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Tag: Making a change

  • This Remote Worker Spends 300 Nights a Year on a Cruise Ship | Entrepreneur

    This Remote Worker Spends 300 Nights a Year on a Cruise Ship | Entrepreneur

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    This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

    This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Gutridge, an IT professional who spends more than 300 days a year on a cruise ship. It has been edited for length and clarity.

    I’ve been told I’m crazy for trying to live full-time on a cruise ship, but it’s not just for retired people.

    I work in IT as a cloud-solution engineer for a cloud-solution provider and started working from home in 2012. But because of the pandemic, my team was able to work from home and access the data they needed from anywhere.

    At that time, cruise lines hadn’t announced when or if they were coming back. I thought that if they returned, I’d want to try taking my job with me on a short cruise. I wanted to see how the WiFi would work and if I could access some elements of my job with heavy security.

    That summer, in 2021, I booked two four-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, and went on both in September. Everything worked great, and since then, I’ve been on a cruise pretty much every week, except for a few weeks due to the holidays.

    I’ve been to CocoCay and Nassau in the Bahamas more than 70 times each over the last two years

    The ship does the same route twice a week, and both stops are on the same cruise. I primarily cruise on the same ship, but I’ve done cruises on larger ships too.

    I do meetings in the morning and afternoons, but I can also go to lunch and socialize or meet people at the gym. I’ve even met people that I stay in contact with and that have come back and cruised on this ship with me multiple times since.

    Working from home was isolating. I don’t have kids or pets, so it’s easy to become somewhat introverted, but cruising has really helped and made me a lot more social.

    If you want to cruise full-time, you have to get your financial house in order

    Think about your strategy. It’s about coming up with a transition plan — it doesn’t happen overnight.

    I wanted to really look at the cost of cruising full-time before I began. I have a spreadsheet that automatically records all my expenses, which helps. I also set a budget every year. This year, my base fare budget is about $30,000, and last year when I started really looking at the numbers and evaluating how much base fare I paid to be on a ship for 300 nights, I found it was almost neck-and-neck with what I paid for rent and trash service for an apartment in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    Now, because I cruise so often with Royal Caribbean, I’ve moved up in its loyalty program

    My drinks and internet are free. If people are going to do something like what I do, I recommend trying different brands because they all offer something different. But once you commit to one, you should stick to it so you reach those loyalty levels.

    I found that Royal Caribbean has, by far, the most valuable benefits to me — discounts, free internet, and free drinks. The highest loyalty level for Royal Caribbean is the “Pinnacle” level, which I will reach after exactly two years of cruising on this ship.

    Because of the loyalty program, I’ll actually spend less money cruising this year than I did last year, even though I cruised more.

    If you have a phone that’s two or three years old, you’re going to struggle on a ship

    I read Reddit boards and Facebook groups, and the biggest complaint I see from people is that their phones or device don’t work as well as they expect. The two biggest reasons are that people don’t update their operating software before getting on a ship or they don’t have WiFi calling set up on their device, which is a must.

    I understand people don’t want to spend the money, but if you have newer equipment, it tends to work a lot better.

    To get good WiFi, you also have to explore the ship and find where the WiFi works the best. I often work from the top deck of a lounge that’s not open during the day, so it essentially becomes my office space, which is great because it’s very quiet.

    Keeping up a healthy and productive lifestyle on a ship requires personal discipline

    Mondays through Fridays, on the ship, I do the exact same routine I’d do on land. I work, eat healthy, and go to the gym.

    On the weekends, anything goes, but during the week, I stay diligent about finding healthy food options that are available on the ship. I stay away from desserts, and I absolutely don’t drink sugary drinks. If I drink alcohol at all, I save it for the weekend because come Monday morning, it’s back to work and back to being responsible.

    When I first went on cruises, I was also testing if I could have a nice work-life balance

    I spend about 20% of my time on land to go to the dentist and the doctor and to visit with some friends — but most of the time, I’m cruising. When I’m cruising, I spend about 90% of my time on board and about 10% in port because, during the week, I’m working.

    Unless it’s a port I haven’t been to before, or it’s one I really enjoy, I remain on the ship — even on the weekend sailings. When we are at a location I enjoy, I use a day of my PTO from my job and enjoy the day away from work.

    I have a strong relationship with the crew on this ship. It’s become a big family, and I don’t want to rebuild those relationships on another ship — I joke that I have 1,300 roommates.

    Eventually, I’d like to get rid of my apartment

    I’ve scaled back my cruising budget for next year because of inflation, but by 2025 I’d like to get rid of my apartment, sell my car, and purchase a scooter that I’ll store at a friend’s garage. When I’m home, I’ll have groceries delivered, and if I need to go somewhere farther away, I’ll be happy to just take an Uber or Lyft.

    Sometimes I get tired of going to the same port, but it’s been an interesting experience, and I’m still loving it. Most of the time, I’m so busy that I don’t even notice we’re at the same place — I just know I’m not in an apartment staring at the wall. I’m stress-free.

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    Jamie Killin

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  • How to Navigate Business Etiquette With Sass and Style | Entrepreneur

    How to Navigate Business Etiquette With Sass and Style | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a world dominated by conformity, it’s time to unleash your inner maverick and revolutionize business etiquette. Say goodbye to rigid rules and protocols, and seize the opportunity to infuse your unique style and personality. Break free from the mold, defy norms, and make an indelible mark on those you encounter. Embrace your authenticity to captivate, and stand out from the crowd.

    Here are ten tips to help you navigate business etiquette with style.

    1. Slaying the game: The art of non-verbal communication

    Communication is a dance, and your body language holds the power to lead. Embrace the art of non-verbal communication to make a lasting impact. Stand tall with shoulders back, exuding confidence from every pore. Use purposeful gestures to emphasize key points, and maintain eye contact that penetrates the soul. Remember, your body speaks volumes, so make sure it’s speaking in a language that demands attention.

    Related: Actions Speak Louder Than Words: The Body Language Guide

    2. Owning the room: The charisma chronicles

    When you step into a room, you’re not just another face lost in the crowd but a formidable presence to be reckoned with. Nurture an irresistible aura of charisma that captivates and demands attention. Stride purposefully, exuding an unwavering self-assurance permeating the space around you. Engage others with genuine interest, making each conversation a captivating adventure. Your magnetic charm and sassy demeanor will leave a lasting impression on everyone you encounter.

    3. The power of disruptive listening

    Forget about passive listening; it’s time to embrace disruptive listening. Instead of simply nodding along, truly engage with the speaker’s words, challenging their ideas and offering your unique perspective. Disruptive listening not only shows your expertise but also sparks stimulating conversations that go beyond the surface level. Dare to be bold, question the status quo, and watch as your insights reshape the business landscape.

    4. The social media revolution: Becoming a trendsetting maverick

    In a digital world overflowing with generic content, breathe fresh air that captures attention. Embrace social media platforms as your stage to unleash your entrepreneurial prowess. Craft compelling content that breaks free from the mundane and captivates your audience with sass and style. Incorporate humor, creativity and unconventional approaches to stand out in a sea of conformity. Your authenticity and unique voice will attract a tribe of loyal followers eager to join your revolution.

    5. Networking 2.0: Forging authentic connections

    Networking doesn’t have to be a transactional game of exchanging business cards. Forge genuine connections that go beyond surface-level pleasantries. Seek out events and communities where authenticity and shared values reign supreme. Engage in meaningful conversations, build relationships based on trust, and support others in their journey. By embracing this approach, you’ll create a network of allies and mentors who champion your success and celebrate your sassiness.

    Related: The New Networking: 8 Strategies for Building Real Relationships

    6. Negotiation ninja: Winning with style

    In negotiations, the power lies in the balance between assertiveness and finesse. Take a strategic approach, where sass meets style, to achieve win-win outcomes. Know your worth, and confidently articulate your value proposition. Use your charm to establish rapport and build a foundation of trust. However, don’t be afraid to inject a touch of sass into your negotiations. Find creative solutions, challenge conventional boundaries, and turn the tables with unexpected twists. The key is maintaining a sense of class while leaving your counterparts in awe of your innovative and daring approach.

    7. Power moves: Making an impact with style

    In the business world, it’s not just about what you say but how you say it. Develop a compelling communication style that leaves a lasting impact. Use vivid storytelling techniques to convey your message, and create an emotional connection with your audience. Infuse your presentations with humor, charisma and captivating visuals. Be a master of timing, delivering your points with impeccable precision. Your style and delivery will make you memorable and elevate your message to new heights.

    8. Mastering the art of feedback

    Feedback is a gift, but giving and receiving it requires finesse. Embrace a sassy and insightful approach to providing feedback that sparks growth and improvement. Be specific, highlighting both strengths and areas for development. Offer constructive criticism with a touch of humor and encouragement. Similarly, when receiving feedback, don’t shy away from bold self-reflection. Embrace it as an opportunity to refine your skills and unleash your full potential.

    9. Resilience in the face of adversity

    In the fierce business realm, obstacles and setbacks are bound to arise. Yet, it is your response to these challenges that truly distinguishes you from the rest. Develop a resilient mindset that embraces failures as stepping stones to success. Embrace your sassy side by defying the odds, pushing boundaries and finding innovative solutions. With each setback, let your style and resilience shine through, inspiring others and proving that setbacks are mere detours on the path to greatness.

    Related: Resilience Unlocked: 9 Strategies to Turn Adversity Into an Advantage

    10. Building a legacy: Leading with sass and style

    As an entrepreneur, your journey extends far beyond personal success. It’s about crafting a lasting legacy. Embrace your role as a leader, infusing it with a unique blend of sass and style. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and authenticity within your organization. Empower your team members to embrace their unique flair and unleash their full potential. Leading with sass and style creates a legacy that transcends time and inspires future entrepreneurs.

    Business etiquette doesn’t have to be boring. Spice up your entrepreneurial journey with sass, style and unconventional wisdom. Leave an unforgettable impression on the business world. Unleash your inner powerhouse, redefine success, and conquer the business landscape with determination and finesse. Get ready to sashay into the future of entrepreneurship and become an extraordinary entrepreneur.

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    Chris Kille

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  • Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters in Executive Decision-Making | Entrepreneur

    Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters in Executive Decision-Making | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Here’s a reality that can’t be denied: The notion of corporate success is being radically reshaped. The financial bottom line is no longer seen as the sole measure of a company’s achievement. In today’s connected, hyper-transparent world, there’s a growing call on CEOs and leaders to create sustainable, measurable value for shareholders and society.

    This shift in mindset has led to the emergence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a significant factor in executive decision-making. CSR encompasses activities aimed at achieving social, environmental and economic benefits while encouraging ethical behavior. Executives who fail to integrate CSR into their decision-making fabric run the risk of alienating stakeholders, damaging their brands, and eroding their competitive positions.

    Related: 3 Tips for Making Social Responsibility a Priority at Your Startup

    What is corporate social responsibility?

    Here’s a question: Who does your company truly serve, and how?

    The answer to this question is at the core of CSR — and may be a bit eye-opening when you consider your own organization. It’s no longer enough for a company to focus solely on generating profits and shareholder value; they must also consider their actions’ social, environmental, and economic impacts.

    Corporate responsibility encompasses the idea that companies have a duty to their stakeholders — including shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees and society — to operate ethically and transparently.

    CSR encompasses various initiatives, each of which is anchored by four key tenants:

    1. Ethical functioning: Upholding ethical standards across all business operations, ensuring stakeholder fairness, integrity and respect.
    2. Social equity: Fostering social inclusivity and development via diversity programs, support for disadvantaged communities and human rights advocacy.
    3. Environmental stewardship: Adopting sustainable practices to lessen the company’s environmental impact through waste reduction, carbon emission control and investment in green energy
    4. Community engagement: Participating in community betterment through philanthropy, volunteering, and local event sponsorship, contributing to a company’s external social responsibility profile.

    While being viewed as a socially responsible business is an excellent growth strategy, there’s more to it than just a good PR move. Here are four reasons why every leader should emphasize corporate social responsibility within their organization:

    1. Attracting and retaining talent

    Potential employees are looking beyond attractive salaries and traditional benefits. They’re interested in their company’s values, seeking employers who share their commitment to positively impacting society.

    Recent studies show that three-quarters of millennials are looking into a potential workplace’s environmental commitments when in the market for a job. And once on board, employees proud of their company’s CSR commitments tend to have higher engagement and loyalty, reducing turnover rates and boosting productivity.

    2. Building a positive corporate culture

    CSR initiatives foster a positive corporate culture. Employees feel valued when companies commit to ethical practices, invest in their wellbeing and engage in initiatives for society.

    When your internal team is united and inspired by the same values, a positive company culture radiates to external stakeholders — customers, suppliers, partners, etc. This can lead to increased trust in your brand and stronger relationships with all those involved.

    3. Strengthening community relations

    Companies don’t exist in a vacuum — they’re part of broader communities. By investing in CSR initiatives, you also invest in the health, welfare and prosperity of the community around you.

    This mutually beneficial relationship with the community builds trust and goodwill between your organization and its stakeholders, inspiring a more potent connection while helping create economic opportunity in the region you serve.

    4. Enhancing investor attraction

    Here’s another reality: CSR is a growing investor concern. Demonstrating a commitment can attract more investment, improve stock performance and increase market value. Rather than viewing CSR as an expense, it’s more effective to think of it as an investment in your organization’s future.

    Related: 5 Steps to Creating Socially Conscious Projects That Matter

    Practical steps to develop and implement CSR strategy from the top

    Developing and implementing a CSR strategy isn’t just a matter of well-intentioned ideas. It requires a structured approach, starting from the very top of the organization:

    1. Align CSR with your company’s vision and values: Before diving into specific CSR initiatives, take a step back and look at your current values. Can you easily align your CSR strategy with your company’s vision, mission and values to create an authentic message?
    2. Conduct a stakeholder analysis: Identify and analyze the needs and expectations of your key stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors and the community. This will help you identify the CSR areas that are most relevant to your business and stakeholders.
    3. Set clear and measurable goals: Set clear, measurable goals for your CSR strategy, just like any other business initiative. Track progress, adjust and aim for targets like environmental impact, employee diversity or community contributions.
    4. Create a CSR team: Appoint a dedicated team or CSR officer to drive your CSR strategy. They’ll coordinate activities, monitor progress and maintain stakeholder dialogue — with the resources and authority to execute effectively.
    5. Communicate and engage: Keeping communication channels open is critical to ace CSR. Keep stakeholders informed about CSR goals, initiatives and how far you’ve come. Engage them by inviting employees to volunteer, consulting customers on sustainability and including investors in ethical business discussions.
    6. Evaluate and adjust: Assess and adjust CSR strategy by soliciting stakeholder feedback and gauging impact. Continuous improvement is key to a successful, long-term commitment.

    Guide your company into a CSR future

    As a leader, developing and maintaining a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy is crucial to propel your company’s success. The more you know about the ups and downs of CSR — including the challenges and opportunities — the better equipped you are to spearhead CSR initiatives.

    The goal is to make a sustainable, long-term CSR strategy that lives up to your stakeholders’ expectations and delivers measurable results, now and in the future. Don’t take any risks that could hinder your corporate success – instead, improve your initial strategy, evaluate, and remain flexible.

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    Tim Madden

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  • The Power of Spending Time Alone | Entrepreneur

    The Power of Spending Time Alone | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I was just relaxing on the hotel balcony listening to the ocean. Enjoying a moment of connecting with myself and nature, I was fully present in the here and now. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore created a soothing rhythm, and I noticed that my heartbeat began to sync with the sound. It was a cool experience — one that made me truly aware of my surroundings and my own existence.

    Wanting to stay fully present in that beautiful moment a little longer, I snuggled myself into a blanket and laid back down under the stars. It was pure bliss to fall asleep breathing in the cool ocean air and wake up to the breathtaking sunrise the next morning. I knew this experience was nothing short of powerful.

    Related: Why You Should Schedule Dedicated ‘Me Time’ If You Don’t Get Enough Right Now

    The benefits of spending time alone

    When you take time like this to be alone, you can truly hear yourself. It’s a chance to escape the noise and distractions of everyday life and listen to the whispers of your own thoughts. Many people shy away from spending time alone. Even the idea of facing your own thoughts can feel scary. But solitude is a chance to clear out the clutter that accumulates in your mind, gain clarity and reconnect with your true self.

    I recently took my second trip by myself. I used this undistracted time to create, read and write in my journal. I even got dressed up and took myself out to dinner at a nice restaurant. Immersing myself in the moment and soaking in all of my surroundings was simply amazing!

    You may find the idea of being alone strange or awkward. You might think that others will see you as a loser or an outcast for enjoying a fancy meal by yourself. But I disagree. Through the years, I’ve learned the incredible power of choosing to spend time alone. I’ve discovered that it’s not about being lonely or isolating yourself; it’s about nurturing your own happiness and well-being.

    During my solo adventures, I engage in activities that bring me joy. These experiences have allowed me to tap into a deep sense of gratitude. I’ve realized how fortunate I am to have the means and ability to enjoy the beauty of the world around me; whether it’s indulging in a delicious meal at an upscale restaurant, watching the sunset or simply taking a walk. The more granular you get with your gratitude, the higher you elevate your vibration.

    Gratitude and self-discovery are central themes in my alone time. This has been integral to me leading a more fulfilling life. I’ve dedicated time to learning who I am at my core. I’ve prioritized myself, paying attention to my own desires and needs as well as embracing curiosity and fascination for the world around me. In doing so, I’ve reignited the spark within myself and elevated my life and the lives of my loved ones.

    It’s easy to become distracted and overlook the amazing things happening in your life when you’re so focused on the hustle and bustle. You get caught up in the minutiae and the constant stream of thoughts that fill your mind. But when you carve out meaningful time for yourself, you can explore new ways of thinking and being.

    Related: Why Alone Time Gives Your Business an Edge

    When was the last time you truly spent quality time alone?

    Being comfortable in your own company is a superpower. It will feel awkward at first, but it is a necessary trait that allows you to rely on yourself for happiness, confidence and a sense of belonging. Learn to embrace solitude by starting off slowly. Go out to lunch by yourself. Try a new restaurant, and focus on your meal and surroundings, not your phone. Date yourself! Take a day to do something just for you that doesn’t include anyone else, and see how it feels. You may surprise yourself with how amazing it feels when you become the very company you desire!

    It’s important to remember that you need to nourish your own soul to have a truly fulfilling life. Don’t wait for experiences to come to you.

    Embrace the beauty of spending time by yourself. Find joy in your own company, and connect with the world around you. It’s time to let go of your fear and embrace the power of solitude. Take that step, and you’ll unlock a world of experiences and fulfillment that will transform your life!

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    Jessica Dennehy

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  • Are Smart Cities the Future? | Entrepreneur

    Are Smart Cities the Future? | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Over half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and by 2050, this number is expected to rise to over 68%, adding another 2.5 billion inhabitants in cities. The strain on existing infrastructure and resources is becoming more apparent as the global population increasingly gravitates toward urban centers. This is also where the significance of smart cities becomes evident.

    Imagine a city where technology seamlessly intertwines with urban life, revolutionizing the way we live, work and connect. That’s exactly what smart cities hope to achieve. A smart city harnesses the power of information and communication technology (ICT) to increase operational efficiency, share information with citizens and provide improved government services and citizen welfare.

    Among these visionary endeavors, one project, in particular, has captured the world’s attention and sparked much debate: NEOM, a planned smart city in Saudi Arabia’s heart. But is NEOM a genuine catalyst for change or a mirage that dazzles the imagination? Let’s delve into it and find out.

    Related: Why Smart Cities Are the Path to a Sustainable Future

    How smart cities are transforming urban living

    Advancements in digital technology, IoT, AI and big data analytics have facilitated the growth of smart cities in recent years. These cities incorporate such technologies into their urban infrastructure to enhance mobility, encourage public engagement and optimize resource allocation.

    From using IoT-enabled sensors and devices to manage and maintain infrastructure to implementing intelligent energy grids and transportation networks to adopting data-driven governance and citizen-centered services, the potential advantages that smart cities can offer are extensive.

    The city of Dublin in Ireland is a great example of a city transitioning towards being a smart city and other cities are following suit, with many countries even embarking on ventures to develop planned smart cities. The Saudi NEOM is just one of them.

    Related: What Makes Smart Cities Smart

    Is NEOM a vision or a mirage?

    NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s planned city, has been positioned as a pioneering smart city project that aims to reinvent urban living. NEOM strives to build a vibrant ecosystem driven by innovation, sustainability and economic diversity across a wide span of approximately 26,000 square kilometers. The city pledges to develop a vibrant, technology-driven city by focusing on essential industries such as energy, biotechnology, tourism and entertainment.

    Let’s look at the potential NEOM holds to influence planned city projects around the globe and the skepticism surrounding it.

    Related: Why Smart Cities Are a Golden Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

    The potential of NEOM

    NEOM holds the promise of being a blueprint for future smart cities worldwide. Its emphasis on technology-driven solutions has the potential to improve energy efficiency, enhance mobility and bolster public safety, making it an attractive model for urban development.

    One area of potential impact lies in sustainable infrastructure. NEOM’s commitment to being powered entirely by renewable energy sources showcases a strong dedication to mitigating carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

    Another key aspect is the integration of autonomous transportation systems. NEOM envisions a network of smart mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles and intelligent traffic management.

    Furthermore, NEOM’s emphasis on technology-driven solutions presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration. It aims to create an ecosystem that nurtures research and development, fostering partnerships between businesses, academic institutions and startups.

    Concerns about NEOM

    Critics have raised valid concerns regarding NEOM’s feasibility and sustainability. The massive scale of the project and its potential environmental impact have raised eyebrows. The successful realization of NEOM’s ambitious goals, such as being entirely powered by renewable energy and implementing autonomous transportation, is no small feat. Skeptics question whether such grand ambitions can be effectively executed in practice.

    Moreover, NEOM has also been at the forefront of several controversies, including the forced eviction of the Huwaitat tribe from their homes and human rights violations against migrant workers.

    The geopolitical context surrounding NEOM also raises additional questions. Its location near the borders of Egypt and Jordan and regional dynamics introduce uncertainties that could impact the project’s success. Political stability, collaboration with neighboring countries and the management of potential conflicts are among the key challenges NEOM must address.

    Related: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM: A US$500 Billion City Being Built ‘For A New Way Of Living’

    Can NEOM revolutionize urban development?

    NEOM’s ambitious vision for a smart city represents a bold endeavor that, if successful, could revolutionize urban development. However, it is essential to approach NEOM with a critical lens, considering the challenges and skepticism it faces. Monitoring its progress, addressing environmental concerns, ensuring long-term sustainability and navigating geopolitical complexities will be crucial for NEOM’s future.

    As NEOM unfolds, further analysis and evaluation will shed light on its potential as a transformative project. Balancing visionary goals with practical considerations is key to discerning whether NEOM will emerge as a visionary city of the future or remain a mirage in the desert.

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    Asim Rais Siddiqui

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  • 7 Empowering Strategies for Leaders Transitioning to New Roles | Entrepreneur

    7 Empowering Strategies for Leaders Transitioning to New Roles | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In the dynamic world of work, more than 50 million workers made a bold move in 2022, breaking records by quitting their jobs for better opportunities amid a hot labor market. Even in the face of economic concerns in 2023, numerous executives stepped away from their long-tenured positions to embrace fresh challenges and greater growth.

    As a leadership coach and founder of LEAD+VISION, I specialize in fostering unshakable inner confidence and cultivating high-performing team cultures through vision-based coaching. Throughout 2023, a recurring theme in my coaching practice was preparing executives for successful job transitions.

    Leaving a familiar, long-tenured job can feel like an overwhelming decision. Rebuilding strong relationships with peers and management, understanding new success metrics, fostering a high-performing team and upholding a reputable leadership image become crucial goals upon joining a new company. It’s natural for impostor syndrome to rear its head, whispering doubts like, “What has gotten me here may not get me there.”

    But fret not! Armed with the right strategies, you can navigate this change with unwavering confidence and ignite success at every turn. Join me as we delve into seven empowering strategies to help you shine in your new senior executive role:

    1. Align expectations for success: Setting the foundation

    First, sit down with your manager and clarify what success looks like in the next 6-12 months. Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) and company goals. This alignment sets the stage for you to lead effectively, with a clear vision of what’s expected without getting lost in the noise of the daily business. Here are some guiding questions that can help during your first kick-off meeting:

    • What would success look like for you related to my team in the next six and 12 months?
    • What are the team’s current goals and objectives, and how are they aligned with the company strategy?
    • How is my team’s performance measured currently, and what are the key performance indicators or metrics that are used?
    • What are the team’s biggest challenges or pain points from your perspective, and how can we work together to address them?

    Related: How to Engage Employees Through Your Company Vision Statement

    2. Listen actively, grow exponentially

    Embrace the power of listening — a skill often underestimated. As you step into your new role, silence that inner critique trying to prove your worth, a fear-driven act I often observe with leaders in transition. Instead, tune in to your employees, peers, management team and cross-functional teams. Every individual’s insight is a puzzle that builds a complete picture of your new organization. It’s not about you but how well you can orchestrate information and action between these stakeholders.

    Related: Why Embracing Human Design Will Transform Your Workplace for Success

    3. Start collecting data and notice patterns

    Listening is not enough; you need to gather data systematically. Keep track of feedback, suggestions and observations from various interactions. Look for response patterns and trends to identify common themes, challenges and opportunities. This data-driven approach will help you make informed decisions as you progress. You are the orchestrator of information without bias coming in with a fresh set of eyes, able to steer the ship in the right direction.

    Related: How to Harness the Power of Data Analytics for Business Growth

    4. Create a 30, 60, 90 and 180-Day plan

    A well-structured plan is your compass for success. Break down your goals into manageable milestones for the first 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. This will keep you focused, organized and motivated, ensuring steady progress and measurable achievements.

    5. Own your experience and leverage your strengths

    Acknowledge the unique experience and skills you bring to the table. Embrace your expertise and use it to your advantage. At the same time, be open to learning from your new environment. Cultivate a growth mindset, constantly seeking opportunities to develop personally and professionally.

    Related: How to Build a Strengths-Based Culture by Unlocking the Power of Employee Potential

    6. Communicate transparently and clearly

    Clear and transparent communication is the lifeblood of a thriving organization. As a senior executive, your words carry weight, and as the new leader in an organization, building trust with your team and peers is the foundation for your success. Be honest, open and approachable. Keep your team informed about your learnings, progress, newly formed vision and any changes. Transparent communication fosters trust, camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. It also empowers your team to challenge your assumptions and help build a high-performing team culture.

    7. Create a development plan and hire a leadership coach

    Hiring a leadership coach during your transition can be among the most rewarding and empowering investments. The right coach can ask you powerful questions to observe your thoughts and guide you with a broad toolkit of best practices to confidently develop yourself and your team.

    Ensure that your leadership coach has real-life business experience and can simultaneously act as a coach and mentor. Identify areas where you have room to grow and develop. It’s natural to have some gaps in your skills or knowledge. Don’t shy away from them or pretend to know, fearing being perceived as incompetent; instead, create a development plan. Seek learning opportunities within the organization, workshops, or mentoring to bridge those gaps actively. Find a work buddy, a long-tenured peer or executive, who can be the conduit for institutional knowledge, best practices or translator for challenges. Leverage your team’s expertise to fill in your gaps until you build enough confidence and learn.

    Stepping into a new role can be both stimulating and challenging. Embrace the opportunities that come with change, and remember that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Trust yourself, trust your team and trust the process. You will thrive in your new role by aligning expectations, actively listening, collecting data, creating a plan, owning your experience, communicating transparently and developing yourself.

    As you embark on this transformative journey, remember you are not alone. Every great leader faces new challenges and uncertainties. But with these strategies in your toolkit, you are equipped to soar to new heights. Embrace the possibilities, inspire your team and lead confidently.

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    Tugba Yanaz

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  • Get a Lifetime of Tailored Piano Instruction From This $150 AI App | Entrepreneur

    Get a Lifetime of Tailored Piano Instruction From This $150 AI App | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    The Exit Planning Institute found that 44% of business owners are stressed over the finances and the future of their business. If you’re finding it difficult to disconnect and heal, you may find solace in something as simple as learning the piano. With Skoove Premium, you can learn to play on your own time, in your own way, with the help of an advanced AI. Normally, a lifetime subscription to Skoove would be $300, but you can get it for $149.99.

    Escape the stress of managing your business.

    If the stress of running your business is inhibiting your performance, try to relax by playing music. Playing music is known as a common way of reducing agitation, and Skoove simplifies the learning process for you by curating piano lessons based on your skill level.

    This lifetime subscription gives you access to 400 different lessons and thousands of instructional videos tailored to your learning. The AI listens as you play, identifies areas of improvement, and plans exercises for you. Once you have the basics down, you can even start practicing chart hits from artists you recognize including The Beatles, John Legend, and more.

    Skoove works with classic pianos or keyboards. If you want to try improving morale in the office overall, you could even put a keyboard in a shared space and open it up to anyone who wants to learn and enjoy.

    Save 50% on the App Store Editor’s Choice piano learning app.

    Join over one million learners in studying the piano.

    For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for half off $300 at $149.99.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • 7 Common Myths You Might Believe About Allyship | Entrepreneur

    7 Common Myths You Might Believe About Allyship | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In a world that continues to grapple with social injustice and systemic inequality, allyship has emerged as a critical strategy for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. While many individuals genuinely believe they are good people, the challenge lies in effectively demonstrating allyship in their actions. True allyship goes beyond performative gestures or one-time efforts; it requires consistent, intentional actions over time. Allyship is about sustained change long term.

    Allyship, at its core, involves supporting marginalized individuals or communities by using one’s privilege to dismantle oppressive systems. Allies actively work to amplify marginalized voices, challenge biased norms and advocate for equity and justice. It is important to recognize that allyship is not a self-appointed label, but rather a status earned through continuous learning, self-reflection and ongoing action.

    In an era of social media activism and viral challenges, it is easy to fall into the trap of engaging in check-the-box activities. These are actions taken solely for the purpose of being seen as an ally or to temporarily ease one’s guilt, without a genuine commitment to effecting real change. Posting a hashtag, attending a single protest or making a donation can certainly be valuable, but they alone do not define allyship. True allyship necessitates a long-term investment of time, energy and resources.

    Effective allyship involves taking meaningful action beyond performative gestures. Engage in direct support of marginalized individuals and communities. This can include volunteering, mentoring or financially supporting relevant organizations. Stand up against discrimination and biases, even in uncomfortable situations. Being an ally means using your voice and privilege to effect change, both on an individual and systemic level.

    Related: Are You a Performative Ally? Here Are the Signs.

    Myth 1: Allyship is a one-time act

    Allyship is an ongoing commitment to actively support and advocate for marginalized individuals or groups. It requires consistent effort, education and self-reflection.

    Myth 2: Allies should speak for marginalized groups

    True allyship involves listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, rather than speaking on their behalf. Allies should create space for marginalized individuals to share their own experiences and perspectives. Allyship is about speaking up with marginalized groups, not for marginalized groups.

    Myth 3: Allies are always perfect and never make mistakes

    Allies are human and can make mistakes. It’s important to acknowledge and learn from those mistakes, take responsibility and make efforts to do better. Allyship is a continuous learning process. It is about progress over perfection.

    Myth 4: Allyship is solely about individual actions

    While individual actions are important, allyship also involves addressing systemic issues and working towards creating inclusive and equitable environments. This may involve advocating for policy changes, challenging discriminatory practices and supporting organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. Individual actions are important, but systems must be addressed for true positive change.

    Myth 5: Allies should be recognized and praised for their efforts

    Allyship is not about seeking recognition or accolades. It’s about supporting marginalized communities without expecting anything in return. True allyship is driven by the desire to create positive change, rather than personal gain. Allyship is in the eye of the beholder, it cannot be a self-proclamation.

    Myth 6: Allies should always be at the forefront of activism

    Allies should recognize that their role is to support and uplift marginalized communities, rather than taking the spotlight away from them. Centering and amplifying the voices and experiences of those directly affected by systemic injustices is crucial. Allyship is about dropping your ego and doing what is right, even if it is hard.

    Related: Every Leader Should Be an Ally: How To Implement Diversity and Inclusion in Your Business

    Myth 7: Allies cannot be criticized

    Feedback is a gift. Allies should be open to feedback and criticism. It’s essential to listen to the concerns and perspectives of marginalized individuals and be willing to reflect on and improve their allyship practices. Constructive criticism can help allies grow and become more effective in their support. If someone’s kind enough to give you feedback, they are trying to help you be better. Allies leverage feedback to learn and grow. It may be hard to understand something you haven’t yet experienced as an ally. That’s why feedback and learning are so critical.

    Allyship is a journey, and it requires continuous self-education, empathy and action. It’s important to recognize and challenge these myths in order to foster more inclusive and supportive communities.

    In a world striving for social justice and equality, allyship plays a pivotal role. It requires consistent, intentional actions over time rather than mere check-the-box activities. By actively educating ourselves, listening, amplifying marginalized voices and taking meaningful action, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

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    Julie Kratz

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  • What Sustainability Does To Your Bottom Line — Entrepreneur Magazine | Entrepreneur

    What Sustainability Does To Your Bottom Line — Entrepreneur Magazine | Entrepreneur

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    Sustainability initiatives are good practice and something we urgently need to save our planet. But are they also good marketing? Yes.

    I write a newsletter called Ariyh, short for Academic Research In Your Hands (find it at ariyh.com), where I summarize the latest scientific research in marketing and sales. And I see a consistent theme: When brands have well-executed sustainability initiatives, they increase nearly every metric a business needs to succeed. It’s even true with little-known startups and small-to-medium businesses.

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    Thomas McKinlay

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  • Struggling in Franchising? You Need to Think Bigger. | Entrepreneur

    Struggling in Franchising? You Need to Think Bigger. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    A few years ago, I was speaking to some friends and colleagues about a vision I had for a new franchise restaurant. I told them the brand had a unique concept and could quickly be on track to 1,000 worldwide locations. The responses were fairly consistent: incredulity and laughter. And these people were supposed to be my friends!

    The brand we talked about was The Halal Guys, a company I work with. After an extremely successful 2022, one in which the company opened its 100th location — and with 300-plus more in development — it was tempting to then ask them, “Who’s laughing now?”

    The plan was aggressive from the jump: We’d target the 50 largest markets in North America, then go international. Most of those major metro areas are covered now, and international expansion has begun with the UK and South Korea. Pulling this all off as quickly as we’d envisioned seemed impossible to a great many, but that ambitious mindset worked.

    Here are some essential strategies I’ve applied in the course of taking more than 10 such brands worldwide.

    Related: 5 Strategies You Need to Build Your Brand

    Think positively

    There’s nothing a failing person likes to see more than someone else fail. So, it’s okay if someone doesn’t see your vision: It wasn’t their vision anyway, it’s yours.

    My story about The Halal Guys isn’t an outlier. When you’re building, many people are going to root for you to tank simply because they aren’t winning, which often means that they’ll give you bad advice, encourage you to back off and/or withhold a helping hand. That’s why it’s so important to think positively about your brand’s potential and growth plan. Because challenges arise for young franchises daily, and panic doesn’t put money in the bank.

    When I was helping PayMore through its initial franchise launch, it seemed that we couldn’t sell to anyone. Despite great unit economics and a scalable business plan, many thought its buy-sell-trade model seemed too much like a pawn shop, and in truth, we weren’t doing the company any favors by presenting it like one.

    Still, there was no panic. We stayed positive and altered our presentation. It’s been a little more than a year now since we launched franchising, and over the last two months have completed more than a dozen deals encompassing 60-plus units. Put simply, positivity paid off.

    Think aggressively

    It’s important to have brand standards, but it’s also important to know when to bend them. You may be dead-set on only allowing multi-unit deals, for example, but the right single-unit deal can get the ball rolling for a stagnant brand, including attracting good press, which could lead to a multi-unit franchisee down the road.

    Also, think about how you can incentivize franchisees to expand their territories because encouraging them to embrace affordable conversions could lead to quicker growth (keep in mind that this requires having the right design and brand standards in place). Thinking aggressively means being prepared to act fast when opportunities arise, so plan accordingly when building your business strategy.

    Part of thinking aggressively is thinking big: Don’t be content with small, steady growth if your concept can handle rapid expansion. Don’t be afraid to go for it.

    Related: As a Leader, You Need to Be Both Positive and Aggressive

    Think beyond yourself

    Building a brand that aims to be a household name is a lot easier with a solid team in place. I’ve always enjoyed getting my hands dirty, and I’ve never worked harder than I did for real mentors and with other people who have taught me about the industry.

    Case in point: I’m working with a new brand out of Chicago called Cilantro Taco Grill. Their story is inspiring — run by a family of first-generation immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico, who built the restaurant as a tribute to their father and as a celebration of the authentic flavors they grew up with. They’ve dominated the quick-service Mexican scene in Chicago, in part because their business plan was born out of familial love. The company’s story and standards are authentic, and its food tastes better because of that.

    This is just part of why it’s so vital to share your goals, and even more so to share your success. Team members should also be in line with the business plan and where the brand is headed — should be thinking positively and aggressively right alongside you. Of course, that requires the right workplace dynamic: People naturally invest themselves in people who take care of them, so incentivize success, offer quality benefits and provide a comfortable workplace.

    Related: Why Are Companies Still Holding Back on Investing in Employees’ Development?

    Think about the future

    The goal for any franchisee should be to get wealthy, certainly, which involves building towards an exit. This business, like virtually all others, is about growing an asset that has the potential to sell at peak value. That’s why you need to be positive, prioritize aggression and focus on building a team — with the very possible goal of attracting a buyer. A profitable five-unit franchise chain that sells at eight times its yearly income could potentially set you up for life — a return most other industries can’t offer in a comparable timeframe.

    You shouldn’t be looking to create a job — heck, you can go find a job. Your future in franchising should be building generational wealth — for your family, your kids and yourself.

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    Dan Rowe

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  • 3 Steps to Overcome the Fear of Uncertainty and Daily Stress | Entrepreneur

    3 Steps to Overcome the Fear of Uncertainty and Daily Stress | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In times of chaos and uncertainty, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, reacting impulsively to the stresses of the moment. It’s only later that we may realize we could have responded with more grace, poise and thoughtfulness. This lack of resilience often stems from depletion — when we are physically, emotionally or mentally drained, we become more likely to lash out or overreact when faced with unexpected challenges.

    Resilience is the key to responding thoughtfully to unexpected changes. However, depletion can hinder our ability to maintain a calm and collected demeanor in the face of adversity. As exemplified by Will Smith’s outburst at the Academy Awards last year, even successful and wealthy individuals can struggle to maintain resilience. Therefore, it is essential to replenish our reserves so that we can navigate whatever struggles come our way.

    Related: How to Let Go of Fear in Times of Uncertainty

    Resilience and daily rituals

    The Resilient Leader Assessment, a survey of over 5,000 business leaders and professionals, revealed that many individuals are operating with depleted reserves of mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual resilience. Of those surveyed, only 6% exhibited what we call “change-proof resilience,” with 34% being vulnerable to acute and chronic stress. However, hope remains — by establishing rituals to renew and replenish ourselves in these four resilience zones (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), we can build our capacity to regenerate our energy reserves incrementally.

    It is crucial to practice resilience before we need it. We can do so by engaging in daily rituals such as exercising, meditating and taking breaks in the midst of our busy work schedules. With practice, we can also learn to react to unexpected situations in a more collected manner.

    Resilience is not just about bouncing back, but embracing change with unwavering strength and adapting to the winds of transformation.

    Related: 7 Ways to Build Resiliency in Challenging Times

    3 simple steps to help you overcome the fear of uncertainty and daily stress

    Our natural response to uncertainty and adversity is often fear-based, leading to a primitive fight-or-flight response that impairs our critical thinking skills. One way to inoculate yourself against fear generated by uncertainty is a strategy I call Pause-Ask-Choose. This is a method to help you reframe and discover opportunities when you are faced with any kind of challenge. When you feel stress and tension rising in your body, use that feeling as a reminder to:

    • Pause: Stop and take several deep breaths. Doing this is like rebooting your computer when it is slogging along under the strain of all the tabs you have open before it freezes. This pause is meant to create space for you to be conscious of this next, very important step.

    • Ask: This is where you can reframe and discover the deeper meaning in whatever challenge you are facing. Reframe the moment for your growth by asking questions like: “What’s the creative opportunity here?” or “What don’t I see?” or “What can I be grateful for?”. These types of questions might not provide the immediate solution or answer you’re looking for, but what they will do is provide a new perspective, which will undoubtedly open your mind to see the situation through an entirely new set of lenses. The effect will be cascading, and soon enough, the entire situation will look differently to you — just from pausing and asking.

    • Choose: Choose to ritualize your recovery for higher performance in the future. When we choose, we are consciously ritualizing small, daily practices for our personal recovery to create mental, emotional, physical and spiritual integration and harmony. This choice to deal with our depletion before it becomes a problem is truly a game-changer for our levels of energy and even our attitude and mindset going forward.

    The more we practice, the easier it becomes to replace our fight-or-flight responses and ritualize Pause-Ask-Choose as our default coping strategy. Taken together, the three steps give us a simple, repeatable formula for becoming a resilient agent of change, instead of a victim to it.

    Related: Mastering the Art of the Reframe Is the Key to Building Resilience. Here’s How to Do It.

    It may not happen overnight, but with consistent effort, we can rewire our default reactions and develop a new mindset that embraces change as an opportunity for growth. As we become more adept at pausing to reflect, asking ourselves empowering questions and making conscious choices to recover from depletion before it drags us down, we shift from being passive recipients of change to active agents who shape our own destinies. With each successful implementation of this formula, we build our capacity to navigate the ever-evolving landscapes of work and life and emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient than ever before.

    Each step in the right direction is one step closer than you were before.

    By choosing to ritualize our recovery through small, daily practices that promote mental, emotional, physical and spiritual harmony, we grow in our capacity to handle whatever is happening in the moment — resiliently. By prioritizing our well-being and replenishing our energy reserves, we can face unexpected challenges with calm, grace and poise. And in that moment, we have gained a distinct resilience advantage in a world that isn’t going to slow down anytime soon.

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    Adam Markel

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  • Are You a Visionary Leader? Here Are 12 Ways to Get Started | Entrepreneur

    Are You a Visionary Leader? Here Are 12 Ways to Get Started | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of visionary leadership has become increasingly crucial. Visionary leaders possess a unique ability to inspire and guide their organizations toward a desired future state. History has shown that a visionary leader initiated every significant technological invention. They are catalysts for change, capable of transforming companies and shaping industries.

    As the founder of LEAD + VISION, a vision-based leadership coaching and consulting firm, I coach C-suite executives on building and elevating their visionary thinking skills. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the transformational effect of visionary leadership and uncover invaluable insights on how you can develop and elevate your visionary leadership skills.

    The power of visionary leadership

    Visionary leaders profoundly impact their organizations by providing a clear sense of purpose, direction and motivation. They possess a compelling vision, which acts as a guiding star for their teams. This vision serves as a roadmap, helping companies navigate through challenges, seize opportunities and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

    Transformational leaders have the ability to communicate their vision effectively, creating a shared understanding and sense of ownership among team members. Visionary leaders foster collaboration, inspire innovation and drive engagement by aligning the organization around a common goal. This synergy and excitement of a shared vision empower employees to go above and beyond their usual responsibilities, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

    Related: 3 Perspectives of Visionary Leaders

    Developing visionary skills

    While some individuals naturally possess visionary leadership abilities, it is a skill that can be trained and built with practice. Here are some strategies to cultivate and enhance visionary leadership skills:

    1. Self-reflection: Take time to introspect and define your personal values, passions and long-term goals. Understanding your own aspirations and what drives you will enable you to craft a compelling vision that resonates with your team.
    2. Environmental scanning: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies and societal changes. By continuously scanning the external environment, you can anticipate shifts, identify opportunities and adjust your vision accordingly.
    3. Embrace the power of curiosity: Curiosity fuels the fire of visionary thinking. Embrace an insatiable hunger for knowledge, exploration and learning. Seek diverse experiences, delve into new domains and challenge conventional wisdom. By fostering an ever-curious mindset, you will expand your mental horizons, uncover hidden connections and illuminate the path toward visionary insights.
    4. Embrace systems thinking: Embrace the wisdom of systems thinking, for it is the cornerstone of connecting the dots. See your organization as an intricate ecosystem, interconnected and interdependent. Understand the ripple effects of decisions, the delicate balance of forces at play and the dynamic relationships within and beyond your organization. By adopting a systems thinking mindset, you will perceive the interwoven threads that shape your organization’s destiny.
    5. Foster a learning culture: Nurture a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Encourage your team to explore new concepts, engage in cross-functional collaborations and share their discoveries. Create spaces for open dialogue, where ideas can flow freely and diverse voices can be heard. By fostering a learning culture, you create an ecosystem where dots naturally converge, enabling the emergence of innovative solutions.
    6. Embrace data and analytics: In the age of digital transformation, data and analytics serve as a powerful lens to perceive hidden patterns. Leverage technology and data-driven insights to unearth correlations, trends and anomalies. Develop the ability to extract meaningful insights from vast volumes of information, enabling you to anticipate shifts, seize opportunities and connect the dots that others overlook.
    7. Encourage intuition and creativity: Visionary leaders understand the power of intuition and creativity as catalysts for connecting the dots. Cultivate your intuitive senses, trust your gut instincts and allow your subconscious mind to weave its magic. Embrace creativity, for it is the bridge that connects seemingly disparate elements, sparking innovative solutions and revealing unexpected connections.
    8. Engage in strategic thinking: Develop the ability to think strategically by analyzing complex problems, considering multiple perspectives and envisioning future scenarios. Strategic thinking allows you to anticipate challenges, devise innovative solutions and guide your organization toward success.
    9. Nurture an innovative culture: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity, experimentation and embracing calculated risks throughout your organization. Foster an environment where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and provide valuable feedback. By fostering a culture that celebrates innovation, you empower your team to break free from traditional boundaries, igniting transformative change and propelling your organization toward new heights.
    10. Effective communication: Master the art of communicating your vision clearly and consistently. Tailor your message to resonate with different stakeholders and adapt your communication style to suit diverse audiences. Use storytelling techniques to inspire and engage your team, painting a vivid picture of the desired future state.
    11. Build a diverse team: Surround yourself with individuals who bring different skill sets, perspectives and experiences. Diversity enhances creativity, fosters innovation and ensures that blind spots are identified and addressed. Embrace inclusive leadership practices that create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
    12. Develop emotional intelligence: Visionary leaders understand the importance of empathy, emotional awareness and effective relationship-building. Cultivate emotional intelligence to inspire trust, motivate your team and foster a sense of purpose.

    In this era of constant disruption, visionary leadership is the catalyst for transformative change. By integrating these strategies into your leadership approach, you will unlock the full potential of your team and navigate the evolving business landscape with confidence.

    Embrace the visionary within you and let your leadership shine as you shape industries, inspire change and leave a lasting impact on your organization’s success. Your visionary journey starts now.

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    Tugba Yanaz

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  • ChatGPT Took My Job in Copywriting. You Could Be Next. | Entrepreneur

    ChatGPT Took My Job in Copywriting. You Could Be Next. | Entrepreneur

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    This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

    I always dreamed of going viral because of my brains or my undeniable beauty. I never thought it would be because I made a TikTok about losing my job to AI.

    I’m a writer and stand-up comedian. Like most creatives, I’ve always worked a day job. For the past several years I worked as a full-time freelance copywriter; I’d work on webpages, branded blogs, online articles, social-media captions, and email-marketing campaigns. I wasn’t raking in the big bucks or living fancy-free aboard a yacht in Capri, but I was comfortable. For the first time, I felt I had a sustainable career.

    In the push for innovation, we’ve always celebrated the advancements that rendered workers useless; we marveled at the printing press with little thought for the scribe and rejoiced at the ease of an elevator button even though it swiftly replaced the lift operator.

    Still, it’s different when it happens to you

    First, the work slowed. Instead of 10 assignments a week, I had five. Then three. Then one.

    Like any good self-doubting millennial, I first thought it was me. I’d finally been discovered as a talentless hack with no business being a “professional” writer.

    The majority of my freelance assignments came through a single agency working with several brands. When the assignments stopped coming, I emailed my editor/boss to ask if I’d been fired or if all the brands had just voted me off the island, “Survivor” style.

    The good news was it wasn’t me, but the real reason made me wish it had been.

    Clients were simply unwilling to pay for copywriting any longer unless that writer could also provide email management and a funnel-building system, most likely because of the newfound popularity of ChatGPT. Most of my clients were small businesses, startups, and young brands, which are typically the first to adapt to new technology to cut costs — aka me.

    Trying to find a job in an oversaturated market is like trying to talk to someone at unemployment — many of us remain on hold

    For the next three months, I steadily applied for content and copywriting positions. With each passing week, I widened the scope of my search, desperation pushing me forward like a stage mom to a shy child.

    Several successful yet fruitless interviews later (one of which I did in Hawaii on the day of my best friend’s wedding), I remained jobless. (Side note: That beautiful trip to Hawaii sent me into a debt-stress spiral akin to nothing I’ve ever experienced. I now understand “Death of a Salesman” on a far deeper level.)

    Then I came across a promising position through a rather pushy recruiter. The six-month contract was for a well-paying, albeit exceedingly vague, role at a global conglomerate, the name of which I cannot share because of an NDA. I entered the pre-interview interview hopeful and left wishing I’d followed my father’s advice and become an electrician.

    The company was looking to hire a copywriter to train its artificial intelligence source, improving its humanlike communication abilities. The contract was six months, because that’s how long it’d take the AI would learn to write just like me but better, faster, and cheaper.

    If you’re under the assumption that I turned down the follow-up interview because the job would take away my future ability to find work, you’d be wrong, my friend. On the brink of financial collapse, making the “right choice” for future sustainability becomes a distant concept, replaced by frivolous needs for the present, such as food and shelter.

    In a hilarious turn of events, even though I would’ve taken the job, I didn’t end up getting it

    Instead, I got hired as a brand ambassador, which is a fancy way of saying I offer samples of sparkling water at grocery stores. I’m still applying for jobs, but in the meantime this allows me to keep the lights on.

    In January, two months after its launch, ChatGPT surpassed 100 million users, solidifying its status as the fastest-growing consumer application. The more users input instructions, the smarter ChatGPT gets, and the more writers will join me — and the elevator operator — in obsolescence.

    While I and countless other out-of-work copywriters are the first wave of AI collateral, the collapse of my profession is probably just the tip of the AI iceberg. Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that artificial intelligence led to nearly 4,000 job losses in May.

    I naively assumed that artists and creatives would be safe from automation technology, because how could anything replace the wonder of the human mind — and even if it could, why would we want it to? Hah! I now understand that in even the most creative industries, creativity never comes before the bottom line. If a robot can do your job for less, you better believe that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

    Emily Hanley is a freelance copywriter and comedian.

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    Emily Hanley

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  • Pick up New Skills for an Exclusive Price of $33 During Our Version of Prime Day | Entrepreneur

    Pick up New Skills for an Exclusive Price of $33 During Our Version of Prime Day | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Workramp revealed in 2022 that the COVID-19 pandemic made workers reevaluate their skill sets, with 19% stating that pursuing higher education or picking up a new skill was a big priority. If you’ve been wanting to invest in yourself and further your career in a new field, look no further than StackSkills Unlimited.

    StackSkills Unlimited offers an affordable way to pick up a variety of new skills — all of which you can do from the comfort of your home without stepping foot into a classroom. And during our answer to Amazon’s Prime Day, Deal Days, you can score lifetime access to this vault of knowledge for just $32.97 (reg. $1,495), with no coupon code required, now through July 17.

    As a busy entrepreneur, free time is usually a luxury. So StackSkills is a great way to learn new things on your own timeline. It’s an online learning platform you can access from your devices anytime, where you’ll receive lessons on in-demand skills via thousands of courses that cover a wide variety of topics. From blockchain to graphic design, finance to business and marketing, nearly anything you’d like to explore is available. And 50 new courses are added every month.

    Whether you’re hoping to switch careers entirely, want to learn new skills that can help you with your current venture, or save you money keeping things in-house, StackSkills is a helpful tool. Boasting 4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot, all courses are taught by elite instructors, offering a premiere education to help expand your mind.

    Enjoy forever learning with this lifetime access to StackSkills Unlimited for only $32.97 (reg. $1,495), no coupon code needed, now through July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • 10 Lessons I’ve Learned In 10 Years of Running My Own Business | Entrepreneur

    10 Lessons I’ve Learned In 10 Years of Running My Own Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In 2013, I made a life-changing decision. I decided to “take a break” from my dream job, which while amazing, was also fast-paced and demanding. I gained invaluable experience, opportunities, connections and more as a law firm partner, but my personal life suffered.

    I was fortunate to have had financial success that enabled a break, and this difficult decision catapulted me into becoming a full-time entrepreneur. While I miss some things about being a part of a law firm, I love setting the pace of my own life and that I still help others daily, just in a different way.

    Becoming a business owner has revolutionized my understanding of the realities of running a company. I now believe you cannot tell someone else how to run their business if you have never successfully run one yourself. In celebration of 10 years as a fully self-funded female business owner, here are ten things I’ve learned.

    Related: Are You a Business Owner or an Entrepreneur?

    1. You can actually start your own business and be successful!

    I never intended to become an entrepreneur. However, after deciding to pause, I was asked to consult with lawyer friends who had previously been competitors. Unlike work, it sounded fun, and I could do it while “on a break” from law firm life. Ten years later, I manage a team of marketers and work with law firms across the country, helping my team members and my clients succeed.

    Related: 10 Tips for the First-Time Business Owner

    2. No matter how good you are at what you do, some people will still treat you like you aren’t

    You might expect that after over two decades as a lawyer and achieving both legal industry accolades and marketing industry awards, those I talk to and work with would always treat me with respect. You’d be wrong. No matter how many years of schooling, degrees, years of experience and awards you have, some people will always try to make you feel small, treat you as if you do not matter and belittle your skills.

    Don’t work with those people. Don’t employ those people. Don’t allow those people to impact your energy and success.

    3. You cannot control your clients, but you can only control how you respond to them

    Most marketing agencies do not refund client money after being paid. I used to feel the same way — I did the work, you paid me, and I deserved to be paid. Fear of having done a bad job, fear of not being able to afford to refund that money and fear of that client keep owners myopic. Success has allowed me the privilege to evolve.

    I had a client who was negative and abrasive and refused to collaborate. Even though we delivered everything they paid for, the firm was still unhappy. So, I fired them and refunded every cent of their money. While this made my business lose money, the financial price was worth it.

    4. You do not need a physical office to be a seven-figure company

    I spent my legal career working in business attire in a professional setting in office buildings. Once the pandemic hit, the beautiful corner office on the top floor of a building in my neighborhood I had painstakingly searched for and decorated became a source of stress. Our team became remote, not really by choice, and we stayed that way. Now I pay no rent and reallocate those funds. I miss working collaboratively in person, but my team is thriving. We have been able to take on more clients than ever before, all without a physical office.

    5. If a new hire is troubling you early on, they are likely not going to work out

    A successful business owner told me that I would know within two days of working with a new hire if they would work out. I scoffed at what sounded like a lack of care and a lack of willingness to try harder when onboarding.

    After ten years, two days still seems pretty quick, but it does not take long to know if a new hire is the wrong one. The longer you wait to deal with it, the worse things get for the new hire and the existing team. Cut your losses early, allowing that person to move on and you to start looking for the right fit.

    Related: How to Find, Hire (and Fire!) Rockstar Employees

    6. Narrowing services offered means increased expertise

    As a 21-year lawyer, legal marketing is my consulting focus. Because there are a lot of lawyers, and most law firms engage in marketing efforts, I have a decently sized national marketplace from which to obtain clients. One of my strongest selling points is that I have a niche business focused on one industry and am a licensed expert. Expanding into other industries I know less about and have no footprint in would dilute my biggest point of differentiation. Stay focused and grow within your niche.

    7. Saying “no” leaves room to say “yes” to opportunities you don’t know about yet

    It is scary to say no to paid opportunities early in the life of your business but remember, each engagement is a partnership, and you should only partner when it can be mutually successful. Prevent doomed collaborations on the front end.

    Gauge compatibility by paying attention to how they speak to and email you, the “story” of how they came to be in their current position, and more. Every client you choose to work with can come at the expense of being able to take on another, better opportunity you might not know about yet.

    8. Being your own boss is addicting

    Over time, being my own boss has become a commodity worth significant value to me. I greatly enjoy not having to ask permission to spend a full weekend day uninterrupted with my children. The scary part of being the boss is being responsible for yourself, your team, your clients, and many others, but the benefits of determining how to handle those responsibilities are worth it.

    Related: 5 Essentials for Succeeding When You Become Your Own Boss

    9. Set boundaries early and do not compromise

    Boundaries are important in both our personal and professional lives. The legal industry cultivates a culture of constant availability and immediate response, which is stressful. Now, running my own business, I make conscious choices to shape our company culture differently.

    No one on my team is required to work outside of normal business hours. No one on my team has their work email on their mobile device. I no longer provide clients with my personal (and only) cell phone number. Establishing boundaries like these makes work healthier and more productive.

    10. If you can’t pay yourself as an owner, you are not doing it right

    A surprising number of business owners I consider successful cannot and do not pay themselves at all. Their businesses do not generate sufficient revenue to allow the owner to make an income. If you cannot pay yourself (after a reasonable startup time, of course), you are not succeeding. You should reevaluate your financial position, overall business plan, and whether or not owning a business is the right choice for you.

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    Stacey Burke

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  • You Don’t Need Prime Day to Get This Personal Growth App for More Than $200 Off | Entrepreneur

    You Don’t Need Prime Day to Get This Personal Growth App for More Than $200 Off | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    It takes a monumental amount of work to get a business up and running. A survey conducted on behalf of GoDaddy even found that 41% of business owners end up getting pulled out of their free time to attend to business matters. That means less time to rest, and it also can mean less time for personal and professional growth.

    As an entrepreneur, you may not have time to read through the pile of books you’ve been collecting, but that’s not the only way to get lessons that cultivate new skills. Headway Premium makes learning as easy to fit into your schedule as browsing social media by giving you summaries and insights pulled from best-selling non-fiction titles. Normally, a Headway Premium lifetime subscription is $299, but Entrepreneur Magazine is still running its version of Prime Day, and you can get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just $59.97.

    Although this doesn’t replace reading an entire book, the bite-sized lessons are created to help you understand the main ideas within the book. One verified buyer put it perfectly: “I often felt overwhelmed by the vast amount of books out there. I also struggled with reading speed and comprehension, which made me lose interest in many books I started. This app helps me find the best books for my needs and preferences and gives me summaries and insights that I can digest quickly.”

    Headway has over 15 million users who are turning personal growth into a habit that fits into their life. Summaries are short and can be read or listened to in audio format. You’ll get personalized recommendations based on your areas of interest, and Headway gives you a chance to retain what you learn with spaced repetition.

    Reading takes time, and that’s one thing entrepreneurs don’t always have. However, you can still learn the important lessons from the books you wish you had time to read.

    Until July 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a Headway Premium Lifetime Subscription for $59.97 (reg. $299), no coupon is needed.

    Prices subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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  • I Quit 6 Figures in Finance for YouTube, Now I Make Even More | Entrepreneur

    I Quit 6 Figures in Finance for YouTube, Now I Make Even More | Entrepreneur

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    This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

    This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Vincent Chan, a YouTube content creator. It has been edited for length and clarity.

    I come from a background of Chinese immigrant parents who moved to the US. We were essentially lower-middle class, so I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. Throughout my entire childhood, my parents faced financial struggles.

    There’s this immigrant mentality that often exists among children of immigrants: because our parents sacrificed so much for us, we feel compelled to pay them back. You want to show them that their sacrifices are worth it. So I wanted to get a really good job after graduating college, and finance was one of the careers I looked into.

    In college, my competition was other students who were also looking for finance jobs. But most of them came in with connections — they already had networking opportunities from other banks, and so on.

    It was really tough to get that full-time job initially, mainly because everyone I knew at the time was blue collar workers, so I had no networking connections with anybody, but I finally got an opportunity at a bank. My parents were very proud because they never went to college and never went to high school. They were blue-collar workers, so the fact that they saw their son not only graduate from college but also work a white-collar office job was a very impressive feat to them.

    But then when I started working, I realized that this corporate America structure was not something that I wanted to do.

    In finance, everyone tries to outwork each other

    It took a couple of months before I realized that this job wasn’t what I wanted to do at all. I was sold the dream that working in finance is very sexy — you dress up in suits and then you go to the office, and then you just work on whatever the entire day.

    But it eventually gets to the point where everything is very monotonous and there is too much bureaucracy. For example, I created a lot of PowerPoint slides and Excel spreadsheets. Everything had to follow existing procedures and formats, so there wasn’t room for much creativity or innovation. And since I worked with higher-level executives, a lot of the work required several layers of approval across multiple teams, which would sometimes take weeks, or even months.

    Every new person was trying to outwork the other person, at least in the company that I was at. That was their idea of how to get a promotion faster than everyone else. But once one person started building that kind of workplace culture, another person would follow suit because they didn’t want to be left behind. Everyone was trying to impress their respective bosses to try to get a raise or get that promotion.

    One example was for one of the projects I worked on. I went home at like 1 AM because everyone on the team decided that we all wanted to work super hard to complete this project for some reason. But working late nights put a lot of stress on me.

    I had nothing: no time for friends, no time for a social life

    I recall one evening when my mom called to ask if I would be coming home for dinner. My voice was so angry and annoyed, as if she had asked me something completely outrageous. Upon arriving at home and seeing the dinner she had prepared for me, all I could think at that moment was how I chose to spend extra hours to complete a project over my own family.

    These experiences helped me realize that I had nothing. I had no time to live after work. I wasn’t the nicest person to my family. I had no time for friends, I had no time for my social life. And essentially everything I did, I lived to work for this company.

    I was spending 60 to 80 hours every single week helping this super large organization build their dream, when I could have been spending that time doing my own thing.

    It took me a while to realize the company doesn’t really care about me — I could die tomorrow and they’d just find someone else to replace me, and then in a day or two, no one would remember that I even existed at that corporation.

    It was an accumulation of all these things that convinced me that this job isn’t for me. If I don’t build my own dream, someone else will hire me to build theirs.

    I quit my job in finance, and now I make more money by creating content

    I work on a couple things now: I primarily focus on content creation. This includes my presence on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Additionally, I manage a finance newsletter called Daily Market Briefs, which aims to provide everyday investors with news without the need to spend hours reading sources like the Financial Times or the Wall Street Journal.

    Another project I’m involved in is a content creator accelerator. I’m also in the process of starting a data business specifically tailored to newsletter businesses and content creators. This venture involves providing information on certain things that they would be subscribing to.

    I strategically planted the seed of quitting my full-time job to my parents by gradually introducing the idea months before actually leaving. When the time came for me to quit, my parents noticed that I was making a good amount of money from my creative endeavors. As a result, they were supportive and encouraged me to give it a go.

    I had a financial safety net before quitting

    I’ve been saving for many years. When I quit, I knew I had a financial safety net and that if anything were to happen, I could live off of that.

    So at that time, I saved enough for a little over a year. The worst that would happen if my YouTube channel didn’t take off or my own businesses failed is I would just look for another job, and I would end up in the same exact place that I currently am in.

    I’m privileged to have a college education and been able to save enough money to quit a job — I know that not everyone has the opportunity to take that risk.

    I wish I didn’t drink the corporate America Kool-Aid so much in college

    My biggest advice for people who want to quit, or for people who are in a high-paying/high-pressure role is to brush up on personal finance skills. If you have the safety net, you have more options.

    One thing that I’m really passionate about is financial education for everyone, especially those who don’t have access to opportunities and didn’t grow up in stable environments with resources.

    At this point, I feel like I’m pretty happy with my life and don’t have any regrets, but if I did have to name a regret it would probably be not quitting and starting my content business sooner. Working for a company might provide you with a sense of security and stability — but your company can fire you the next day, so you don’t really know.

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    Aria Yang

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  • How Failure Promotes Personal and Professional Success | Entrepreneur

    How Failure Promotes Personal and Professional Success | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    When it comes to personal and professional growth, failure has always been seen as something to avoid at all costs. We’ve been conditioned to fear failure and view it as a sign of defeat. Whether at school, work or home, we have never been rewarded when we fail. Because of this, we have also never been taught the value that failing holds.

    That’s where the concept of failing forward comes in. This mindset embraces failure as a valuable learning experience. It’s a new movement that encourages growth over perfectionism. And it’s where you’ll find true innovative success for your companies and yourself.

    Related: Why You Must Embrace Failure to Succeed in Business

    A modern take on an old tale

    So, how have you become conditioned to avoid failure? Traditionally speaking, we need to turn our attention to capitalism and productivity. Over time, the concept of “failing” was not seen as being synonymous with “productivity.” Rather, it’s the complete opposite. When looking back on factory workers and laborers, there was no net gain from workers failing at their jobs. What’s more, failing could mean the difference between life and death. If you failed to grow a harvest in the spring, when winter comes, you might have nothing to feed your family. The avoidance of failure served an enormous purpose in basic survival, and this is where the distinction lies.

    Where perfectionism limits, failure will overcome

    Ultimately, your attempts to be perfect limit you. It signals whatever objective you are trying to become perfect at is an ultimate goal in itself. It gets you to think inside the box. It restricts you and confines you to a set of thoughts and behaviors that are only prescribed toward its objective. Essentially, it is the opposite of innovation. And innovation is not exclusively for the highest levels of business — it can be deployed anywhere.

    To be innovative means to look at your repetitive tasks and say, “I can see how this can be done more efficiently.” It is about going out to your field and thinking, “I can see how I can grow more produce this year, but it’s going to be different, and it’s going to need me to take a risk.”

    Related: 5 Ways Fear of Failure Can Ruin Your Business

    You need safety to innovate and security to fail

    I want to challenge your traditional idea of what safety means. Safety is a psychological climate in an organization that allows for certain actions without harm. It means if a team member tries something new and fails, the organizational structures in place will support their growth. It also means norms and beliefs in business culture. It’s when you create a working culture that helps teams to feel secure in stepping out and taking a risk. There are systems that need to be in place to nurture the growth aspect which follows learning through failure. These are the systems you need to think about employing in your business to achieve team growth.

    An acceptance of failure creates an organization of success

    When we were younger, we were taught how to do anything through failure. Riding a bike, climbing a tree or baking a cake: None of us got it right the first time, and that’s how we grew. We knew if we fell off our bike, we could jump back on, and we knew more now than before how to ride it. When we try to remove the processes of failure from an organization, it creates a false reality of stagnant growth. Teams try and conceal where they are struggling, therefore, they never improve. They just try to look like they’ve got it because they feel they must get it. And this generates systemic lies. The business itself starts to operate from this place, too.

    However, when you embrace failure, you embrace the humanity of yourself. You accept your imperfections. This is the real process of perfecting your skills — not the other way around! As leaders, we must create cultures in our organizations that allow and encourage failure as failure is a truth of ourselves. To deny it would be to deny a part of ourselves. When we embrace failure, we promote our teams to think creatively, take risks and start to innovate rather than replicate. It is through providing environmental safety for imperfection that we start to see superstars shine. Through this organizational flexibility, our businesses shine as well.

    Related: How to Develop a Positive Relationship With Failure

    Put those backward habits of yours away — it’s time to fail forward

    The beauty of this approach is that it really is up to us to shape how we see it.

    “Yes, that business idea I had four years ago which cost me more than my first car did not work out (failure) — but it did lead me to the idea that ignited my current organization (success).”

    “It is true, I totally flunked out on that project I was assigned to years ago and humiliated myself in front of my entire department (failure) — but ever since then, I have always known how to give a successful presentation (success).”

    “I know I lost that sale with one of the most important clients I ever had (failure) — but I’m stronger now and wiser, and I am more developed than I ever have been before.”

    Every “failure” is another step in your journey — you decide whether you place it behind you or in front of you. Your perception will shape the outcome, and you hold the key. Go on, I dare you to try failing forward. I promise you won’t look back!

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    Mikey Lucas

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  • 5 Steps to Develop Bold, Assertive Self-Confidence | Entrepreneur

    5 Steps to Develop Bold, Assertive Self-Confidence | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Bold, assertive self-confidence can be conceptualized as an unshakable faith in one’s abilities, skills and competence. It’s a firm conviction in one’s potential to navigate obstacles, achieve set objectives and make informed decisions. More than simple self-assurance, bold, assertive self-confidence involves proactive action based on your deeply held beliefs, instilling a sense of agency and control over your life’s trajectory.

    This dynamic construct plays a pivotal role in pursuing personal and professional success. Bold, assertive self-confidence shapes how we perceive and react to challenges, transforming potential roadblocks into opportunities for growth and learning. It enables us to take calculated risks, fosters resilience and promotes a growth mindset. When cultivated and harnessed, assertive self-confidence acts as an internal compass, guiding us toward our goals and visions, even amidst uncertainty and change. It’s the fuel that powers our journey, empowering us to envision success and actualize it. Hence, assertive self-confidence is not merely an attribute; it’s a catalyst that propels us toward our desired future.

    Related: 6 Actions You Can Take Every Day to Build Your Self-Confidence

    The power and impact of bold, assertive self-confidence

    There are substantial positive outcomes to be gained when the belief in yourself is aligned with the effort required to achieve your goals. You must be willing to do the work. Below are five key measures of the power of bold, assertive self-confidence:

    1. Drives action and motivation: An integral aspect of bold assertive self-confidence is its role in motivating individuals towards goal-directed behavior. It is a propellant that spurs entrepreneurs and leaders to formulate ambitious goals and take strategic, decisive actions, enabling them to transform passive aspirations into tangible achievements that are supported by meaningful measures.

    2. Cultivates resilience: The entrepreneurial landscape can be full of obstacles and setbacks. However — bold, assertive self-confidence allows individuals to perceive these adversities as opportunities for learning and growth. This perspective fortifies resilience, equipping entrepreneurs to endure and adapt, even in the face of the most daunting challenges.

    3. Ignites leadership potential: Leaders emanating bold, assertive self-confidence inspire a similar sense of assurance within their team members. This reciprocal dynamic fosters a culture of shared confidence, leading to enhanced team performance, improved problem-solving abilities, and, ultimately, collective success.

    4. Promotes calculated risk-taking: Bold, assertive self-confidence enables you to navigate uncertain business terrains and new situations confidently. This mindset encourages informed, calculated risk-taking — a necessary ingredient for significant business breakthroughs and innovation.

    5. Fosters a growth mindset: Bold, assertive self-confidence nurtures a growth mindset, a belief in the potential for personal and professional evolution. Individuals who hold this belief perceive intelligence and talents as traits that can be honed and augmented, encouraging continuous learning, improvement and innovation.

    Related: 10 Things You Can Do to Boost Self-Confidence

    Cultivating bold, assertive self-confidence: Practical strategies for implementation

    1. Set and achieve small goals: Boost your assertive self-confidence by setting achievable goals. These milestones reinforce your belief in your abilities and incrementally build your self-confidence. Establishing and accomplishing manageable goals creates complete trust in your abilities, paving the way for more significant successes.

    2. Embrace continuous learning: Make learning a lifelong pursuit. Expanding your knowledge base and developing new skills will equip you to handle business challenges and solidify your belief in your ability to grow and adapt. Adopting a lifelong learning mindset enhances your adaptability, reinforcing your confidence in your growth potential and leading to success in ever-changing business landscapes.

    3. Cultivate self-compassion: Practice kindness towards yourself, especially when you encounter setbacks or failures. Recognize these experiences as stepping stones to success, not as insurmountable roadblocks. Practicing self-compassion in the face of setbacks fosters a resilient belief in your journey, viewing each obstacle as a step to success rather than a deterrent.

    4. Engage in positive self-talk: Reinforce assertive self-confidence through affirmations and positive self-talk. Regularly acknowledging your abilities and successes can replace self-doubt with a more resilient self-belief. Positive self-talk fortifies bold, assertive self-confidence, replacing self-doubt with resilient self-belief, thus catalyzing personal and professional achievements.

    5. Visualize success: Picturing your goals and visualizing your path to achieving them can strengthen your self-confidence. This mental exercise helps make your ambitions more attainable and motivates you to strive. Visualization practices solidify your self-confidence and belief in achieving your goals.

    Related: 4 Actions to Immediately Increase Your Confidence

    In essence, assertive self-confidence is the key to unlocking our potential and achieving lasting success in our lives and businesses. Only by believing in ourselves can we develop the courage and resilience to face any challenge with assurance and grace. As entrepreneurs, we must take the initiative to foster a culture of trust and optimism in our organizations.

    When we all work together to create and sustain healthy, positive beliefs — through self-compassion, positive self-talk, goal setting, learning and visualizing success — our collective journey will be filled with meaning and accomplishments. With unshakable trust in ourselves comes an abundance of strength that drives us forward while keeping us grounded. So, let’s dare to dream big; it’s time to let bold, assertive self-confidence lead the way!

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    Leigh Burgess

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  • This Leading Learning App Is 80% Off Through July 14 During Our Version of Prime Day | Entrepreneur

    This Leading Learning App Is 80% Off Through July 14 During Our Version of Prime Day | Entrepreneur

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    Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

    Every entrepreneur owes it to themselves to invest in continuing education. But that doesn’t necessarily mean attending night classes or enrolling in an MBA program. It could be as simple as reading more or exposing yourself to new ideas.

    Of course, that’s easier said than done when you’re running a company and just trying to keep your head above water. That’s where Headway comes in. This award-winning app gives you immediate access to the world’s best ideas in a single app, and it’s steeply discounted during our version of Prime Day.

    Headway has more than 20 million downloads, has been named an App of the Day in the US App Store four times in a row, and is an Apple Editors’ Choice award winner. MakeUseOf calls it “…a worthy tool for you if you’re too busy in your day-to-day schedule and can’t allocate time for self-improvement.”

    Why? Because of its personalized, gamified approach to helping you develop better learning habits while putting you front and center with big ideas. The app offers more than 1,500 nonfiction bestsellers summarized into 15-minute reads, with 30-50 new ones added every month.

    It also offers thousands of actionable insights and tips, whether you want to grow your business, improve your health, or learn a new hobby. The app curates all content according to your goals and needs and makes learning more fun and engaging through progress tracking, achievements, and bite-sized lessons that won’t overwhelm or discourage you.

    No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find a lane on Headway and be able to level up your skills or expertise in that certain area. You can even access audio versions of summaries when you don’t have the opportunity to read them.

    Now through 11:59 p.m. PT on July 14, you can get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just $59.97 (reg. $300).

    Prices are subject to change.

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    Entrepreneur Store

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