California voters are heavily divided along partisan lines when it comes to President Trump, with large majorities of Democrats and unaffiliated voters disapproving of him and believing the country is headed in the wrong direction under his leadership, and many Republicans feeling the opposite, according to a new poll conducted for The Times.
The findings are remarkably consistent with past polling on the Republican president in the nation’s most populous blue state, said Mark DiCamillo, director of the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies Poll.
“If you look at all the job ratings we’ve done about President Trump — and this carries back all the way through his first term — voters have pretty much maintained the same posture,” DiCamillo said. “Voters know who he is.”
The same partisan divide also showed up in the poll on a number of hot-button issues, such as Medicaid cuts and tariffs, DiCamillo said — with Democrats “almost uniformly” opposed to Trump’s agenda and Republicans “pretty much on board with what Trump is doing.”
Asked whether the sweeping tariffs that Trump has imposed on international trading partners have had a “noticeable negative impact” on their family spending, 71% of Democrats said yes, while 76% of Republicans said no.
“If you’re a Republican, you tend to discount the impacts — you downplay them or you just ignore them,” while Democrats “tend to blame everything on Trump,” DiCamillo said.
Asked whether they were confident that the Trump administration would provide California with the nearly $40 billion in wildfire relief aid it has requested in response to the devastating L.A.-area fires in January, 93% of Democrats said they were not confident — compared with the 43% of Republicans who said they were confident.
In a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2 to 1, the effect is that Trump fared terribly in the poll overall, just as he has in recent presidential votes in the state.
The poll — conducted Aug. 11-17 with 4,950 registered voters interviewed — found 69% of likely California voters disapproved of Trump, with 62% strongly disapproving, while 29% approved of him. A similar majority, 68%, said they believed the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 26% said it’s headed in the right direction.
Whereas 90% of Democrats and 75% of unaffiliated voters said the country is on the wrong track, just 20% of Republicans felt that way, the poll found.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the poll.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said the findings prove Trump’s agenda “is devastating communities across California who are dealing with the harmful, real life consequences” of the president’s policies.
“The Trump Administration does not represent the views of the vast majority of Californians and it’s why Trump has chosen California to push the limits of his constitutional power,” Padilla said. “As more Americans across the nation continue to feel the impacts of his destructive policies, public support will continue to erode.”
G. Cristina Mora, co-director of the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, or IGS, said the findings were interesting, especially in light of other recent polling for The Times that found slightly more nuanced Republican impressions — and more wariness — when it comes to Trump’s immigration agenda and tactics.
On his overall approval and on other parts of his agenda, including the tariffs and Medicaid cuts, “the strength of the partisanship is very clear,” Mora said.
Cuts to Medicaid
Voters in the state are similarly divided when it comes to recent decisions on Medicaid health insurance for low-income residents, the poll found. The state’s version is known as Medi-Cal.
For instance, Californians largely disapprove of new work requirements for Medicaid and Medi-Cal recipients under the Big Beautiful Bill that Trump championed and congressional Republicans recently passed into law, the poll found.
The bill requires most Medicaid recipients ages 18 to 64 to work at least 80 hours per month in order to continue receiving benefits. Republicans trumpeted the change as holding people accountable and safeguarding against abuses of federal taxpayer dollars, while Democrats denounced it as a threat to public health that would strip millions of vulnerable Americans of their health insurance.
The poll found 61% of Californians disapproved of the change, with 43% strongly disapproving of it, while 36% approved of it, with 21% strongly approving of it. Voters were sharply divided along party lines, however, with 80% of Republicans approving of the changes and 85% of Democrats disapproving of them.
Californians also disapproved — though by a smaller margin — of a move by California Democrats and Gov. Gavin Newsom to help close a budget shortfall by barring undocumented immigrant adults from newly enrolling in Medi-Cal benefits.
A slight majority of poll respondents, or 52%, said they disapproved of the new restriction, with 17% strongly disapproving of it. The poll found 43% of respondents approved of the change, including 30% who strongly approved of it.
Among Democrats, 77% disapproved of the change. Among Republicans, 87% approved of it. Among voters with no party preference, 52% disapproved.
More than half the poll respondents — 57% — said neither they nor their immediate family members receive Medi-Cal benefits, while 35% said they did. Of those who receive Medi-Cal, two-thirds — or 67% — said they were very or somewhat worried about losing, or about someone in their immediate family losing, their coverage due to changes by the Trump administration.
Nadereh Pourat, associate director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, said there is historical evidence to show what is going to happen next under the changes — and it’s not good.
The work requirement will undoubtedly result in people losing health coverage, just as thousands did when Arkansas implemented a similar requirement years ago, she said.
When people lose coverage, the cost of preventative care goes up and they generally receive less of it, she said. “If the doctor’s visit competes with food on the table or rent, then people are going to skip those primary care visits,” she said — and often “end up in the emergency room” instead.
And that’s more expensive not just for them, but also for local and state healthcare systems, she said.
Cuts to high-speed rail
Californians also are heavily divided over the state’s efforts to build a high-speed rail line through the Central Valley, after the Trump administration announced it was clawing back $4 billion in promised federal funding.
The project was initially envisioned as connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco by 2026, but officials have since set new goals of connecting Bakersfield to Merced by 2030. The project is substantially over budget, and Trump administration officials have called in a “boondoggle.”
The poll found that 49% of Californians support the project, with 28% of them strongly in favor of it. It found 42% oppose the project, including 28% who strongly oppose it.
Among Democrats, 66% were in favor of the project. Among Republicans, 77% were opposed. Among voters with no party preference, 49% were in favor while 39% were opposed.
In Los Angeles County, 54% of voters were in favor of the project continuing, while 58% of voters in the Bay Area were in favor. In the Central Valley, 51% of voters were opposed, compared with 41% in favor.
State Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San José), who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, said political rhetoric around the project has clearly had an effect on how voters feel about it, and that is partly because state leaders haven’t done enough to lay out why the project makes sense economically.
“Healthy skepticism is a good thing, especially when you’re dealing with billions of dollars,” he said. “It’s on legislators and the governor right now in California to lay out a strategy that you can’t poke a lot of holes in, and that hasn’t been the case in the past.”
Cortese said he started life as an orchard farmer in what is now Silicon Valley, knows what major public infrastructure investments can mean for rural communities such as those in the Central Valley, and will be hyperfocused on that message moving forward.
“There is no part of California that I know of that’s been waiting for more economic development than Bakersfield. Probably second is Fresno,” he said.
He said he also will be stressing to local skeptics of the project that supporting the Trump administration taking $4 billion away from California would be a silly thing to do no matter their politics. Conservative local officials who understand that will be “key to help us turn the tide,” he said.
Last month, California’s high-speed rail authority sued the Trump administration over the withdrawal of funds. The state is also suing the Trump administration over various changes to Medicaid, over Trump’s tariffs and over immigration enforcement tactics.
Mora said the sharp divide among Democrats and Republicans on Trump and his agenda called to mind other recent polling that showed many voters immediately changed their views of the economy after Trump took office — with Republicans suddenly feeling more optimistic, and Democrats more pessimistic.
It’s all a reflection of our modern, hyperpartisan politics, she said, where people’s perceptions — including about their own economic well-being — are “tied now much more closely to ideas about who’s in power.”
The Hope Community Center and the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition want change and action after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents appeared near an Orange County school during a traffic stop.That traffic stop happened outside Apopka High School on August 15 and ended with five people in ICE custody, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.The school went on a “secure hold” during the incident, but speakers at an Orange County Public Schools meeting Tuesday night said it took too long for people to be told about what happened.”Many families were left terrified without any clear communications or support, our schools should be a place for learning not a place of fear,” said Hope Community Center Executive Director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet.Miguel Torres, a student at Apopka High School, said, “racial comments against the Latino community started going around on social media, which made the situation even worse.”School board chair Teresa Jacobs said there was some miscommunication and that the district has protocols, but they are limited in what they can do.Jacobs said that when ICE is actually on an OCPS campus, the district has more that it can do. “We immediately ask if we can reach out to the parents. If they say yes, great, we contact the parents. If they say no, we make them fill out a form saying that we’ve asked and they’ve declined.” she said.Aaron Kuen with Immigrants Are Welcome Here said, “I think madame chair was very clear that we do have an advocate. I definitely think that actions speak louder than words, so hopefully what she’s saying really does happen where there’s more accountability.”Speakers at the meeting said that many teachers don’t know what to do when ICE shows up.”Maybe we want to get some workshops for teachers to know exactly what to do for ICE when they do pop up,” said America Castillo.Renee Gomez with the Farmworkers Association of Florida said, “We’re looking for change, we’re looking for action. We want them to improve their policies. So, it was great, but we need more.” He continued, “We got promises that they’re going to do better. They said they dropped the ball and that they understand communication can be improved, and they promise to do that. So, we’re hoping this is a start of change.”
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
The Hope Community Center and the Immigrants Are Welcome Here Coalition want change and action after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents appeared near an Orange County school during a traffic stop.
That traffic stop happened outside Apopka High School on August 15 and ended with five people in ICE custody, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The school went on a “secure hold” during the incident, but speakers at an Orange County Public Schools meeting Tuesday night said it took too long for people to be told about what happened.
“Many families were left terrified without any clear communications or support, our schools should be a place for learning not a place of fear,” said Hope Community Center Executive Director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet.
Miguel Torres, a student at Apopka High School, said, “racial comments against the Latino community started going around on social media, which made the situation even worse.”
School board chair Teresa Jacobs said there was some miscommunication and that the district has protocols, but they are limited in what they can do.
Jacobs said that when ICE is actually on an OCPS campus, the district has more that it can do. “We immediately ask if we can reach out to the parents. If they say yes, great, we contact the parents. If they say no, we make them fill out a form saying that we’ve asked and they’ve declined.” she said.
Aaron Kuen with Immigrants Are Welcome Here said, “I think madame chair was very clear that we do have an advocate. I definitely think that actions speak louder than words, so hopefully what she’s saying really does happen where there’s more accountability.”
Speakers at the meeting said that many teachers don’t know what to do when ICE shows up.
“Maybe we want to get some workshops for teachers to know exactly what to do for ICE when they do pop up,” said America Castillo.
Renee Gomez with the Farmworkers Association of Florida said, “We’re looking for change, we’re looking for action. We want them to improve their policies. So, it was great, but we need more.” He continued, “We got promises that they’re going to do better. They said they dropped the ball and that they understand communication can be improved, and they promise to do that. So, we’re hoping this is a start of change.”
It’s official. California voters this fall will be asked to approve Democratic-drawn congressional maps, after the Legislature approved a bill Thursday calling for a special election in the fall. Earlier Thursday, California’s Democratic leaders moved forward with an effort to change the congressional district maps so that they heavily favor Democrats, regardless of what Texas or other Republican states do. (Video below: Gov. Newsom, Democratic lawmakers answer questions about the redistricting special election.)The effort that was promoted by California Democrats as a way to counteract efforts in Texas to send more Republicans to Congress will no longer rely on the action in the Lone Star state or others that allegedly spurred redistricting efforts, according to legislative documents KCRA 3 obtained Thursday. Democratic state lawmakers in the California Assembly made changes to the legislation known as ACA 8 on Thursday morning, minutes before they began debating and voting on the proposed ballot measure that would present the new maps to voters in a special statewide election this fall.(Video below: Gov. Newsom speaks with legislative leaders at a bill signing.)The changes clarifying that the maps do not rely on Texas or other states were put in a separate bill that lawmakers are prepared to approve on Monday. Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders have repeatedly insisted that California would have no need to enact new Congressional maps if Texas and other GOP states cease redistricting efforts. It has been part of a bitter fight between states over which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives halfway through President Donald Trump’s term.But now the legislation, known as the Election Rigging Response Act in California, has all references to any red state’s redistricting efforts stricken out of the language. That special election would ask voters to allow the new, politically drawn maps heavily favoring Democrats to take effect 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. It could be a legal gamble in the state, where voters in 2008 and 2010 took the power away from politicians to draw Congressional districts and gave it to an independent, citizens-led redistricting commission. (VIDEO BELOW: How did we get here?)The change comes a day after the Texas House approved new Congressional maps that attempt to remove five Democrats from its representation and replace them with Republicans. The maps are now halfway through that state’s process. The Republican-controlled state Senate was scheduled to vote on a map Thursday night. “Yesterday, Texas moved forward with their Trump power grab so this notion of “conditioning” is no longer applicable — it is self-evident that California will need to move forward in response to what Texas has done,” Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said in a statement.The governor’s office noted California’s change is also meant to simplify the question that is presented to voters this fall. Republican states will no longer be mentioned in the ballot measure, which will ask voters to simultaneously approve the new politically drawn congressional maps and support independent redistricting nationwide. The act of redrawing district lines to specifically favor a political party is known as gerrymandering, a once taboo practice to openly admit to that is now being boasted by both Democrats and Republicans.California Democrats began publicly advocating for redistricting after President Donald Trump called on Texas to send five additional Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump made the request because midterm elections could typically lead to shifts in power.California lawmakers approved legislation Thursday that will establish the Nov. 4 special election. The Assembly approved ACA 8 with 57 ayes and 20 nos, with Democrat Alex Lee abstaining from the vote. Democrat Dawn Addis was absent on Thursday.The state Senate then voted to approve ACA 8 on a 30-8 vote. The ballot measure is expected to be known as Proposition 50. The cost of a special election is not yet public, but it is expected to cost at least $200 million, which is around what it cost for the 2021 election that attempted to recall Newsom from office. Newsom signed two pieces of legislation later Thursday that outline the logistics for the special election and provide resources and money for it. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
It’s official.
California voters this fall will be asked to approve Democratic-drawn congressional maps, after the Legislature approved a bill Thursday calling for a special election in the fall.
Earlier Thursday, California’s Democratic leaders moved forward with an effort to change the congressional district maps so that they heavily favor Democrats, regardless of what Texas or other Republican states do.
(Video below: Gov. Newsom, Democratic lawmakers answer questions about the redistricting special election.)
This content is imported from YouTube.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The California Legislature placed the measure on the ballot by passing ACA 8.
The Governor will sign two pieces of legislation momentarily that fund it, outline logistics for it.
The effort that was promoted by California Democrats as a way to counteract efforts in Texas to send more Republicans to Congress will no longer rely on the action in the Lone Star state or others that allegedly spurred redistricting efforts, according to legislative documents KCRA 3 obtained Thursday.
Democratic state lawmakers in the California Assembly made changes to the legislation known as ACA 8 on Thursday morning, minutes before they began debating and voting on the proposed ballot measure that would present the new maps to voters in a special statewide election this fall.
(Video below: Gov. Newsom speaks with legislative leaders at a bill signing.)
This content is imported from YouTube.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The changes clarifying that the maps do not rely on Texas or other states were put in a separate bill that lawmakers are prepared to approve on Monday.
This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
NEW: California Democrats in Assembly this AM changed the state’s Redistricting ballot measure legislation, which basically now allows new Congressional maps to go into effect NO MATTER what other states do.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders have repeatedly insisted that California would have no need to enact new Congressional maps if Texas and other GOP states cease redistricting efforts. It has been part of a bitter fight between states over which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives halfway through President Donald Trump’s term.
But now the legislation, known as the Election Rigging Response Act in California, has all references to any red state’s redistricting efforts stricken out of the language.
That special election would ask voters to allow the new, politically drawn maps heavily favoring Democrats to take effect 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. It could be a legal gamble in the state, where voters in 2008 and 2010 took the power away from politicians to draw Congressional districts and gave it to an independent, citizens-led redistricting commission.
“Yesterday, Texas moved forward with their Trump power grab so this notion of “conditioning” is no longer applicable — it is self-evident that California will need to move forward in response to what Texas has done,” Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said in a statement.
The governor’s office noted California’s change is also meant to simplify the question that is presented to voters this fall. Republican states will no longer be mentioned in the ballot measure, which will ask voters to simultaneously approve the new politically drawn congressional maps and support independent redistricting nationwide.
The act of redrawing district lines to specifically favor a political party is known as gerrymandering, a once taboo practice to openly admit to that is now being boasted by both Democrats and Republicans.
California Democrats began publicly advocating for redistricting after President Donald Trump called on Texas to send five additional Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump made the request because midterm elections could typically lead to shifts in power.
California lawmakers approved legislation Thursday that will establish the Nov. 4 special election.
The Assembly approved ACA 8 with 57 ayes and 20 nos, with Democrat Alex Lee abstaining from the vote. Democrat Dawn Addis was absent on Thursday.
The state Senate then voted to approve ACA 8 on a 30-8 vote.
This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
🧵 California Assembly passes ballot measure that will ask CA voters to approve Democratic drawn Congressional maps on Nov 4.
The ballot measure is expected to be known as Proposition 50.
The cost of a special election is not yet public, but it is expected to cost at least $200 million, which is around what it cost for the 2021 election that attempted to recall Newsom from office.
Newsom signed two pieces of legislation later Thursday that outline the logistics for the special election and provide resources and money for it.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Over the last 10 years, investing in and leading companies, I’ve wrestled with one big question: How do you build something that lasts in a world that changes faster every day?
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt it too. There’s always a new AI tool, a new social platform or a new business model. It’s not just noise — it’s acceleration. Thanks to positive feedback loops (like Wright’s Law), the pace of technological change really is speeding up. Better tools lead to better tools. It’s exponential.
So how do we keep up? How do we lead teams, build products and stay relevant without burning out or constantly pivoting?
Here’s what I’ve learned: You need a North Star. A clear purpose that guides every decision — no matter how fast the world changes.
Technology is rewriting the rules daily. If your business is built around a single product or service, it’s only a matter of time before someone else builds something better, cheaper or smarter.
But if you’re anchored to a purpose — a meaningful problem you’re solving — you can’t be disrupted. You might need to change how you deliver on that mission, but the mission itself keeps you steady.
Let me give you a few examples that have shaped my thinking:
Tesla started with expensive electric cars. Now it builds batteries, solar panels, a charging network — even autonomous taxis. All in service of one purpose: to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
John Deere is known for tractors. But today, they employ just as many software engineers as mechanical ones. Why? Because their mission isn’t just selling green machines — it’s empowering the people who feed the world. That now includes satellite data, AI and automation.
At Singularity University, where I serve as CEO, our purpose isn’t programs or events — it’s to educate, inspire and empower leaders to create breakthroughs powered by exponential technology. That’s our filter for everything. If it doesn’t align with the mission, we don’t do it.
What this looks like in practice
If you’re a founder, CEO or builder, here’s how I recommend you apply this thinking:
Define your purpose. Not what you do, but why you exist. What’s the problem you’re solving and why does it matter?
Get your team aligned. People don’t want to just punch a clock — they want to work on something that matters.
Use your purpose as a filter. New product idea? Strategic hire? Partnership? Ask: Does this move us closer to our mission?
Let go of distractions. Misaligned initiatives confuse your team and dilute your energy. Focus builds momentum.
Align your business model. Purpose and profit should work together. The more impact you make, the more value you create.
Stay flexible. Tech and markets evolve. You don’t need to cling to what worked before — but your mission should stay rock solid.
Final thought
There’s no stopping the pace of change. But you don’t need to outrun it. You need to out-align it — with purpose.
In my experience, there’s no better edge than knowing exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing. When your team is aligned around that North Star, it’s not just your product that wins. It’s your brand, your culture and your long-term relevance.
That’s how you build something that doesn’t just survive disruption — but drives it.
Over the last 10 years, investing in and leading companies, I’ve wrestled with one big question: How do you build something that lasts in a world that changes faster every day?
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt it too. There’s always a new AI tool, a new social platform or a new business model. It’s not just noise — it’s acceleration. Thanks to positive feedback loops (like Wright’s Law), the pace of technological change really is speeding up. Better tools lead to better tools. It’s exponential.
So how do we keep up? How do we lead teams, build products and stay relevant without burning out or constantly pivoting?
When the Titanic was sinking, the band kept playing, in an eerie mix of oblivion and resignation.
Our world is that Titanic now, and we are its musicians. We keep going, day after day, ignoring the rapid and inevitable sinking of a human era.
If this sounds too gloomy, that’s on you. It’s not gloomy — it’s real. Our world has hit the AI iceberg, and whether we like it or not, whether we think the future is dark or bright, we’re sinking. It’s neither good nor bad. It simply is.
Your Job Is Already Lost — You Just Don’t Realize It
The way we do things has already changed. From coding to content production, everything now has some AI woven into its fabric. Tiny bits and pieces are already offloaded to “something else” — something cheaper and better.
In some verticals, like software production, it’s no longer just bits and pieces, but entire chunks of operations orchestrated by a single person. Teams of ten have become the job of one.
One-year predictions are foggier than ever; no one really knows how things will be. We can only look back at the last year and stare at it in disbelief.
What’s Really Lost
When I said your job is already lost, I didn’t mean your company is firing you and someone else will take your place — yes, you may think this is how things are happening, but it’s far more than that.
Behind the thin veil of our familiar understanding of reality, there’s a more profound shift: a world in which a job is something that unequivocally defines us is disappearing.
The entire concept of “job” is becoming obsolete.
It’s hard to wrap our heads around this, because this is how we grew up — it’s how we made sense of the world. But really, who said we need jobs the way they are now? Who made the rules that for eight hours a day, from 9 to 5, we must lend our bodies, our thought processes, and our skills to someone else in exchange for sustenance? Why does it have to be this way?
What if there’s a better way?
The prospect of not having a job suddenly feels less frightening now, doesn’t it?
You Cannot See Something You Haven’t Seen Before
Our ability to understand the future is fundamentally based on our past experiences. If we encounter something we’ve never seen before, it simply doesn’t exist for us. We have no reference points, no framework — so it slips through our minds.
We cannot see what will replace the “job”; we’re not equipped for it.
But history has taught us, time and again, that every disruption — whether biological (from Neanderthal to Sapiens) or social (from hunter-gatherers to agriculture) — has ultimately enabled something better.
We just weren’t prepared for that kind of “better,” clinging instead to our old, familiar ways.
AI won’t take your job — because it already took it. And in the process, it made room for something far better than a job.
SALEM — The Peabody Essex Museum has recommitted to a three-year renewable energy agreement that matches 100% of the museum’s annual electricity use across its entire 23-building campus with renewable energy credits.
And this Saturday, July 26, PEM will open a new climate-focused exhibition, titled “Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest.” The exhibit, available in English and Spanish, will be on view until Sept. 27 of next year, and spotlights the boreal forest and its ecosystem’s vital importance to the health of the planet.
This page requires Javascript.
Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
(Luther Vandross: Never Too Much” is now playing in limited release in theaters. It will air on CNN and then on MAX streaming in 2025)
If you are a fan of Luther Vandross and you think you know most of all there is about the late acclaimed phenomenal singer, then you are in for an awakening. There is so much more that we don’t know.
Dawn Porter’s “Luther Vandross: Never Too Much “ is one of the best music bio documentaries to come along in recent years. Hardcore Vandross fans will be wowed and pleased at the information and footage Porter was able to dig up on the late singer.
The film has been well-received on the film festival circuit and was picked up for distribution by CNN Films in partnership with the company of one of his biggest fans Oprah Winfrey’s OWN.
Before Vandross became one of the world’s beloved male singers, he was a part of a few singing groups, sung a number of commercial jiggles, and sung backup with rock and R&B legends.
My biggest surprise was I always assumed Vandross was the recipient of a ton of Grammys. That is not the case. He had so many hits like “Endless Love”, “Never Too Much”, “House Is Not A Home”. It was very frustrating to Vandross. Did he face racism even after he became a one name entertainer? According to Vandross, he did.
Vandross died in 2005 of a heart attack.
Porter took some time out of a busy schedule to talk about her passion project via telephone.
AV: Out of all of the great singers there have been what possessed you to want to do a documentary on Luther Vandross?
Dawn Porter: I really couldn’t believe that he didn’t have a feature documentary. Someone who has written and produced with Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick and with all the success he had as a solo artist. Having such an impactful career in American music – really the world. I just couldn’t believe there was no film. Of course, I was a fan but I was just curious on where did this man come from? What was his real story. Working with Sony (Music) gave us the ability to look into that.
AV: When did you first discover Luther?
DP: He’s one of those artists that you can’t remember the first time because it feels like he has always been around. And the idea that he is still being played, the kids are discovering him now. This summer I was at a few dance parties and he is always being played. He definitely has been a part of my growing up and part of my adulthood.
AV: I remember discovering him when he was with the singing group Change. (Luther left the group because he wanted to do his own music.)
DP: We have some great footage during that era. There was so much that I didn’t know about him. He did so many jingles that I didn’t know was Luther.
AV: You never saw scandals about Luther’s love life in the tabloids. Did he have a love life?
DP: We addressed that quite a bit in the film. He would say that he never found that one person that he was on equal footing and in love with. Of course, there was a lot of speculation about his sexuality, but I’ll have to refer you to the movie.
AV: That had to be tough on him as this singer who sung all of these classic ballads and he never found his true love.
DP: He was on Oprah like 14 times and they had a lot in common, particularly their public battle with weight. One time she asked him which of his songs was his favorite and he said, “Any Love.” He said it was the most autobiographical song. He never stopped searching for that love.
AV: I guess that is not so uncommon. I know a lot of people who have never found that “one” even if they have been married a few times.
DP: I agree with you.. Here is this man responsible for a million babies being borned – Dr. Love. We interviewed (singer/songwriter) Valerie Simpson and she said that he did not want to be known as Dr. Love. He said he wanted to be known for his singing skills but she told him, but that’s what you are. You have given us such wonderful love songs. She wanted him to accept it because he had given so many people the gift of words that they would have wanted to say.
AV: What will the hardcore Luther fan discover in this documentary?
DP: They will discover a lot about his early life, his teenage years before he was famous, and subsequently how he got discovered. Some of it is reminding people that he was not only a singer but an arranger, a composer, a producer. I think putting it together all in one place will help you understand the magnitude of his talent.
AV: Luther was the only male singer I heard referred to as a diva – divo. Did you find he behaved that way later in his career?
DP: I don’t think he was. I think he was exacting, but he was always that way. We have rehearsal footage of him preparing his dancers and they talked about how they wanted to live up to his expectations. We have in the film a montage of his elaborate staging and costumes and all he put into his shows. His shows were so legendary. He told his audience, “I will not play with your ticket money.” He understood that people were playing good money and deserved to be entertained. And he wanted to give as close to perfection that he could provide. That’s what he was going for. It wasn’t diva for diva sake. His attitude was ‘We don’t take our audience for granted.’
AV: What singer was that who fired him from being a backed up singer and told him that he needed to focus on his solo career?
DP: That was Roberta Flack. Unfortunately, she wasn’t in any condition to give us an interview so we have archival footage of her describing their relationships. That’s the beauty of this film is where we couldn’t get current footage we found footage of people talking about him.
AV: Did you ever get to see him perform live?
DP: No, I didn’t but it was fun watching all of the concert footage. We wanted to give people the feeling of watching a concert film. Working with Sony we were able to capture what it would be like to be at one of his shows.
AV: How long did it take you to pull it all together?
DP: It came together pretty fast considering the complexity of this documentary. It was about a year.
BOSTON — The state is distributing nearly $28 million to communities and regional organizations to upgrade parks and preserve open space as part of broader efforts to blunt the impact of climate change.
The state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said it has awarded $27.8 million for park improvements and open space acquisition through several grant programs to help 54 communities and trusts to protect land. The spending will help preserve nearly 2,400 acres of open space statewide, the agency said.
Gov. Maura Healey said the open space program’s projects will “boost public health, drive tourism, and strengthen our economy” and that the spending is part of a large effort “creating sustainable communities and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.”
“Investing in parks and open space is critical for our state’s resilience against climate change, tackling issues like urban heat islands, flooding, sea level rise, and drought,” Healey said in a statement.
The funding includes $500,000 for Lawrence to cover upgrades to Campagnone Common, a 17.5-acre park in the city’s downtown that hosts festivals and other gatherings.
“By enhancing public spaces for recreation and community, we’re not only fostering a healthier, more vibrant Lawrence but also contributing to our city’s economic vitality as more people come to enjoy everything Lawrence has to offer,” state Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, said in a statement.
Salem is receiving $500,000 from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities program for renovations at Curtis Memorial Park that will upgrade structures and a playing field, the agency said.
The Essex County Greenbelt Association will receive $300,000 through the Conservation Partnership Grants program to preserve 84 acres of farmland, wildlife habitat and headwaters to the East Meadow River, a tributary to the Merrimack River and a major source of drinking water for Haverhill, the agency said.
A 1972 amendment to the state constitution, approved by 82% of voters, gave the state Legislature the authority to order the purchase of land – by eminent domain or otherwise – for conservation, recreation or open space. It set a two-thirds vote requirement for lawmakers to approve or make changes to protections.
A 2022 amendment to the law declares that land preservation is considered a “public purpose” by the state government and that “people have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of their environment.”
The law includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, which must be at 110% of the property’s value.
Within three years of the transaction, the money must be deposited into a fund dedicated to the purchase of Article 97 land that is of “equal natural resource value and acreage.”
The Resilient Lands Initiative, a coalition of state agencies, nonprofit environmental groups and land trusts, wants to speed up land conservation in Massachusetts with a focus on climate resilience and environmental justice. The group has set a goal of conserving 30% of land statewide by 2030 and 40% by 2050.
Conservationists have faced a backlash from some local leaders who have raised concerns about the drain on their budgets when large tracts are taken off the tax rolls and made off limits to commercial development or housing projects that provide tax revenue.
The scramble for undeveloped land has also pitted advocates of open space against those of affordable housing, who argue that the need for low-income housing in many communities often takes a back seat to creating new parks, protecting forests and preserving wildlife habitat.
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.
Growing up, I realized that children are a product of their environment, so let me tell you a little bit about mine: I grew up in Secaucus, N.J., a town called “the Jewel of the Meadowlands.” My suburban hometown exists within a large ecosystem of wetlands, the Meadowlands, through which the Hackensack River flows. But with post-agricultural pig farm effluent and debris from New York’s train station decay being dumped into the area, the Meadowlands became a jewel in need of polishing.
Secaucus is working to recover the natural marshes by designating them as protected so fewer apartment complexes can be built and begin to sink a few years down the road, which has happened in the past. The town became environmentally conscious, and existing within that environment, I did the same.
In high school, I worked with the Secaucus Environmental Department for over three years as part of the Next Generation Community Leaders, or NGCL, program created by the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute. Little did I know just how much this experience would influence my life. Throughout that time, I learned about climate change, the planet’s environmental challenges, and the actions we need to take to reduce our footprint. I helped implement a plastic bag and Styrofoam ban, designed a food waste composting system at my high school and local gardens and created eco-friendly living PSAs. I canvassed to promote eco-friendly living and educated residents on how to compost at home.
I also certified local businesses as “green,” depending on whether they followed practices set by the Sustainable Jersey network. These practices included recycling, reducing food waste, not using Styrofoam, etc. My contributions to the environmental department helped Secaucus to earn recognition from Sustainable Jersey as a Silver Certified Community.
That experience showed me how local actions can create change. By educating residents in Secaucus, we altered their behaviors, if even slightly, to be more environmentally conscious. Residents began to grow produce in the community gardens, compost at home and reduce their plastic bag usage. I witnessed how humans responsible for harming the planet have the potential to make changes to fix it and make it better for future generations. From that day forward, I carried that responsibility with me.
I will be honest: I don’t know the current status of those projects I worked on in Secaucus. I hope that residents are still composting at home and that those businesses continue their green practices.
I began my journey into learning about sustainability at USC with a major in industrial and systems engineering and a minor in law and public policy. Although these are not fields directly tied to the climate ecosphere, my advocacy in Secaucus made me realize that a systematic mindset and policy knowledge would be strong tools with which I can effect change within both the government and private sector in advocating for larger-scale sustainability solutions. With the opportunities provided by USC, I knew I could get involved in environmentalism and sustainability without having to be an environmental science major.
“We have canvassed [local] youth … and discovered that their top environmental priorities are cleaner air, green spaces and green buildings,” says Alyssa Jaipersaud, a member of the L.A. County Youth Climate Commission.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
If you asked freshman Alyssa what her ultimate career goal was, she would have said, “Facilitate systemic change within the bureaucracy through ecological and climate-preservation policies to make society more sustainably conscious.” I wrote this on an index card and kept it in my backpack throughout college to constantly remind me of the goal because being an environmentalist can be discouraging, given the current climate.
Since then, I think I would have made freshman Alyssa proud. I was accepted into the USC Student Sustainability Committee and became a mentor to new members. The SSC acts as a representative for the student body within the Presidential Working Group for Sustainability. We work on projects such as getting reusable takeout containers in dining halls, ensuring ongoing campus construction is adhering to green practices, and creating a central physical space where sustainability-minded students can gather.
As a member of the SSC, I ensured that sustainability would become a standard educational practice at USC and change student behaviors toward respecting their environment. I continued my education at USC by pursuing a master’s in sustainable engineering, and I have earned the distinction of a National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholar by focusing on sustainability.
Alyssa Jaipersaud poses for a portrait at Exposition Park Rose Garden.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
My environmental pursuits have culminated in my becoming a Los Angeles County Youth Climate commissioner in the world’s first such organization. We have canvassed the youth in L.A. County and discovered that their top environmental priorities are cleaner air, green spaces and green buildings.
Now, as a member of the legislative committee, I track all federal and state measures that relate to these priorities and bring them to the attention of the county Board of Supervisors so that they can weigh in on whether the legislation should be amended, supported or rejected. We are working actively to support legislation currently going through the U.S. Senate that would call for establishing opportunities for youths to be involved in policy development so they can ensure a healthy environment for their future and those to come.
Since children are a product of their environment, we should help future generations have a good environment to live in. With the environment constantly changing due to global warming, future generations will have a chance only if we work to make the world sustainable starting today. Instead of forcing future generations to learn how to survive to fix the environmental mistakes we are making today, they should have the opportunity to live without the repercussions of the past.
I witnessed the negative effects of a mistreated environment in my hometown, and I want to make sure future generations aren’t suffering from the consequences of what we are doing. With a sustainability mindset, local changes can influence the politicians and create the systemic change needed to get the biggest offenders under control. One of the significant steps is behavioral changes, which can begin locally and be brought by people not even studying in the environmental field, just like me.
Alyssa Jaipersaud earned a bachelor of science in industrial and systems engineering with a minor in law and public policy at USC and is also completing a master’s of science in sustainable engineering. She is setting her sights on a full-time role in the sustainability industry either as a consultant or practicing engineer.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In the past year, our company has evolved significantly, expanding our services and integrating new internal systems. It’s been a period of retraining and adaptation.
Implementing a major change to a business used to happen once every five or ten years, but with advancements in artificial intelligence coupled with economic uncertainty and digital transformation, businesses are having to pivot and adapt much more frequently. Global spending on digital transformation is expected to hit $3.4 trillion by 2026, and 64% of organizations report needing to build new digital businesses to stay competitive in 2024 and beyond.
We often hear entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about working “on” the business rather than “in” the business but understanding your company from the bottom up has significant benefits. Today, I am the president and CEO of my company, but throughout my career, I’ve worked in every area of my field, from the warehouse to driving a truck. Here’s how it’s given me an invaluable perspective when it comes to change management.
Earlier in my career, I worked for a company that hired outside consultants to revamp its operations to comply with new customs regulations. More than 75% of its employees at the time were frontline workers, and unfortunately, they weren’t consulted in the process.
When it came time to roll out the new structure, to say the implementation was messy, is an understatement. Oversights led to significant storage fees and operations issues that caused projects to fall off track and employee morale to drop. In the end, the lack of internal consultation caused the company a lot of money and pain.
When it comes to implementing any big change, it’s critical to involve the people working on the frontlines of your business. According to Beekeeper, employees on the front lines often face a disconnect with leadership, with only 23% feeling included in change-related decisions. This exclusion fuels resistance and disengagement, as 74% of employees believe leaders need to understand why people resist change to foster collaboration.
By really grasping the day-to-day responsibilities of your frontline workers and understanding how the change will impact them, you’re more likely to get buy-in and internal advocacy and make necessary adjustments to the plan.
I’ve seen too many businesses make the vital mistake of pushing down a change from top to bottom rather than consulting with their teams to get feedback on critical decisions. In these cases, it almost always leads to staff and client turnover, which has a spiraling effect on culture and morale.
More often than not, implementing a change in a business is an attempt to improve profit margins. However, too often, company leaders fail to understand how much of their bottom line is being driven by their entry-level workers. For example, a high turnover of entry-level staff reportedly costs Amazon $8 billion annually.
To successfully implement a change, it’s crucial to have representation from every department in your organization involved in the discussions. This shouldn’t be limited to team leads and managers; it’s equally important to have representation from frontline employees involved.
Among this mix, I personally like to include vocal naysayers—the team members who are known to influence the culture and not always in a positive way. This serves two purposes: the first is that sometimes the naysayers have valuable feedback that other team members are too coy to vocalize. The second is that if you can convince a vocal naysayer that a change is positive, they often become your best internal advocate.
Double down on education and training
I remember a time when we promoted a frontline employee into a leadership role. She wasn’t a frontrunner for the position. In fact, she had started her career being vocally critical of our operations, particularly of other departments.
In the end, what won her the promotion was the leadership skills she developed through change management education and training. She embraced the training and ended up becoming a champion for the departments she once critiqued, committing to helping them improve and do things better.
When we educate and train our teams on how to embrace and adopt change, we create stronger leaders. Research shows employees who receive proper training are more likely to stay with the company, directly impacting the bottom line through reduced turnover and increased productivity.
This is true at any level. Anytime we host training at work, even if I’ve already gone through it, I try to make a point to attend. As leaders, we are often removed from the practical implications of what we ask of our teams. Attending company training can be a great reminder. It also shows your team you’re not above learning and that you’re going through the change, too.
Change is hard. But when we develop the skills to prepare and adapt for it, we can build stronger businesses with more resilient teams. To do this effectively, it’s crucial for leaders to engage with team members at all levels. The insights and perspectives gained from consulting frontline employees are often what make or break a company.
Sony has delisted Helldivers 2 in more than 170 countries that don’t have dedicated regions in PSN, which was the main argument against the change. These countries no longer have the ability to buy the game or activate a retail key. Steam is refunding the game even with more than 100hrs of playtime.
When a nonprofit serving Los Angeles’ homeless and foster youth applied last year for a slice of billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s latest round of giving, the group hoped to get $1 million.
Instead, the team at Youth Emerging Stronger learned this week it was one of almost 300 community groups nationwide to be awarded $2 million.
“It doubled the amount that we were hoping for,” said Mark Supper, chief executive and president of Youth Emerging Stronger, adding, that they were “a bit dumbfounded by it, but we’re so happy.”
Scott, who co-founded Amazon with her ex-husband, chief executive Jeff Bezos, donated $640 million to more than 350 community groups nationwide, more than doubling the amount she initially planned to give, according to Yield Giving, Scott’s website. Of that pot, $137 million went to 76 organizations that serve Californians. The majority received $2 million, but about 80 organizations received $1 million.
Supper’s nonprofit was among the 25 Southern California groups that shared $47 million.
“For us, it’s really a transformational kind of gift,” Supper said. “It allows us to really think long term in our strategies and our approaches.”
The news of the massive donation is still only days old, and Supper said his team is still working on specific plans for how to use the money. But he said the group will definitely focus on expanding housing and mental health services for the vulnerable youth, ages 12 to 24, whom it serves.
Supper said his nonprofit was notified recently that it was among the finalists from Scott’s open call — which got more than 6,000 applicants — for “community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to advance the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles.”
“We’re just so pleased that they saw the value of our work,” Supper said. “It’s a critical age bracket that I think a lot of people don’t spend a lot of time on when we look at the unhoused issue.”
“We were just jumping up and down with joy when we heard this was happening,” said Carmen Ibarra, the chief executive of Achievable Health, based in Culver City.
“It comes at just the right time,” she said, as the organization’s community health center is working on plans to expand to provide services to more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who she said are “often underserved and overlooked in healthcare.”
“We’re limited right now in terms of our capacity, mainly around space,” Ibarra said. “We will be expanding our services, expanding our site, expanding the staffing that we have to be able to serve more patients in the community. … This really is jumpstarting those efforts.”
This round of donations follows many others from Scott, who has pledged to donate more than half of her wealth, which is estimated at about $32 billion, according to Forbes. Scott has typically given to organizations without an application process, but this time she worked with philanthropic group Lever for Change to analyze the thousands of applicants.
“Grateful to Lever for Change and everyone on the evaluation and implementation teams for their roles in creating this pathway to support for people working to improve access to foundational resources in their communities,” Scott wrote on her website Tuesday. “They are vital agents of change.”
Last October, the Los Angeles City Planning Department ditched some of the region’s most ambitious actions to tackle racial and economic segregation and confront the ongoing affordability crisis. Two housing initiatives — an Affordable Housing Overlay and expansions to the Transit Oriented Communities program — would have made it possible to build affordable and mixed-income housing in areas traditionally off-limits to multifamily homes.
But core components of these proposals have been withdrawn to shield single-family neighborhoods from development. This move puts L.A. at risk of running afoul of California’s fair housing law, falling short on housing production goals, and increasing displacement in its most vulnerable communities. Revised proposals are expected to be made public this winter or spring, with public outreach to follow. City leadership can and should reverse this harmful decision.
The original proposals were a response to state mandates meant to accelerate housing construction to meet demand. Under these mandates, Los Angeles has made plans to add more than 450,000 new housing units through 2029, including amending its zoning rules by February 2025 to accommodate about 250,000 more homes.
California law requires that development programs “affirmatively further fair housing,” meaning that they should “overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities” and “address significant disparities in housing needs and access to opportunity.” In certifying L.A.’s housing plan, the state made clear that “rezoning for multifamily housing in higher opportunity and low-density neighborhoods” was crucial.
The initial Transit Oriented Communities expansion and Affordable Housing Overlay did just that. In their original form, the two initiatives combined could have added almost 200,000 new units citywide, with a focus on higher-income, transit-accessible neighborhoods. Many of these communities are dominated by single-family detached houses, including Rancho Park, Westwood and Encino, among others.
The change is significant, and unjust. Our review of the city’s data shows that L.A.’s current capacity for development — places where denser housing is already allowed, ignoring the rezoning proposals — is disproportionately concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color. The data indicate that half of this capacity is in the poorest quarter of Los Angeles, while the wealthiest 10% of the city furnishes less than 1%.
We also found that the change to exclude single-family neighborhoods from rezoning slashes the two programs’ capacity by up to 82%, with the greatest reversals in the city’s wealthiest and whitest neighborhoods. Among the census tracts where the proposed zoning changes were cut by 75% or more, the median household income is $111,000. In neighborhoods where the original proposals are still being considered, it is $67,500. The racial and ethnic disparities are also stark, with tracts in the former group having more than twice the share of white residents as those in the latter (57% to 23%, respectively).
From a fair housing perspective, the Transit Oriented Communities expansion and Affordable Housing Overlay in single-family neighborhoods were L.A.’s strongest proposals. None of the alternatives come close to their potential to produce new mixed-income housing in the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, where exclusionary policies have limited opportunities for lower- and middle-income households and people of color.
With less capacity to build in higher-income neighborhoods where developers most want to invest, it’s likely that fewer apartments and condos will be constructed citywide in the years to come. As the housing supply falls further behind growing demand, affordability will decline. Meanwhile, more homes will be built in lower-income, renter-dominated neighborhoods, where residents are at greater risk of displacement as older apartments make way for larger multifamily buildings.
Angelenos, and Californians, shouldn’t accept the decision to exempt L.A.’s richest neighborhoods from helping to solve our housing crisis, insulating them from changes the city needs. The outcry of a vocal minority is no excuse to renege on the city’s commitments to fair housing.
The proposed changes are disheartening, but Los Angeles still has time to adopt a progressive housing affordability strategy, adding homes where they’re needed most. The city can start by restoring the rezoning plan to its original form, or by implementing similar strategies that direct most of the city’s new housing to higher-opportunity neighborhoods. Until L.A. takes those steps, very little about this housing plan can be called fair.
Aaron Barrall is a housing data analyst for the UCLA Lewis Center Housing Initiative, which Shane Phillips manages.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In the challenging realm of entrepreneurship, change is constant, and uncertainty is expected. It’s not a matter of if, but when, and how you navigate the unknown that defines your journey. Once you learn to accept uncertainty, entrepreneurs and CEOs will discover that it can be a gateway to transformative growth.
Recognizing the inevitability of uncertainty is a strategic imperative. I have learned that it is not a challenge to overcome; but instead, something to be embraced as a tool for leadership and a catalyst for personal growth.
As an entrepreneur and capital market expert with over 35 years of experience, I lost almost everything I had built during the Great Recession. It was a period that tested more than my business acumen; it was a profound examination of my resilience and integrity. During that time, the challenges were immense, but in retrospect, the lessons were invaluable. The strategies I learned to employ, the decisions I made and the mindset I cultivated during that tumultuous time continue to be guiding beacons for me in navigating the complexities of today’s business environment. Having been through a time that tested my resilience in business and life, I now understand the intricacies of leading through uncertainty.
The inevitability of uncertainty in entrepreneurship
In today’s business landscape, uncertainty presents itself at every turn. This state of perpetual unpredictability is simply a factor of modern existence in the business world. It is a convergence of factors — technological leaps, global interconnections, economic changes, geopolitical issues and environmental challenges. Together, these factors weave a complex narrative and result in an environment where change is not just a possibility but a constant force that shapes the very fabric of entrepreneurial endeavors.
Yet, within these uncertainties lies a paradoxical truth — uncertainty, rather than a hindrance, can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and strategic thinking. Uncertainty can be a disruptor of conventional patterns, pushing entrepreneurs beyond their comfort zones and challenging established norms. The very nature of uncertainty demands a continuous reevaluation of strategies, which fosters a culture of adaptive planning and innovation. This can help businesses not just to survive but to thrive in an ever-changing market.
McKinsey & Company, a beacon of strategic consultancy, echoes the sentiment of embracing uncertainty. Their insights on managing uncertainty in business emphasize the critical importance of preparation for various outcomes. They advocate for a shift toward creative problem-solving approaches and the need for new operating models to respond to extreme uncertainty. Strategic courage, according to McKinsey, is paramount in volatile times, urging organizations to build resilience for an uncertain future. This resonates profoundly with the idea that navigating the uncertainties of today’s business environments necessitates not just traditional strategies but innovative leadership and adaptable approaches.
Case study in entrepreneurial resilience
In the tumultuous IPO market of 2023, characterized by fluctuating valuations, tightened access to capital, rising interest rates, bank instability and global geopolitical challenges, several IPOs stood out as beacons of entrepreneurial resilience. One such success story was CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA), a leading U.S.-based restaurant chain that defied the odds and went public in June 2023.
The IPO of CAVA Group, Inc. exemplifies strategic resilience in uncertain times. Despite the challenging backdrop, the company’s shares experienced a remarkable 37% rise from their initial offering price, signaling not only the market’s strong reception but also confidence in CAVA Group’s business model. Opening at $22 per share and raising $318 million, the IPO closed its first trading day at an impressive $43.78. This success underscores the potential for triumph in a volatile market, highlighting the importance of robust business strategies and adaptability.
How can leaders and entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty in their businesses today?
Below are some key tips for navigating uncertainty in today’s business landscape.
1. The power of a support network: The value of a robust support network is unparalleled during challenging times. Insights, emotional support and wisdom from peers, mentors and family form a crucial foundation for successfully navigating uncertainties. A well-established support network offers guidance and solace when it is needed the most, creating a sense of community amid uncertainty.
2. Valuable lessons from failure: Uncertainty often accompanies failures and setbacks, providing invaluable lessons. These tough moments are educational, teaching resilience, refining problem-solving skills and emphasizing the importance of persistence. Lessons from failure become the building blocks of sustained success and continual personal development.
3. Managing personal relationships in uncertain times: Navigating uncertain business environments can put a strain on personal relationships. This underscores the importance of maintaining open communication and a healthy work-life balance. Investing time and emotional energy in personal relationships not only strengthens bonds but also contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
4. Reinvention after setbacks: The journey of self-reinvention following significant setbacks is transformative. It involves reevaluating priorities, setting new objectives and acquiring new skills. Embracing change becomes an avenue for growth, allowing for personal and professional evolution. The ability to reinvent oneself is a potent strategy for thriving in uncertain times.
As we navigate the complexities of uncertainty, these lessons can provide a transformative perspective. By embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for positive development and growth, individuals can not only weather the challenges but emerge stronger, more resilient and better equipped for the uncertainties that are to be expected as leaders and entrepreneurs. The journey through uncertainty can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional advancement.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
If you haven’t noticed, industries and the world at large are experiencing some pretty substantial changes as of late. Notably, innovation in artificial intelligence, massive shifts in the employment sector, and the continuing move toward sustainability have all impacted the way we run and grow our companies — and I am not just referring to the big guys. Even smaller organizations are modifying the definition of business as usual, as an unwillingness to do so could eventually threaten their very existence.
This isn’t just rhetoric. Refusal or resistance to change can be devastating to both businesses and individuals. Perhaps this is best illustrated by a cover story titled “Change or Die,” published by Fast Company magazine nearly 20 years ago. The article chronicled a 2004 IBM conference speech by Dr. Edward Miller, the CEO and Dean of Medicine at John Hopkins at the time.
It appears Miller shocked the audience when he shared just how many heart patients possess a destructive resistance to change. He claimed that of the nearly two million bypasses and angioplasties performed each year in the U.S., lives were rarely substantially prolonged. Miller said that half the bypasses were clogged again within a few years, and the angioplasties failed in as little as a few months. Why? He explained that even though the surgeries were traumatizing and expensive — and the stakes were extraordinarily high — many post-op heart patients simply refused to modify their unhealthy routines.
“If you look at people after coronary-artery bypass grafting two years later, 90% of them have not changed their lifestyle. And that’s been studied over and over and over again,” Miller said. “Even though they know they have a very bad disease and they know they should change their lifestyle, for whatever reason, they can’t.”
While Miller’s insight is jarring, it is honestly not surprising. Even in the most critical of circumstances, change can be very hard.
So what is the difference between those who are able to implement healthy, positive change in their lives and their businesses and those who can’t? The answer might surprise you.
Many people fear change. Or, at the very least, they fight it tooth and nail. According to renowned author and Harvard Business School Professor John P. Kotter, this resistance is generally due to one of four factors: a fear of losing something of value, a misunderstanding of the change and its implications, a belief that the change doesn’t make sense, or simply an overall low tolerance for change.
Kotter posed that the ability to adapt is not solely based on building a proper strategy, structure, culture or systems. Instead, he posed that successful change is more specifically based on focusing on and altering behavior. We all know this is not as simple as it sounds, but there is hope. You see, Kotter explained that the key to behavioral change — in yourself, your leadership team, and your organization — is to tie the desired outcome to each participant’s feelings. The concept is rather straightforward. Emotional support and connection foster transformative action in just about everybody.
Inspiring change in your business
Let’s talk about your business. Ultimately, successful change in your organization begins by properly framing an issue in a way that connects with you and your team and motivates you all on a psychological level. Your message of change needs to be positive. It needs to be inspiring, and it needs to resonate. When presented with the need for change, it is also essential that those involved are provided with an appropriate support structure. The likelihood of successful change increases exponentially when people are surrounded by constructive feedback, encouragement, and the comradery of others rather than simply mandated actions.
As an entrepreneur, your ability to change and adapt is arguably the single most important contributor to long-term success. Stagnant businesses simply can’t flourish, grow or (like those heart patients unwilling to modify their habits) survive. Ask yourself, how receptive are you to transformation in yourself, your processes, and your entire organization?
Now is the time to evolve as a business owner. Start with an unwavering desire for continuous improvement. The next step is finding that emotional connection and the people or groups who can support you on your journey of change. For business leaders, these relationships are often found outside of one’s own company in the form of peer advisory boards or mastermind groups. Peer advisory boards provide business owners with the requisite support and emotional connection that act as catalysts for forward progress and even innovation.
As the president and CEO of such an organization, I get to witness the transformative power of connection all the time. It is truly amazing to see what can happen between owners and executives who care about each other’s welfare and respect, support and elevate each other on their paths to transformation.
From ‘Bah, humbug!’ to redemption: Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ unfolds as more than just a festive fable, offering profound insights into self-discovery, kindness, and rewriting one’s life story.
Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” isn’t just a heartwarming tale of holiday spirit; it’s a profound exploration of human psychology and the power of personal transformation.
Many of us have heard the story before through countless movie and TV adaptations, especially the infamous Scrooge, whose name has now become a common insult toward those who fight against the holiday spirit of joy, kindness, and charity.
If you’re interested, you can read the original 1843 novella A Christmas Carol for free at Project Gutenberg. There are also many free audiobooks you can find and listen to.
The story opens the day before Christmas with Ebenezer Scrooge at work, a strict businessman who is described as miserable, lonely, and greedy, without any close friends or companions. His nephew visits, wishes him a cheerily “Merry Christmas!” and invites him to spend dinner with his family, but Scrooge rudely brushes off the kind gesture and responds with his trademark phrase “Bah humbug!”
Scrooge’s cynical and negative attitude is on full display in the opening chapter. “He carried his own low temperature always about with him.” In one instance where he is asked to donate money to help the poor, the wealthy Scrooge asks, “Aren’t there prisons? Aren’t there workhouses?” and then complains about the “surplus population.”
It’s clear that Scrooge’s only concerns and core values in life are money and wealth. If it doesn’t help his profits or bottom line then he doesn’t care about it, especially the well-being of others which he claims is “none of his business.”
The archetype of Scrooge is more relevant today than ever, especially in our corporatized world where rich elites isolate themselves from the rest of society while income inequality, crime, and economic woes continue to rise for the average person. Dickens observed early signs of increased materialism, narcissism, and greed almost two hundred years ago, but these unhealthy instincts have only grown rapidly since then. Social media has particularly warped people’s perceptions of wealth, status, and fame, which has in turn blinded us to many other important values in life.
In many cases people like Scrooge live lonely and miserable lives until they die, clinging to their money as they are lowered into their graves. However the story of “A Christmas Carol” provides hope and inspiration that people can change their paths in life if they are given the necessary insight and wisdom.
As the well-known tale goes, Scrooge is haunted by 3 benevolent spirits on consecutive nights (The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future), each teaching him an essential lesson on what really matters in life.
This breakdown of past, present, and future creates a complete picture of one’s life. It’s a powerful framework to spark self-growth in any person. Once we reevaluate where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go, we have a much clearer idea on what the right path forward is.
Keep in mind you don’t need to be religious to reap the benefits of this story. Its lessons are universal. While there are supernatural and spiritual elements, the wisdom is real and tangible.
Introduction: The Ghost of Marley
Before Scrooge is visited by the three spirits, he encounters the ghost of his former business partner Marley who had died seven years ago.
The ghost of Marley is shown to be in a type of purgatory, aimlessly roaming the town, entangled in many heavy chains with cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses made out of steel, representing a lifetime of greed and selfishness:
“I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the Ghost. “I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?”
“Or would you know,” pursued the Ghost, “the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!”
The ghost lets Scrooge know that his actions have far-reaching consequences too. He will suffer a similar fate if he doesn’t change his ways, but there’s still hope for redemption! He then leaves, announcing to Scrooge that he will soon be visited by three spirits that will guide him to a better path.
Marley’s ghost serves as a warning, but also a sign of hope.
The Ghosts of the Past: Forgiving Your Former Self
Scrooge’s first encounter is with the “Ghost of Christmas Past,” who serves as a poignant reminder that we must confront our history to understand our present.
The Ghost of Christmas Past transports Scrooge through various memories he had as a child and young adult, showing his psychological development over time.
The first scene brings Scrooge back to his childhood town, where he is immediately rushed with feelings of nostalgia, cheerfulness, and joy. These positive memories depict a very different Scrooge from present, revealing his once optimistic and hopeful disposition. What happened to him since?
The memories begin to grow darker. Multiple scenes show Scrooge spending Christmas alone as a young child, one time being left by himself at boarding school while his friends were celebrating the holidays with family, and another time sitting solitarily by the fire reading. Scrooge begins to shed tears and show sympathy toward his former, abandoned self.
One of the most pivotal memories is when young adult Scrooge is speaking with his past lover. She notices a fundamental change in him that has become a dealbreaker in their relationship.
“You fear the world too much,” she answered, gently…”I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one-by-one, until the master-passion, Gain, engrosses you…”
She sees that money has become Scrooge’s God which he puts above all other values, including love. The young woman continues…
“Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so, until, in good season, we could improve our worldly fortune by our patient industry. You are changed. When it was made, you were another man.”
Here we begin to see Scrooge’s hardening into the man he is in the present.
His pursuit of wealth as his main source of comfort and satisfaction has damaged his relationship beyond repair. The lover sees no other option but for them to go their separate ways. The memory deeply pains Scrooge and he cries out for the ghost to show him no more.
In truth we are all a product of our past, including our environment and the choices we make in life. Scrooge has clearly gone through hardships and taken wrong turns that have influenced where he finds himself today; but it’s not too late.
The Ghost of Christmas Past forced Scrooge to remember events that he had long forgotten, neglected, or ignored because they were too painful to think about. While these old memories cannot be altered, you have to accept your past, be honest with yourself, and forgive yourself if you want to learn, grow, and change for the better.
One of the main lessons here is that you need to take responsibility for the past before you can take power over the future. Scrooge is suffering, but he’s learning.
Making the Most of the Present: Opportunities for Joy and Kindness
Scrooge’s next encounter is with the “Ghost of Christmas Present,” who teaches Scrooge all the opportunities for good that cross his path every single day.
The spirit is colorfully dressed with holly, mistletoe, berries, turkeys, sausages, oysters, pies, puddings, fruit, and punch surrounding him, a representation of the simple pleasures in life we can all learn to appreciate, savor, and be grateful for.
First, the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge for a walk outside in the town during Christmas Day, observing all the happiness, zest, and cheer overflowing through the streets. Everyone from all backgrounds is enjoying the festivities.
When two people bump into each other and start a small fight, the ghost sprinkles a magical substance on them which instantly ends the argument and brings both back to a more joyful demeanor.
“Once or twice when there were angry words between some dinner-carriers who had jostled each other, he shed a few drops of water on them, and their good humour was restored directly. For they said, it was a shame to quarrel upon Christmas Day. And so it was! God love it, so it was!”
On Christmas, all fights are optional.
The ghost then leads Scrooge to the home of Bob Cratchit, his current employee who he often treats poorly. Here Scrooge is introduced to Bob’s sick and disabled son Tiny Tim, who despite his illness is still excited to spend holiday time with the family. The poor family makes the most of the limited food and time they have together, including a fake “goose” dinner made out of apple sauce and mashed potatoes.
Scrooge looks on in sympathy and wishes he could do more to help them. He asks the spirit about the current state of Tiny Tim’s health:
“Spirit,” said Scrooge, with an interest he never felt before, “tell me if Tiny Tim will live.”
“I see a vacant seat,” replied the Ghost, “in the poor chimney-corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.”
In another scene, Scrooge is transported to the home of his sister’s family, the same party his nephew invited him to the previous day. Everyone in the household is enjoying the Christmas holiday while singing, dancing, and playing games. Several times Scrooge is brought up in conversation and everyone can only laugh and shrug at Scrooge’s relentless misery and gloom.
“A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the old man, whatever he is!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “He wouldn’t take it from me, but may he have it nonetheless. Uncle Scrooge!”
Scrooge knows that these events and perceptions by others are part of his own doing.
At every turn, Scrooge denies taking advantage of daily opportunities for happiness, including rejecting a group of children singing carols, responding rudely to acquaintances (“Bah humbug!”), and refusing to give to charities or help others when it’s fully in his power.
These events are small, but they build up over time. Whenever Scrooge is given a choice between kindness vs. coldness, he chooses to be cold. After enough tiny social interactions, Scrooge has cemented his reputation around town as being the miserable miser.
Can he still change it?
The Shadows of the Future: Shaping Tomorrow Today
The final spirit Scrooge meets is the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come” or the “Ghost of Christmas Future.” This ghost blends in with the darkness of the night, wearing a long black robe that covers their entire face and body, except for a boney hand it uses to silently point.
The ghost begins by showing men on the streets joking and laughing about someone who has just passed away. At a pawn shop, robbers are selling stolen property they recently seized from the dead man’s estate, saying it’s for the best since the items will no longer serve any use to him. Scrooge, perplexed by the meaning of these scenes, intently watches on. Another man jokes:
“It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life I don’t know of anybody to go to it.”
Scene by scene, people show ambivalence toward the death. Scrooge grows frustrated and asks:
“If there is any person in the town who feels emotion caused by this man’s death, show that person to me. Spirit, I beseech you!”
Now they see a family that was in debt to the dead man, and they are feeling humble gratitude and quiet glee that they no longer have to worry themselves about such an evil creditor:
“Yes. Soften it as they would, their hearts were lighter. The children’s faces, hushed and clustered round to hear what they so little understood, were brighter; and it was a happier house for this man’s death! The only emotion that the Ghost could show him, caused by the event, was one of pleasure.”
Already having suspicions on who this man is, Scrooge begs the ghost to finally reveal where his future lies. The ghost travels to a graveyard and points at a tombstone that upon inspection reads: Ebenezer Scrooge
Scrooge’s heart sinks. Next it’s shown that Tiny Tim hasn’t recovered from his illness and has also passed away, and at such a young age. Feeling completely hopeless at this point, Scrooge desperately begs:
“Answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only?”
“Men’s courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead. But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!”
As long as you’re alive and breathing, you have the power to change.
When we think about death, it puts everything about life into perspective. Our time is finite in this world and we must make the most of it without being distracted by trivialities and lesser values. If you were laying on your deathbed right now, what would your main regrets be?
When Scrooge reflects on his own death and what influence he’d leave on the world, it shakes him at his core – but also transforms him.
The Power of Redemption: Transforming Scrooge’s Tale into Our Own
After the visitations of the three ghosts, Scrooge wakes up a changed man ready to start his new life. He rises from bed excited, hopeful, and giddy that he’s still alive and still has a chance to change his current course.
Upon finding out it’s still Christmas Day, he buys a prize turkey to send to the Cratchit family and begins giving generous amounts of money to children and the poor. He continues to walk around the town square, giving everyone warm greetings and a hearty “Merry Christmas!”
When he sees Bob Cratchit the next day at work, he immediately gives him a raise in salary and promises to take care of Tiny Tim and assist the family in anyway possible. He becomes a lifelong friend to the family.
This sudden change in Scrooge’s behavior confused the townsfolk at first, including many who made fun of this rapid transformation that was so uncharacteristic of Scrooge. But these words and gossip didn’t bother him:
“Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter[…] His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”
At its core, “A Christmas Carol” is a story of redemption and heroism. Scrooge’s journey from miserly recluse to benevolent samaritan exemplifies the human capacity for change.
By reflecting on his past, present, and future self, Scrooge discovered the best path forward – a process that applies to all forms of self-improvement.
This story has insightful lessons that can apply to anyone’s life, no matter what situation they find themselves in. We can’t change the past chapters, but we can change how our story ends.
Never forget you have the power to rewrite your life story at any time.
Enter your email to stay updated on new articles in self improvement:
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore and current executive director of the NBPA, to discuss activism and philanthropy in the NBA (3:13) and serving as mayor during civil unrest following the death of Freddie Gray (21:38).
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
Imagine waking up each day with an optimistic mindset, ready to seize every opportunity. A mindset that doesn’t sway under pressure, but instead becomes stronger. Yes, it’s possible and it all starts with nurturing your thought patterns. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade–we’ve all heard this saying, right? But how does one develop this positive, unbeatable attitude? Through the power of words!
In other to make your journey easier and more enlightening, we’ve compiled a list of thought-provoking and outstanding mindset quotes. These tidbits of wisdom can potentially reshape your thinking and help you cultivate a growth mindset.
“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.”
Embrace these quotes. Make them your daily mantra and you’ll be surprised by the transformation they bring into your life. But, don’t just take our word for it! Try it yourself.
Here at The Success Elite, we believe in words’ power to inspire, uplift, and manifest. With that in mind, we’ve curated this list of 32 mindset quotes to help reframe your thinking.
George Bernard Shaw once stated, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” Every day, we’re constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Change, though it can be uncomfortable, is never out of the question. The transformation it results in is always a revelation.
Popular mindset quotes that have inspired change in people
Let’s dig deeper into the world of popular mindset quotes that have sowed the seeds of transformation in hearts and minds all over the globe. Each of these quotes has the power to inspire a change in perspective, cultivating a mindset brimming with positivity, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for success.
Remember, it’s never the words themselves that hold the power, but the way we allow them to resound in our minds and hearts. So, set the stage for personal revolution with these favorites:
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” – Zig Ziglar
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing, you will succeed.” – Albert Schweitzer
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” — Albert Einstein
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” — Albert Einstein
These are just a sampling of mindset-oriented quotes that have inspired not only individuals but even nations to stand up for change, push their limits, and accomplish the extraordinary.
Let’s not stop here. Cultivate a curiosity for such pearls of wisdom. Keep an open mind and believe in the power of thoughts to direct your path to success. Allow the wisdom in each quote to get embedded in your consciousness, impacting your actions, and ultimately, your life. Remember, the journey of reshaping your mindset begins with a single thought.
Embracing Change: Mindset Quotes for Transformation
Now, let’s let the power of words guide us on our journey to change. Below are some truly inspiring mindset quotes to stimulate the transformative power within you.
First and foremost, consider this beautiful pearl of wisdom from the celebrated poet,
“Dwell in possibility.” – Emily Dickinson
This mindset quote by Emily Dickinson is a potent reminder of the vast perspective our minds are capable of embracing. It encourages us to rise above limiting beliefs and to seek and explore new possibilities continually.
Quotes to Enable Your Journey of Self-discovery
“The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung
“Examine yourself to know yourself. Unless you do so, you will consider yourself to be only the body and will have the fate of the body.” – Ajahn Chah
Such a simple yet profound statement that highlights the necessity to remain open and receptive to new opportunities, new learning, and new growth. It emphasizes cultivating a mindset of limitless possibility.
Quotes to Ignite Your Power of Change
All too often, we are hindered by our own outlook. Bound by our preconceived notions and prejudiced by our experiences. But don’t be. Remember, the power of change lies within you. Forge ahead, fearlessly. Here are some quotes that will ignite that power within you:
Change is an inescapable part of life. It’s also a treasure trove of possibilities if you dare to look beyond the familiar. To inspire you, here are a few mindset-changing quotes.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
Do you know how great a changed mindset can influence your life as well as your experiences? You cannot change your life until you have changed your mindset. Often time mindset quotes can help you
In fact, there is nothing as powerful as a changed mindset. You can change everything around you. However, if you do not change your mindset, the same experiences in your life will continue to repeat themselves. Your mindset will continually influence your actions as well as your experiences in life.
Moreover, this is something I have come to learn. Mindset is everything. Study every great and successful person that has ever lived. The key factor they recognized that is crucial to their success was changing their mindset. Understanding the power of your mindset and how it connects to what you get out of life paves the way to transform your life.
In the mindset of change and self-improvement consider these 32 famous mindset quotes that could transform your mindset and change your life:
“A man’s dreams are an index to his greatness.” — Zadok Rabinwitz
All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.” — Orison Swett Marden
All successful men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.” — Brian Tracy
“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.” — Muhammad Ali“Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.” — Bruce Lee
“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” — Bruce Lee
These quotes bring out the power of transformative thought. They urge you to confront, instead of sidestep, what you wish to change in your life. Start changing, and never stop growing.
Quotes to Kindle Your Self-Efficacy
Firmly anchored belief in your own abilities essentially innervates your power of change. Sensing this, here are some choice quotes to kindle self-efficacy within you:
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Don’t wait for your feelings to change to take the action. Take the action and your feelings will change.” – Barbara Baron
These quotes underline the significance of acting on your beliefs. You are your own limit. Commit yourself to your goal, and watch your abilities unfold.
Cultivating a Can-Do Mindset: Quotes to Ignite Change
Now that we’ve talked about the idea of embracing change for self-transformation, let’s turn our attention to fostering a proactive and positive state of mind. It’s all about seeing the world not as a place of obstacles, but as a realm of opportunities. And what better tool for this task than considering thought-provoking and powerful quotes?
Quotes to Fuel Your Actionable Attitude
“The only time you fail is when you fall down and stay down.” – Stephen Richards
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Quotes to Ignite Your Resilience
After igniting the powerful flame of change and fostering a robust, can-do attitude, it’s time to delve into resilience. Like a courageous captain navigating life’s stormy seas, resilience is your steadfast compass, guiding you through obstacles you encounter along the journey. Let’s explore some of the most inspiring mindset quotes that can spark your resilience and fortitude.
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle Onassis
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” – Ernest Hemingway
No matter the number of times you stumble, it’s your ability to rise back up that truly makes the difference. Let these quotes serve as your lighthouse during your gloomiest moments, lighting your path to success. Be a warrior, not a worrier. Harness the power of resilience to transform your mindset and, ultimately, your life.
The Power of Persistence: Quotes to Keep Going
Yet, resilience is not simply about standing up each time we fall. It’s about persisting in the face of adversity and never giving up. Listen to the words of wisdom from these mindset quotes and fuel your unwavering spirit to endure.
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
“I will persist until I succeed.” – Og Mandino
Remember, each setback is a setup for a grander comeback. Persistence is the magic ingredient in the recipe of success. Add a dash of it to your mindset, and there is nothing that you cannot conquer. So, keep going, and let every step take you closer to your goals.
Nourishing Your Tenacity: Mindset Quotes to Spur Persistence
Tenacity isn’t just a word, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a vital part of every success story. But, what does tenacity mean to you? Here are some quotes to inspire and nourish your tenacity:
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” — Thomas Edison
“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” — Julie Andrews
These quotes inspire
to light the spark of determination within you. Let’s delve deeper into the realm of can-do attitude with hard-hitting quotes that influence your outlook toward challenges head-on.
Quotes That Foster a Can-Do Attitude
Raise your spirits and embrace the possibilities with these thought-provoking quotes:
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford
“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” – Charles Kingsleigh
Quotes To Encourage Resilience Under Pressure
Stay focused even in the face of adversity. These quotes remind us that tenacity is key:
“Pressure makes diamonds.” – General George S. Patton
“Resilience is not a single skill. It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms.” – Diane Coutu
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
Unstoppable Ambition: Quotes to Enhance Perseverance
Never give up, no matter how steep the road might seem. These quotes serve to keep your ambition in check:
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. “ – Winston Churchill
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
Shifting Perspectives: Mindset Quotes for New Beginnings
Embarking on new journeys can sometimes be daunting, but it’s amazing how potent a few well-chosen words can be in shifting our perceptions. Let these mindset quotes for new beginnings invigorate you and wash away those hesitations. At the dawn of each day, you wield the power to create, to change, to reinvent and to grow.
Quotes to Ignite Your Adventurous Spirit
“Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations.” -Catherine Pulsifer
“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” -Lao Tzu
“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” -Alan Cohen
Quotes to Illuminate Your Path to Reinvention
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” -Plato
“All glory comes from daring to begin.” -Eugene F. Ware
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” -Seneca
Quotes to Empower Growth and Progress
“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” -Meister Eckhart
“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” -Mark Twain
“Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.” -Sarah Ban Breathnach
In short, your mindset can make or break new beginnings. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, picking up a new skill, or embarking on a life-changing journey, let these mindset quotes inspire you to take those first steps with confidence and courage. Remember, it’s always about starting, not about perfecting. So, go ahead and begin your fresh start!
Developing a Winning Attitude: Mindset Quotes for Success
The journey towards success is never a direct path but a continuous exploration that requires a strong mindset. The following quotes can catalyze the development of a winning attitude in you.
Quotes to Forge Your Self-assuredness
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau.
“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett.
Quotes to Spark Triumph Amidst Failure
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison
These quotes serve as reminders of the resilience required in the face of adversity and failure.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.
Quotes to Stimulate Your Aspirations
Now, let’s take a look at some quotes that will provoke your aspirations, inspiring you to aim higher.
“Success is not just about making money. It’s about making a difference.” – Unknown.
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser.
“Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’, you will wait forever. Always take advantage of the time that you’re given.” – Daymond John.
Ultimately, these mindset quotes help build an impregnable winning attitude for success. Ignite your will, stimulate your aspirations, and surely, success will not be far off.
Empowering Mindset Others: Quotes to Inspire Change in Others
Change, as profound as it can be, often starts with small shifts in mindset. As we delve into quotes sparked to inspire change in others, let’s unpack how to catalyze new thoughts and actions in the people we care about.
Quotes to Ignite Your Empathy
“When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it. That’s when you can get more creative in solving problems.” – Stephen Covey
“Empathy has no script. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’ – Brené Brown
Quotes to Boost Charitable Practices
Constant reminders of the importance of giving can truly affect the way we perceive our roles within society. Sometimes, a simple quote is all we need to understand our imperative for change.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston S. Churchill
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Mindset Quotes to Foster Leadership
Leadership quotes stimulate the desire to guide others toward advancement. They instill the necessity to become role models for others and lead by personal example.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
Certainly, we all hold the power to inspire change in others. It takes empathy, a commitment to charitable practices, and brave leadership—empowered by the right mindset, we are all capable of significant influence. The ripple effect of our actions can encourage remarkable transformation.
Let these quotes guide you as you empower others to embrace change.
Breaking Free: Quotes to Overcome Mental Barriers
Embracing an adaptable mindset requires confronting and overcoming mental barriers which often manifest as self-doubt, fear, or prejudice. With that in mind, let’s dive into some uplifting quotes to help you shatter these barriers and liberate your potential.
Quotes to Defeat Self-Doubt
“Self-doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Benjamin Spock
Quotes to Conquer Fear
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” – Jack Canfield
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” – Japanese Proverb
“Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep humans apart.” – Countess of Blessington
“No one is born hating another person… People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” – Nelson Mandela
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” – Maya Angelou
In breaking free from these mental barriers, remember that it’s a process. Take it one step at a time, and let these mindset quotes guide you. With determination and resilience, you can unshackle yourself from the hindrances of self-doubt, fear, and prejudice, paving the way toward a more empowered and fulfilled life.
The takeaway from Mindset quotes
As we journey through this exercise of exploring the transformative power of mindset quotes, it’s clear to see how powerful words can influence our attitudes and actions. These quotes can serve as reminders, guides, motivators, and triggers for change, empowering us to adopt a can-do attitude, embrace change, shift perspectives, and forge a path to success.
In addition, they ignite empathy and foster leadership, encouraging us to empower others while breaking free from mental barriers.
Lastly, remember that quotes are just the catalyst – the real transformation happens from within. It’s your responsibility to harness their wisdom, internalize their meaning, and channel it towards constructive and tangible change.
FAQ
We are addressing some frequently asked questions on mindset quotes. Hopefully, these answers will give you further insight and inspiration.
1. What is the significance of mindset quotes?
Mindset quotes play a crucial role in helping individuals alter their existing perspectives, incite personal growth, and inspire the courage to adapt to new changes. Powerful words have a distinct ability to touch human hearts, push boundaries of thoughts, and eventually, reshape our realities.
2. How can mindset quotes foster personal transformation?
Mindset quotes can act as a compass, guiding individuals through life’s challenges. They incite courage, boost resilience, and encourage perseverance, thus fostering personal transformation.
3. Can mindset quotes stimulate real-life changes?
Absolutely. While mindset quotes are inspirational and motivational in nature, the real impact is in the interpretation and application of these thoughts in daily life. Inspiring quotations can ignite action, challenge limiting beliefs, and motivate individuals to step outside of their comfort zones and manifest significant changes.
4. Can mindset quotes help in developing leadership abilities?
Yes, mindset quotes can play a powerful role in nurturing leadership skills. They can provide a different perspective, stimulate innovative thinking, and inspire leaders to lead with empathy and compassion, thus fostering an encouraging environment within their teams.
5. How can mindset quotes help overcome mental barriers?
Mindset quotes can offer words of wisdom to help overcome self-doubt, fear, and prejudices. They serve as reminders that all roadblocks are temporary, and with a tenacious attitude and the right mindset, one can conquer any adversary one face.
6. Why should I use mindset quotes?
Mindset quotes can be incredibly impactful. They trigger inspiration, propel action, and foster the ‘6o if you’re faced with a challenge, seeking motivation, or needing a change in perspective, mindset quotes can offer invaluable insights.
7. Are mindset quotes effective for personal development?
Yes, undoubtedly. Mindset quotes, distilled from centuries of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, can offer incredible insight and guidance for personal development. You might be amazed at how a simple statement can ignite a radical shift in thinking and trigger progressive actions.
8. How do I implement the quotes in my daily life?
Implementation in daily life requires a conscious effort. Here are a few tips:
Choose a quote that resonates with you and consider its message deeply.
Reflect on the quote in serene moments of your day.
Think about ways you can act upon the quote’s message in your daily life.
And remember, persistence is key. Over time, these quotes can bring meaningful change in your mindset.
9. Can quotes help during moments of failure and crisis?
Absolutely! Mindset quotes, especially those centered on perseverance and resilience, can offer great solace during times of crisis or failure. These quotes serve as reminders that you are not alone in your trials, and they can strengthen your resolve to push through adversity.
10. Are mindset quotes only for personal use?
Not at all. Mindset quotes can also serve as powerful tools to inspire, motivate, empower, and encourage others. Share them with your team, friends, or family. These nuggets of wisdom can help to foster understanding, empathy, and boost morale.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In business, staying ahead is a constant game of strategy. You’re always rethinking what you offer, who your audience is and how to make it all work — and let’s not forget keeping a close watch on the market, your rivals and trying to predict where demand and tech trends are heading.
Traditionally, this process unfolded methodically, following a more predictable path. But then came 2020, a year that shattered predictability and made adaptability an absolute necessity. That year, a Harvard Business School survey showed that 71% of executives from more than 90 countries said adaptability was the most important quality they looked for in a leader.
I felt the turbulence as I steered my business through the uncharted waters of the global pandemic. I had just launched my business and it was very challenging given that it was important for us to meet clients face to face and attend events in person. Plus, working with high-risk businesses in the banking and payments industry, I also have to pivot frequently to adapt to the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Precisely during these moments of chaos and upheaval, the art of pivoting shines the brightest.
In the context of business strategy, a pivot represents a substantial shift in course, a recognition that the existing products or services are no longer in sync with market requirements. The primary aim of a pivot remains unequivocal: augmenting revenue or bolstering a business’s standing in the market. Yet, the finesse of pivoting extends beyond the act of change itself. It’s about making the right changes at the right time. It’s the difference between merely staying afloat and thriving in the long run.
When should you pivot?
Determining the ideal moment for a pivot is a crucial decision. Pivoting isn’t a magical solution for all business problems. However, you could consider a pivot when:
Substantial investments of resources and capital yield minimal progress
Business development hits a plateau with no significant upward trajectory
Customer response to your products falls short of expectations
Intense competition in the market hinders growth
Only a single feature or service of your company gains meaningful traction
Tips for successfully pivoting in business
Change isn’t a threat in business — it’s your greatest ally. Here are some tips on embracing change and mastering the art of pivoting:
Tip 1: Don’t become complacent
Never rest on your laurels. Just because you’re at the top today doesn’t guarantee you’ll stay there tomorrow. Maintaining your position requires relentless effort and constant assessment of your competitive landscape.
In the early days of Capitalixe, I faced a significant setback. We lost one of our biggest clients, accounting for over 50% of our revenue. It hit us hard, and for a moment, it felt like the ground had shifted beneath us. But because I had not been complacent prior to this, I had a pipeline of prospects ready to go. I tirelessly worked to build new relationships and quickly adapted our approach. It wasn’t easy, but we recovered and grew stronger from the experience.
Stay hungry and never stop striving for improvement. Keep looking for ways to make your products or services even better.
Actively seek feedback from clients and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Don’t just assume you know what they want. Ask them for feedback and then use that feedback to make positive changes.
Don’t get so wrapped up in your own business that you forget to see what others in your industry are doing. Learn from their successes and failures, and use that knowledge to stay ahead.
Don’t settle for incremental progress. Be willing to take bold, disruptive leaps forward. Radical change often yields the most significant market impact.
Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I saw a gap in the market. High-risk businesses were underserved, thanks to their complex challenges like ever-changing regulations and high charge-back rates. Instead of shying away, I embraced the opportunity. With a revolutionary mindset, my team of experts and I dove into these uncharted waters. We crafted innovative financial solutions tailored to their unique needs. Our bold approach paid off, and we didn’t just evolve, we reshaped the market, proving that in the face of challenges, revolution often yields the most significant impact.
Here’s how to embrace this revolutionary mindset:
Encourage your team to question existing norms and practices. What can be done differently and more efficiently? Where can you push boundaries and defy convention?
Understand that disruptive change often yields the most substantial rewards. It’s about reshaping your industry rather than just fitting into it. Look for opportunities to challenge the market and set new standards.
Don’t fear change. Instead, embrace it. Be open to radical ideas and unconventional approaches. Create an environment where innovative thinking is encouraged and rewarded.
Tip 3: Swift action is non-negotiable
When the world moves fast, your response must match its pace. Delay can be as detrimental as inaction. Adapt and pivot with urgency. Here’s why swift action is key when it comes to pivoting:
When you’re dealing with a rapidly changing landscape, timing is everything. Opportunities can vanish in the blink of an eye, and challenges can escalate if not addressed promptly. Being quick on your feet gives you a competitive edge.
Proactive adaptation allows you to stay ahead of industry shifts and market trends. Instead of merely reacting to changes, you’re positioned to anticipate them, making you a trailblazer in your field.
Clients today expect quick responses. Whether it’s addressing their concerns, delivering products and services or rolling out innovations, meeting these expectations is important for retaining customer loyalty.
Change is not a foe but a friend in business, and adaptability is your greatest asset. Remember, staying the course without room for adjustment is a path to obsolescence.
Embrace change, innovate fearlessly and never hesitate to challenge the status quo. In moments of uncertainty, pivot when necessary and always be the architect of your success story.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Change. If talk of it has been swirling around the water cooler, people on your team probably have questions. When will the shift happen? Who’s going to be most involved? What does the change mean for specific roles? While each of these questions matter, perhaps no question is more critical than this: Is the company ready?
Plenty of businesses throw this question into a lake, distracted by competitive pressure, the whims of egotistic leaders or the desire to stay comfortable. But it’s by facing the question that the business can devise a regret-free game plan.
Committing to transformation
Although headlines in the news might have left workers uneasy about the idea of company changes, companies have a choice about whether they want to transform or not. In fact, they have three choices: stay the course, evolve or disrupt.
Staying the course typically means growth of 0-3%. Popular retailer TJ Maxx sits in this category. Their brick-and-mortar approach and support of different brands has been effective for them. Companies that evolve see growth between 2 and 5% — consider the NASCAR pitstop today (21 people, 12 seconds) versus the pitstop of the 1960s (4 people, 5 minutes and 38 seconds). Disruption happens when growth is more than 5%. But that takes challenging the status quo, bringing the company’s core capabilities into new, auxiliary or complementary markets, and offering clients new and different things. Netflix, one of the most well-known disruptors, changed the entertainment game with streaming video services.
Disruption or transformation is like a chocolate brownie. It’s easy for people in a company to say they want it — but are they willing to do what it takes to make it from scratch? It’s tougher to actually execute, so companies have to be willing to commit. To get that commitment, they need first to check for a solid market opportunity, develop and communicate a shared vision, and then ask, “Are we ready, willing and able?” If the company has a good attitude of buy-in around the opportunity and workers have the skills necessary to execute, the business can often successfully transform.
Assuming a business is ready for transformation, it should look at eight distinct pillars to make the change happen:
1. Leadership. Are enough people willing to accept responsibility to organize people toward the common goal? A company might need as many as 100-150 champions on the team who can show others why the company is doing things differently. Build out the leadership team so there’s a good mix of homegrown and outside talent that can create healthy debate.
2. Culture. What do people want the company to be? What’s the gap between that vision and where the company is right now? Initially, our team’s culture was a high-touch service where workers aimed to do anything for the client. Now, we’re striving to be more innovative. We actively work against fixedness and apply the broken window theory — i.e., the idea that little things can make a big difference.
3. People. Do people have the right attributes and skills necessary for the transformation? Don’t be surprised if there’s some variance. Typically, just 20% of people readily conform, 60% are the neutral majority and 20% need some proof or encouragement before coming on board. Companies can address skills gaps in lots of ways, but we introduced a program called Learn IQ, where any employee in the company can take a micro-credential program at any university.
4. Systems. Does the company have a scalable system model in place? Without one, the business will bring clients in the front door only to have them run out the back. We went from 289 units on the road in 2018 to 30,000 units in 2022 by taking a very systemic approach.
5. IQ. Can people interpret the core, adjacent and macro signals available (e.g., interest rates)? Can they execute logically? When we decided to do the last mile, we intentionally decided not to try to please everyone because we had something to learn and wanted to get better at it. We focused on market entry, expansion and diversification and didn’t bring in other clients until we knew our first clients were satisfied.
6. EQ. Does the company know when to hit the gas versus the brakes? During Covid-19, we took a high EQ approach, stayed cool and focused on what we needed to do. As a result, while the overall industry dropped 17%, our team went up 38%. Any team can look into implementing this during moments of tension or stress.
7. Flexibility. Does the business see challenges and opportunities with a willingness to fail? In mobility, we started in Class 1. Now, we go all the way through Class 8. We were willing to try franchising and then pull out when that didn’t work.
8. Fearlessness. Every team has fears, uncertainties and doubts. Is the team willing to face those and stare them down? Many times, we don’t have data or know something is going to work. But we encourage people to try things out and fail fast because we know bold actions create new opportunities. Betting on young leaders is one way we’re committed to being fearless.
In many companies, staying the course or undergoing gradual evolution is the right decision. However, a business needs to be constantly assessing circumstances and goals. The team might find that, at a certain point, changing is the right move to make. Once they are ready, willing and able to take the transformation on, success depends on the company stepping up to all eight transformation pillars. If the business can hit repeat on that sequence over time, it can continue to meet customers’ demands for generations and enjoy long-term competitiveness.
