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Tag: Resilience

  • How to Leverage Uncertainty, Volatility and Stress for Unprecedented Growth and Innovation | Entrepreneur

    How to Leverage Uncertainty, Volatility and Stress for Unprecedented Growth and Innovation | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Over a decade ago, esteemed statistician and essayist, Nassim Nicholas Taleb wrote a series of arguments about organisms or systems that do more than just resist or bounce back from stressors and adversity. Instead, they improve their capacity to thrive in the long term because of those very stressors.

    This phenomenon, which he termed antifragility, has subsequently been applied to various fields such as risk analysis, aerospace, molecular biology, urban planning and more, to great success. Where it hasn’t been adequately integrated and leveraged is in entrepreneurship, and further, in how we develop the psychology required to become antifragile. Therein lies a significant opportunity.

    In an entrepreneurial sense, antifragility means that unlike things that are “resilient” (i.e., can withstand shocks) or “fragile” (i.e., are harmed by shocks), antifragile entities thrive and improve in the face of volatility, uncertainty and stress. Applying the concept of antifragility to an entrepreneurial framework involves cultivating an organizational structure and mindset that not only withstands uncertainties and disruptions but leverages them for growth.

    I am no stranger to the volatility of life and the markets. I’ve weathered life’s ups and downs, particularly after the 2008 crash, when I faced total financial loss. This phase was tough on both personal and professional fronts. Those days tested me to the core. They were challenging my resilience and character like never before. As I began to rebuild my life and reframe my purpose as an entrepreneur, the concept of antifragility began to blossom. I learned to lean into hardship, and I embraced the principle of antifragility, learning to grow stronger from adversity, volatility and stress.

    Related: How to Thrive Through Adversity — A Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Resilience

    Understanding antifragility

    Antifragility is not about bouncing back, returning to baseline or even withstanding stress, volatility, uncertainty or any other adversity. It’s about growing and benefitting from those things. It’s being a Hydra, not a Phoenix. The famous mythical bird, the Phoenix, is noted for its incredible ability to dissipate to ashes, only to be reborn as it once was. It does this repeatedly, the same cycle of ashes to rebirth, over and over. However, the Greek legend of Heracles and his 12 labors paints a different picture for us. One of Heracles’ famous labors is the destruction of the Hydra, a nine-headed water snake. While nine heads might be more than formidable enough, the Hydra also had a unique characteristic. If Heracles were to successfully slice off one of the Hydra’s heads, it wouldn’t just grow the head back, it would grow back that head and more. Cut off one of its heads, it grows back two more. The Hydra isn’t just resilient, it’s antifragile.

    From an entrepreneurial perspective, the concept of antifragility is a powerful tool. It’s learning to become a Hydra. Adopting an antifragile mindset in business means not just surviving in a chaotic environment but actively seeking ways to grow and improve as a result of the chaos. It’s about turning volatility and uncertainty into opportunities for innovation, learning and resilience.

    Indeed, this can be a difficult concept to apply practically simply because most of our knee-jerk reactions are to avoid discomfort, volatility and uncertainty. So, how can entrepreneurs develop an antifragile mindset?

    Building an antifragile mindset

    While much more research needs to be done to better understand the psychology and neuroscience of antifragile behavior, we do have some excellent indicators from the science and lived experiences of antifragile individuals. Several of those indicators fall into a bucket of what we call mindset, a set of beliefs, both conscious and unconscious that influence the way we see and interact with the world. These mindsets impact our “thought-action repertoires,” the short list of possible actions or behaviors chosen from in any given context.

    Developing such mindsets requires training several ways of thinking over time so that they eventually become traits. The first, and perhaps most critical trait is psychological flexibility. Antifragility is not about rigidity, but flexibility within a clearly defined boundary of values and beliefs. It’s not just mental toughness or “suck it up” attitudes. It’s the ability to exist in, endure and even benefit from a rich range of experiences and to be able to see situations from a range of perspectives.

    This gives way to another important skill, the ability to see and approach stressors as challenges or opportunities instead of threats, what is commonly referred to as a challenge mindset as opposed to a stress mindset (e.g., fight, flight or freeze). While many more granular details and thinking styles exist within these larger categories, being psychologically flexible, generally optimistic and challenge-oriented serve as excellent starting points for developing an antifragile mindset.

    Related: Obstacles Are Opportunities: Use Them to Take Your Business to the Next Level

    Antifragile strategies for entrepreneurs

    Once you have worked on developing an antifragile mindset, entrepreneurs can begin to apply practical strategies for building antifragile businesses and frameworks.

    Recognizing that antifragile systems thrive amidst chaos and uncertainty, and choosing to see these conditions not as threats but as avenues for growth is a game changer. This mindset encourages entrepreneurs like us to not shy away from risks but to engage in calculated ones that bring beneficial volatility.

    Similarly, diversification is key; by spreading out revenue sources, customer bases and offerings, we can make our businesses more adaptable and less prone to singular shocks. Learning from failure is also a cornerstone of antifragility. Viewing setbacks as crucial learning moments allows us to foster a culture of innovation and resilience.

    Agility and adaptability are paramount; I believe in incorporating flexibility into business models to swiftly navigate market shifts. This involves a constant re-evaluation of strategies to stay aligned with the dynamic business environment. In pursuing decentralization, we mitigate risks associated with single points of failure, enhancing our response to disruptions. Ensuring systems are robust, with redundant processes and well-thought-out contingency plans, further fortifies our antifragile stance.

    Continuous innovation keeps entrepreneurs ahead, urging us to always push the envelope and explore new territories. Building a strong network is equally crucial, providing a support system and resources that are vital in tumultuous times.

    Lastly, the foundation of antifragility lies in resilience — both organizational and personal. Prioritizing the well-being of ourselves and our teams, ensuring a healthy work-life balance and nurturing a supportive environment are all critical in building a truly resilient and antifragile enterprise.

    Related: Why You Need to Embrace Uncertainty as an Entrepreneurial Leader (and How to Navigate It Effectively)

    Embracing antifragility represents a paradigm shift in entrepreneurship, encouraging leaders to not just endure but to harness volatility and uncertainty as engines for innovation and growth.

    As we navigate a world characterized by rapid change and unpredictability, the principles of antifragility offer a roadmap for building robust, dynamic businesses poised for long-term success. By integrating these concepts into their strategies, entrepreneurs can create organizations that not only withstand but capitalize on the complexities of the modern market.

    It’s time to let chaos be your catalyst, embracing antifragility as not just a strategy for survival, but as the foundation for unprecedented growth and innovation.

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    Peter Goldstein

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  • Taiwan’s new president: 5 things you need to know about William Lai

    Taiwan’s new president: 5 things you need to know about William Lai

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    TAIPEI — Forget Xi Jinping or Joe Biden for a second. Meet Taiwan’s next President William Lai, upon whom the fate of U.S.-China relations — and global security over the coming few years — is now thrust.

    The 64-year-old, currently Taiwan’s vice president, has led the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a historic third term in power, a first for any party since Taiwan became a democracy in 1996.

    For now, the capital of Taipei feels as calm as ever. For Lai, though, the sense of victory will soon be overshadowed by a looming, extended period of uncertainty over Beijing’s next move. Taiwan’s Communist neighbor has laid bare its disapproval of Lai, whom Beijing considers the poster boy of the Taiwanese independence movement.

    All eyes are now on how the Chinese leader — who less than two weeks ago warned Taiwan to face up to the “historical inevitability” of being absorbed into his Communist nation — will address the other inevitable conclusion: That the Taiwanese public have cast yet another “no” vote on Beijing.

    1. Beijing doesn’t like him — at all

    China has repeatedly lambasted Lai, suggesting that he will be the one bringing war to the island.

    As recently as last Thursday, Beijing was trying to talk Taiwanese voters out of electing its nemesis-in-chief into the Baroque-style Presidential Office in Taipei.

    “Cross-Strait relations have taken a turn for the worse in the past eight years, from peaceful development to tense confrontation,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua said, adding that Lai would now be trying to follow an “evil path” toward “military tension and war.”

    While Beijing has never been a fan of the DPP, which views China as fundamentally against Taiwan’s interests , the personal disgust for Lai is also remarkable.

    Part of that stems from a 2017 remark, in which Lai called himself a “worker for Taiwanese independence,” which has been repeatedly cited by Beijing as proof of his secessionist beliefs.

    Without naming names, Chinese President Xi harshly criticized those promoting Taiwan independence in a speech in 2021.

    Without naming names, Chinese President Xi harshly criticized those promoting Taiwan independence | Mark Schiefelbein-Pool/Getty Images

    “Secession aimed at Taiwan independence is the greatest obstacle to national reunification and a grave danger to national rejuvenation,” Xi said. “Those who forget their heritage, betray their motherland, and seek to split the country will come to no good end, and will be disdained by the people and sentenced by the court of history.”

    2. All eyes are on the next 4 months

    Instability is expected to be on the rise over the next four months, until Lai is formally inaugurated on May 20.

    No one knows how bad this could get, but Taiwanese officials and foreign diplomats say they don’t expect the situation to be as tense as the aftermath of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island in 2022.

    Already, days before the election, China sent several spy balloons to monitor Taiwan, according to the Taiwanese defense ministry. On the trade front, China was also stepping up the pressure, announcing a possible move to reintroduce tariffs on some Taiwanese products. Cases of disinformation and electoral manipulation have also been unveiled by Taiwanese authorities.

    Those developments, combined, constitute what Taipei calls hybrid warfare — which now risks further escalation given Beijing’s displeasure with the new president.

    No one knows how bad this could get, but Taiwanese officials and foreign diplomats say they don’t expect the situation to be as tense as the aftermath of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island in 2022 | Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

    3. Lai has to tame his independent instinct

    In a way, he has already.

    Speaking at the international press conference last week, Lai said he had no plan to declare independence if elected to the presidency.

    DPP insiders say they expect Lai to stick to outgoing Tsai Ing-wen’s approach, without saying things that could be interpreted as unilaterally changing the status quo.

    They also point to the fact that Lai chose as vice-presidential pick Bi-khim Hsiao, a close confidante with Tsai and former de facto ambassador to Washington. Hsiao has developed close links with the Biden administration, and will play a key role as a bridge between Lai and the U.S.

    4. Taiwan will follow international approach

    The U.S., Japan and Europe are expected to take precedence in Lai’s diplomatic outreach, while relations with China will continue to be negative.

    Throughout election rallies across the island, the DPP candidate repeatedly highlighted the Tsai government’s efforts at diversifying away from the trade reliance on China, shifting the focus to the three like-minded allies.

    Lai has to tame his independent instinct | Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

    Southeast Asia has been another top destination for these readjusted trade flows, DPP has said.

    According to Taiwanese authorities, Taiwan’s exports to China and Hong Kong last year dropped 18.1 percent compared to 2022, the biggest decrease since they started recording this set of statistics in 1982.

    In contrast, Taiwanese exports to the U.S. and Europe rose by 1.6 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively, with the trade volumes reaching all-time highs.

    However, critics point out that China continues to be Taiwan’s biggest trading partner, with many Taiwanese businesspeople living and working in the mainland.

    5. Lai might face an uncooperative parliament

    While vote counting continues, there’s a high chance Lai will be dealing with a divided parliament, the Legislative Yuan.

    Before the election, the Kuomintang (KMT) party vowed to form a majority with Taiwan People’s Party in the Yuan, thereby rendering Lai’s administration effectively a minority government.

    While that could pose further difficulties for Lai to roll out policies provocative to Beijing, a parliament in opposition also might be a problem when it comes to Taiwan’s much-needed defense spending.

    “A divided parliament is very bad news for defense. KMT has proven that they can block defense spending, and the TPP will also try to provide what they call oversight, and make things much more difficult,” said Syaru Shirley Lin, who chairs the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation, a Taipei-based policy think tank.

    “Although all three parties said they wanted to boost defense, days leading up to the election … I don’t think that really tells you what’s going to happen in the legislature,” Lin added. “There’s going to be a lot of policy trading.”

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  • ‘We Over Me’: How Mason Sawyer Persevered in the Face of Unspeakable Tragedy. | Entrepreneur

    ‘We Over Me’: How Mason Sawyer Persevered in the Face of Unspeakable Tragedy. | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In the face of tragedy, some individuals crumble under the weight of grief and despair, while others find the strength to rise above their circumstances and inspire others. Mason Sawyer’s journey of resilience and perseverance is a shining example of the latter. In a recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, he recounts his harrowing experience and shares the lessons he learned along the way.

    Overcoming tragedy

    Mason’s life was forever changed in July 2021 when a car accident claimed the lives of his wife, two children, brother, and nephew, leaving only his son, Blue, alive. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Mason was unsure of how to navigate the immense pain he was feeling. It was during this dark period that he sought the help of a therapist, who introduced him to the mantra of “we over me.”

    This simple yet profound phrase became the guiding principle in Mason’s journey towards healing. By shifting his focus from his pain to the needs of others, he discovered a newfound strength within himself. Drawing inspiration from the message of Jesus, Mason realized that helping others could provide solace and purpose amid his own suffering.

    The power of selflessness

    One of the key insights Mason gained from his journey is the transformative power of selflessness. By shifting the spotlight away from his demons and focusing on helping others, he found a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This act of service not only helped him heal but also allowed him to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

    Mason’s story is a testament to the philosophy of stoicism, which teaches that most things in life are indifferent. While tragedy may strike unexpectedly, our response to these events truly matters. Mason’s resilience and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss exemplify the stoic mindset of accepting what cannot be changed and finding strength in the face of adversity.

    In sharing his message of resilience, perseverance, and love, Mason serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity. His journey reminds us that we possess the strength within us to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. By following Mason’s podcast and Instagram account, we can learn more about his story and mission, and perhaps find the inspiration we need to navigate our own trials and tribulations.

    About The Jeff Fenster Show

    Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

    Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • How to Know When to Persist, Pivot or Give Up and Pack it In | Entrepreneur

    How to Know When to Persist, Pivot or Give Up and Pack it In | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    This isn’t your standard “persevere and conquer” pep talk. You’ve heard it all — ‘Push through, never give up, you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.’ Sure, resilience is crucial, but let’s be real: That advice starts to ring hollow when you’re up against wall after wall and you experience rejection after rejection.

    At some point, you’re left wondering if the struggle is even worth it. Most articles don’t tell you that resilience isn’t just about bull-headed tenacity; it’s also about discernment – understanding that there’s a fine line between tenacity and futility. The wisdom lies in knowing when to dig in your heels and when it’s smarter to pivot. Often, a “no” is not a stop sign — it’s a detour sign that says, “Adjust course.”

    Related: Why Saying ‘No’ Can Actually Help Your Business or Startup

    The case of the unwavering pursuit

    In the mid-90s, my young and struggling advertising agency grappled with the constant challenges of an upstart company, such as personnel, cash flow and client acquisition. We were small but ambitious, armed with a unique approach for helping large companies market and sell their products to consumers through resellers, such as dealers or retail outlets.

    Undeterred by our size and confident in our approach, we had our sights set on the big, national players. One of those big players on my radar was Troy-Bilt. For two relentless years, I pursued them with the confidence that we had a unique marketing solution they couldn’t afford to ignore

    Given that they were just a two-hour drive away in Albany, NY, I took the liberty of making several unscheduled visits. To say the reception was lukewarm would be generous. At one point, I flat-out asked their V.P. of Marketing if I was becoming a nuisance and should just go away. His answer never wavered: “No need to leave; always good to talk, but we’ve got nothing for you.” Then, two years into this dance, the phone rang. It was them. “Scott, we’re ready to give you a shot.” That shot transformed into a multi-million-dollar annual program that sustained for several years.

    Related: 5 Ways to Master the Persistence That Makes a Great Entrepreneur

    The psychology of ‘No’: Your mindset dictates your response

    Rejection is far more than a bruise to your ego — it tests your emotional intelligence and resilience. Often, what hurts us most is not the rejection itself but our emotional response to it. We ruminate, second-guess and eventually let that “no” settle into our mindset as a prohibitive obstacle. But if we can shift our perception and see rejection not as a blockade but as feedback, we turn the tables.

    Mindset matters. A resilient mindset interprets a “no” as a “not yet” or “not this way.” It’s an invitation to revisit your strategy, adapt, change course and charge forward. Your next victory is as much about your mental calibration as it is about the external opportunity.

    Related: Never Underestimate the Power of Adversity: How Hardship Builds Resilience

    When to push forward and when to pivot

    Ah, the million-dollar question: When is a “no” really a “NO,” and when is it a “try again, but differently”? Even the most tenacious of us need to recognize that some doors are meant to remain closed. Perhaps you’re chasing a deal that isn’t the right fit or sticking to a strategy that’s clearly not working. In those moments, the wisdom to pivot is invaluable.

    The key here is data and intuition. Collect and analyze data on your efforts. Are you getting closer to a “yes” or further away? Your gut feeling, informed by experience, will often be your best guide. And remember, redirecting your energy doesn’t mean defeat — it means you’re savvy enough to focus on battles you can win.

    Related: The Art of the Pivot — 6 Steps to Reengineer Yourself for a Career Change

    Rejection is often not about you

    We often internalize rejection as a fault in our personality, skills or ideas. That’s rarely the entire story. External factors — economic downturns, corporate restructuring or internal politics — often contribute to that “no” more than you might think.

    So, when you hear that dreaded word, take a step back. Separate your personal attachment from the situation to objectively analyze why you were rejected. Was it the wrong time for the company? Were there budget constraints? Perhaps a change in leadership? If the rejection involves factors out of your control, don’t let it weigh down your self-worth or deter your progress. Instead, revise your strategy, recalibrate your pitch, and knock on the next door with renewed gusto.

    After you’ve paused to analyze the rejection, knowing full well that many variables could be out of your hands, it’s time to look forward. Start by refining your game plan. There’s an art to taking a “no” and letting it sculpt you into a better, more prepared individual. Pivot your approach, retool your game plan and consider “no” a constructive critique on the road to “yes.”

    Now, you’ve got to build some mental muscle. Rejection stings, but resilience is the salve. Put rejection in your rearview, as your focus needs to be on the road ahead. Every setback is just a setup for an even greater comeback.

    And please, for your own sake, don’t get tunnel-vision chasing one opportunity. Diversify your approaches; it’s like having multiple lines in the water when you’re fishing. One might not bite, but another will. Keep your connections fresh and your network dynamic. Your next opportunity could come from the most unexpected conversations.

    So, as you continue on this unpredictable path, never lose sight of your dream. Every great story — from Edison’s thousand attempts to create a light bulb to J.K. Rowling’s twelve rejections before Harry Potter saw the light of day — includes an anthology of “no’s.” Yours is no different. The ‘yes’ you’re searching for, the one that changes everything, could be just around the corner. And the lessons learned from each “no” along the way? That’s your roadmap, filled with detours that make the journey richer, not just longer, but only if you dare to persevere and the wisdom to pivot when needed.

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    Scott Deming

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  • Five 2024 Wellness-Enhancing Smart Home Trends For Your Kitchen

    Five 2024 Wellness-Enhancing Smart Home Trends For Your Kitchen

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    Many of the amenities found in the latest kitchen trends are empowered with smart home technology. Here are five described in the influential 2024 Kitchen Trends Research Report recently released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. I wrote about eight of the report’s sustainability-related observations last week. The role of innovation in kitchen design and remodeling for adding wellness potential richly deserves its own coverage.

    As I noted in the previous piece, NKBA is a trade organization comprising 50,000 members, including designers, dealers, remodelers, installers and manufacturers, and produces annual studies like this one on design and remodeling trends. Those who specify kitchen products were included in this report. (I’ve been a member for close to two decades, but it’s just one of several leading industry associations I source for research.) I reached out to fellow designers who have had a chance to review the report and had them expound by email about the growing role of smart home technology in their kitchen projects.

    Before delving in, it’s worth noting what architectural designer Nar Bustamante in Sacramento shared in his comments. While he’s excited about the advances available in smart appliances, he says, there is a learning curve for some clients that may keep them from using the technology to its full potential. That being said, there are features that don’t take effort to set up or use, and can be very helpful to users, he points out.

    1. Resilience

    “Many appliances now have emergency power shut off monitors, leak detection, and Wi-Fi connectivity so we can now see how an appliance is performing from our phones,” comments Bustamante. The leak detection feature alerts the homeowner that there’s water where it shouldn’t be present that needs to be addressed. Some leak detection technology can turn off the water, (depending on the client’s plumbing system).

    “We’ve been taught to ignore a lot of these alerts, because they also commonly happen in ways that allow us to distrust technology,” the Californian observes. He notes though that since issues often occur when we’re not home, this will help prevent future incidents. That’s one alert category you definitely don’t want to turn off, given that floods and freezing damage are the third most common insurance claim. This is particularly true for vacation homes or rentals.

    2. Smart Refrigeration

    Refrigerators are a major component in the resilience conversation. “Key technology features will be safety related, including emergency power, leak detectors and food inventory technology,” the report predicts. Food preservation has increased in homeowner importance as food prices continue to soar, concerns about ethical and sustainability issues surrounding waste grow, and power grids fail due to extreme weather or other issues.

    Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area designer Vicky Serany describes smart refrigeration as “the unspoken hero of our kitchens.” She’s impressed with what the industry has released thus far. “The appliance manufacturers have done a tremendous job working to keep our food preserved and safe.”

    After keeping the household’s food stocks preserved, convenience is another desired feature. “New refrigerator food inventory technology will help with menu recommendations and shopping,” the report notes. It adds that new and expanded refrigeration options provide flexibility for homeowners. About a third (36%) of homeowners want food these inventory technology and menu recommendations, it reveals. (This trend will likely skyrocket as more Generation Z digital natives become homeowners.)

    A big trend within the smart fridge mandate is the flex drawer that can shift on demand from refrigeration to freezing to wine preservation. With 74% of study specifiers reporting a desire for improved refrigerator functionality, an increase in flex models and even remote mode setting will be welcome in in this category.

    3. Multi-tasking Cooking Appliances

    “Appliances with more than one cooking function are popular,” the report shares, with 87% of respondents mentioning this. Technology helps make it happen. “Cooking appliances will have integrated cooking functions like air frying and steam cooking,” it points out, and 71% of respondents want these appliances to offer reduced cooking times and precision control.

    About half (47%) of home chefs expect to control their ovens or ranges from mobile apps! Programmable cooking options for delayed starts are a desired feature of 37% of respondents, and 21% expect these appliances to be voice-activated.

    Steam has been coming on especially strong in ovens, typically in combination with convection. Rather than run plumbing lines to these appliances, many designers and homeowners are opting for reservoir models that can be easily refilled and reduce installation expense and maintenance. Clients are thrilled with these appliances, Serany comments. “Perhaps it’s our culture of reheating leftovers, but many believe food just tastes better when cooked in a steam oven.”

    Bustamante is bullish on steam too, which he puts at the top of his wellness lists. “Steam ovens offer a more even, moisture-producing cooking method where chances of overcooking are minimized and nutritional value and freshness are preserved, maintaining the integrity of the food.”

    One of the innovations that’s been added to cooking appliances, according to the report, is personalized settings and controls. These can support temperature control precision, delayed and remote starts. The ability to monitor your cooking progress on a phone app or tablet is definitely another smart home trend worth considering.

    Some apps will alert you if you left a burner on. Some will allow you to upgrade your range or oven remotely as the manufacturer adds new features. One of the first smart feature upgrades that was incredibly popular was the addition of air frying to some convection ovens. The ability to do this gives homeowners an incentive to enable connectivity with the manufacturer. Remote repair diagnostics is another incentive, but maybe not as sexy as getting a whole new cooking mode in time for your holiday entertaining!

    4. Microwave Alternatives

    The report has a section noting trends on their way out. Microwaves installed over ranges was the top one (45%) cited. They’ve never been a factor in luxury kitchens, (except maybe tiny condo kitchens in Manhattan or San Francisco), and have lost appeal with many upper-midrange projects too. Especially installed over gas cooktops, which you’ll find in many tract homes, they’re a safety risk. They also tend to offer noisy, inferior ventilation, (a big concern over gas burners!). “The steam oven or drawer microwave-convection oven is the preferred method in our designs,” Serany says.

    “Speed ovens and steam ovens are also excellent for reheating,” Designer Sarah Robertson in Westchester County, New York, just north of the city, comments.

    Bustamante sees steam as an ideal alternative. “Reheating and defrosting foods has really changed with steam ovens – microwaves are no longer the only option.” He says he’s not even installing microwaves in many of his projects now. “The steam oven is rising to the top!”

    5. Handsfree Faucets

    “Handsfree faucets are becoming the new standard,” the report declares, with 57% of respondents choosing motion activation, 55% opting for an elbow or arm tap model, and 21% choosing voice activation. Overall, about half (46%) of respondents agree that handsfree is becoming the new standard.

    Robertson takes handsfree to the other extreme; she’s one of the 9% of respondents who prefer foot pedal control. The New York area designer specifies a commercial toekick-mounted water control valve, she says. “It can install on any faucet, and does not require electricity to operate. It’s simple, easy to install, and saves a lot of water!” (Anyone holding a heavy pot of pasta in boiling water can appreciate this convenience.)

    Voice control is another way to add handsfree capability to a kitchen, which is where most handsfree faucets are being installed in homes, Serany observes. They don’t always work as well as one would prefer; artificial intelligence will likely make them smarter in the next few years.

    Last Words

    The increasing popularity and presence of smart home technology in updated kitchens is leading design pros to partner with smart home technology integrators. It’s not uncommon for one of these experts to be involved in a high end project from the very start. Don’t be surprised to be introduced to your architect’s, designer’s or general contractor’s tech partner even before you choose a single finish.

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    Jamie Gold, Contributor

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  • How a Former Prisoner Became a Bestselling Author | Entrepreneur

    How a Former Prisoner Became a Bestselling Author | Entrepreneur

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    How former a former star college QB went from a prisoner to a bestselling author and keynote speaker.

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • 5 Habits That Build Mental Strength | Entrepreneur

    5 Habits That Build Mental Strength | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    On the most recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, entrepreneur and real estate investor Cole Hatter shares his insights on building mental fortitude, finding purpose, and achieving success.

    Here’s a closer look at his journey and the valuable lessons he shares.

    Physical challenges create mental strength

    Hatter believes physical challenges play a vital role in developing mental strength and protecting one’s sanity and quality of life. He encourages listeners to take on bodily challenges, such as the seventy-five hard program, to push their limits and build resilience. By embracing physical challenges, individuals can develop the mental fortitude needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

    Larger purposes lead to more fulfillment

    According to Cole, having a larger purpose beyond making money is essential for long-term success and fulfillment. He emphasizes the importance of finding a cause or mission that drives you and aligns with your values. By identifying something that drives you other than financial gain, you can find greater meaning in your work and positively impact the world.

    Surround yourself with mentors

    To stay motivated and continuously grow, Cole recommends seeking mentorship, reading books, and investing in personal development. He believes that surrounding oneself with successful individuals and constantly learning are vital to success. By learning from those who have already achieved what you aspire to, you can gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls.

    Embrace resilience

    Cole’s personal journey from tragedy to success highlights the power of resilience and making a promise to live a big enough life for oneself and others. He shares how he committed his two best friends, who tragically passed away, to live a life that honors their memory. This promise has driven him to push through challenges and create a life of purpose and impact. By embracing resilience and making a personal commitment, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

    Study up on real estate

    As a successful real estate investor, Cole stresses the importance of knowledge, education, and preparation in seizing opportunities. He advises listeners to start with books like “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki to gain a foundational understanding of real estate investing. By investing in their growth and education, individuals can position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities that arise in the real estate market.

    Prepare for the future

    Cole suggests that individuals should be financially prepared to capitalize on discounted real estate opportunities that may arise in the next year or two due to rising interest rates. He advises homeowners to hold onto their properties if possible. Individuals can take advantage of market fluctuations and make sound investment decisions by being financially ready and strategic.

    Hatter’s insights on building mental fortitude, finding purpose, and achieving success provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate investors. By embracing physical challenges, pursuing a bigger goal, investing in personal growth, and staying prepared, individuals can navigate challenges and seize opportunities on their path to success.

    Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

    About The Jeff Fenster Show

    Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • Psychiatrist Dr. Christian Heim and Dr. Caroline Heim Release Largest Global Study That Reveals the 5 Questions Young Couples Really Want Answered

    Psychiatrist Dr. Christian Heim and Dr. Caroline Heim Release Largest Global Study That Reveals the 5 Questions Young Couples Really Want Answered

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    Scientific Article With Findings Just Published in Top U.S. Scientific Journal for Couples Therapy: The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy


    SYDNEY & NEW YORK, August 31, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In their new trailblazing book “Resilient Relationships: Techniques for Surviving Hyper-individualism, Social Isolation, and a Mental Health Crisis” (Routledge), Psychiatrist Dr. Christian Heim and Professor Dr. Caroline Heim explain results from a global study exploring the challenges faced by contemporary couples from around the world.

    Designed to be used as a companion to couples therapy, the book presents more than 75 techniques to help relationships thrive in the long term based on in-depth interviews with longtime couples who answered questions from young couples and shared time-tested secrets, presented for a new generation.  

    “Resilient Relationships” also includes the findings of the world’s largest study of its kind, involving over 1,400 people from 52 countries. It draws from more than 900 scientific studies and Dr. Christian Heim’s 20 years of clinical experience and reveals that young couples really do want long-term relationships. 

    The book tackles controversial, U.S.-specific, 21st-century issues head-on: hyper-individualism, social isolation and a mental health crisis, providing insights into the challenges faced by contemporary couples: Is hyper-individualism a challenge to relationship longevity? Can you have both? Using the science, “Resilient Relationships” argues that “Nurturing a strong, mutually supportive, long-term relationship may just be the most self-serving thing two people could choose to do.” (Heim and Heim 2023). 

    The Findings

    The Drs. Heim asked 300 young people in relationships one question: “If you could ask people married 40+ years a question, what would it be?” Did they want to know about open marriages? Gender identity? Affairs? No. 

    Their five top questions were:

    • What is your secret to staying together? (over 64% of couples)
    • Is the spark still there?
    • How do you stop arguing?
    • How do you keep your relationship fun?
    • How do you keep emotionally connected?

    One young American couple married 11 years asked, “I mean, how is 40+ years even possible?”

    Drs. Heim then conducted in-depth interviews and surveyed more than 1,100 couples married 40-73 years and asked them the five questions. Their top three secrets to making relationships last were 1) commitment, 2) altruism and 3) shared values.

    The book is available on Routledge’s website, Amazon, and all online book outlets. The scientific study is in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, including the doctors talking about the findings.

    About the Authors

    Dr. Christian Heim, Ph.D., an award-winning psychiatrist, is Clinical Director of Tasmania North Mental Health Services, Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland and a Churchill Fellow. Christian gives keynote lectures in the U.S. on preventative mental health. In private psychiatry, he subspecializes in war-related and severe personal trauma and couples therapy, where mental illness is prominent.

    Dr. Caroline Heim, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology. She has published two books in theatre studies. A former NYC stage actor, Caroline gives keynote lectures in the U.S. and her numerous articles cover topics from global audiences to the mental health of university students. Caroline is a certified crisis counsellor. 

    To connect for an interview, article or conversation, Caroline can be contacted at Queensland University of Technology at caroline.heim@qut.edu.au. A full media package with high-res photos can be found on our website.

    Source: Dr. Christian Heim, psychiatrist

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  • Payments fintech SumUp nabs $100M | Bank Automation News

    Payments fintech SumUp nabs $100M | Bank Automation News

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    Payments technology fintech SumUp announced Wednesday it has raised $100 million from Victory Park Capital.  SumUp provides businesses with point-of-sale payments equipment and inventory management software to manage their operations. “This credit facility will solely be used to finance the merchant cash advance product,” Philipp Hahn, global head of lending at SumUp, told Bank Automation […]

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    Vaidik Trivedi

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  • How This Coach Helps His Clients Become 7-Figure Earners | Entrepreneur

    How This Coach Helps His Clients Become 7-Figure Earners | Entrepreneur

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    Have you ever struggled to express how you help people and why they should buy from you? If so, you’re going to enjoy listening to the next episode of the Launch Your Business podcast featuring Seth Czerepak.

    Seth is the head marketing coach at Mawer Capital, a mastermind for new entrepreneurs serious about growth or experienced six and seven-figure business owners wanting to go to the next level — faster.

    He’s described as the world’s premier expert on sales funnel copywriting and my head coach at Mawer Capital. I meet with him every Monday to review my sales emails, website copy and the creative work I develop on behalf of my clients. He’s not just good with words though, you can easily see a measurable impact from his work. The number of leads generated from my 1:1 coaching page tripled after Seth made several changes.

    He’s incredible, but our calls almost always get sidetracked by me asking questions about how he discovered one technique or another. It’s hard to describe how his brain works or how impressed I am with the output. So, I decided to bring him on my podcast so you can hear from him yourself.

    You can check out a few of my top takeaways below.

    Expanding your market is the key way to grow

    Seth compares expanding your business to a plant growing in a pot. After a certain amount of growth, the roots are expanding and you need to move to an entirely different, bigger container to allow the plant to keep growing.

    “You have to get outside of your warm network,” Seth said. “Being able to convert complete strangers (a cold audience), using paid ads to your customers is the way that you break out of that “small pot” of marketing only to the people in your warm network and having access to almost a limitless sea of prospects.

    And that, in my opinion, is the only way that you can grow to seven figures unless you just become a viral sensation overnight, which is a lot of time a game of luck.”

    How to make your message relevant

    When you’re reaching out to a cold audience, it’s critical to grab their attention with relevant information. “Your message has to be relevant to the conversation going on in their head every day, surrounding the problem that you’re going to help them solve,” Seth said. “So if you were to follow your prospect throughout their entire day like you’re filming a documentary, think about the times during their day when they run into the problem that you’re going to help them solve. And what does that experience look like? What are they saying to themselves? What’s [their] internal dialogue like?”

    Seth used the example of selling cream for plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel). You don’t start your ad with, “Do you have plantar fasciitis?” You start with, “What is that pinching pain in your heel? It started small, but now it’s so bad you can’t walk.” Because you’ve started with their situation — not jargon — you can move forward with introducing your solution.

    Don’t bury the lead

    “The most common mistake I see people make is a lot of the time: Their best headline is usually about three-quarters of the way down the page,” Seth said. “There’s too much throat clearing, too much preparation before they actually get to the point.

    And a lot of times you can chop off the top of a sales page, find the buried lead, move that up to the headlining and increase your conversions right away.”

    Another common error is not understanding your audience. You need to be so inside their head, that you’ll know whether you should be selling to their pain or pleasure points. The sooner you can address that internal dialogue and sell what’s most relevant to them, the better.

    Next steps

    Seth has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs become six-figure earners and dozens more break the seven-figure-a-year mark.

    His signature copywriting framework, “The Antifragile Sales System,” has been endorsed by direct response marketing legend, Dan S. Kennedy, and is the topic of his upcoming book, “The Antifragile Sales System,” which will be coming out in January 2024.

    Connect with Seth on social media to get more of his content and updates about upcoming books, podcasts, and products. And if you’d like to work with him 1:1, just like I do, consider joining the Mawer Capital mastermind group.

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    Terry Rice

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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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  • 6 Ways to Harness the Power of Psychology for Wealth Creation | Entrepreneur

    6 Ways to Harness the Power of Psychology for Wealth Creation | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In entrepreneurship, success and wealth are often seen as the ultimate markers of achievement. However, it is essential to recognize that true success is not merely measured by monetary gains but by a profound sense of fulfillment and well-being.

    Positive psychology, a transformative approach to personal and professional growth, holds the key to unlocking your full potential and creating a life of abundance. In this article, we will explore how positive psychology can guide you on your journey to wealth and success, empowering you to build a prosperous business and a life of happiness and meaning.

    Related: Unlocking Financial Abundance: How Positive Psychology Can Make You a Multimillionaire

    1. The power of a positive mindset

    Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive mindset as the foundation for success. Your thoughts shape your reality, and by embracing a positive outlook, you can overcome challenges, maintain resilience and attract abundance into your life. Research has shown that individuals with a positive mindset are more likely to take risks, persevere in adversity and ultimately achieve their goals.

    Cultivate optimism by focusing on positive affirmations, practicing mindfulness and reframing negative thoughts into opportunities for growth. Practice gratitude daily, as it enhances your well-being and helps you recognize the abundance that already exists in your life. Remember, wealth and success begin in the mind.

    Related: What Every Entrepreneur Can Gain From Mindfulness

    2. Embrace growth and embody resilience

    Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. To thrive in this ever-changing landscape, embracing growth and cultivating resilience is crucial. Successful entrepreneurs understand that setbacks and failures are not permanent roadblocks but valuable stepping stones on the path to success.

    Embrace a growth mindset, which is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. See setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, and approach them with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. Foster a resilient spirit by building a support network, seeking mentorship and practicing self-care. Resilience is the key to navigating challenges, bouncing back stronger and ultimately achieving lasting success.

    3. Harnessing the power of emotional intelligence

    Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in building successful businesses and meaningful relationships. It involves understanding and managing your own emotions effectively, as well as empathizing with others. By cultivating emotional intelligence, you can foster strong connections, inspire trust and lead with compassion.

    Successful entrepreneurs recognize the importance of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses and triggers. By understanding yourself better, you can make more informed decisions, handle stress effectively and build authentic relationships with employees, customers and partners.

    Additionally, empathy allows you to understand the needs and perspectives of others, fostering better communication, collaboration and teamwork. Emotional intelligence not only enhances your personal well-being but also contributes to building a positive and supportive work environment.

    4. Building a purpose-driven business

    Aligning your entrepreneurial journey with a larger purpose catalyzes extraordinary success. When you are driven by a mission that goes beyond mere profit, you tap into a wellspring of motivation and fulfillment. Start by defining your values and understanding the impact you want to make in the world. What problem are you passionate about solving? How can your skills and expertise contribute to positive change?

    You can create a business that serves the greater good and provides a sense of purpose by answering these questions. When your work is aligned with your values and drive, you are more likely to stay committed, persevere through challenges and attract like-minded individuals who share your vision. Your purpose-driven business becomes a vehicle for making a positive impact on society, and as a result, financial success becomes a natural byproduct.

    Related: 9 Tips for Finding Your Life Purpose

    5. The power of collaboration and networking

    Building a successful business requires collaboration and networking. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers and industry experts who can guide and inspire you on your path. Collaborating with others not only expands your knowledge and resources but also opens doors to new opportunities.

    Actively seek out networking events, conferences and communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and potential business partners. Be open to sharing your knowledge and experiences and learning from others. Collaboration breeds innovation and accelerates your path to success. Remember that true success is not achieved alone but through the collective efforts of a supportive network.

    Related: Effective Networking Requires Mastering These 5 Skills

    6. Gratitude and abundance

    Gratitude is the ultimate magnet for abundance. In the pursuit of wealth and success, it is easy to get caught up in the cycle of always striving for more. However, practicing gratitude allows you to recognize and appreciate the progress you have made, the lessons learned and the people who have supported you along the way. By focusing on gratitude, you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, opening yourself up to limitless possibilities. Gratitude helps you maintain a positive outlook, enhances your overall well-being and attracts more positive experiences into your life. Embrace an abundance mentality, recognizing that there is enough success and wealth for everyone. When you cultivate gratitude and abundance, you attract wealth and success effortlessly.

    Positive psychology is a transformative approach that empowers entrepreneurs to create extraordinary lives of wealth, success and fulfillment. With the power of positive psychology, you can unleash your entrepreneurial potential and build a life of abundance and success.

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    Brian H. Robb

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  • Who’s who in the EU’s fight over nature restoration

    Who’s who in the EU’s fight over nature restoration

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    STRASBOURG — Gather round, gather round, it’s the last big match of the season.

    This week, just before lawmakers head into the summer recess, the European Parliament will fight it out over nature restoration.

    The EU’s proposal to rehabilitate its damaged ecosystems by 2050 has one last chance at survival in Wednesday’s plenary session. The bill, a key pillar of the bloc’s Green Deal, has limped to Strasbourg to face the full Parliament after failing to pass three committee votes.

    If the Nature Restoration Law is rejected on Wednesday, “it’s game over,” said Pascal Canfin, a liberal MEP and chair of Parliament’s environment committee. “Nobody will come back with something else before the next election.”

    The vote will be tight. And if the text doesn’t pass, it would be the first major Green Deal legislation to fail in Parliament — adding weight to a conservative campaign to pause environmental lawmaking ahead of the 2024 EU election.

    For months, supporters and opponents of the law have been exchanging (metaphorical) punches on social media, in committee sessions and press conferences.

    Ahead of the vote, POLITICO looks at the main players in the fight to kill — or save — the Nature Restoration Law.

    In the blue corner: The bill’s opponents

    1 — Manfred Weber

    The European People’s Party has spearheaded a tireless effort to kill off the legislation, arguing that it will have detrimental consequences for the bloc’s farmers by allegedly taking land out of production and jeopardizing food security.

    Its leader, Manfred Weber, has been among the most vocal opponents of the bill, seizing on the debate as a way to portray his group as defending farmers’ interests in Brussels.

    Political rivals have accused him of using underhand tactics to ensure his MEPs voted against the legislation in the agriculture, fisheries and environment committees, including by substituting regular members with others ready to fall in line — allegations Weber denied. The push has also featured an often bizarre social media campaign to highlight the supposed dangers of the bill, culminating in the group claiming it would destroy Santa’s home in northern Finland.

    “This is not the right moment to do this piece of legislation,” Manfred Weber said last month | Philippe Buissin/EP

    The EPP leader maintains the group is ready to engage on the legislation — if the Commission comes up with a new version. “This is not the right moment to do this piece of legislation,” Weber said last month.

    “Give me arguments, give me a better piece of legislation, then my party is ready to give,” Weber added, calling on the Commission to go back to the drawing board and insisting that achieving the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals can’t come at the expense of rural areas.

    2 — Right-wing groups — and a handful of liberals

    Weber’s conservative group has found allies further to the right — among MEPs belonging to the European Conservatives and Reformists and the far-right Identity and Democracy.

    The ECR’s co-chair, Nicola Procaccini, a close ally of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, called the nature proposal “one of the most significant regulation proposals of the entire legislature,” and said he was “quite convinced” the right-wing alliance could defeat it. He added that it shows alliances are shifting in Parliament: “On the Green Geal it is moving more to the right.”

    The EPP’s push has also found support among lawmakers in Renew Europe. About a third of the liberal group — mostly Dutch, Nordic and German MEPs — are set to vote against the bill on Wednesday, mostly out of national concerns.

    Swedish liberal MEP Emma Wiesner, for example, has argued that the bill will be bad for Swedish farmers and foresters, while stressing that she still supports “an ambitious climate and environmental agenda.”

    3 — Industry lobbies

    A host of lobby groups have also come out against the legislation, including those representing European fishermen, foresters and farmers.

    The powerful agri lobby Copa-Cogeca — which has been accused of representing the interests of large corporate outfits over smaller farms — has pushed the narrative that burdening farmers with new green obligations while they face the impacts of the war in Ukraine and higher energy prices will threaten their livelihoods.

    The draft legislation “is poorly constructed, [and] has no coherent, clear or dedicated budget” to help land managers implement it, the lobby said.

    Similarly, some business associations, like the Netherlands’ VNO-NCW, have been critical of the proposal, arguing that it will create a “lockdown for new business and the energy transition.” 

    A host of lobby groups have also come out against the legislation, including those representing European farmers | Jeffrey Groeneweg/AFP via Getty Images

    4 — Skeptical EU countries

    Several EU countries have waded into the debate, warning that the new measures would be bad for their farming and forestry sectors, as well as for people’s proprietary rights and permitting procedures for renewable energy projects.

    The Netherlands has been particularly vocal against the bill, calling for EU countries to be granted more flexibility in how to achieve the regulation’s targets as it could otherwise clash with renewables or housing projects, for example. “We do have concerns about implementation because of our high population density,” said Dutch Environment Minister Christianne van der Wal-Zeggelink.

    Other skeptical countries include Poland, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Belgium.

    Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for hitting “pause” on new nature restoration rules amid a fierce national debate on the legislation.

    In the red corner: Its defenders

    1 — Frans Timmermans

    The EU’s Green Deal chief Frans Timmermans has been on the front lines of the effort to save the nature rules, going toe-to-toe with EPP lawmakers during Parliament committee discussions and calling out misleading statements spread by opponents to the bill.

    “Everybody is entitled to their own opinions but not to their own facts,” he told lawmakers in May, stressing that the reason harvests are failing “is linked to climate change and biodiversity loss.”

    He’s repeatedly insisted the legislation is intended to help farmers in the long run, as it aims to improve soil and water quality, as well as build resilience against natural disasters like floods, droughts and wildfires. He’s also been adamant that the Commission won’t submit a new version of the bill, as demanded by the EPP.

    “There is no time for that,” he explained.

    2 — Left-wing groups in Parliament — and (most of) the liberals

    The EU’s Green Deal chief Frans Timmermans has been on the front lines of the effort to save the nature rules | John Thys/AFP via Getty Images

    The Parliament’s center-left Socialists & Democrats, the Greens, The Left and part of Renew Europe have been vocal advocates of the Commission’s proposal.

    Biodiversity loss and climate change are two sides of the same coin, Mohammed Chahim, vice president of the S&D, told reporters. “Not connecting them is either you being naive, at best, and at worst, you really trying to undermine the Green Deal, and that’s what’s happening.”

    The Renew group has been divided on the issue, but a majority backed a compromise deal ahead of Wednesday’s vote to try and convince some EPP lawmakers to switch sides and rally enough support in favor of the legislation.

    3 —Teresa Ribera

    Spain’s environment minister has come out in favor of the proposal, defending its importance both at home and at the EU level as a means to increase resilience to natural disasters and climate impacts like drought.

    “It is very important not only to conserve but also to restore nature … There will be time to improve what we have on the table but for the time being, the best thing we can do is to achieve an agreement,” Ribera said at an informal environment ministers’ meeting Monday.

    Alongside Spain, 19 EU countries supported the adoption of a common stance on the text in June.

    Ribera also signaled that the file will be among the Spanish presidency of the Council’s priorities if the Parliament adopts a position allowing MEPs to start negotiations with EU countries.

    4 — Big business and banks

    A number of multinationals — including Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Unilever — have urged MEPs to back the legislation, arguing that restoring nature is good for business.

    The new rules, they say, will boost the EU’s food production in the long term as it will help tackle pollinator decline and increase absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere, lessening climate impacts.

    Owen Bethell, senior global public affairs manager for environmental impact at Nestlé, stressed that farmers’ concerns need to be addressed and argued they should receive support to adapt to the new rules. “But in the short term, I think it’s important to maintain momentum on this law because it sends the right signal, that change needs to happen,” he said.

    Green activists have led a forceful push to convince lawmakers to back the proposal | Frederick Florin/AFP via Getty Images

    The argument that nature is good for business also received backing from Frank Elderson, an executive board member of the European Central Bank, who warned: “Destroy nature and you destroy the economy.”

    5 — Scientists and NGOs

    More than 6,000 scientists have shown support for the Commission’s nature restoration plan, arguing that healthy ecosystems will store greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the EU’s objective to become climate neutral by 2050.

    “Protecting and restoring nature, and reducing the use of agrochemicals and pollutants, are essential for maintaining long-term production and enhancing food security,” they wrote.

    Green activists have also led a forceful push to convince lawmakers to back the proposal, staging protests and making arguments to counter the EPP’s narrative on social media.

    “The European Parliament must stay strong against the falsified pushbacks of the conservatives and take firm action to protect citizens from the devastating impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss,” the WWF said in a statement ahead of the vote.

    Watching from the sidelines

    Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a member of the EPP, has stayed conspicuously quiet on the issue, despite mounting calls for her to get involved and help save the bill.

    The situation is a Catch-22 for the German official: The nature bill is part of the Green Deal on which she staked her reputation and reelection as Commission president, but speaking in support of it would involve going against her party’s official position.

    “I still expect a public reaction from her,” said the S&D’s César Luena, the lead MEP on the file. “Or if it’s not public, then a reaction inside the EPP,” he added, suggesting that her silence could be held against her in a bid for reelection next year if the legislation doesn’t pass this week.

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    Louise Guillot

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  • G7 vs China: US, Europe unite in tough messaging against Beijing

    G7 vs China: US, Europe unite in tough messaging against Beijing

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    HIROSHIMA, Japan — China on Saturday faced a strong pushback from the Group of Seven countries over its stances on Russia, Taiwan, trade bullying, economic monopoly and domestic interference, with the G7 leaders’ statement reflecting a broad convergence of the U.S., Europe and Japan on a need to change tack.

    Issued around the time of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s arrival in Hiroshima, where the summit is taking place, the statement by leaders of the G7 wealthy democracies asked Beijing to do more to stop Russia’s war on Ukraine.

    “We call on China to press Russia to stop its military aggression, and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine,” the leaders said in the statement. “We encourage China to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on territorial integrity and the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine.”

    Crucially, the U.S. and Europe — the two main constituents of the G7 — came round to a common set of language on China. For France and Germany, in particular, their focus on a conciliatory attitude to China was reflected in the final statement, which began the China section by stating “We stand prepared to build constructive and stable relations with China.”

    The G7’s repeated emphasis of “de-risking, not decoupling” is a nod to the EU approach to China, as European member countries are wary of completely cutting off business ties with Beijing.

    The language on Taiwan remained the same compared with recent statements. “We reaffirm the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as indispensable to security and prosperity in the international community,” the statement said, adding there’s “no change in the basic positions” in terms of the one China policies.

    Domestic interference

    Apart from Russia, another new element this year is the mention of domestic interference — which human rights groups say is a reflection of the growing concern about China’s “overseas police stations” in other countries. “We call on China … not to conduct interference activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities, the integrity of our democratic institutions and our economic prosperity,” the leaders said in their statement, citing the Vienna Convention which regulates diplomatic affairs.

    On global economics, both sides of the Atlantic and Japan now see the need to fundamentally change the overall dynamic of economic globalization, placing security at the front of policy considerations.

    “Our policy approaches are not designed to harm China nor do we seek to thwart China’s economic progress and development. A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest,” the G7 leaders said in the statement.

    “We are not decoupling or turning inwards. At the same time, we recognize that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying. We will take steps, individually and collectively, to invest in our own economic vibrancy. We will reduce excessive dependencies in our critical supply chains,” they said.

    One central theme is economic coercion, where China has punished a wide range of countries — from Japan and Australia to Lithuania and South Korea — over the decade when political disagreements arose.

    The G7 countries launched a new “coordination platform on economic coercion” to “increase our collective assessment, preparedness, deterrence and response to economic coercion,” according to the statement. They also plan to coordinate with other partners to further the work on this.

    For France, the focus on a conciliatory attitude to China was reflected in the final statement, which began by stating “We stand prepared to build constructive and stable relations with China” | Pool phot by Stefan Rousseau/Getty Images

    The joint call for diverse sources of critical minerals, while stopping short of naming China, is widely seen as targeted against the Asian superpower that controls, for instance, 70 percent of global rare earths output. The G7 countries “support open, fair, transparent, secure, diverse, sustainable, traceable, rules and market-based trade in critical minerals” and “oppose market-distorting practices and monopolistic policies on critical minerals,” according to the statement.

    They also vow to deliver the goal of mobilizing up to $600 billion in financing for quality infrastructure through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, a rival to China’s Belt and Road initiative. “We will mobilize the private sector for accelerated action to this end,” they said.

    In a bilateral in Hiroshima, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron “welcomed the strong unity of purpose at the G7 on … our collective approach to the economic threat posed by China,” a spokesperson for Sunak’s office said.

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    Stuart Lau and Eli Stokols

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  • Do One Scary Thing a Day | LoveAndLifeToolBox

    Do One Scary Thing a Day | LoveAndLifeToolBox

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    Linda Graham, MFT looks at the benefits of doing something scary every day which can build the brain’s capacity for resilience.

    The scary things we could choose to do each day could vary quite a bit from person to person or even for ourselves from one day to the next. Choosing to go through our records to prepare for an IRS audit would feel pretty scary on any day, but some days just checking our bank account to see if we have enough money to go to the grocery store is plenty scary for that day. Some days we’re scared but determined to ask the boss anyway for extra time off around a holiday; other days just checking voice mail to see who called (or if no one called!) is the scary thing.

    Why would deliberately choosing to do one scary thing a day be good for you?

    • There’s an immediate benefit when you do one scary thing a day. You get to check one more thing a day off the To Do list, scary or not. For those of us who relax a bit when we see ourselves getting through a list, that relaxation can be very real. We return to a state of calm equilibrium in the body-brain, which in turn makes it possible to reduce our fears further about anything else scary.  Even more precious than feeling good about ourselves for getting through the list is feeling wholesomely proud of ourselves when we’ve faced a fear and walked right through it. We get a hit of self-approval that can be very useful to us as we continue to face the rest of our day.
    • In the short term, by chunking down a big task that really scares you into smaller, more manageable chunks that scare you a little bit, and doing those little scary things every day, you might actually get the bigger, scarier task done. A client of mine wanted to go to law school – a big decision to commit to three years of hard work, only to graduate $100,000 in debt and then search for a job to commit to working even harder. By chunking the task down – talking to a brother-in-law who had made a similar move three years ago, looking at one potential law school brochure a day for 15 days/schools worth, researching dates to take the LSAT, choosing a date to take the LSAT, etc – over two months time he managed to apply; continuing the practice for the next six months, he began his law school classes with far more confidence and trust in himself than when he had started.
    • In the intermediate term, we can begin to make headway against old automatic habits of procrastination, avoidance, distraction, denial, which carry their own cascading costs down the line. We begin to re-wire the habits of our brains so that it become more natural (this can truly happen!) to show up, give it a try even if we don’t exactly know what we’re doing or what might happen if we make a mistake. Creating a new habit of “learning to find ease in risk,” as the poet John O’Donohue would say, can become the new “unconscious competence.”
    • Over the longer term, every time we succeed at doing one scary thing today, we are creating a bank of “memories for the future” in our brain’s explicit memory system. “I’ve done scary things before; I can do them again now.” We can then intentionally draw on those memories to help us get through the next scary thing today. That is building out the brain’s capacity for resilience.
    • Over the long haul, doing one scary thing a day is a path to cultivate feeling better about ourselves for the rest of our lives. The nag at our sense of self when we know we’re blocked by fear really does erode our sense of self-esteem over time, and not so subtly either. Our sense of competence begins to shrink; a healthy sense of pride begins to disappear.

    When we choose to do one scary thing a day, every day, no matter what, our sense of pride and self-esteem begins to recover and fill out. It’s not the size of the thing we choose to do that matters so much, or whether it’s scary to anybody else. It’s that we choose to face a fear and do what needs to be done anyway. Deeply in our brains, we’re re-wiring a sense of ourselves as competent, as courageous, as resilient. The practice creates the experiences which, over time, gel into a conviction that we are a noble, worthy, valuable human being.

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    Linda Graham, MFT

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  • How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

    How to Build Resilience by Learning the Art of the Reframe | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    There is one life-changing question at the center of reframing successfully.

    Rapid change is an unavoidable variable in the equation of life. We often try to avoid change or even stop it, which typically ends up being more disruptive than the change itself. Just like with any equation, you cannot “solve for X” by ignoring it or removing it. That variable “X” is a paramount part of the equation, necessary to being able to find the solution.

    Related: Reframe Negative Thinking to Ease Your Path to Success

    How growth happens

    Growth always begins with a decision to either change or accept change that is happening around us. At a time when many of us are in a state of anxiety about what the future holds, it’s important to understand how people and even organizations can “learn how to learn” by seeing situations as they are and asking one very important question. Much like the equation of life allegory above, the potential always exists in the ability to see the equation in its true form and open your mind to solutions.

    Learning to reframe

    When it comes to building resilience on an individual or organizational level, we’ve got to learn how to reframe. Reframing is a specific skill set of the mind where you are capable of taking a situation, seeing it realistically and then framing the situation with a simple, life-changing question: What is the creative opportunity now?

    Reframing doesn’t mean that what happened yesterday isn’t important or relevant, but that no matter what happened yesterday, there is a creative opportunity we can seize.

    To be able to seize it, we have to create space to see it.

    This simple reframe, in the form of a question, allows us to take stock of the situation that currently exists — to really see it and to find meaning in it. My grandmother used to preach something similar when I was a child by always reminding me to, “Find the little gems.” What she meant by that, and what I teach with reframing, is that there is always growth and opportunity, but we often need to be reminded to look for those.

    By human nature alone, we are predicting and protecting — at least we think we are. Our brain sees change and triggers fear, uncertainty and anxiety, yet it’s almost always unfounded. The better option is to use the question I shared above, which is the same question my wife has poured into me for 20 years and the same question I have watched change so many lives and corporate cultures.

    Seek growth and opportunity over running from change and succumbing to fear.

    Related: Flip the Switch on Fear-Based Thinking

    Organizational application

    If you’re looking to build more resilience into your corporate culture, ask this question and let your teams sit with it. Give them something to chew on, and give them buy-in and space to lean into this new mindset of reframing and resilience.

    Simultaneously, what you will see happen with this pivot is that your teams will begin to seek better outcomes, regardless of the situation. You are now giving them permission to be critical thinkers and strategic problem solvers — all the while validating their perception of each situation and their ability to find opportunity.

    Overjoyed vs. overlooked

    There are so many moments we miss in life because we are not looking at the full picture or a clear version of that picture. Perception truly does alter reality, and so there are moments we might perceive as negative and then we miss out on experiencing that moment as a pivot point or moment of growth.

    Choosing to see something as an opportunity allows you to grasp the full picture rather than just one small angle through a blurry lens. When your teams learn to reframe, you will see them begin to flourish in times of change. They are looking for positive outcomes, habitually, rather than waiting around or leaning into negative emotional responses.

    This is the beginning of a wonderful path for your organization if you commit to the simple act of creating space and asking this simple question. By instilling reframing as a skill set amongst your teams, you are empowering them to lean into change, to use it, to find the value in the change and to use that value to accelerate forward.

    Related: 8 Ways Successful People Master Resilience

    Missing 7 out of 10

    When an elite athlete speaks on reframing, it perks my ears because I know their mindset is a determining factor in how well they show up to perform each day. So, when Derek Jeter was asked about missing 7 out of 10 hits, his response was pretty epic. Jeter said, “I am due for a hit and if I can get a hit just 3 out of 10 times, I will be in the Hall of Fame.”

    Not only was he thinking of the future rather than the here and now, but he was also reframing toward the positive and looking at the full equation — not just one variable.

    “What is the creative opportunity now?” is the simplest, most powerful question to find meaning in the moment while creating a path to the future.

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    Adam Markel

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  • 3 Tips for Leading Teams Effectively Through Adversity | Entrepreneur

    3 Tips for Leading Teams Effectively Through Adversity | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that plans can be derailed at any moment without warning. Businesses that were fortunate enough to survive the pandemic know that it took a lot more than luck to make it through, and several are still facing the repercussions. From Covid — to the Great Resignation of 2021 — to a looming recession in 2023, several business leaders feel like they just can’t catch a break. Though we’ve learned to adapt and even advance in times of uncertainty, it doesn’t mean thriving during these times is easy.

    I’ve spent the last 25 years leading businesses, but I’ve learned more as a CEO in the past few years than ever before in my life. The single most important thing a CEO can do during times of crisis is to lead by example and set a precedent for their team. Below I’ll outline some of the best ways I’ve found to do that effectively.

    Related: How to Lead Effectively in Uncertain Times

    What does uncertainty mean for CEOs?

    93 percent of CEOs are preparing for a recession in the next 12-18 months. Historically, recessions occur on average every 9-10 years. As of now, the last recession was in 2008 — so it’s evident that we are long overdue.

    While recession talk is nothing new, and it’s still unknown how drastic the economic correction will be, 51% of CEOs have been considering workplace reductions as part of their preparation since Q4 of 2022. This kind of uncertainty surrounding job security can disrupt an otherwise healthy company culture, with employees feeling like they are walking on eggshells and wondering if their jobs could be in jeopardy.

    During times of crisis, teams look to their leader to show the way. A good CEO will take this responsibility seriously, setting the tone for the whole organization and establishing an environment where there’s trust and respect. We’ve seen some poor examples of leadership that have been widely publicized in recent years, and it reminds us that even leaders of top-performing businesses are flawed. While we can’t be perfect, we can choose to do the right thing and accept the responsibility of leading through adversity.

    1. Practice transparency and effective communication

    When it comes to communication, more is better than less. This is especially true during times of uncertainty. Keeping employees in the loop is key to building trust and showing that you care about their well-being. Let them know what’s happening in the industry, what your expectations are for how they will adjust in response and how you plan to move forward.

    Several CEOs back off when it comes to transparency out of fear that they will share too much and it will have the opposite effect as to what is desired. There is a fine line to balance here, and it is ultimately up to the CEO to determine which information is best to share with employees and how it should be shared.

    Transparency helps prevent miscommunication and rumors from spreading in the company, reinforcing team unity and alignment. While you don’t need to involve your employees in all company decisions, it’s important to give them an opportunity to share their opinions and concerns and acknowledge that their voices are valuable. I believe it’s best to take in employee feedback for consideration and to help guide your decision-making. Then, relay information once details have been established and discussed among company leaders and you have a clear idea for direction.

    Related: 4 Steps for Building Your Team’s Resilience

    2. Prioritize mental health and well-being

    In recent years, stress levels among American workers have drastically increased due to the unpredictable nature of the economy. A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 75% of Americans report feeling more stress than they did five years ago. Furthermore, 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress, with 25% saying that their job is the main stressor in their life.

    As a CEO, it’s important to make an effort to help reduce stress among employees by prioritizing their mental health and well-being. This can include offering flexible work hours, providing resources and access to therapy services, encouraging breaks throughout the day, allowing time for physical activities and implementing policies that promote employee autonomy and self-care.

    Additionally, it’s important to create an open dialogue where employees feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Businesses that prioritize mental health are proven to have better employee retention.

    At my company, Align, we have an Unlimited PTO policy. The policy is simple: Get your work done, and you’re free to take off whenever you want. We use this policy as a way to show employees that hard work is appreciated and rewarded — and that their mental and physical health matters. I encourage all my team members to take off when they need a day to recuperate to help maintain a healthy mindset and avoid burnout.

    3. Base decisions on company core values

    People tend to panic during times of crisis, which is why it’s the worst time to be making important decisions. Planning ahead is key, but like I mentioned, it’s not always easy to plan for the unknown. What you can do is plan where you will reduce costs if and when a recession hits. You may plan to cut people, salaries or departmental resources and spending. But whatever you decide, make sure it makes sense for your company.

    If you get stuck, go back to your core values. Your company’s core values are what define your organization and should guide all decision-making, big and small. Use them as a compass to help steer you in the right direction, even during times of uncertainty.

    Your core values must live in your company at all levels from the top down. If you act with regard to these values at all times, you are more likely to create a trusting culture and gain respect from your employees.

    At Align, we stress the importance of core values at all times, starting from the beginning with the hiring process. We make sure every new hire knows our core values and understands what it means to uphold them in our day-to-day work and relationships. This alignment over common values is critical to maintaining a cohesive culture and being able to persevere as a team through hard times.

    When it comes to teams, resilience is not a trait — it’s something that must be cultivated through careful planning, transparency and trust.

    Leading a team through adversity is an immense responsibility. It can be difficult to manage during times of economic hardship or political instability, but by following these principles and inspiring your team to stay positive, you will come out strong.

    Related: How to Stay Calm in a Crisis and Lead Your Team Through Anything

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    Doug Walner

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  • Cold War with China would ‘betray’ Britain’s national interests, UK foreign secretary warns

    Cold War with China would ‘betray’ Britain’s national interests, UK foreign secretary warns

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    LONDON — Britain must engage with China rather than isolate Beijing in a “new Cold War,” the U.K. foreign secretary will say Tuesday in a warning shot to Tory China hawks.

    James Cleverly will set out the U.K.’s approach toward China in a long-awaited speech on Tuesday, weeks after the government’s updated Integrated Review of defense and foreign policy described relations with the emerging superpower as an “epoch-defining and systemic challenge.”

    Cleverly is expected to set out a three-pronged approach for relations with Beijing — limiting Chinese involvement in sectors deemed critical for national security; strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific allies; and — most controversially — engaging with China directly to promote stable relations.

    And in a message to the increasingly outspoken China hawks within his Conservative Party, the foreign secretary will warn against an era of open confrontation with Beijing that might harm the U.K.’s economic interests and limit the West’s ability to engage on shared challenges, including climate change and nuclear proliferation.

    “It would be clear and easy — perhaps even satisfying — for me to declare a new Cold War and say that our goal is to isolate China,” Cleverly is expected to say, according to words shared by his department ahead of the speech.

    “Clear, easy, satisfying — and wrong. Because it would be a betrayal of our national interest and a wilful misunderstanding of the modern world.”

    Under pressure from Tory MPs, Rishi Sunak has toughened his approach toward China since becoming prime minister, ordering the sale last November of a Chinese-owned semiconductor plant in Wales under new national security legislation.

    Cleverly has focused on building alliances with countries close to China, returning at the weekend from a tour of the Pacific — the first visit to some areas by a British foreign secretary since the 1970s. Britain recently signed deals to join a Pacific-focused defense pact with Australia and the U.S., and a large free-trade agreement with 11 Pacific rim nations including Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

    But Britain is yet to join the group of large European countries sending their leaders on official visits to Beijing. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both visited China earlier this month.

    Cleverly himself is expected to visit China later in 2023, but Downing Street has not floated any travel plans for the prime minister.

    Cleverly’s remarks come as some British firms cut their ties with China and move their activity to other countries in preparation for a worsening in relations. The U.K. says it wants to continue helping British companies do business with China — but without entering strategic dependencies.

    In his speech to the Lord Mayor’s Easter Banquet, Cleverly will call on China to be more open about the intent behind its vast military expansion in order to prevent a “tragic miscalculation,” and say the U.K. and its allies “are prepared to be open about our presence in the Indo-Pacific.”

    He will also send a strongly worded message on the need for the Chinese government to respect human rights within its borders, describing China’s repression of the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang as an attempt to build “a 21st century version of the gulag archipelago.”

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    Cristina Gallardo

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  • Free Webinar | April 25: How to Lead a Company Through Multiple Times of Uncertainty | Entrepreneur

    Free Webinar | April 25: How to Lead a Company Through Multiple Times of Uncertainty | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Previously a trader and an investment banker, Glenn Fogel joined Booking (then known as Priceline.com) in Feb. 2000 as a young manager. Two weeks later, the stock market peaked and the dot-com bubble burst. Soon after, the Sept. 11 attacks happened, hampering people’s desire to travel. And the industry was shattered again when the 2020 pandemic hit. How did the world’s leading provider of online travel lead through these uncertain times?

    Find out in the next episode of our Leadership Lessons series with the CEO & President of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) – parent company of Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, KAYAK and OpenTable – chats with series host Jason Nazar about how he leads more than 20,000 employees across 300+ offices in 220 countries around the world and the greatest lessons learned in his 30+ year career. Topics include:

    Don’t miss out—register now!

    About The Speakers

    Glenn Fogel is CEO & President of Booking Holdings (Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, KAYAK, OpenTable), a position he has held since January 2017, and CEO of Booking.com since June 2019. He previously served as Head of Worldwide Strategy and Planning for six years. He was also EVP, Corporate Development for over seven years, responsible for worldwide mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Prior to Glenn joining Booking Holdings in Feb. 2000, he was a trader at a global asset management firm and an investment banker specializing in the air transportation industry. He is a member of the New York State Bar (retired). Glenn is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

    Jason Nazar is a serial tech entrepreneur, advisor, and investor with two successful exits. He was most recently co-founder/CEO of workplace culture review platform Comparably (acquired by ZoomInfo), and previously co-founder/CEO of Docstoc (acquired by Intuit). Jason was named LA Times’ Top 5 CEOs of Midsize Companies (2020), LA Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2016), and appointed inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence for the city of Los Angeles (2016-2018). He holds a B.A. from the University of California Santa Barbara and his JD and MBA from Pepperdine University. He currently teaches Entrepreneurship as an adjunct professor at UCLA.

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    Jason Nazar

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  • 9 Strategies to Turn Adversity Into an Advantage | Entrepreneur

    9 Strategies to Turn Adversity Into an Advantage | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Adversity can feel like getting caught in a cold, torrential downpour with nothing but a colander for an umbrella. All you’re left with is a drenched outfit, chills and an infinite bucket of hope that your phone will still work.

    In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, adversity also happens to be inevitable. But what if these challenges could be harnessed as a driving force for innovation and growth?

    These nine strategies will show you how to embrace adversity, harness its potential and use it to fuel your rise to greatness.

    Related: The 6 Principles for Overcoming Entrepreneurial Adversity

    Get comfortable with discomfort

    The first step in turning adversity into an advantage is to embrace the uncomfortable. Challenges and setbacks can be downright unpleasant, but they also provide a unique opportunity for growth.

    Instead of shying away from the storm, put on your metaphorical raincoat and dance in the rain. By learning to tolerate discomfort, you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges head-on and emerge stronger than before.

    Practice the art of perspective-shifting

    When faced with adversity, it’s easy to get bogged down in negativity and lose sight of the bigger picture. But, like a skilled photographer who can turn a mundane scene into a masterpiece by simply changing the angle, you too can reframe your perspective to find the silver lining in any situation.

    Ask yourself: “What can I learn from this experience?” or “How can I use this challenge to grow?” By focusing on the potential for growth, you’ll be more likely to turn adversity into an advantage.

    Related: 5 Reasons Why Personal Growth Also Boosts Business Achievement

    Build your resilience muscle

    Resilience isn’t a trait that someone is born with — it’s a skill that can be developed with practice.

    To build your resilience muscle, start by setting small, achievable goals that push you out of your comfort zone. As you overcome these challenges, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to tackle even bigger obstacles. And remember, just like any workout routine, consistency is key.

    Cultivate a growth mindset

    The difference between those who crumble under adversity and those who thrive is often a matter of mindset.

    Adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This perspective shift can make all the difference in your ability to bounce back from setbacks and turn adversity into an advantage. It’s like turning water into wine, but with fewer miracles and more hard work.

    Seek out support

    There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

    Navigating adversity is no exception. Surround yourself with a network of supportive friends, mentors and colleagues who can provide encouragement, advice and a shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough.

    Remember, even superheroes need a sidekick.

    Practice self-compassion

    In the face of adversity, it’s all too easy to beat yourself up and dwell on perceived shortcomings. But just as you wouldn’t scold a friend for their mistakes, you should extend the same kindness to yourself.

    Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your struggles, forgiving yourself for any missteps and reminding yourself of your inherent worth. Everyone has an off day now and then.

    Related: Self-Compassion Is an Essential Tool for all Entrepreneurs

    Embrace failure as a learning experience

    In a world that celebrates success, failure can feel like the ultimate defeat. However, failure is an essential ingredient in the recipe for resiliency.

    Treat setbacks and failures as valuable learning experiences that provide you with the knowledge and wisdom to do better next time. It’s like adding a pinch of salt to a batch of cookies — without it, the end result would be bland and lackluster.

    Find your purpose

    Having a clear sense of purpose can act as a guiding star when you’re navigating the stormy seas of adversity.

    When you know what you’re passionate about and what you want to achieve, it becomes easier to stay focused and motivated, even when the going gets tough. Take some time to reflect on your values, dreams and goals — let them light your path through the darkness.

    Keep moving forward

    When faced with adversity, it’s important to keep putting one foot in front of the other — even if it feels like you’re moving at a snail’s pace.

    Like Dory from Finding Nemo wisely said, “Just keep swimming!” Progress may be slow, but it’s still progress. Celebrate your small victories, and remember that the road to success is often paved with setbacks and detours.

    Related: 9 Tips for Finding Your Life Purpose

    Turning difficulty into opportunity is all about embracing the storm, learning from your setbacks and developing the resilience to bounce back stronger than before. By practicing these strategies, you’ll not only be better equipped to handle life’s challenges but you will also unlock your full potential for growth and success.

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    Kash Hasworth

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