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Mental healthcare has traditionally been based on a single relationship: patient and provider, one hour at a time on a weekly basis. The major flaw with that model is that mental health conditions rarely stay in their lane, something we commonly see at Equip. Depression intersects with chronic illness. OCD co-occurs with eating disorders. One provider, no matter how skilled they are, can only hold so much. This has to change. The evidence increasingly points toward team-based care as the model that actually moves the needle for how we can deliver mental health treatment. Integrated, multidisciplinary teams sharing information, aligning on treatment goals, and working in concert produce better outcomes than any individual provider working alone. Eating disorder treatment is a great example. Eating disorders are some of the most medically serious and complex conditions, and are among the conditions that clearly expose the limits of siloed care. Not because any one provider falls short, but because the illness spans so many different domains. A therapist can focus on addressing the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors driving the eating disorder, but without a physician examining medical stability, or a dietitian reviewing nutritional plans, critical pieces of care go unaddressed. Add in a peer mentor, someone with lived experience who can offer the kind of credibility no credential can, and suddenly a patient who felt alone in their illness has an entire team invested in their recovery. The structural advantage behind making the team model work isn’t just having the right people, but the coordination between them. When a therapist knows what came up in a patient’s session with their dietitian, they can meet the moment differently. When a peer mentor spots a concerning trend and the rest of the team adjusts in real time, a pattern can be caught before it becomes a crisis. This kind of dynamic, integrated care is what transforms treatment from reactive to proactive. VIRTUAL CARE Here’s where virtual care enters the picture. Traditional behavioral healthcare is geographically and logistically fragmented—your therapist is in one office, your prescriber is across town, your dietitian has a months-long waitlist. Coordinating among them falls largely on the patient or their loved ones, the people least equipped to manage that coordination when they’re in the middle of a mental health crisis. Virtual care that’s built around a coordinated team model from the start removes barriers and creates better outcomes. When providers work within a shared system, geography stops being a limiting factor. A patient in a rural community can access the same quality of integrated care as someone in a major city. That’s incredibly meaningful, especially knowing that eating disorders are the second-deadliest mental health condition. Access to care is one of the most persistent problems in mental health. But access without integration is incomplete. People need a system designed around the whole person. The future of mental healthcare won’t rely on a single breakthrough discovery or technology. It will be built on coordination, with clinicians who see the whole picture and the systems that meet people where they are at that moment. Kristina Saffran is CEO of Equip. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. In the smart glasses era, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer is known as one of the most natural-looking options—they blend into your daily style with ease, looking and feeling like normal glasses. They’re also the ultimate hands-free assistance with built-in AI. Plus, they reduce the need for phone dependence, which is a major convenience. Right now, the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Smart Glasses are 25% off on Amazon, bringing them down to their lowest price ever of $224.25 (originally $299.00) Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Smart Glasses (Gen 1) $224.25 at Amazon $299.00 Save $74.75 Get Deal Get Deal $224.25 at Amazon $299.00 Save $74.75 Available in clear and green-tinted lenses, these AI glasses combine chic eyewear with open-ear headphones and a built-in camera. They let you capture photos and videos for social, listen to music, or take calls. Compared to their predecessor, the Ray-Ban Stories, they have a sharper 12MP camera, louder speakers, and an additional mic for a total of five. They’re also water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts or rainy days. The 12MP camera shoots video footage at 1080p resolution and frames both photos and videos vertically for a social-friendly format. That said, if you want to shoot horizontally, this may be a downside. Glasses are set up via the Meta View app on Android and iOS and sync easily with social media. According to PCMag, the frames hold around four hours of battery life with an additional eight charges in the case for a total of 36 hours. At 15%, users get an audible low charge warning. It’s worth noting that you can’t shoot video with less than 15% of a charge. If you want a natural way to take photos, record video, or answer calls without fumbling for your phone, the Meta Ray-Bans are a reliable option. While you can do some by tapping the button near your temple, you can take photos or record using the built-in AI voice assistant, which also translates text and identifies surroundings. One potential pitfall is that if you have longer hair, it may partially cover the lens during shots. They also don’t offer zoom or manual focus controls, so photography enthusiasts may want something more advanced. That said, if you want a general combination of useful features, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Smart Glasses are the perfect choice for travelers and social media users, or anyone looking to be a bit less reliant on their phone. While they’re not built for serious photography, they’re a stylish and convenient upgrade that makes it easier to capture moments and stay connected while going hands-free. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

For years, premium credit cards competed on points, perks, and airport lounge access. Now, the battleground is shifting toward something less tangible but arguably more powerful: experiences. Chase Sapphire Reserve is leaning further into that strategy with its latest offering, a one-night-only “Dinner at the Opry with Ella Langley,” which will bring cardmembers directly onto the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on May 31. Timed to the release of Langley’s sophomore album, Dandelion, the event blends live music, dining, and behind-the-scenes access in a way that reflects how the brand is trying to position itself at the center of culture. The event is part of Chase’s “Dinner On…” series, which has staged similar experiences everywhere from Madison Square Garden to intimate venues across the country. Turning culture into access For Chase, the appeal of the Opry event lies in combining cultural relevance with a sense of place. “I think what we thought was really cool about this event was to take the history of a venue like the Opry and then bring together an artist like Ella Langley, who’s obviously like so right in the center of the culture right now,” Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation at Chase tells Fast Company. Chase acquired The Infatuation in 2021 to bring trusted restaurant recommendations, curated guides, and live dining events directly to cardmembers. That mix of a cool space and buzzy artist is intentional. Langley represents a rising voice in country music, while the Opry carries nearly a century of history. Bringing the two together creates an experience that feels both timely and rooted. The night itself is designed to feel immersive rather than performative. Guests will move from a cocktail reception into a multi-course dinner curated by Bastion, one of Nashville’s top restaurants, before settling in for an acoustic performance. A limited number will also meet Langley directly. Exclusivity, scaled Events like “Dinner at the Opry” are inherently limited, but Chase’s strategy isn’t about reaching everyone at once. It’s about building a portfolio of experiences that collectively extend the brand’s reach. “So I think for us, first and foremost, we want to have a lot of different events that speak to a lot of different types of customers in a lot of different cities,” Needham says. That includes everything from large-scale partnerships, like the PGA Championship, to restaurant-driven events tied to The Infatuation and OpenTable, as well as destination-based travel experiences. Even when access is limited, the impact is not. Attendees share their experiences across social media and through word of mouth, creating a secondary audience that engages with the brand indirectly. “What we have seen is that they really share about it and talk about it, and their excitement translates out to a really, you know, large audience,” he says. From rewards to real-world moments The shift toward experiences reflects a broader change in how premium cards have started to compete against each other. Traditional benefits like points and lounge access still matter, but they are increasingly table stakes. What differentiates brands now is how they show up in customers’ lives outside of transactions. “We definitely see that unique experiences attract new card members and deepen loyalty among existing card members,” says Needham. These events also serve as one of the few physical touchpoints between a digital product and its users. “These experiences may be the only time our card members have an in real life interaction with our products so it’s really important that we bring the value proposition of the cards to life in those instances,” he says. That effect extends beyond attendees. Even cardmembers who never set foot on the Opry stage still feel the halo effect of access. “The majority of our reserve card members say that access to exclusive events reinforces their decision to carry the card, and makes them view our brand as a really like premium brand. And that’s true even if they don’t attend the event.” Building a brand, not just a card For Chase, success is measured both in the room and beyond it. Needham says that while the brand obviously cares about the experience guests who do attend the event have, it’s also great for people who aren’t at the event to see photos and read about the experience. “All of that contributes to the feeling of Sapphire reserve being not just a card that I want to use, but a community that I want to be a part of,” he says. It also allows Chase to connect those moments back to its broader ecosystem of benefits, from dining partnerships through The Infatuation to entertainment perks like complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions. For one night in Nashville, that strategy takes a literal form. Dinner won’t just come with a view of the stage. It will take place directly on it. View the full article

More American workers are experimenting with artificial intelligence in their jobs, but skepticism is still widespread. New Gallup polling finds that while more employees are using AI frequently in their work, there’s been an uptick in alarm that new technologies will replace their jobs. Many workers who are not using AI say they prefer to work without it, have ethical oppositions to the technology or worry about data privacy. The poll, conducted in February, points to a divergence in how AI is reshaping American workplaces. Some find it to be a gamechanger for productivity and efficiency, while others are concerned about its potentially negative impacts. Social worker Scott Segal said he regularly uses AI to find information that will help connect his elderly and vulnerable patients to health care resources in northern Virginia. While he knows that the human connection and care he brings to that work is important, he also believes that AI could soon replace him. “I’m planning ahead,” said Segal, 53. “I think everyone who works in a replaceable field or trade should be planning ahead.” Most workers using AI report productivity boosts Roughly 3 in 10 employees are frequent users of AI in their jobs, meaning they use it daily or a few times a week. About 2 in 10 are infrequent users, using AI tools at work a few times a month or a few times a year. The Gallup poll found that about 4 in 10 workers say their organization has adopted AI tools or technology to improve organizational practices. About two-thirds of those workers say AI has had an “extremely” or “somewhat” positive impact on their individual productivity and efficiency at work. Workers using AI in management roles are more likely to say the technology has been at least “somewhat” positive for their productivity, compared with individual contributors. About 7 in 10 leaders using AI at least a few times a year say AI has made them more efficient at work, compared with just over half of individual contributors. Labor and employment attorney Elizabeth Bloch of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said she uses ChatGPT to help “draft letters or emails in a diplomatic way because it’s a very adversarial profession and sometimes you get heated.” AI tools appear to have a greater benefit for workers in managerial, health care and technology roles than in service jobs. About 6 in 10 employees in those fields who are using AI say it’s boosted their productivity at least “somewhat,” compared with 45% of those using it in service jobs. Why some employees don’t use AI Even when companies make AI tools available, there’s no guarantee employees will adopt them. About half of U.S. employees use AI only once a year or not at all, according to the Gallup study. Bloch said she’s tried using AI for legal research but finds it is prone to hallucinations, or making up false information, even when using AI tools custom-built for legal work. She’s worried other lawyers who were already bad at finding and citing relevant case law are “going to be bad at using AI, because you’re not using the right prompts,” leading judges to sanction them for false citations. Among workers who have AI tools available at their company and don’t use them, 46% say it’s because they prefer to keep doing their work the way they do it now. About 4 in 10 non-users who have AI available to them report that they are ethically opposed to AI, are concerned about data privacy or don’t believe AI can be helpful for the work they do. About one-quarter of these non-users who have AI tools available say they have used AI at work and don’t find it helpful, while about 2 in 10 say they do not feel prepared to use AI effectively. Thuy Pisone, a contract administrator in Maryland for a company that works with the federal government, said she uses AI weekly for mundane tasks but has avoided it for things she already can do just fine. “I have heard from my colleagues that we could use AI to put together our PowerPoint slides,” Pisone said. “I’m a little biased in that, well, I could put my own PowerPoints together. I don’t need help because it took me time to hone up my skill.” More workers are concerned about new technology taking jobs While this was less of a reason for forgoing AI at work, the poll also found U.S. workers are increasingly concerned about being driven out of a job by new technologies. About 2 in 10 — 18% — of U.S. workers say it is “very” or “somewhat” likely that their current job will be eliminated within the next five years because of new technology, automation, robots or AI. That’s up from 15% in 2025. People working at companies that have adopted AI are even more likely to be concerned that their job will be eliminated: 23% call this at least “somewhat” likely in the next few years. A Fox News poll conducted in March found that about 6 in 10 registered voters believe AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next five years. Only about 1 in 10 expect it will create more positions, and about one-third say it’s too soon to say. About 7 in 10 employed voters say they are “not very” or “not at all” concerned their current job could be eliminated by AI. Segal, the social worker in Virginia, said his alternative plan if AI replaces him is to start a new “health care chaperone service” that physically escorts patients from one appointment to another, especially when they’ve been sedated and don’t have family or others to pick them up. “I don’t think that’s something that will be replaced for another maybe 10 or 15 years, until robots are embodied with AI,” Segal said. “I do believe that AI is going to displace most people’s employment functions and I question what people will do for livelihood at that point.” In the meantime, he’s been asking AI chatbots to help him strategize on saving for his retirement. Gallup’s quarterly workforce surveys were conducted with a random sample of adults age 18 and older who work full time and part time for organizations in the United States and are members of Gallup’s probability-based Gallup Panel. The most recent survey of 23,717 employed U.S. adults was conducted Feb. 4-19, 2026. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 0.9 percentage points. —Matt O’Brien and Linley Sanders, Associated Press View the full article

Entrepreneurship is improperly branded. From the outside, it appears like autonomy, upside, and ambition realized. From the inside, it too often feels like anxiety, uncertainty, and sleepless nights. I’ve spent my career building behavior-changing services in small business finance and mental healthcare, including the design of agentic AI products to make mental health support available to, and effective for, millions. What I learned in that role surprised me. The very same patterns that drive anxiety and burnout in individuals show up inside small businesses, especially for founders and leaders who are responsible for every decision, every dollar, the livelihood of every employee and every disappointed client. For small businesses, we often talk about market and capital risk, and rarely about nervous system risk. But we should. The hidden mental load of leadership Small business owners, including professionals like lawyers, consultants, designers, and accountants carry a unique cognitive burden. They are the strategist, operator, salesperson, recruiter, compliance officer, and therapist—often all before lunch. And in wearing all of those hats, three patterns show up repeatedly: Perfection pressure. When your name is on the door, every mistake feels existential. You over-edit, over-prepare, and overthink. When you’re not just an owner, but considered by the world to be an expert, it amplifies. In that space, excellence quietly mutates into paralysis. Loneliness of command. You’re the one who calls the shots and absorbs the consequences. Even with a team, the final accountability sits with you, creating isolation and compounding stress. The shame spiral. Growth is never linear and it’s hardly guaranteed. Across industries, including legal and accounting, nearly 50% of all businesses fail in the first 5 years. But social media makes it look quite different—too often a success parade. When revenue dips or a hire doesn’t work out, founders often internalize it as a personal failure rather than a market fluctuation or learning opportunity. In mental health terms, this shows up as hypervigilance, including late-night second-guessing, a constant cortisol hum, and decision fatigue that masquerades as “just part of the job.” However, over time, that state doesn’t just harm the leader, it degrades the business. Reactive decisions replace strategic ones, teams sense the volatility, and clients feel the inconsistency. In short, calmer leaders make clearer calls, and clarity drives success. THE MYTH OF ENDURANCE Many founders assume resilience means enduring more, including more hours, more tools, and more hustle. But scaling mental health taught me the opposite: Resilience is about narrowing inputs, not expanding them. It’s about seeking out the tools and resources that can build healthy habits and offer additional support when needed. In cognitive science, overload reduces executive function so that when everything feels urgent, nothing gets prioritized correctly. The same applies to your business. If you expand the surface area of daily decisions without expanding your capacity and your toolbox, you create chronic stress and likely, poor decision-making. DESIGN A HEALTHIER OPERATING SYSTEM Building a business that doesn’t break you requires normalizing your human limits and normalizing support. Here are three shifts I’ve seen work, both in mental health and in small business. 1. Set non-negotiables for recovery Founders often schedule client calls with precision and treat their own recovery as optional. Flip that. Define two to three immovable recovery rituals per week, whether that’s a technology-free evening, a standing workout, or a walking meeting instead of another Zoom. Protect them with the same rigor you’d protect a key client, as recovery is a necessary business function. When leaders are depleted, they default to short-term decisions, which could include discounting to close a deal, over-hiring to quiet anxiety, and way too often, saying yes to misaligned or high-risk work and clients. A rested brain tolerates ambiguity, whereas a depleted one panics. 2. Systematize the most expensive decisions Every business has a handful of choices that disproportionately affect outcomes, including pricing, hiring, capital allocation, and client selection. Don’t make those ad hoc. Create simple, repeatable frameworks, such as pricing rubrics, hiring scorecards, a 24-hour rule before making exceptions, and a monthly cash-flow review with predefined triggers for action. In both fintech and healthcare, we learned quickly that accuracy and consistency matter more than velocity in high-stakes environments. The same applies here. A defined system takes the burden off a single person, even for solo firms, absorbing emotional swings and protecting you from making fear-based calls at 1 a.m. 3. Replace busywork with purpose-built tools Founders often drown in low-value administrative decisions, including chasing invoices, reconciling expenses, and reconciling information between disconnected tools. This is where technology, increasingly including AI, should step in. The right tools narrow the daily decision surface area. They answer “who owes me money,” surface cash-flow gaps (and solutions)before payroll, and automate reminders instead of forcing awkward follow-ups and lost dollars. When trustworthy AI is used to handle rote tasks, embedded thoughtfully in the workflow, it reduces mental drag and frees attention for judgment, creativity, and relationships. Tool sprawl does the opposite. The goal isn’t more tech, it’s fewer, better-integrated systems that think with you, and act on your behalf, instead of demanding constant supervision and reconciliation. REDEFINE WHAT GROWTH FEELS LIKE Sustainable growth has a feeling. It feels like measured confidence, not adrenaline; like saying no without spiraling; like knowing your cash position without opening five tabs; and like going to bed without replaying every decision you made that day. Entrepreneurship will always involve risk and hard work. But unnecessary cognitive suffering isn’t a prerequisite for success. When I helped scale mental health support to millions, the breakthrough was normalizing setting limits, designing around them, and making it simple to seek support before a crisis. Small-business leadership deserves the same reframing. Because the payoff isn’t abstract. Calmer leaders make clearer calls. Clearer calls build steadier teams. And steadier teams deliver better client experiences and better businesses. That’s the kind of growth that compounds without breaking the person building it. Leslie Witt is chief product officer of 8am. View the full article

Dig in: A stock you’ve probably never heard of is shooting for the stars. Prior to the market opening on Monday morning, shares of Sky Quarry Inc (Nasdaq: SKYQ) were trading at around $12.60, and had peaked last Friday at $14.69. That was nearly triple from where share prices were a week ago. As of the end of trading last Monday, shares were only around $5. So over the past five days, Sky Quarry shares are up around 170%. For 2026, the stock was also up about 266% as of Friday’s close, which doesn’t account for the premarket trading bump it saw on Monday. What is Sky Quarry and what’s driving the momentum? Sky Quarry is a Utah-based energy company, specializing in creating solutions to “the environmental issues caused by the landfill disposal of waste asphalt roofing shingles.” In aggregate, the company claims, recycling those shingles and other materials could potentially recover “20-22 million barrels of oil and approximately 9-11 million tons of sand.” Sky Quarry also runs an oil refinery in Nevada, which is what appears to have put the company on the radar of investors recently. The ongoing war in Iran has stoked worries about material and commodities shortages, especially oil, putting shares of domestic producers, like Sky Quarry, in higher demand. That dynamic is playing out this morning, with the stock apparently reacting to President The President’s threat to blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after a peace deal with Iran could not be reached over the weekend. Reporting from NBC News suggests that the blockade will begin this morning. Sky Quarry eyes increased production Additionally, Sky Quarry has reportedly been in discussion to increase domestic crude oil production. “At $110 oil, the economics for local drilling and local refining both improve materially,” said Marcus Laun, Sky Quarry’s CEO, in a recent statement. “Several producers we work with are actively evaluating opportunities to increase production. If that activity accelerates, it can create a natural and advantageous supply relationship between local crude and local refining capacity – exactly the kind of integrated position we have been building toward.” As of Monday morning, oil prices were under $100, but remain extremely volatile due to the evolving situation in Iran and with the Strait of Hormuz’s on-again, off-again shutdown. Other energy stocks have been affected as well. Shares of Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Chevron (NYSE: CVX), and ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) are all up between 1.5% and 2% in premarket trading Monday. While Sky Quarry seems to be benefiting far more than most for the moment, no one can predict whether the rally will last. View the full article

Anthony Whelan, a former adviser on tech, vows to pursue cases irrespective of ‘noise’ around themView the full article

In relation to enhancing customer loyalty, selecting the right rewards program software is essential. The top seven solutions, including Capillary Technologies and Annex Cloud, utilize advanced technologies like AI to boost engagement and retention. They offer customizable structures, seamless integrations, and real-time analytics. Comprehending these features can help you make informed decisions. As you explore these options, consider how each one aligns with your business goals and customer needs. Key Takeaways Capillary Technologies: Offers AI-driven personalization and gamified tiering with its Loyalty+ platform, utilized by major brands like NASCAR and The Royal Caribbean. Annex Cloud: Combines flexible points programs and referrals, integrating seamlessly with Salesforce and ensuring compliance for regulated industries. Talon.One: Provides an API-based loyalty engine for hyper-personalized experiences, successfully used by Adidas and H&M for complex discounting strategies. SessionM: Focuses on Fortune 500 companies by leveraging transaction data to enhance customer engagement and drive loyalty. Zinrelo: Enhances omnichannel engagement through AI-driven analytics, achieving significant increases in member engagement for retail brands. Understanding Customer Loyalty Programs Understanding customer loyalty programs is essential for businesses looking to improve customer retention and drive revenue growth. These programs reward frequent purchases, making it easier for you to cultivate long-term relationships with your customers. It’s vital to recognize that acquiring new customers can cost up to five times more than retaining existing ones. With over 90% of U.S. adults online participating in at least one loyalty program, you can tap into their preferences using loyalty management software. Various types of programs exist, including points systems, tiered programs, cashback offers, and subscription models, which cater to different engagement strategies. Implementing point of sale loyalty programs can streamline customer interactions at checkout. Utilizing loyalty rewards program software allows you to incorporate real-time analytics and personalization features, enhancing customer experiences, driving repeat purchases, and eventually boosting your revenue growth. A well-designed program can yield a remarkable 4.8x return on investment. The Importance of Loyalty Software in Business Loyalty software plays a crucial role in modern business strategies, allowing companies to create and manage effective engagement programs that drive customer retention and improve overall value. By implementing a POS loyalty program, you’re not just enhancing customer experiences; you’re additionally tapping into a system that can yield a remarkable ROI of 4.8 times. This software often integrates advanced technologies, like AI and machine learning, to deliver personalized experiences that customers increasingly expect. Furthermore, businesses utilizing loyalty programs typically see a 2.5 times revenue growth compared to their peers, demonstrating the financial advantages of cultivating long-term relationships. The scalability of a POS system with loyalty program features guarantees your business can adapt and expand seamlessly across various channels, maintaining ongoing customer engagement and satisfaction. In today’s competitive market, having robust loyalty software isn’t just an option; it’s a requirement for sustained success. Key Features to Look for in Loyalty Software When you’re selecting loyalty software, consider key features that can improve your program’s effectiveness. Look for integration capabilities that connect seamlessly with your existing systems, in addition to AI-driven personalization features that tailor rewards to individual customer behaviors. Furthermore, guarantee the software offers scalability and flexible reward options to accommodate your business growth and cater to diverse customer preferences. Integration With Existing Systems Integrating loyalty software with your existing systems is essential for maximizing its effectiveness and guaranteeing a smooth customer experience. Seamless API integration connects Seamless loyalty software with your CRM, POS, and marketing automation tools, creating a unified customer engagement experience across platforms. Look for customizable rules engines that allow you to adapt reward structures to fit your unique operational needs and customer behaviors. Integration with cloud-based infrastructure guarantees your loyalty program can scale efficiently as customer engagement grows and expands across multiple locations. Eliminating data silos improves operational efficiency, providing better insights for targeted loyalty strategies. Finally, real-time analytics from integrated systems deliver actionable insights, helping you optimize your loyalty programs for maximum impact. AI-Driven Personalization Features To improve customer engagement and satisfaction, consider incorporating AI-driven personalization features into your loyalty software. These features analyze individual behaviors and preferences, allowing you to create customized experiences that resonate with your customers. Advanced segmentation capabilities help you categorize customers based on their purchasing patterns, enabling targeted offers and rewards. Predictive modeling uses historical data to forecast behaviors, guaranteeing timely promotions that improve retention and encourage repeat purchases. Furthermore, real-time analytics provide instant feedback on customer interactions and program performance, allowing you to adjust strategies as needed. Finally, integrating these features with existing CRM systems guarantees a consistent application across all customer touchpoints, nurturing a seamless and cohesive loyalty experience that meets your customers’ needs effectively. Scalability and Flexibility Options Scalability and flexibility are essential components of any loyalty software, especially as businesses grow and customer engagement increases. Look for cloud-based infrastructure, which allows your program to function seamlessly across multiple locations, even during peak seasons like Black Friday. A customizable rules engine improves flexibility, enabling you to adapt reward structures and campaigns based on specific customer behaviors. Furthermore, prioritize loyalty software with robust API integration capabilities; this will connect loyalty data with your existing CRM, POS, and marketing systems, eliminating data silos and boosting efficiency. Finally, choose modular solutions that allow you to activate features customized to your unique needs, ensuring the system remains both flexible and aligned with your business objectives. Overview of the Top 7 Loyalty Software Providers When considering loyalty software providers, it’s essential to grasp the top seven options available in the market today. Capillary Technologies stands out with its Loyalty+ platform, utilizing AI for personalization and serving brands like NASCAR. Annex Cloud offers a suite that combines points programs and referrals, integrating seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce. Talon.One provides an API-based loyalty engine, ideal for businesses needing hyper-personalized experiences. SessionM, part of Mastercard, focuses on Fortune 500 companies, unifying transaction data to improve customer engagement. Finally, Zinrelo boosts engagement through omnichannel experiences and AI-driven analytics, showing a significant increase in member engagement for its clients. Each of these providers brings unique features customized to different business needs, ensuring you have options that fit your specific loyalty program goals. Grasping these providers will help you make informed decisions when selecting the right software for your organization. Detailed Analysis of Each Software Solution Now, let’s take a closer look at each loyalty software solution to understand their key features and real-world implementations. You’ll see how tools like Capillary Loyalty+ and Annex Cloud stand out with their unique offerings, whereas others like Talon.One and SessionM cater to specific enterprise needs. Key Features Overview Loyalty rewards program software solutions offer various features intended to improve customer engagement and streamline operations for businesses. Capillary Technologies’ Loyalty+ platform stands out with its AI-led personalization and behavioral segmentation, enhancing customer experiences through gamified tiering. Annex Cloud provides a flexible, multi-product suite that integrates seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce and SAP, ensuring compliance in regulated sectors. Talon.One shines with its API-based engine, allowing for hyper-personalized loyalty experiences featuring complex discounting mechanics. SessionM, backed by Mastercard, leverages transaction data to create context-aware loyalty interventions for larger enterprises. Finally, Zinrelo promotes omnichannel experiences, utilizing AI-driven analytics to support diverse reward structures and gamification elements, in the end boosting customer engagement across various platforms. Real-World Implementations Comprehending how loyalty rewards program software solutions function in real-world scenarios can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness. For instance, Capillary Technologies’ Loyalty+ is employed by brands like NASCAR and The Royal Caribbean, utilizing AI for personalized, gamified experiences. Annex Cloud offers a multi-product suite integrated with platforms like Salesforce, aiding customization and reporting, as seen with Nu Skin and Harrods. Talon.One’s API enables companies like Adidas and H&M to craft hyper-personalized loyalty expeditions with complex discount options. SessionM, part of Mastercard, leverages transaction data for context-aware loyalty strategies, appealing to Fortune 500 firms. Finally, Zinrelo’s platform boosted engagement by 48% for a U.S. beauty retailer through activity-based rewards and AI-driven segmentation. Trends Shaping the Future of Loyalty Programs As consumer preferences evolve, businesses must adapt their loyalty programs to remain relevant and effective. The loyalty software market is set to grow considerably, emphasizing AI-driven personalization and omnichannel engagement. With 90% of U.S. adults enrolled in at least one loyalty program, it’s clear that effective design matters; studies show 64% of consumers let loyalty programs influence their shopping decisions. To capitalize on this trend, brands are shifting from basic models to gamified systems, enhancing engagement to meet rising consumer expectations. By 2025, expect more flexible reward structures that cater to emotional loyalty, not just transactional loyalty, as businesses aim for deeper connections with customers. Loyalty leaders already enjoy an average ROI of 4.8x, highlighting the financial benefits of well-structured initiatives. As these trends shape the future of loyalty programs, staying ahead of the curve will be essential for maintaining customer loyalty. How to Choose the Right Loyalty Program Software Selecting the right loyalty program software is a significant step in building a successful customer engagement strategy. Start by prioritizing features like omnichannel support and AI-driven personalization, as these improve customer engagement and retention. Evaluate how well the software integrates with your existing systems, such as CRM and POS, to guarantee seamless data flow and efficiency across all touchpoints. Scalability is vital; choose a platform that can grow with your business and handle increased customer engagement, especially during busy shopping seasons. Customizable reward structures are important, allowing you to adapt the program to diverse customer behaviors and encourage ongoing participation. Finally, assess the software’s real-time analytics capabilities, which provide actionable insights for data-driven decision-making. This flexibility enables you to adjust strategies as needed, making sure your loyalty program remains effective and relevant in today’s dynamic market. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Loyalty Program? The most popular loyalty program in the U.S. is Starbucks Rewards, with over 30 million active members. Participants earn stars for their purchases, which can be redeemed for free items. Another notable program is Amazon Prime, boasting over 200 million global members who enjoy benefits like free shipping and streaming access. These programs highlight the effectiveness of loyalty initiatives, as they greatly influence shopping behaviors and improve customer retention in competitive markets. What Is the World’s Most Generous Rewards Program? The world’s most generous rewards program often features tiered structures, where you can earn more points as you reach higher spending thresholds. Many programs provide significant benefits, such as cash back or travel rewards. For instance, airline loyalty programs offer free flights and upgrades, whereas credit card rewards can translate to substantial bonuses. Retail loyalty programs improve your shopping experience with exclusive promotions and personalized rewards, making them highly appealing for frequent customers. What Is a Loyalty Program Software? A loyalty program software is a digital tool that helps businesses manage their customer engagement and retention efforts. It often integrates with existing CRM systems, allowing you to track customer interactions and preferences. Features typically include real-time analytics and AI-driven personalization, which tailor customer experiences. These platforms can support various reward structures, including gamification elements, making them adaptable to changing market conditions and customer behaviors as your business grows. What Are the 8 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 8 C’s of customer loyalty are vital for creating lasting relationships. They include: Customer Satisfaction, ensuring your customers are happy; Consistency, providing a reliable experience; Communication, engaging in open dialogue; Community, nurturing belonging; Customization, personalizing interactions; Convenience, making it easy to engage; Credibility, building trust; and Commitment, developing loyalty programs. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right loyalty rewards program software is essential for enhancing customer engagement and driving business growth. By comprehending key features like customizable rewards and real-time analytics, you can make informed decisions. The top providers, including Capillary Technologies and Annex Cloud, offer robust solutions customized to various business needs. As trends evolve, staying updated on emerging technologies will further empower you to nurture customer loyalty and achieve long-term success in your industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Program Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In relation to enhancing customer loyalty, selecting the right rewards program software is essential. The top seven solutions, including Capillary Technologies and Annex Cloud, utilize advanced technologies like AI to boost engagement and retention. They offer customizable structures, seamless integrations, and real-time analytics. Comprehending these features can help you make informed decisions. As you explore these options, consider how each one aligns with your business goals and customer needs. Key Takeaways Capillary Technologies: Offers AI-driven personalization and gamified tiering with its Loyalty+ platform, utilized by major brands like NASCAR and The Royal Caribbean. Annex Cloud: Combines flexible points programs and referrals, integrating seamlessly with Salesforce and ensuring compliance for regulated industries. Talon.One: Provides an API-based loyalty engine for hyper-personalized experiences, successfully used by Adidas and H&M for complex discounting strategies. SessionM: Focuses on Fortune 500 companies by leveraging transaction data to enhance customer engagement and drive loyalty. Zinrelo: Enhances omnichannel engagement through AI-driven analytics, achieving significant increases in member engagement for retail brands. Understanding Customer Loyalty Programs Understanding customer loyalty programs is essential for businesses looking to improve customer retention and drive revenue growth. These programs reward frequent purchases, making it easier for you to cultivate long-term relationships with your customers. It’s vital to recognize that acquiring new customers can cost up to five times more than retaining existing ones. With over 90% of U.S. adults online participating in at least one loyalty program, you can tap into their preferences using loyalty management software. Various types of programs exist, including points systems, tiered programs, cashback offers, and subscription models, which cater to different engagement strategies. Implementing point of sale loyalty programs can streamline customer interactions at checkout. Utilizing loyalty rewards program software allows you to incorporate real-time analytics and personalization features, enhancing customer experiences, driving repeat purchases, and eventually boosting your revenue growth. A well-designed program can yield a remarkable 4.8x return on investment. The Importance of Loyalty Software in Business Loyalty software plays a crucial role in modern business strategies, allowing companies to create and manage effective engagement programs that drive customer retention and improve overall value. By implementing a POS loyalty program, you’re not just enhancing customer experiences; you’re additionally tapping into a system that can yield a remarkable ROI of 4.8 times. This software often integrates advanced technologies, like AI and machine learning, to deliver personalized experiences that customers increasingly expect. Furthermore, businesses utilizing loyalty programs typically see a 2.5 times revenue growth compared to their peers, demonstrating the financial advantages of cultivating long-term relationships. The scalability of a POS system with loyalty program features guarantees your business can adapt and expand seamlessly across various channels, maintaining ongoing customer engagement and satisfaction. In today’s competitive market, having robust loyalty software isn’t just an option; it’s a requirement for sustained success. Key Features to Look for in Loyalty Software When you’re selecting loyalty software, consider key features that can improve your program’s effectiveness. Look for integration capabilities that connect seamlessly with your existing systems, in addition to AI-driven personalization features that tailor rewards to individual customer behaviors. Furthermore, guarantee the software offers scalability and flexible reward options to accommodate your business growth and cater to diverse customer preferences. Integration With Existing Systems Integrating loyalty software with your existing systems is essential for maximizing its effectiveness and guaranteeing a smooth customer experience. Seamless API integration connects Seamless loyalty software with your CRM, POS, and marketing automation tools, creating a unified customer engagement experience across platforms. Look for customizable rules engines that allow you to adapt reward structures to fit your unique operational needs and customer behaviors. Integration with cloud-based infrastructure guarantees your loyalty program can scale efficiently as customer engagement grows and expands across multiple locations. Eliminating data silos improves operational efficiency, providing better insights for targeted loyalty strategies. Finally, real-time analytics from integrated systems deliver actionable insights, helping you optimize your loyalty programs for maximum impact. AI-Driven Personalization Features To improve customer engagement and satisfaction, consider incorporating AI-driven personalization features into your loyalty software. These features analyze individual behaviors and preferences, allowing you to create customized experiences that resonate with your customers. Advanced segmentation capabilities help you categorize customers based on their purchasing patterns, enabling targeted offers and rewards. Predictive modeling uses historical data to forecast behaviors, guaranteeing timely promotions that improve retention and encourage repeat purchases. Furthermore, real-time analytics provide instant feedback on customer interactions and program performance, allowing you to adjust strategies as needed. Finally, integrating these features with existing CRM systems guarantees a consistent application across all customer touchpoints, nurturing a seamless and cohesive loyalty experience that meets your customers’ needs effectively. Scalability and Flexibility Options Scalability and flexibility are essential components of any loyalty software, especially as businesses grow and customer engagement increases. Look for cloud-based infrastructure, which allows your program to function seamlessly across multiple locations, even during peak seasons like Black Friday. A customizable rules engine improves flexibility, enabling you to adapt reward structures and campaigns based on specific customer behaviors. Furthermore, prioritize loyalty software with robust API integration capabilities; this will connect loyalty data with your existing CRM, POS, and marketing systems, eliminating data silos and boosting efficiency. Finally, choose modular solutions that allow you to activate features customized to your unique needs, ensuring the system remains both flexible and aligned with your business objectives. Overview of the Top 7 Loyalty Software Providers When considering loyalty software providers, it’s essential to grasp the top seven options available in the market today. Capillary Technologies stands out with its Loyalty+ platform, utilizing AI for personalization and serving brands like NASCAR. Annex Cloud offers a suite that combines points programs and referrals, integrating seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce. Talon.One provides an API-based loyalty engine, ideal for businesses needing hyper-personalized experiences. SessionM, part of Mastercard, focuses on Fortune 500 companies, unifying transaction data to improve customer engagement. Finally, Zinrelo boosts engagement through omnichannel experiences and AI-driven analytics, showing a significant increase in member engagement for its clients. Each of these providers brings unique features customized to different business needs, ensuring you have options that fit your specific loyalty program goals. Grasping these providers will help you make informed decisions when selecting the right software for your organization. Detailed Analysis of Each Software Solution Now, let’s take a closer look at each loyalty software solution to understand their key features and real-world implementations. You’ll see how tools like Capillary Loyalty+ and Annex Cloud stand out with their unique offerings, whereas others like Talon.One and SessionM cater to specific enterprise needs. Key Features Overview Loyalty rewards program software solutions offer various features intended to improve customer engagement and streamline operations for businesses. Capillary Technologies’ Loyalty+ platform stands out with its AI-led personalization and behavioral segmentation, enhancing customer experiences through gamified tiering. Annex Cloud provides a flexible, multi-product suite that integrates seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce and SAP, ensuring compliance in regulated sectors. Talon.One shines with its API-based engine, allowing for hyper-personalized loyalty experiences featuring complex discounting mechanics. SessionM, backed by Mastercard, leverages transaction data to create context-aware loyalty interventions for larger enterprises. Finally, Zinrelo promotes omnichannel experiences, utilizing AI-driven analytics to support diverse reward structures and gamification elements, in the end boosting customer engagement across various platforms. Real-World Implementations Comprehending how loyalty rewards program software solutions function in real-world scenarios can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness. For instance, Capillary Technologies’ Loyalty+ is employed by brands like NASCAR and The Royal Caribbean, utilizing AI for personalized, gamified experiences. Annex Cloud offers a multi-product suite integrated with platforms like Salesforce, aiding customization and reporting, as seen with Nu Skin and Harrods. Talon.One’s API enables companies like Adidas and H&M to craft hyper-personalized loyalty expeditions with complex discount options. SessionM, part of Mastercard, leverages transaction data for context-aware loyalty strategies, appealing to Fortune 500 firms. Finally, Zinrelo’s platform boosted engagement by 48% for a U.S. beauty retailer through activity-based rewards and AI-driven segmentation. Trends Shaping the Future of Loyalty Programs As consumer preferences evolve, businesses must adapt their loyalty programs to remain relevant and effective. The loyalty software market is set to grow considerably, emphasizing AI-driven personalization and omnichannel engagement. With 90% of U.S. adults enrolled in at least one loyalty program, it’s clear that effective design matters; studies show 64% of consumers let loyalty programs influence their shopping decisions. To capitalize on this trend, brands are shifting from basic models to gamified systems, enhancing engagement to meet rising consumer expectations. By 2025, expect more flexible reward structures that cater to emotional loyalty, not just transactional loyalty, as businesses aim for deeper connections with customers. Loyalty leaders already enjoy an average ROI of 4.8x, highlighting the financial benefits of well-structured initiatives. As these trends shape the future of loyalty programs, staying ahead of the curve will be essential for maintaining customer loyalty. How to Choose the Right Loyalty Program Software Selecting the right loyalty program software is a significant step in building a successful customer engagement strategy. Start by prioritizing features like omnichannel support and AI-driven personalization, as these improve customer engagement and retention. Evaluate how well the software integrates with your existing systems, such as CRM and POS, to guarantee seamless data flow and efficiency across all touchpoints. Scalability is vital; choose a platform that can grow with your business and handle increased customer engagement, especially during busy shopping seasons. Customizable reward structures are important, allowing you to adapt the program to diverse customer behaviors and encourage ongoing participation. Finally, assess the software’s real-time analytics capabilities, which provide actionable insights for data-driven decision-making. This flexibility enables you to adjust strategies as needed, making sure your loyalty program remains effective and relevant in today’s dynamic market. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Loyalty Program? The most popular loyalty program in the U.S. is Starbucks Rewards, with over 30 million active members. Participants earn stars for their purchases, which can be redeemed for free items. Another notable program is Amazon Prime, boasting over 200 million global members who enjoy benefits like free shipping and streaming access. These programs highlight the effectiveness of loyalty initiatives, as they greatly influence shopping behaviors and improve customer retention in competitive markets. What Is the World’s Most Generous Rewards Program? The world’s most generous rewards program often features tiered structures, where you can earn more points as you reach higher spending thresholds. Many programs provide significant benefits, such as cash back or travel rewards. For instance, airline loyalty programs offer free flights and upgrades, whereas credit card rewards can translate to substantial bonuses. Retail loyalty programs improve your shopping experience with exclusive promotions and personalized rewards, making them highly appealing for frequent customers. What Is a Loyalty Program Software? A loyalty program software is a digital tool that helps businesses manage their customer engagement and retention efforts. It often integrates with existing CRM systems, allowing you to track customer interactions and preferences. Features typically include real-time analytics and AI-driven personalization, which tailor customer experiences. These platforms can support various reward structures, including gamification elements, making them adaptable to changing market conditions and customer behaviors as your business grows. What Are the 8 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 8 C’s of customer loyalty are vital for creating lasting relationships. They include: Customer Satisfaction, ensuring your customers are happy; Consistency, providing a reliable experience; Communication, engaging in open dialogue; Community, nurturing belonging; Customization, personalizing interactions; Convenience, making it easy to engage; Credibility, building trust; and Commitment, developing loyalty programs. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right loyalty rewards program software is essential for enhancing customer engagement and driving business growth. By comprehending key features like customizable rewards and real-time analytics, you can make informed decisions. The top providers, including Capillary Technologies and Annex Cloud, offer robust solutions customized to various business needs. As trends evolve, staying updated on emerging technologies will further empower you to nurture customer loyalty and achieve long-term success in your industry. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Loyalty Rewards Program Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

My father has a PhD in mechanical social engineering and, among many things, designed cooling systems for nuclear reactors. From him, I inherited a restless curiosity about how the world works and a deep respect for the laws of science. Over the years, I’ve found that many of the principles governing physical objects translate perfectly to business. Take Newton’s first law of motion. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest, and objects in motion stay in motion—at least in a vacuum. What’s true in physics is true for companies. Those that stall are destined to fall behind. But the businesses that remain in constant motion? They succeed. In the agentic AI era, data is the force that overcomes business inertia. Period. Full stop. We often hear that data is our most essential asset, but that’s only a half-truth. To truly create value, critical information can’t just be pooled in a data lake somewhere or siloed in disconnected systems and walled gardens scattered throughout the organization. Data has to move. It must be accessible, governed, timely, and most importantly, have the proper context for your business. Without all of that, there’s no use for an agent. The data might as well not exist. When data moves, the business moves. That’s data activation. THE MOUNTING DATA CHALLENGE The amount of data in the typical enterprise is staggering and growing every day. In my most recent book, Digital Impact, I argue that we’ve fallen into the trap of thinking that all data is valuable, when in fact the vast amount of digitized information is “sand.” It’s unhelpful to our businesses, and the sheer volume has become a massive signal-noise problem. The trick is being able to sift through all those grains of sand, identify the ones that really are flecks of data gold, and move them to where they can do the most good. It’s the same fundamental challenge that has been with us forever. It’s not new. But the stakes have risen. Solving it in the AI age makes finding a solution more essential than ever because high-quality data is the key to equipping autonomous and semi-autonomous agents with what they need to do their jobs. The winners in business won’t be the ones with the most agents. Instead, they’ll be the ones with agents that are integrated best into critical systems, most deeply deployed in business processes, and powered by the most trusted data. We’re all aware of sobering studies showing that in these early days of AI, most projects struggle to see meaningful ROI. Perhaps the biggest impediment businesses are facing is that they haven’t yet solved their foundational data problems. Critical systems aren’t connected to the broader digital ecosystem, resulting in pockets of stranded data. That creates an inability to get the correct data to the right place—including to agents. Finally, there’s a lack of data governance, which undermines confidence in agents’ work. And as I’ve written before, change only happens at the speed of trust. So, what should every business be thinking about when it comes to data activation? Consider asking three questions. 1. ARE YOUR SYSTEMS CONNECTED? Trapped data fits neatly into Newton’s first law. It’s at rest, creating friction that prevents end-to-end workflows. Critical applications have to connect to the broader technology ecosystem. You can’t activate what you can’t reach. Data orphaned in a legacy, on-premises ERP is dead weight. It’s the same with the proliferation of modern SaaS applications, which have added to the complexity and system fragmentation. These bottlenecks prevent end-to-end data workflows. Creating a digital fabric through connectors and APIs makes all data available to every endpoint and puts it in motion for delivery to where it can have the greatest impact on the business. 2. DOES YOUR DATA HAVE CONTEXT? Agents don’t just need data. They need to understand what it means—context. This is the “sand” problem, and it’s critical to solve it to get the most from agents. Every agent starts “dumb.” Yes, it might be trained on generic data, but it knows nothing about your specific business. Feeding a raw database dump to an agent is insufficient. Activation isn’t just data movement deriving from connectivity. It’s the capability of sifting through the data sand—modeling, enriching, synchronizing—that makes it contextually relevant. It tilts the signal-to-noise ratio in your favor. With agents, things can go bad quickly with inaccurate or insufficient data. That includes the well-documented issues of hallucinating and drifting. It’s also like the butterfly effect, where the downstream ramifications can get worse and worse. But when agents have access to complete, trusted, and timely data, they have the context they need to do their work accurately. 3. DO YOU HAVE GOVERNANCE? Governance is the foundation of trust, and without it, businesses instinctively tap the brakes on AI initiatives. If you don’t have visibility into where your data is going, how secure it is, or how agents are using it, you won’t have confidence in the actions that agents are taking. That helps explain the monumental challenge we’re seeing of moving from pilots to production. Governance doesn’t stop at visibility and security. Sovereignty is also a critical consideration. It’s about maintaining control over where data resides, how it’s stored and processed, who can access it, and how it’s contained within borders. As AI agents operate autonomously across systems and jurisdictions, organizations must be able to enforce data residency requirements, comply with evolving regional regulations, and clearly demonstrate accountability. Leaders need confidence that sensitive data isn’t being replicated, transferred, or exposed in ways that create risk. Without this level of control, there is no trust, and without trust, AI initiatives stall before they ever reach scale. Effective governance means applying standards and guardrails to data movement to help you control agent behavior in real time. That allows you to deploy agents responsibly and with confidence. ELIMINATE DATA FRICTION Think about the millions of transactions that enterprises have to orchestrate every day, across thousands of systems, in real time, securely and reliably. That enterprise-level complexity isn’t going away. Most companies are struggling to make sense of their data. They just want their companies to work better with the efficient flow of data through systems. Activating trusted, contextualized data has always done that. Today, it also enables better decision-making by agents who work both on our behalf and with us. Steve Lucas is chairman and CEO of Boomi. View the full article

You spend a lot of time using the software keyboard on your phone, so it makes sense to make sure it's a keyboard you're comfortable with—one that suits both your aesthetic taste and your typing requirements. I've previously covered the best alternative keyboards if you want a change from the default one that comes with your phone, but if you're a Samsung Galaxy owner, there's another option to be aware of: You can create your own keyboard, too. This comes via the Keys Cafe app, part of the Good Lock utilities suite that Samsung develops to accompany One UI. It lets you build keyboards exactly to your needs—from the keys on show, to the animations that appear when you press them. Getting started with Keys CafeYou can access Keys Cafe by downloading Good Lock from the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. While Good Lock doesn't come preinstalled on One UI, it is an official Samsung add-on, and there's a lot to explore: There are tools here for tweaking volume settings, making 3D animated wallpapers, and adding extra processing options to the phone camera, for example. To design your own keyboards, find Keys Cafe on the Plugins screen. Tap the download icon to the right of the utility name to get it on your phone, and when the download is complete, tap on Keys Cafe at the top of the list to launch it. Keys Cafe will also be added as an app on your home screen and in the app drawer. Keys Cafe is part of Good Lock. Credit: Lifehacker Keys Cafe isn't just about creating keyboards. It will give you some interesting stats about your typing—including your typing speed for the day—and there are games you can play to improve your typing speed. If you don't want to make your own keyboard, there are a variety of preset themes you can apply. When you're ready to get creative with your own keyboard design, open the Keyboard tab and tap Make. You'll be given a selection of basic templates to start off with, based on the keyboards that are currently installed: Tap on the thumbnail you want to use as a starting point, then choose Edit to get to the creation screen. How to make your own keyboardI've never made my own phone keyboard before, but Keys Cafe makes the process simple and fun. The main editing screen shows a grid of all the available characters you've got to work with, and these can be dragged down to the keyboard design at the bottom. You can add keys for the special characters you use most often, for example, or for your favorite emojis. Tapping on keys that are already part of the keyboard lets you edit them in more detail. You're able to change the height and the width of each key individually (the others will shift around as needed)—so if you need a much wider space bar, go for it. Press and hold to select and edit multiple keys at the same time. Adjusting key height and width. Credit: Lifehacker The arrow-and-blocks icon just above the keyboard lets you add rows (if no keys are selected) and remove rows (if one or more keys are selected) There's also a green reset button in the top right corner if you need to go back to the beginning, as well as an undo button to take one step back. When you're happy, tap the purple check icon (top right) to save your new keyboard layout. To change colors and animations, you need to head to the Design part of the Keyboard tab in Keys Cafe, and tap the + (plus) button near the top right: The appearance of the keyboard is handled separately from the layout, so it's possible to create several different combinations of both, if you'd like to. Picking colors and styles. Credit: Lifehacker When you get into the design editor, there are three main sections: the main keyboard, the individual letter keys, and the animations that are overlaid on top (for swipe typing, for example). You can switch between these sections using the icons up in the top right corner, then make changes underneath—so for the individual keys, you can pick separate colors for the characters, the backgrounds, and the borders. On the main keyboard screen, you can change the background color and the keypress effects—there are several different animations to pick from, which can be customized as needed. There's also a Sound tab here to change the sound you hear when keys are tapped. Select Save, and your new keyboard theme is saved on top of the layout you've made, and the keyboard is ready to be used. View the full article

As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, it is vital to know the key dates related to the IRS opening and critical filing deadlines. During the exact opening date for 2026 hasn’t been confirmed, it is typically anticipated in late January, around January 27. Make sure you’re aware of important deadlines like the April 15 filing date and W-2 distribution by February 2. Comprehending these dates can greatly influence your tax preparation strategy. What else should you know to stay ahead? Key Takeaways The IRS typically opens in late January, with a historical date around January 27 for the tax filing season. W-2 forms from employers are due by February 2, 2026, marking an important date for taxpayers. Federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, for the 2025 tax year, regardless of IRS opening delays. Estimated tax payments for the fourth quarter are due January 15, 2026, before the IRS opens. Extension filing deadline using Form 4868 is October 15, 2026, for those who need more time to file. Anticipated IRS Opening Date for 2026 Though the official opening date for the IRS in 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, you can typically expect it to occur in late January, similar to previous years. Historically, the IRS has opened for tax season around January 27, so keep an eye out for an announcement. If you’re wondering when the IRS will start accepting returns in 2025, that date will likely align with the 2026 timeline. Significant tax law changes or necessary system updates could delay the opening, impacting early filers. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that even if the IRS opening date is pushed back, the tax filing deadline usually remains April 15 for most taxpayers. You can prepare your returns in advance using TaxAct®, ensuring you’re ready to file as soon as the IRS opens. Stay informed, and you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming tax season. Key Tax Filing Deadlines for Individuals As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, it is essential to stay on top of key tax filing deadlines that affect individual taxpayers. Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties, so here’s what you need to know. Deadline Type Date Notes Federal Tax Filing Deadline April 15, 2026 For 2025 tax year Extension Filing Deadline October 15, 2026 If you file Form 4868 W-2 Forms Distribution by Employers February 2, 2026 For 2025 tax year Additionally, keep in mind that Fourth Quarter estimated tax payments are due on January 15, 2026. If you’re turning 73 in 2025, make sure required minimum distributions are made by April 1, 2026. Staying organized will help you navigate these important dates smoothly. Important Tax Deadlines for Businesses When managing your business finances, comprehension of key tax deadlines is vital to guarantee compliance and avoid costly penalties. For Partnerships and S-Corporations, the deadline to file your tax returns is March 15, 2026, using Form 1065 or Form 1120S, respectively. C Corporations share this deadline, but they can extend it to September 15, 2026, by filing Form 7004. If your business operates on a fiscal year, your filing deadlines will depend on the 15th day of the third or fourth month after your fiscal year ends. Extended deadlines for partnerships and S corporations are September 15, whereas C corporations can extend to October 15, 2026. It’s imperative to meet all filing deadlines, as missing them can lead to penalties and interest, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions outlined in IRS guidelines. Potential Reasons for Delayed IRS Opening When the IRS faces budgetary constraints, it can slow down operations, leading to potential delays in opening. Staffing shortages likewise play a significant role, as the agency needs adequate personnel trained to handle the influx of tax returns. Furthermore, necessary technical system upgrades can further complicate the timeline, making it essential to stay informed about any announcements regarding the IRS opening. Budgetary Constraints Impacting Operations Budgetary constraints often hinder the IRS’s operational capabilities, leading to potential delays in the tax season opening. Limited funding affects various aspects of IRS operations, from hiring seasonal employees to implementing system upgrades. Insufficient resources can slow down tax return processing, whereas challenges in adapting to new tax laws may push back opening dates. Training staff adequately as well suffers, resulting in operational inefficiencies during peak periods. These issues have a historical precedent, as past funding challenges have consistently led to later opening announcements. Impact Area Potential Consequence Historical Trend Hiring Seasonal Employees Slower tax return processing Delayed openings in past seasons System Upgrades and Maintenance Inability to accept returns on time Previous operational delays Implementation of Tax Law Changes Increased complexity in operations Past delays because of budget issues Staff Training Longer processing times Inefficiencies in peak periods Staffing Shortages and Training Staffing shortages at the IRS can profoundly affect the agency’s ability to process tax returns and provide necessary support to taxpayers, often leading to delays in the opening date for the tax filing season. When the IRS lacks sufficient personnel, it struggles to meet the increased demand for services, causing operational bottlenecks. Furthermore, new or existing staff may require training on updated tax laws and systems, further extending the time needed before the agency is fully operational. Historical trends show that significant staffing shortages frequently coincide with postponed opening dates. Effective training programs are vital to guarantee compliance with regulations and efficient handling of inquiries, making it imperative for the IRS to address these issues swiftly to minimize delays in the tax season. Technical System Upgrades Needed As the IRS prepares for the tax filing season, it may face delays owing to necessary technical system upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and security. These upgrades are critical for the IRS to manage the intricacies of modern tax processing. Here are some key reasons for potential delays: Integrating new tax law changes requires thorough testing and validation. Improvements in technology infrastructure aim to boost taxpayer services and data security. Advancements to electronic filing systems focus on better user experiences and faster processing. New initiatives like the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) necessitate additional adjustments, complicating the timeline. These upgrades, although vital, can extend the IRS’s opening date as they work to implement them effectively. Impact of Late IRS Opening on Taxpayers When the IRS announces a delayed opening date for tax season, it can greatly impact your ability to file your tax return. Typically, the IRS opens for filings in late January, but a delay means you won’t be able to submit your return until the new date is set. This not only affects your filing schedule but also extends the timeline for processing and refunds. Meanwhile, the IRS usually issues refunds within 21 days of acceptance; a later opening can lead to longer wait times, especially for those who file early in the season. Even though the tax filing deadline remains April 15, the efficiency of your filing could suffer if you’re close to this date. Furthermore, since state tax agencies operate independently, differing state deadlines may complicate your planning, requiring you to stay informed about these variations to avoid any surprises. Early Filing Options and Resources Though the IRS may not open for submissions until late January, you can still take advantage of early filing options to prepare your tax return. Using software like TaxAct allows you to get a head start by entering your income, deductions, and credits before the official opening date. Here’s how you can make the most of early filing: Start Early: Begin preparing your return in early January. Use Tax Software: Enter all necessary information using reliable tax preparation software. Secure Submission: Once the IRS opens, you can transmit your completed return safely for processing. Know Your Deadline: Remember, the federal tax return is still due on April 15, regardless of when you file. Keep in mind that early preparation doesn’t guarantee immediate refunds, as the IRS processes returns starting from its official opening date. How to Prepare for Tax Season Ahead of Time To prepare for tax season effectively, start by gathering all necessary documents, like W-2s and 1099s, well ahead of time. Comprehending your filing options, including early submission through tax software, can streamline your process considerably. Furthermore, staying informed about key deadlines and any changes in tax laws will help you avoid penalties and guarantee a smooth filing experience. Gather Necessary Documents Gathering necessary documents is a crucial step in preparing for tax season, and starting this process early can save you time and stress. To guarantee a smooth filing experience, follow these steps: Collect W-2 forms from employers and 1099 forms for freelance or investment income by early January. Organize previous years’ tax returns, proof of identity, and Social Security numbers for yourself and dependents. Keep track of potential tax credits or deductions, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or IRA contributions, to gather the necessary documentation. Utilize a checklist to confirm you have all required forms and documents ready before the IRS opening date, typically announced in January. Consider using tax software or consulting a professional for additional help. Understand Filing Options Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, it’s important to understand the various filing options available to you as tax season approaches. You can utilize IRS Free File if you qualify, allowing you to file your federal tax return at no cost. In addition, consider tax preparation software that lets you draft your return ahead of time, making the process more manageable. Keep in mind the IRS usually starts accepting returns in late January, so aim to complete your forms early. Finally, keep key dates in mind, such as the April 15 deadline and the October 15 extension option, to strategize your filing effectively. Filing Option Benefits Considerations IRS Free File No cost Income eligibility Tax Software Draft and save Software costs may apply Professional Help Expert guidance Higher fees Frequently Asked Questions What Date Will the IRS Start Releasing Refunds? The IRS processes most refunds within 21 days after they receive your tax return. Nonetheless, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, expect your refund to be available by March 3 because of the PATH Act restrictions. To guarantee faster processing, opt for direct deposit rather than paper checks. You can track your refund’s status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website after acceptance. When Did the IRS Open up in 2025? The IRS opened for the 2025 tax season on January 27, 2025. From that date, you could begin submitting your tax returns electronically. Typically, the IRS processes most returns within 21 days of acceptance, while early filers might face delays in receiving their refunds. It’s important to keep in mind that significant deadlines, like the tax filing deadline, remained unchanged for April 15, 2026, so plan your submissions accordingly. What Time Does the IRS Open for Tax Returns? The IRS usually doesn’t specify a time for opening tax returns. Instead, it announces the opening date in January, allowing you to begin e-filing afterward. You can prepare your tax return using software like TaxAct before the official opening. Keep in mind that even though refunds are typically processed within 21 days, early filers may face delays if the IRS opening is later than expected. State deadlines may differ, so check those as well. What Is Most Likely to Trigger an IRS Audit in 2025? In 2025, several factors could trigger an IRS audit for you. If you earn over $1 million, expect increased scrutiny. Claiming disproportionate deductions, like excessive business expenses or charitable contributions, can raise red flags. Furthermore, failing to report all income sources, including freelance work, may lead to audits. Consistently reporting significant losses and participating in questionable tax schemes can likewise attract attention. Staying accurate and transparent in your filings is essential to avoid issues. Conclusion To conclude, knowing the anticipated IRS opening date and key tax deadlines is essential for effective tax planning in 2026. By staying informed about W-2 distribution, estimated tax payments, and filing deadlines for both individuals and businesses, you can navigate the tax season more efficiently. Preparing in advance and utilizing available resources will help you meet your obligations and avoid potential penalties. Keeping track of these dates guarantees a smoother tax filing experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Key Dates for When the IRS Opens" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, it is vital to know the key dates related to the IRS opening and critical filing deadlines. During the exact opening date for 2026 hasn’t been confirmed, it is typically anticipated in late January, around January 27. Make sure you’re aware of important deadlines like the April 15 filing date and W-2 distribution by February 2. Comprehending these dates can greatly influence your tax preparation strategy. What else should you know to stay ahead? Key Takeaways The IRS typically opens in late January, with a historical date around January 27 for the tax filing season. W-2 forms from employers are due by February 2, 2026, marking an important date for taxpayers. Federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, for the 2025 tax year, regardless of IRS opening delays. Estimated tax payments for the fourth quarter are due January 15, 2026, before the IRS opens. Extension filing deadline using Form 4868 is October 15, 2026, for those who need more time to file. Anticipated IRS Opening Date for 2026 Though the official opening date for the IRS in 2026 hasn’t been announced yet, you can typically expect it to occur in late January, similar to previous years. Historically, the IRS has opened for tax season around January 27, so keep an eye out for an announcement. If you’re wondering when the IRS will start accepting returns in 2025, that date will likely align with the 2026 timeline. Significant tax law changes or necessary system updates could delay the opening, impacting early filers. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that even if the IRS opening date is pushed back, the tax filing deadline usually remains April 15 for most taxpayers. You can prepare your returns in advance using TaxAct®, ensuring you’re ready to file as soon as the IRS opens. Stay informed, and you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming tax season. Key Tax Filing Deadlines for Individuals As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, it is essential to stay on top of key tax filing deadlines that affect individual taxpayers. Missing these deadlines can lead to penalties, so here’s what you need to know. Deadline Type Date Notes Federal Tax Filing Deadline April 15, 2026 For 2025 tax year Extension Filing Deadline October 15, 2026 If you file Form 4868 W-2 Forms Distribution by Employers February 2, 2026 For 2025 tax year Additionally, keep in mind that Fourth Quarter estimated tax payments are due on January 15, 2026. If you’re turning 73 in 2025, make sure required minimum distributions are made by April 1, 2026. Staying organized will help you navigate these important dates smoothly. Important Tax Deadlines for Businesses When managing your business finances, comprehension of key tax deadlines is vital to guarantee compliance and avoid costly penalties. For Partnerships and S-Corporations, the deadline to file your tax returns is March 15, 2026, using Form 1065 or Form 1120S, respectively. C Corporations share this deadline, but they can extend it to September 15, 2026, by filing Form 7004. If your business operates on a fiscal year, your filing deadlines will depend on the 15th day of the third or fourth month after your fiscal year ends. Extended deadlines for partnerships and S corporations are September 15, whereas C corporations can extend to October 15, 2026. It’s imperative to meet all filing deadlines, as missing them can lead to penalties and interest, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions outlined in IRS guidelines. Potential Reasons for Delayed IRS Opening When the IRS faces budgetary constraints, it can slow down operations, leading to potential delays in opening. Staffing shortages likewise play a significant role, as the agency needs adequate personnel trained to handle the influx of tax returns. Furthermore, necessary technical system upgrades can further complicate the timeline, making it essential to stay informed about any announcements regarding the IRS opening. Budgetary Constraints Impacting Operations Budgetary constraints often hinder the IRS’s operational capabilities, leading to potential delays in the tax season opening. Limited funding affects various aspects of IRS operations, from hiring seasonal employees to implementing system upgrades. Insufficient resources can slow down tax return processing, whereas challenges in adapting to new tax laws may push back opening dates. Training staff adequately as well suffers, resulting in operational inefficiencies during peak periods. These issues have a historical precedent, as past funding challenges have consistently led to later opening announcements. Impact Area Potential Consequence Historical Trend Hiring Seasonal Employees Slower tax return processing Delayed openings in past seasons System Upgrades and Maintenance Inability to accept returns on time Previous operational delays Implementation of Tax Law Changes Increased complexity in operations Past delays because of budget issues Staff Training Longer processing times Inefficiencies in peak periods Staffing Shortages and Training Staffing shortages at the IRS can profoundly affect the agency’s ability to process tax returns and provide necessary support to taxpayers, often leading to delays in the opening date for the tax filing season. When the IRS lacks sufficient personnel, it struggles to meet the increased demand for services, causing operational bottlenecks. Furthermore, new or existing staff may require training on updated tax laws and systems, further extending the time needed before the agency is fully operational. Historical trends show that significant staffing shortages frequently coincide with postponed opening dates. Effective training programs are vital to guarantee compliance with regulations and efficient handling of inquiries, making it imperative for the IRS to address these issues swiftly to minimize delays in the tax season. Technical System Upgrades Needed As the IRS prepares for the tax filing season, it may face delays owing to necessary technical system upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and security. These upgrades are critical for the IRS to manage the intricacies of modern tax processing. Here are some key reasons for potential delays: Integrating new tax law changes requires thorough testing and validation. Improvements in technology infrastructure aim to boost taxpayer services and data security. Advancements to electronic filing systems focus on better user experiences and faster processing. New initiatives like the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) necessitate additional adjustments, complicating the timeline. These upgrades, although vital, can extend the IRS’s opening date as they work to implement them effectively. Impact of Late IRS Opening on Taxpayers When the IRS announces a delayed opening date for tax season, it can greatly impact your ability to file your tax return. Typically, the IRS opens for filings in late January, but a delay means you won’t be able to submit your return until the new date is set. This not only affects your filing schedule but also extends the timeline for processing and refunds. Meanwhile, the IRS usually issues refunds within 21 days of acceptance; a later opening can lead to longer wait times, especially for those who file early in the season. Even though the tax filing deadline remains April 15, the efficiency of your filing could suffer if you’re close to this date. Furthermore, since state tax agencies operate independently, differing state deadlines may complicate your planning, requiring you to stay informed about these variations to avoid any surprises. Early Filing Options and Resources Though the IRS may not open for submissions until late January, you can still take advantage of early filing options to prepare your tax return. Using software like TaxAct allows you to get a head start by entering your income, deductions, and credits before the official opening date. Here’s how you can make the most of early filing: Start Early: Begin preparing your return in early January. Use Tax Software: Enter all necessary information using reliable tax preparation software. Secure Submission: Once the IRS opens, you can transmit your completed return safely for processing. Know Your Deadline: Remember, the federal tax return is still due on April 15, regardless of when you file. Keep in mind that early preparation doesn’t guarantee immediate refunds, as the IRS processes returns starting from its official opening date. How to Prepare for Tax Season Ahead of Time To prepare for tax season effectively, start by gathering all necessary documents, like W-2s and 1099s, well ahead of time. Comprehending your filing options, including early submission through tax software, can streamline your process considerably. Furthermore, staying informed about key deadlines and any changes in tax laws will help you avoid penalties and guarantee a smooth filing experience. Gather Necessary Documents Gathering necessary documents is a crucial step in preparing for tax season, and starting this process early can save you time and stress. To guarantee a smooth filing experience, follow these steps: Collect W-2 forms from employers and 1099 forms for freelance or investment income by early January. Organize previous years’ tax returns, proof of identity, and Social Security numbers for yourself and dependents. Keep track of potential tax credits or deductions, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or IRA contributions, to gather the necessary documentation. Utilize a checklist to confirm you have all required forms and documents ready before the IRS opening date, typically announced in January. Consider using tax software or consulting a professional for additional help. Understand Filing Options Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, it’s important to understand the various filing options available to you as tax season approaches. You can utilize IRS Free File if you qualify, allowing you to file your federal tax return at no cost. In addition, consider tax preparation software that lets you draft your return ahead of time, making the process more manageable. Keep in mind the IRS usually starts accepting returns in late January, so aim to complete your forms early. Finally, keep key dates in mind, such as the April 15 deadline and the October 15 extension option, to strategize your filing effectively. Filing Option Benefits Considerations IRS Free File No cost Income eligibility Tax Software Draft and save Software costs may apply Professional Help Expert guidance Higher fees Frequently Asked Questions What Date Will the IRS Start Releasing Refunds? The IRS processes most refunds within 21 days after they receive your tax return. Nonetheless, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, expect your refund to be available by March 3 because of the PATH Act restrictions. To guarantee faster processing, opt for direct deposit rather than paper checks. You can track your refund’s status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website after acceptance. When Did the IRS Open up in 2025? The IRS opened for the 2025 tax season on January 27, 2025. From that date, you could begin submitting your tax returns electronically. Typically, the IRS processes most returns within 21 days of acceptance, while early filers might face delays in receiving their refunds. It’s important to keep in mind that significant deadlines, like the tax filing deadline, remained unchanged for April 15, 2026, so plan your submissions accordingly. What Time Does the IRS Open for Tax Returns? The IRS usually doesn’t specify a time for opening tax returns. Instead, it announces the opening date in January, allowing you to begin e-filing afterward. You can prepare your tax return using software like TaxAct before the official opening. Keep in mind that even though refunds are typically processed within 21 days, early filers may face delays if the IRS opening is later than expected. State deadlines may differ, so check those as well. What Is Most Likely to Trigger an IRS Audit in 2025? In 2025, several factors could trigger an IRS audit for you. If you earn over $1 million, expect increased scrutiny. Claiming disproportionate deductions, like excessive business expenses or charitable contributions, can raise red flags. Furthermore, failing to report all income sources, including freelance work, may lead to audits. Consistently reporting significant losses and participating in questionable tax schemes can likewise attract attention. Staying accurate and transparent in your filings is essential to avoid issues. Conclusion To conclude, knowing the anticipated IRS opening date and key tax deadlines is essential for effective tax planning in 2026. By staying informed about W-2 distribution, estimated tax payments, and filing deadlines for both individuals and businesses, you can navigate the tax season more efficiently. Preparing in advance and utilizing available resources will help you meet your obligations and avoid potential penalties. Keeping track of these dates guarantees a smoother tax filing experience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Key Dates for When the IRS Opens" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We have a story we tell ourselves about productivity tools. The story goes like this: The more efficient we become, the more time we free up, and the more we can relax. We’ve been telling this story since the dishwasher. We’ve never once been right. Every tool that has made us more capable has raised the ceiling on what’s possible—and in doing so, has raised the floor on what feels acceptable. We don’t use reclaimed time to rest. We use it to produce more. And with each new capability, the gap between what we’re doing and what we theoretically could be doing gets wider, louder, and harder to ignore. The result is a feedback loop between productivity and anxiety that begs to be reckoned with, especially now. The more we can do, the harder it becomes to exist in any moment without the question: Is this the most productive thing I should be doing right now? Should I open a seventh terminal? Is my workflow efficient enough? That hum of productivity maxxing is the ambient noise of modern professional life. With AI, we’ve turned up the volume to a level the human mind has never encountered. AI is not just another productivity tool. It produces at a pace that has no human analog. The gap between what these systems can output in an hour and what any person can output in an hour isn’t a gap anymore—it’s a canyon. And for people like me who are trying to build with these tools, to stay current, to use them well—the dissonance is already acute. I use these tools every day. I follow the tech blogs and podcasts. And I can tell you: Nobody is really keeping up, and it’s possible we never can, because the tools change in our hands. THE PACE QUICKENS At a recent vibe coding event I attended in San Francisco, I sat with a group of women in AI, including some from Anthropic, talking through our workflows. What’s striking is that we’re all figuring it out together—there’s really and truly no manual at the frontier. One of the Anthropic engineers threw up her hands, saying that her workflows would probably change tomorrow, and we all had to nervously laugh in agreement. They would, and they did. AI is taking a significant role in building itself, in fact. It creates synthetic data to train itself; it supervises, critiques, and revises itself; it is self-correcting. The important fact about this is that AI is building itself at its pace, not ours. The pace of technical progress, like the acceleration of productivity potential itself, is closer to light speed than anything we’ve experienced before. Now scale that forward. As AI capabilities continue to compound, the ceiling on possible productivity will rise faster than any human nervous system can track. Which means the anxiety that comes from the gap between doing and could-be-doing won’t just persist. It will intensify, systematically, as a direct function of how powerful the tools become. We are already seeing the symptoms. The explosion of ADHD diagnoses—particularly among high-functioning professional women—is not a coincidence. It is a signal. If you’re a parent of young children, you already know acutely the unique pain of fractured attention, even before you’ve glanced at your devices. But of course, we must glance at our devices. Here we’ve built an environment so perfectly engineered for fractured attention—the notifications, the tabs, the always-on culture, the infinite scroll—that it is producing cognitive fragmentation at scale. Perhaps we developed an ADHD disorder at near-epidemic proportions, or perhaps we didn’t. Perhaps we developed a world that generates its symptoms. And AI is about to make that world significantly harder to live in. CHANGE THE FUTURE This is not inevitable. This argument can slide easily into fatalism, and I don’t mean it that way. It’s just that the writing on the wall, as far as I can see it, is that we could fragment our minds and attention to a point of untenable dilution and dissolution. And further, this is the default trajectory here. But defaults can change when we see them clearly enough to choose something different. What that looks like practically is still being figured out—by researchers, by clinicians, and most importantly by us. We’re doing it in our own little lives, as we try to build thoughtfully and live sanely inside an industry moving at inhuman speed. The dishwasher didn’t give us more rest. It gave us a cleaner kitchen and a longer to-do list. AI will not give us more peace. Not unless we decide, deliberately and in advance, that peace is something we’re actually building toward. Let’s keep talking, because every minute the ceiling gets higher, including in all the minutes I spent writing this and the ones you spent reading it. Lindsey Witmer Collins is founder and CEO of WLCM Software Studio and Scribbly Books. View the full article

Welcome to our trip inside the culture of young people. This week, we've got the usual slang definitions of phrases like "you the birthday," and "catch a fade," and we're also talking about AI. You might be about to lose your job to artificial intelligence, but younger generations are in danger of losing their reality to it. From viral "AI or animals" memes to the rise of AI detectives, the youth are engaged in a high-stakes game of "Spot the Bot" just to feel like they still have a grip on the truth. The meaning of "you the birthday"A new slang metaphor is blowing up TikTok this week. People are saying "you the birthday," a phrase that means "you're awesome" or "you're great" in the way a birthday is great: fun, exciting, extra, etc. It's usually meant in positive way, but it could be applied negatively to someone who is doing too much or trying to hard, like, "sure, you the birthday." The phrase seems to have originated in a song called "Birthday Girl" by Huncho. The song doesn't actually include the phrase, "you the birthday," but Huncho sings, "She eat, she the birthday—girl" and the pause was long enough that people started just saying, "you the birthday." "You the birthday" is inspiring a subgenre of birthday-related spin-off slang too. If you're dressed funny, you the birthday clown. If you have a point, you the birthday hat. If you're ugly, you the halloween. You get the idea. What "catch a fade" meansTo young people, "fade" means fight. To "catch a fade" means to have a fight. (If you'd like more definitions of slang words that kids use, check out Lifehacker's Gen Z and Gen A slang glossary.) Trend: fake Pizza Movie clips Last week, I predicted Hulu's Pizza Movie will be Generation Z's defining druggie-comedy movie. There's more evidence this week in the form of a growing trend online of making videos with random footage and labeling it "Pizza Movie (2026)." The joke is that the scenes presented in Pizza Movie's trailer are so without context and so strange that you can put any bizarre clips together and they might be from Pizza Movie. Here are a couple of examples: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What does "that's AI" mean?"That's AI" is rapidly emerging as a way of saying "I don't believe you" or "I doubt it" to members of Generations Alpha and Z. They obviously heard the phrase a lot in connection with videos and pictures online, so it only makes sense to apply it to anything. Jeremy Carrasco: AI detectiveSpeaking of "that's AI..." Bespectacled 30-something filmmaker Jeremy Carrasco is an unlikely hero to the teens and tweens of TikTok, but the videos he posts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok regularly rack up millions of views. Carrasco's calling is identifying synthetic media; he's an AI detective, and dude is great at separating the real from the phony. He calls out AI-generated influencers: discusses the difference between real and AI videos of animals on trampolines: explains the difference between "deep fakes" and "AI videos": and points out videos that people think are AI, but are actually real: The popularity of Carrasco's content speaks to young people's desperation to just know what's real—a challenge that no other generation has ever faced. Carrasco presents some great tools for spotting slop, but sadly, it's a Sisyphean task: AI content generation is only getting better, and the "tells" more subtle. Viral videos of the week: AI or animals?You might not be aware of the debate about AI going on among younger people online, because it's being conducted largely through "Animal or AI" meme videos. Videos dramatizing this choice have tens of millions of views on TikTok. Here's how they work: Over a music bed from Hamilton, these videos present competing clips of AI and animals, leading to an eventual conclusion where one is chosen over the other. Animal choosers are in the majority by huge numbers, both among the videos' creators and the commenters. The irony is that many of the clips that illustrate that animals are better seem to have actually been generated by AI. View the full article

U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV pushed back Monday on President Donald The President’s broadside against him over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, telling reporters that the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the Gospel, and that he doesn’t fear the The President administration. “To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is,” Leo told The Associated Press aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria. “And I’m sorry to hear that but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.” History’s first U.S.-born pope stressed that he was not making a direct attack against The President or anyone else with his general appeal for peace and criticisms of the “delusion of omnipotence” that is fueling the Iran wars and other conflicts around the world. “I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone. The message of the Gospel is very clear: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers,'” Leo said. “I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, and looking for ways to avoid war any time that’s possible” Speaking to other reporters, he added: “I’m not afraid of the The President administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for.” “We are not politicans. We do not look at foreign policy from the same perspective that he may have,” the pope said, adding, “I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems. “Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent people have been killed, and I believe someone must stand up and say that there is a better way,” he said. The President says Leo is not ‘doing a very good job’ The President delivered an extraordinary broadside against Leo on Sunday night, saying he didn’t think the U.S.-born global leader of the Catholic Church is “doing a very good job” and that “he’s a very liberal person,” while also suggesting the pontiff should “stop catering to the Radical Left.” Flying back to Washington from Florida, The President used a lengthy social media post to sharply criticize Leo, then kept it up after deplaning, in comments on the tarmac to reporters. “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo,” he said. The President’s comments came after Leo suggested over the weekend that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran. While it’s not unusual for popes and presidents to be at cross purposes, it’s exceedingly rare for the pope to directly criticize a U.S. leader — and The President’s stinging response is equally uncommon, if not more so. “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” the president wrote in his post, adding, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.” Italian politicians across the spectrum showed their solidarity with Leo. Premier Giorgia Meloni sent a message of support for his peace mission while the leader of the main opposition party, Elly Schlein, was more direct, calling The President’s attacks “extremely serious.” The President repeated that sentiment in comments to reporters, saying, “We don’t like a pope who says it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon.” Later, The President posted a picture suggesting he had saint-like powers akin to those of Jesus Christ. Wearing a biblical-style robe, The President is seen laying hands on a bedridden man as light emanates from his fingers, while a soldier, a nurse, a praying woman and a bearded man in a baseball cap all look on admiringly. The sky above is filled with eagles, an American flag and vaporous images. Leo’s opposition to war irked The President All of that came after Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan during a fragile ceasefire. The pope didn’t mention the United States or The President by name, but his tone and message appeared directed at The President and U.S. officials, who have boasted of U.S. military superiority and justified the war in religious terms. Leo, who is on an 11-day trip to Africa starting Monday — has previously said that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” He’s also referenced an Old Testament passage from Isaiah, saying that “even though you make many prayers, I will not listen — your hands are full of blood.” Before the ceasefire, when The President warned of mass strikes against Iranian power plants and other infrastructure and that “an entire civilization will die tonight,” Leo described such sentiments as “truly unacceptable.” In his social media post on Sunday night, however, The President went far beyond the war in Iran in criticizing Leo. The president wrote, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States.” That was a reference to the The President administration having ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do,” The President added, referencing his 2024 election victory. He also suggested in the post that Leo only got his position “because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. The President.” “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” The President wrote, adding, “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!” In his subsequent comments to reporters, The President remained highly critical, saying of Leo, “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess” and adding, “He’s a very liberal person.” Bishops say the pope is not a politician Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement saying he was “disheartened” by The President’s comments. “Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls,” Coakley said. The Italian Bishops’ Conference expressed regret over The President’s words, and underlined that the pope “is not a political counterpart, but the successor of Peter, called to serve the Gospel, truth and peace.” In the 2024 election, The President won 55% of Catholic voters, according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. But The President’s administration also has close ties to conservative evangelical Protestant leaders and has claimed heavenly endorsement for the war on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Americans to pray for victory “in the name of Jesus Christ.” And, when The President was asked whether he thought God approved of the war, he said, “I do, because God is good — because God is good and God wants to see people taken care of.” —Will Weissert, Josh Boak and Nicole Winfield, Associated Press View the full article

Roblox is updating its child protection features again, rolling out restricted Kids accounts for users ages 5 through 8 and Roblox Select accounts for users 9 through 15, both with parental controls and other age-based restrictions. Users will be required to go through an age verification process, generally based on live selfies or a government-issued ID—or be effectively restricted to content approved for the youngest users. Since January, age verification has also been required to use the platform’s chat features, with users under 18 generally restricted to chatting people relatively near to them in age. “We’ll be going through a transition period where we’ll let all of our existing users know about the changes so that they can go through the age-check process, but it is not required,” says Matt Kaufman, the gaming platform’s chief safety officer. “If users are happy with the same games which are in Roblox Kids and they don’t want to chat, then age check is not required.” It’s the latest update to Roblox’s kid safety features after the company has repeatedly come under fire, and been named in dozens of lawsuits including some brought by state attorneys general, for allegedly exposing kids to child predators and explicit content. Roblox, which serves 144 million daily active users and has at least 2 million users creating content including games, remains massively popular with kids and teens, with nearly half of U.S. residents under 16 reportedly using the platform. Kids accounts, for those under age 9, will also now have a distinctive color, designed so parents can see at a glance if their kids are, in fact, using the correct account type. Those accounts will also have chat features turned off, unless enabled by a parent, and will be restricted to games rated “minimal” or “mild” under Roblox’s content maturity rating system. (The company plans to deploy industry-standard ratings, like the Entertainment Software Rating Board ratings used in the United States, in the near future). Chats on Roblox are already heavily moderated, with no ability to send photos or video, but malicious users have reportedly found ways to invite kids to chat with them on less-moderated platforms. Users between 9 and 15 with Roblox Select accounts will be able to additionally access games rated “moderate,” and they’ll gradually gain access to chat functionality at certain age milestones, but they’ll still be subject to parental controls. And users with Kids or Select accounts will be restricted from games featuring “sensitive issues, social hangouts, or freeform drawing” by default, according to the company. Once users turn 16, they’ll be able to use more full-fledged accounts, though some games with adult content—like “strong violence”, references to alcohol and gambling, and “romantic themes”—are still restricted to users 18 and up. “Knowing how old users are has a lot of benefits for the entire Roblox community,” Kaufman says. “We can deliver a safer and more civil experience to our users, and when we group users of like ages together when they’re communicating with each other, we know that that creates a more civil experience.” Age checks can generally be done through the Roblox app in a few seconds, with captured video data deleted after a user’s age is confirmed, though the company may ask users to repeat age checks if their behavior on the platform doesn’t match their recorded age. The company says about half of its 144 million daily active users have already gone through the age verification process, and it believes the system has an “average error of about plus or minus 1.4 years” for users under 18, Kaufman says. Parents can correct kids’ recorded ages if needed. Roblox games will also need to be released to users 16 and up before they can be approved for Kids or Select account access, says Eliza Jacobs, Roblox’s VP of safety product policy. That will give the platform time to collect any user reports of inappropriate content and monitor data from its real-time moderation system before a game is made available to younger users. “These signals will provide a higher degree of certainty that the content is appropriate for younger kids and teens,” she says. Roblox will also require creators of games intended for players under 16 to have an active Roblox Plus subscription, have two-factor authentication enabled to reduce the chance of account hacking, and go through ID verification—or be connected to a verified parent account if under 16. Parents will also be able to see what games their kids are playing and block specific games, and they will be able to approve their kids to access specific games that aren’t in the Kids or Select catalogs. But in general, the company hopes that age-based default settings will help to protect kids without their parents needing to set specific controls. The new settings are expected to be in place by early June. View the full article

There is a persistent belief that food, fuel, and industrial uses compete for the same bushel. In practice, the opposite is increasingly true. Crops have always served multiple markets. What is changing is how intentionally we are designing agricultural and manufacturing systems to serve those markets together. In a previous article I wrote, I focused on how familiar crops like corn and soybeans are finding new life through new demand pathways and molecular innovation. What I see today goes a step further. The same acre is increasingly supporting food, industrial materials, energy applications, and emissions-reduction strategies simultaneously. That convergence is expanding how value is created in agriculture—without requiring more land. This shift is about how markets reinforce one another. When food, fuel, and industrial demand move together, they help keep the same facilities running steadily. Farmers gain more outlets for their crops. Manufacturing assets run more consistently, and supply chains are better positioned to manage volatility. HOW VALUE GETS STACKED At a molecular level, crops are remarkably versatile. Carbohydrates, oils, proteins, and fibers can move through different conversion pathways depending on market need. Advances in enzyme systems, catalytic processes, and fermentation now allow us to direct those pathways with greater precision and efficiency. In practice, a bushel of corn might become food ingredients, renewable fuel, industrial starches, fermentation feedstocks, and captured carbon—all within an integrated system. A soybean can move into meal for feed, oil for food, biodiesel for transportation, and then into glycerin and specialty chemicals used in personal care or cleaning products. Because these outputs share common upstream inputs, they reinforce one another. Materials once treated as byproducts are now starting points for new applications. When glycerin from biodiesel can be upgraded into higher value uses, or when fermentation byproducts can serve industrial markets, returns improve. That stacking effect strengthens the entire value chain. Companies are already doing this on a commercial scale. Demand in one sector can offset softness in another, keeping facilities operating efficiently and preserving the scale that helps keep costs in check. THE FOOD-FUEL-INDUSTRIAL BALANCE As these connections deepen, agriculture is becoming a critical component of industrial infrastructure. Developers originally built integrated ethanol facilities to produce fuel and little else. Today, in addition to fuel, they produce proteins for feed and concentrated carbon dioxide streams. When companies capture CO₂ and store or use it to reduce carbon intensity in regulated markets, the overall value of the system increases. Many facilities also recover methane from wastewater to produce renewable natural gas. Each additional outlet strengthens the economics of the whole system—and improves its long-term resilience. A similar shift is underway in materials. Manufacturers are incorporating soy-based inputs into asphalt formulations, improving flexibility and durability while partially displacing petroleum-derived binders. Manufacturers are also moving agricultural oils and fibers into drilling fluids and construction applications. These are practical, scalable uses that create steady domestic demand. When multiple markets draw from the same agricultural base, they support one another. Without more than one outlet for those crops, facilities may operate below capacity, costs could rise, and investment would slow. FROM CO-PRODUCTS TO CORE PRODUCTS Improved chemistry and process design are reshaping how we define value in agriculture. When producers convert soybean oil into biodiesel, glycerin emerges alongside it. With the right catalytic systems, manufacturers can transform glycerin into glycols and other intermediates used in cleaning products, home care, and industrial formulations. Carbohydrate streams can move through enzyme-enabled pathways to produce specialty acids and performance ingredients. Precision fermentation adds further flexibility. Existing fermentation assets, many originally built for food or feed, can produce bioindustrial molecules at commercial scale. That adaptability allows manufacturers to serve new markets without rebuilding supply chains from scratch. For farmers, this translates into more diversified demand tied to the same crop base. Value per acre can rise as new applications mature. For rural communities, expanding domestic industrial uses reduces dependence on any single export market and strengthens local manufacturing ecosystems. 3 TAKEAWAYS FOR INNOVATION LEADERS As these systems scale, the implications for how companies design and operate assets are becoming clearer. Three priorities stand out for innovation leaders. 1. Build systems for flexibility. Assets designed to serve multiple end markets will outperform those tied to a single demand stream, especially in volatile markets. Investment in adaptable conversion technologies creates options when markets shift. 2. Recognize agriculture as infrastructure. Crops are not just raw inputs. They are molecular building blocks for food, energy, materials, and carbon management, and they should be treated as such. Companies that understand those connections gain advantages in cost, carbon intensity, and supply continuity. 3. Protect scale to protect resilience. Diverse demand keeps infrastructure operating efficiently. That efficiency supports affordability and enables continued investment in lower-carbon fuels and materials at scale. Multi-use crops are expanding how value is created because the same agricultural base now serves more parts of the economy. Food, fuel, and industrial applications increasingly reinforce one another. The next phase of agricultural growth will depend less on the number of acres and more in value per acre—and in how effectively we design systems that unlock that value. Chris Cuddy is the president of Carbohydrate Solutions and president, North America at ADM. View the full article

Equities traders powered bank’s earnings, while fixed-income, currencies and commodities business fell well shortView the full article

Chipotle, like almost every other fast casual restaurant, has been battling an ongoing period of increased inflation and lower consumer spending. Last year, the company saw what its CEO Scott Boatwright described to investors as a “broad-based pullback in frequency” of customer visits, especially among low- to middle-income customers and younger consumers, due to concerns about the economy. But the burrito chain has a master plan to address that, and it’s currently moving into its next phase: making earning rewards feel more like a game. The company’s fourth quarter report showed a revenue increase of 5.4% to $11.9 billion. But those gains were partially offset by a 1.7% drop year-over-year in comparable restaurant sales, or the number of total sales at an existing store—a small decline, but a concerning one for investors after the company saw two blockbuster sales years in 2023 and 2024. Boatwright has laid out a multi-part plan to boost sales, including increasing Chipotle’s “menu innovation cadence” through limited time offerings, doubling down on protein, and relaunching the rewards program. The company has already hit on those first two goals with its Chicken Al Pastor launch and new protein menu. Now, it’s checking off the third item with its rewards program is getting a facelift to encourage more frequent ordering. It entices users with more opportunities to earn points and score free food—and makes ordering a burrito feel like part of a quest. The reworked platform introduces several new features, revives fan-favorite activations like Freepotle, and includes a tweaked app interface that makes earning rewards feel more like a game. It’s a major part of the chain’s plan to convince the American public to get back into their burrito-buying habits. How Chipotle Rewards notched 21 million active users Chipotle’s rewards program first launched in 2019, long after most other food chains had joined the rewards game. Since then, rewards have become one of the most lucrative parts of Chipotle’s business: Today, Chipotle Rewards hosts more than 21 million active members and drives roughly 30% of total sales, the majority of which are made through the app rather than on the web. By comparison, all digital transactions accounted for only 10% of the chain’s total sales back in 2018. Curt Garner, Chipotle’s chief strategy and technology officer (and the mastermind behind the brand’s app), says that when rewards launched, they functioned mainly as an “affinity program”—a simple way to recognize the brand’s most loyal fans. Over the past few years, though, as rewards have become more central to Chipotle’s business model, his team has invested in more experimentation to find out what kind of features and activations are really motivating users. They looked to other brands—including non-restaurant brands, like Peloton—to see where innovative rewards programs were headed. “They’ve got rewards tiers for walking or running a certain amount of miles in a month or having a certain amount of workouts in a week, and then they layer in cool, culturally relevant moments as well as specific, curated workouts,” Garner explains. “We saw what some other brands were doing in places that lead culture and thought, ‘Let’s experiment with things that are similar.’” In 2023, the brand tested out “Freepotle,” an activation that gave rewards members access to up to 10 free food drops. And in the summer of 2025, the brand launched a three-month promotion called the “Summer of Extras,” which let rewards members earn extra points and special in-app badges for accomplishing certain milestones, like visiting multiple Chipotles in different states. An online leaderboard tracked how different superfans compared. Garner says the leaderboard became this “very immersive, competitive game for people,” resulting in a flood of mail to his inbox from customers participating in the challenge. It demonstrated what people—especially younger consumers—are increasingly looking for in rewards programs: not just an earn-and-burn system, but a gamified experience that felt like a quest. “As younger consumers are coming into the platform, that’s where we’re seeing a lot of the engagement,” Garner says. “That’s how we maintain that playful voice in Chipotle, still reward people, and make it fun, immersive, and active.” Burrito quests and taco challenges Based on those insights, the brand’s new rewards platform turns up the dial on gamification. Whereas navigating to different elements of the rewards program used to be scattered in various places through Chipotle’s app, the whole platform is now located under one central tab. The first statistic that displays used to be a set number of points next to Chipotle’s logo. Now, it’s a progress bar that counts down to the user’s next reward (a tiny animation of sparkles appears when that quota is filled). “Extras,” which let users earn points and celebratory badges by completing specific challenges, were once only visible if users scrolled down the page. Now, they’ve been moved up above the fold so that users can immediately see which are active, and completed badges move to a colorful display at the bottom of the page. Rather than being available occasionally, extras will now be an always-on feature. Garner says his team has been working on perfecting an AI algorithm that uses customers’ order history and interests to personalize their extras, badges, and homescreen offers—similar to a video game that presents new options based on past choices, so your recent orders open up new paths to future rewards. “For instance, the double protein badge isn’t something that we would just present to somebody that’s never tried double protein before,” Garner says. “It’s a very effective way to say thank you to a guest that gets double protein all the time. It’s not just about building sales, it’s about building that affinity and engagement with the brand over time.” The changes are simple, but, together, they make Chipotle’s rewards page feel less like a corporate exchange, and more like a personal burrito stat dashboard. “We’re adding features and benefits across the board” Beyond its new game-esque UX, the rewards update comes with quite a few new features that are getting to the core of Chipotle’s latest sales stagnation: cash-strapped customers. For starters, more wallet-friendly, high-protein options (like the $3.50 single taco and the new protein cup) will feature more prominently on the app’s homescreen. “We understand that people are price point sensitive, so the app is an example of giving folks the understanding that you can get a taco with 15 grams of protein in it for $3.50,” Garner says. Given Chipotle’s streamlined in-store menu design, he explains, customers might not even be aware that these smaller items are available. The app makes it possible to spotlight them without changing physical menus. To further incentivize repeat visits, all new users will now get free chips and guac when they first join, and the number of points needed to redeem some items, like quesadillas and 50%-off entrees, will be lowered. Freepotle will return with monthly food drops, and points will expire after a full year rather than just six months. The whole relaunch is clearly designed to make Chipotle feel less like a luxury and more like a steal. For other restaurants in the fast-casual space, it’s a signal that reward program design is becoming a differentiator for customers who want to get the most out of their expendable income. “Oftentimes, brands use a relaunch to rebalance points and take some things away from guests,” Garner says. “We’re taking nothing away in this relaunch. We’re adding features and benefits across the board, but there’s no takeback anywhere in the program.” View the full article

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. CEOs, do you know what the public is saying about AI? New polling shared exclusively with Modern CEO by Just Capital, the nonprofit that tracks what the American public expects from business, finds that 66% expect AI will be a net positive for society within the next five years. That’s up eight points from Just Capital’s polling in the fall of 2025 but shows far more caution than the business class. Nine out of 10 (90%) corporate leaders and 94% of investors surveyed are bullish on AI’s societal impact. Attitudes about job losses amplify the public-corporate gap: About a third of Americans surveyed expect AI to usher in large-scale job losses across industries over the next two to three years, whereas only 13% of corporate leaders and 10% of investors see layoffs as the most likely outcome of AI on the workforce. Instead, 68% of investors and 55% of executives say AI will mean fewer entry-level positions and “higher skill requirements” for those who stay employed. Martin Whittaker, CEO of Just Capital, says the organization’s surveys can provide corporate leaders with another layer of data that can inform AI strategy and investment. “If you’re a CEO, you’re asking: ‘How do we pursue those opportunities, knowing that the pace of change is so rapid, and how are we managing some of the risks?’” he says. “That’s where this polling can come in as a starting point for an AI playbook.” Attitudes about AI What else is the public saying? The recent Just Capital poll shows large swaths of Americans want companies to provide advance notice and transparency about AI-driven workforce changes (66%), help employees transition after AI-driven layoffs (57%), and even contribute to a new fund to support or train workers displaced by AI (51%). The public, investors, and corporate leaders are aligned on AI safety risks, with misinformation and malicious use by bad actors topping the list of concerns. The public also ranks protecting personal data and privacy as priorities. Whittaker notes that companies have work to do on this front. A separate Just Capital analysis of 933 public American companies finds that 234 companies in 2025 said they won’t sell user data in any context, down 3.5% from 2024; 62 companies say they will not use data for advertising, down 3% from 2024. Whittaker says that companies that fail to listen to Main Street do so at their peril. When Just Capital started in 2014, Whittaker says he had leaders privately dismiss the idea of asking the public what they expect of companies. “They’d pull me aside and say, ‘They don’t know anything; they can’t agree on anything.’” But the polling, which consistently showed the public prioritizing wages and benefits over boardroom issues such as climate change, has proven prescient. His advice to CEOs? “I think our polling can [show] what your stakeholders care about,” he says. “If you’re looking for some kind of a pulse on ‘What should I prioritize?’ it’s investing in [your] workforce.” Your AI questions answered Next month, Modern CEO subscribers will have an opportunity to join me in conversation with Matt Fitzpatrick, CEO of Invisible Technologies, discussing the most urgent AI issues of the day. Register here and submit your burning questions to stephaniemehta@mansueto.com, and we’ll try to tackle as many as possible in the live session on May 18 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Read more: AI and jobs Meta plans “sweeping layoffs” as AI woes mount AI is displacing workers without college degrees These four graphs show where AI is already impacting jobs This tool helps you understand if your job is AI-proof View the full article

A global energy crisis is only just beginning. Political turmoil will followView the full article

With layoffs still dominating headlines, many job seekers assume the biggest challenge in today’s market is competition. But new research suggests another obstacle may be quietly draining applicants’ time and emotional energy: job postings that may not actually be hiring. Recent analysis of more than 175,000 job listings across industries found that roughly one in seven postings remain active for more than 30 days, even when companies may no longer be accepting candidates. Some listings remain online for months, continuing to collect applications long after hiring decisions have effectively been made. These roles are often referred to as “ghost jobs.” For job seekers, the result is simple but exhausting: hours spent tailoring résumés, writing cover letters, and researching companies for opportunities that may never have existed in the first place. Most organizations don’t create ghost jobs out of cruelty. Often it’s the result of systems not being updated, internal plans changing, or a desire to build a pipeline of candidates for future roles. In many cases, the listing simply lingers because no one has been tasked with removing it. But intent and impact are not always the same thing. Was it even real? For many job seekers, the hardest part of a search isn’t rejection. Rejection at least provides closure. What’s more difficult is discovering that the opportunity itself was never truly available. I recently spoke with a mid-career professional who applied for a role she was exceptionally qualified for. After submitting her application, she spent days imagining the possibilities—what the work might look like, how it could reshape her career, what it would mean for her family. Eventually, someone inside the organization reached out privately. Not as part of the hiring process, but simply out of kindness. They wanted her to know the truth. The role, she was told quietly, was already spoken for. It had always been intended for an internal candidate. “For me it was devastating,” she said. “It’s not that I didn’t get the job. That happens. What hurt the most was the immediate evaporation of the hope I was clinging to—and that hope only existed because I had been misled.” Her reaction stayed with me. From the organization’s perspective, leaving a listing active may feel like a minor administrative oversight. For the person applying, however, the experience is far more personal. Each submission represents time, preparation, and a small emotional investment in the possibility of something better. Hope may not appear in hiring dashboards or HR metrics, but for the person pressing “submit,” it is very real. When that hope vanishes all at once, the impact often lingers longer than a simple rejection ever would. The human element There is another dimension to this moment that makes it particularly striking. As companies rush to integrate artificial intelligence into hiring processes and workplace decision-making, leaders frequently emphasize the importance of preserving the “human element” of work. Yet in some ways, that human element appears to be fading in the most basic parts of the employment process. Applications are filtered by algorithms. Résumés are scanned by automated systems. Communication is often reduced to templated responses—if it arrives at all. In that environment, a job posting can start to feel less like an opportunity and more like a digital slot machine. Candidates pull the lever by submitting an application, hoping something meaningful might come back. Too often, nothing does. An outdated or inactive listing may appear trivial to the organization that posted it. But to the person applying, it represents hours of preparation and the emotional lift of imagining a different future. And in an economy where workers are already worried about automation, layoffs, and the role AI may play in reshaping their careers, something else is becoming quietly clear: optimism can begin to feel like a risky investment. When roles turn out to be placeholders, pipelines, or internal hires disguised as open opportunities, applicants begin adjusting their expectations. The optimism that fuels a job search becomes harder to sustain. It’s not just about wasted time. No trust It’s about the gradual erosion of trust. That erosion matters more than many organizations realize. A company’s reputation is shaped long before someone becomes an employee. Every interaction with candidates—every listing, every response, every silence—sends a signal about how people will be treated once they arrive. Ghost jobs may seem like a minor oversight. But to the person staring at their laptop late at night, adjusting a résumé one more time and hoping this might be the application that finally leads somewhere, the message can feel much larger. Because despite all the technology transforming work, the exchange at the center of hiring remains profoundly human. A company offers opportunity. A candidate offers time, effort, and belief that their work might matter there. That exchange begins with something surprisingly fragile: hope. And hope, once broken enough times, doesn’t simply disappear. It becomes caution. It becomes skepticism. Eventually, it becomes disengagement. At a time when organizations are trying to rebuild trust with employees and attract the next generation of talent, that’s a dangerous shift. Companies can’t eliminate the uncertainty that comes with hiring. Rejection will always be part of the process. But clarity is still within their control. Closing listings when roles are filled. Being transparent when a position is intended for internal candidates. Treating applications as the human efforts they are rather than just entries in a system. None of those steps require new technology. They require something much simpler: remembering that on the other side of every application is a person who believed the opportunity was real. And in a job market already defined by uncertainty, protecting that belief may be one of the most empathetic—and responsible—choices an organization can make. View the full article

Acquisition is latest move by US investment banks to expand in EuropeView the full article

Women have never lacked talent or ambition. What we’ve lacked, and still lack, is a fair shot to lead. In the U.S., only 37% of leadership positions are held by women despite women comprising 47% of the workforce. And according to research from McKinsey & Company, for every 100 men promoted to manager, only about 93 women, and just 74 women of color, are promoted. The issue isn’t who is capable of leading—it’s how organizations decide who gets to lead. That gap begins at the very first promotion and compounds over time. When fewer women move into management roles, fewer are positioned for senior leadership later on. As careers progress, the pipeline narrows even further: women hold just 29 percent of C-suite roles, and women of color hold only 7 percent. The result is a leadership ladder where the first rung is uneven—and every step after that becomes harder to climb. One reason is hiding in plain sight: an outdated model of leadership. Advancement opportunities often go to employees who signal constant availability—those who are always on, always visible, and always responsive. That model assumes unlimited bandwidth and minimal caregiving responsibilities—conditions that disproportionately disadvantage women. The irony is hard to ignore. Many organizations say they want more women in leadership, yet the expectations that shape who gets promoted were designed decades ago—when leadership roles assumed someone else was managing everything outside of work. Today’s workforce looks very different, yet advancement still favors those who can signal constant availability. THE ALWAYS-ON LEADERSHIP TRAP Many leadership roles are still structured around the assumption that the best leaders are the ones who can be constantly available. That expectation may appear neutral, but it disadvantages women because caregiving responsibilities still fall disproportionately on us. According to the National Library of Medicine, two out of three family caregivers are women, making the impact anything but neutral. Until the expectation to be “always on” evolves, the path to the top will remain narrower for women. The consequences of the “always on” leadership model are already showing up in workforce data. In 2025 alone, nearly half a million women exited the U.S. labor force, according to new national research from Catalyst. Women didn’t leave because of a lack of ambition; they left because the expectations of work collided with the realities of life. Forty-two percent of women who left the workforce cited caregiving responsibilities, including childcare costs, as the primary factor in their decision, and women who left their jobs were significantly more likely to have worked in organizations without flexible schedules (37 percent compared to 22 percent of those who stayed). The findings underscore a structural reality: when jobs are designed around constant availability, talented professionals—especially women—are forced to make impossible trade-offs. But the “always on” expectation is only part of the story. Even when women stay in the workforce and continue progressing in their careers, another barrier often emerges long before the C-suite: sponsorship. Advancement in organizations rarely happens through performance alone. It happens when someone with influence advocates for your potential, recommends you for high-visibility assignments, and says your name in rooms you’re not in. Yet when organizations try to solve the leadership gap, they often focus on the wrong solution: mentorship. MENTORSHIP ISN’T THE SOLUTION. SPONSORSHIP IS. Women don’t have a mentorship problem—we have a sponsorship problem. For years, organizations have proudly pointed to mentorship programs as proof they’re supporting women’s leadership. Nearly 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies offer mentoring programs, and yet women remain underrepresented in senior leadership. There’s no question that effective mentors can help you grow. But growth and advancement are not the same thing. Mentors talk with you. Sponsors talk about you. That distinction matters because advancement often depends on sponsorship. Research shows that 73 percent of women with sponsors advance faster in their careers—yet fewer than half report ever having had one. Sponsors actively advocate for your promotion. They recommend you for stretch assignments, introduce you to decision-makers, and put your name forward for leadership roles when opportunities arise. Historically, women have received far more mentorship than sponsorship. Without sponsorship, many talented professionals remain visible within their teams but invisible in the rooms where promotion decisions are made. Until women have both mentors and sponsors, organizations will keep developing leaders they never actually promote. This is because the signals used to determine who advances often matter more than readiness itself. As long as organizations reward constant availability and visibility, being “always on” will remain the default measure of leadership readiness. Leadership shouldn’t be a test of endurance. It should be a reflection of impact. The organizations that recognize that difference won’t just promote more women—they will build workplaces where leadership is defined by effectiveness, not exhaustion. IT’S TIME TO REDESIGN LEADERSHIP The old model of leadership—defined by constant pressure and endless availability—is already showing signs of strain. Increasingly, professionals across generations are questioning whether those expectations are desirable or sustainable. The State of Stress and Joy at Work national research study from The Center for Joyful Work finds that stress is shaping the future leadership pipeline, with more than half of American workers reporting they have avoided managing others because of it. The future of leadership will not be defined by who can tolerate the most stress. It will be defined by who can build organizations where well-being and promotions can rise together—and where the path to the top reflects leadership ability, not outdated expectations about what it means to lead. The real question was never whether women are ready to lead. It’s whether the systems that decide who gets promoted are ready for us. View the full article