful of your energy by choosing interactions that lift you up instead of draining you. Not every networking event is worth your time. Say yes to coffee with that colleague whose work really inspires you, and skip the industry mixer if it just means two hours of small talk with people you likely won’t see again.

Partner Strategically for Maximum Impact.

Collaborate with an outgoing person for events where you need a broader reach. You bring the depth of thought, and they bring the social energy. Authentic partnerships expand your reach while keeping you true to yourself.

Partnering with Extroverts for Balance

Extroverts can complement your strengths, especially when your careful analysis pairs well with their outreach. The combination scales impact without burning either person out. To make it work, agree on roles in advance so tasks match strengths. Tell partners how you recharge and what you need after an event. You can also find extroverts who value depth by starting projects online.

Measuring and Celebrating Your Wins

Measure success in ways that matter to you. Set goals around growth and fulfillment rather than likes. And don’t forget to track progress in a journal. To give you a quick example, Keanu Reeves measures wins by meaningful roles and giving back. Follow that principle. Goals could look like publishing one thoughtful article each quarter or mentoring one peer each month.

Your Path to Meaningful Impact

You can define success quietly and make it last. Use your strengths and your community to build lasting influence. Your path is not about outshining others. It is about shining true to yourself. You are exactly who and where you need to be.

 

Goldie Chan

Goldie Chan, dubbed the “Oprah of LinkedIn,” is an innovative LinkedIn Top Voice, author of Personal Branding for Introverts and the founder of Warm Robots, an award-winning social strategy agency. A Forbes alum, cancer survivor and global keynote speaker with nearly half a million followers across platforms, she helps Fortune 500s and creatives build lasting community and culture through brand storytelling.

 

Olivia Malonda: Building A Global Wellness Legacy From Scratch

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Olivia Malonda

Olivia Malonda

by Olivia Malonda

Having to create my own “bubble” away from my home country of Spain made me realize how vital my roots truly are, and how incredibly fortunate I am that my heritage is steeped in generations of wisdom about wellness. That experience sparked in me a deep desire not only to preserve that legacy but also to share it with those who need it or are curious to explore it.

I didn’t start this project with investors behind me. Instead, I started out with what I know: my culture and my values that I grew up with. That is what gave me the strength to keep going.

Turning expertise into a business model

It is ingrained in me that health is a priority in life. But when I began researching data for my book, I learned that in most countries — even in several first-world countries — many children are suffering from malnutrition. It was a frightening realization that made me feel responsible because I know there is a way forward, and it is doable.

Sharing that knowledge became my mission. What began as personal expertise grew into my upcoming book, and from there into wellness coaching programs focused on the Mediterranean lifestyle, built on the foundation of authenticity, cultural integrity, and discipline.

The Mediterranean lifestyle is not a mere diet or a fad. It is a system that teaches us how to organize time, meals, and priorities so that health is lived, rather than forced.

Self-publishing and marketing my first book

Truthfully, this has been another journey, and a bumpy one at that. I had never taken the time to write a book before. I just had a vision and worked on it. Not only did I choose to self-publish, but I also directed, created, and did the food styling of the book.

As with every project, you start with a dream and encounter challenges along the way. There are times you run out of energy and others when you want to focus on other things entirely. You go to sleep thinking about all the hours and money spent, but you keep going because you really want this dream to happen.

Ultimately, you simply learn how to deal with those difficulties. I don’t think there’s any other way to accomplish your big dreams.

Building an international audience with limited resources

Reaching a global audience without a large budget has been an ongoing process that I continue to work on every day. Marketing and PR have been essential, but my focus has always been on educating first and selling second. I believe trust is built by offering knowledge and guidance people can use, not by chasing quick wins.

With the book, I know I’ll reach audiences beyond Spain and the United States. Cultural sensitivity, consistency, and staying true to the wisdom and wellness that the Mediterranean lifestyle offers are what give my message resonance anywhere in the world.

Staying authentic while meeting market demands

One of the greatest challenges in wellness is the temptation to simplify or dilute traditions to appeal to a broader audience. I will never sacrifice quality for the sake of convenience. This value is non-negotiable in my work.

Remaining authentic means teaching the Mediterranean lifestyle as it truly is: structured, disciplined, and rooted in care. The market may demand novelty, but I believe lasting impact comes from preserving what works and honoring the wisdom passed down through generations.

A legacy in motion

Taking a vision or idea for a project and making it something tangible is never an easy task, but remember that it is a learning journey. Accept the challenge and relish it as much as you can. Think how fortunate you are to be able to work on your own vision or dream. Some people do not even dare to do it. And believe me, those are the ones who live with envy and regret.

From building a business without a safety net to writing and publishing my first book to creating a global brand, my journey has been anything but simple. But what has helped keep me focused is remembering that every difficulty has been part of the legacy I am building.

I plan to continue sharing the Mediterranean lifestyle in its most authentic form because it is more than just my heritage. It is my responsibility. And I will continue to share it, one structure, one habit, and one life at a time.

 

Olivia Malonda

Olivia Malonda is widely recognized as an icon of the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle. She studied Mediterranean nutrition at the University of Valencia and bridges the worlds of wellness, performance, and storytelling with ease. Her expertise is inherited from the mothers and grandmothers of Spain to preserve Mediterranean culture. Today, Olivia channels her passion for sustainable living, seasonal cuisine, and holistic health into a personal brand that celebrates the UNESCO-recognized Mediterranean way of life.

 

Lessons In Global Business Leadership From A Female Executive Managing Teams Across Continents

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by Nashay Naeve, President of the Engineered Plastic Components Business Unit at Tsubaki-Nakashima

It’s 10:00 p.m. The house is quiet, my kids are asleep, and I’m jumping into a video call with my colleagues in Asia. Just twelve hours earlier, I was deep in joint strategy sessions with my teams in the US and Europe. It’s a long day by any measure—but it’s also the reality of leading global teams. Next time, we’ll reverse the schedule so I can start fresh in the morning while my colleagues in Asia take the late shift. That rotation may sound small, but it sends a powerful signal of fairness and respect.

Global leadership requires more than operational expertise. It demands empathy, cultural awareness, and a willingness to adapt. Over the course of my career—from building go-to-market strategy in China during a period of rapid industrial growth, to leading large international portfolios in electronics, to now managing cross-continental teams in manufacturing—I’ve learned that success comes from balancing performance with people.

Here are a few lessons that stand out.

Rotate Meeting Times

Global teams don’t operate on one clock. If meetings are always scheduled for one region’s convenience, employees is the other time zone end up making endless personal sacrifices. While not always possible, by rotating call times—sometimes late nights for me, sometimes early mornings—I ensure the inconvenience is shared.

I’ve seen the difference this makes: after shifting a recurring meeting from my morning to Asia’s morning, engagement noticeably improved. The team came to the call more energized, and their input was sharper. That small adjustment not only showed respect for their time but also elevated the quality of our collaboration.

Protect Personal Boundaries.

In global roles, the workday can easily stretch into a 24-hour cycle. Early in my career, I made the mistake of being “always on,” answering emails at all hours. I’ve since learned that setting boundaries isn’t a weakness—it’s a necessity. Encouraging teams to unplug when needed leads to more energy, creativity, and long-term sustainability.

Lead Inclusively.

When your team spans continents, diversity isn’t theoretical—it’s built into every project. I’ve seen firsthand how an operator in Europe, an engineer in Asia, and a manager in the US can each approach the same challenge differently. Inclusive leadership means listening to all of those voices, combining perspectives, and creating solutions that no single viewpoint could have achieved alone.

Adapt Global Strategy to Local Needs.

A global vision is important, but execution always happens locally. My time in China underscored this: strategies succeed only when they’re tailored to local markets while still staying aligned to the overall business. For small businesses with global ambitions, this is a valuable lesson—think big, but act locally.

Final Thought.

Global leadership isn’t about being everywhere at once—it’s about creating the conditions for people everywhere to thrive. By rotating meeting times, respecting personal boundaries, leading inclusively, and adapting strategy to local needs, leaders can build teams that are both high-performing and sustainable.

For entrepreneurs, graduates, and professionals stepping into international roles, my advice is simple: start practicing global leadership habits now. Whether it’s learning to flex across time zones, appreciating cultural nuances, or modeling balance between work and life, these small practices build the foundation for leadership that teams will respect—and follow—across continents.

 

Nashay Naeve

Nashay Naeve, President of the Engineered Plastic Components Business Unit at Tsubaki-Nakashima, is a global business leader and general manager in the industrial sector, with experience spanning automotive, electronics, heavy machinery, and general industrial markets. Over the course of her career, she’s led international teams, lived and worked abroad, and driven growth in complex, technical businesses.

 

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