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What are the key issues facing small businesses this year? On The Small Business Radio Show this week, I talked with Chris Shank who is the Vice President of Retail-to-Business (R2B) Sales for Verizon Business, overseeing operations across 28 states with a team of over 450 employees that generates $1,042M in annual revenue. He is responsible for driving sales and financial performance, enhancing the customer experience, fostering a strong organizational culture, and leading strategic planning efforts. These are the major issues facing every small business this year: AI Adoption Trend Analysis: AI usage among small businesses has more than doubled in the past year. This surge is driven by the recognition of AI’s potential to automate tasks, enhance customer interactions, and streamline operations. Actionable Tips: Start Small: Begin with AI tools that address specific pain points, such as customer service chatbots or inventory management systems. Educate Yourself: Invest time in understanding AI technologies and their applications. Online courses and webinars can be valuable resources. Pilot Programs: Implement pilot programs to test AI solutions on a small scale before a full rollout. Overcoming AI Fears Understanding the Fear: While some small business owners are excited about AI, others view it as a threat. This fear often stems from unfamiliarity with the technology. Actionable Tips: Focus on Benefits: Highlight how AI can save time and reduce costs, making it easier to see its value. Training and Support: Provide training sessions for employees to familiarize them with AI tools and their functionalities. Success Stories: Share case studies of similar businesses that have successfully integrated AI. Cybersecurity Essentials Alarming Statistics: Chris shared that 68% of data breaches involve a non-malicious human element, and 77% of web application attacks involve stolen credentials. These statistics underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Actionable Tips: Employee Training: Regularly train employees to recognize phishing attempts and other common cyber threats. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security. Regular Updates: Ensure all software and systems are regularly updated to protect against vulnerabilities. SaaS Consolidation Benefits and Pitfalls: SaaS consolidation can streamline operations by reducing the number of vendors a business works with. However, it’s essential to consider the costs associated with data migration and integration. Actionable Tips: Evaluate Vendors: Assess vendor capabilities to ensure they can meet future needs without incurring additional costs. Integration Planning: Develop a detailed plan for data migration and integration to minimize disruptions. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine if consolidation is the right move for your business. Evolving Role of Social Media Changing Landscape: Social media remains a vital channel for small businesses, but its use is evolving. Traditional social media marketing is declining, while social media storefronts are on the rise. Actionable Tips: Engage Customers: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to engage customers and conduct transactions. Content Strategy: Develop a content strategy that includes a mix of promotional and engaging content to keep your audience interested. Monitor Trends: Stay updated on social media trends to adapt your strategy accordingly. Listen to the entire interview on The Small Business Radio Show. This article, "Unlocking the Power of AI for Your Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Half of Airbnb users in the U.S. are now using the company’s AI-powered customer service agent, CEO Brian Chesky said Thursday during an earnings call. The tool was quietly rolled out last month and is expected to be available to all U.S. users in the coming weeks. Chesky said the AI assistant has already led to a 15% drop in users needing to contact live support agents. While the technology is still in its early stages, he expects it to steadily improve. “It’s going to get significantly more personalized and agentic over the years to come,” he said following the release of Airbnb’s first-quarter earnings. Compared to other travel platforms racing to apply AI for trip planning and other complex tasks, Airbnb’s approach remains cautious. Expedia, for example, began promoting its ChatGPT-powered trip planning feature in 2023. Chesky has previously expressed a preference for a gradual rollout. During the company’s last earnings call in February, he said Airbnb would begin by applying AI to customer service and expand from there. “I don’t think it’s quite ready for prime time,” Chesky said of AI in trip planning, likening its current stage to the internet in the mid-to-late 1990s. Airbnb reported higher revenue in the first quarter, but warned investors of slowing booking growth in the current quarter, citing economic uncertainty in the travel sector. The company’s stock was relatively flat as of Friday afternoon. View the full article

Even though Motto Mortgage has 8% fewer open offices than a year ago, executives touted franchise renewals with owners committing to another seven years. View the full article

Effective program management requires structure, clarity and consistency across all phases—from planning and execution to monitoring and evaluation. Program management templates are essential tools that help teams organize complex workflows, align stakeholders and ensure projects stay on track and within scope. Whether you’re managing a single initiative or overseeing multiple interrelated projects, the right templates can streamline communication, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of errors. Download these free templates for program management and provide a practical foundation for building successful, scalable programs across industries. 1. Program Roadmap Template Download this free program roadmap template for Excel as a strategic planning tool. It visually maps out the key initiatives, goals and milestones of a program over a set timeframe, providing a high-level overview of how different projects within a program interconnect and contribute to broader organizational objectives. The program management template helps stakeholders understand the overall direction of the program, anticipate major phases or deliverables and coordinate efforts across teams. /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Program-roadmap-template-2.png A program roadmap template includes elements such as timelines (by month, quarter or year), key deliverables, project phases and responsible teams. Unlike detailed project plans, a roadmap focuses on “what” and “when” rather than the “how,” making it ideal for executive communication, strategic planning sessions or cross-functional alignment. Using a program management template ensures consistency, saves time and makes complex program information easier to digest. 2. Project Dashboard Template This free project dashboard template for Excel is a visual reporting tool used to track and display key information about a project’s status, performance and progress in a clear and concise format. The program management template consolidates data from various project areas—such as budgets, tasks and resource allocation—into one centralized view, making it easy for project managers and stakeholders to monitor the health of a project at a glance. The template is especially useful for quick updates and decision-making, as it highlights both achievements and potential issues. /wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Project-Dashboard-template-UPDATE.png A well-designed dashboard improves transparency, promotes accountability and allows teams to proactively address problems before they escalate. However, a program management template isn’t designed for real-time updates, which means the data being displayed is always going to be behind the actual effort of the project or program being monitored. To resolve this issue, upgrade to project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with powerful dashboards that track one or multiple projects. There’s no setup required, though dashboards can be tailored to show the data users want to see. Either way, it’s automatically collecting live data and displaying it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. This keeps project managers and their teams updated and can inform stakeholders, who can also use guest licenses for a view-only look at the project’s progress. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/portfolio-dashboard-cta-1.pngLearn more 3. Program KPI Dashboard Template Use this free KPI dashboard template for Excel to track, display and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) in a centralized, easy-to-understand format. It helps teams and decision-makers monitor the success of business activities, projects or strategic goals by presenting real-time or regularly updated data in charts, graphs and summary metrics. This program management template is valuable for identifying trends, measuring progress and making informed decisions based on performance against defined objectives. /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KPI-Dashboard-Template-Screenshot.png A KPI dashboard template includes sections for goal tracking, performance metrics, targets vs. actuals, trend indicators and visualizations like bar charts, line graphs and color-coded status indicators. Program management templates like these can be tailored for different functions, such as sales, marketing, operations or finance. By consolidating key metrics into one accessible view, a KPI dashboard makes it easier to communicate results, align teams and drive continuous improvement. 4. Project Status Report Template Download this free project status report template for Excel to communicate the current state of a project to stakeholders. It includes key information such as progress against milestones, completed and upcoming tasks, budget and timeline status, risks or issues and overall project health. This can be used as a program management template to ensure that updates are consistent, easy to digest and aligned with stakeholder expectations, regardless of the project’s size or complexity. /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Status-Report-Screenshot.jpg In program management, a project status report template is especially useful because it allows program managers to monitor multiple projects simultaneously and maintain visibility across the program. By collecting standardized reports from individual project leads, program managers can quickly assess performance, identify risks or delays and make data-driven decisions to keep the overall program on track. This program management template also improves communication across teams, supports accountability and provides a clear audit trail of progress over time. 5. Multiple Project Tracking Template Use this free multiple project tracking template for Excel to help manage and monitor several projects at once within a single, unified view. This program management template provides a high-level snapshot of each project’s key data—such as status, deadlines, budget and assigned team members—so that project managers and stakeholders can quickly compare progress, allocate resources efficiently and identify potential risks or delays across the portfolio. /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/multiple-project-tracking-template-for-excel-projectmanager.jpg By centralizing information, the program management template improves visibility, streamlines reporting and enables better decision-making across complex project ecosystems. This is especially valuable in program or portfolio management environments where coordination across projects is critical to overall success. 6. RACI Matrix Template This free RACI matrix template for Excel clarifies and documents roles and responsibilities within a project or program. RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted and informed—four key roles that define who is involved in specific tasks or deliverables. This program management template is structured as a grid, with tasks or decisions listed on one axis and team members or stakeholders on the other. Each cell in the matrix identifies the role a person or group plays in that particular activity. /wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RACI-Matrix-Screenshot.jpg In program management, a RACI matrix helps establish clear lines of ownership and communication across multiple projects and teams. This program management template minimizes confusion, reduces duplication of effort and ensures that all tasks have appropriate oversight. Especially in complex programs with cross-functional collaboration, the RACI matrix promotes accountability, avoids role overlap and enhances efficiency by clearly outlining who does what, who makes decisions, who provides input and who needs to stay informed. It serves as a planning and reference tool, supporting alignment and smoother execution throughout the program lifecycle. 7. RAID Log Template Download this free RAID log template for Excel to track and manage four critical elements of project and program management: risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies. Each category is listed in a separate section of the program management template, where relevant entries are documented along with descriptions, owners, status updates and mitigation or resolution plans. The RAID log helps teams proactively manage uncertainties and obstacles that could affect project or program success. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/raid-log-template-1.jpg A RAID log is particularly valuable in program management because it provides a centralized, real-time view of key factors that impact multiple projects within the program. This program management template enables program managers to identify and address systemic risks, coordinate dependencies across workstreams and keep leadership informed of critical issues. By using a RAID log template consistently, teams improve communication, enhance accountability and reduce the chance of delays or surprises that can derail timelines or outcomes. 8. PESTLE Analysis Template This free PESTLE analysis template for Word is a strategic planning tool used to identify and evaluate external factors that could impact a program, project or organization. The acronym PESTLE stands for political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors. Each category provides a lens through which to assess potential opportunities or threats in the broader operating environment. The program management template typically includes columns or sections for each factor, alongside descriptions, potential impacts and suggested actions or responses. /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pestle-analysis-template-600x522.png While PESTLE analysis is more commonly used in strategic planning and market research, it can also play a useful role as a program management template, particularly during the planning or risk assessment phases. By identifying external influences early, program managers can design more resilient strategies, anticipate disruptions and align their initiatives with the external landscape. For large, long-term, or public-sector programs, it can be especially helpful in ensuring that broader contextual risks are not overlooked. 9. Lessons Learned Template Use this free lessons learned template for Excel to capture insights, experiences, successes and challenges encountered during the execution of a project or program. It includes sections such as what went well, what didn’t go as planned, key takeaways and recommendations for future improvements. The goal of this program management template is to promote continuous learning by documenting practical knowledge that can be applied to future projects or programs. /wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lessons-Learned-Screenshot.jpg In program management, a lessons learned template is extremely valuable. Because programs often involve multiple projects with diverse teams and objectives, capturing lessons across all components helps identify recurring issues, best practices and systemic improvements. This program management template enables program managers to refine processes, reduce future risks and ensure knowledge is retained and shared across the organization. Ultimately, it supports more efficient, effective program delivery over time. 10. Project Review Template Download this free project review template for Word to assess and evaluate a project’s performance after key phases or at its completion. It covers aspects such as objectives vs. outcomes, budget and timeline adherence, quality of deliverables, team performance, stakeholder satisfaction and risk management. The template helps document what worked, what didn’t and why—providing a factual basis for decision-making, accountability and improvement. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Project-review-template-screenshot.png A project review template plays a vital role in program management by offering consistent, data-driven insights across multiple projects within a program. By aggregating findings from individual project reviews, program managers can identify patterns, systemic challenges and opportunities for improvement across the broader initiative. This helps refine resource allocation, improve planning accuracy, strengthen risk controls and align future projects with strategic goals. This program management template contributes to a more cohesive, efficient and successful program delivery. ProjectManager Is Better Than Program Management Templates Managing a program with program management templates is not ideal. They’re static documents and projects are dynamic. Not only that, these templates require manual updates and are poor collaboration tools. To plan, manage and track programs, upgrade to project management software. Better yet, ProjectManager, award-winning project and portfolio management software, has the tools project managers and their teams need to manage multiple projects. Manage Resources Across Projects Ensuring there are enough resources to share with all the projects in the portfolio is one of the challenges of program management. Our software ensures program managers have the right resources at the right time for the right project by allowing them to set availability, skills and pay rates when onboarding their teams. They can also view resource allocation across all projects with the color-coded workload page. It’s easy to see who is overallocated or underutilized and balance their workload from the chart to keep them productive. A team page can provide a daily or weekly snapshot of their activity, filtered by progress or priority, which can update tasks when necessary without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Monitor Progress, Costs and More With Customizable Reports We’ve already shown how our portfolio dashboard allows program managers to get a high-level overview of all their projects in one place. When they want to get deeper into the data, they can use our customizable reports. There are portfolio status, variance, workload, timesheets and other reports. All can be filtered to focus on key data points or give stakeholders a snapshot of the project’s progress compared to where it is planned to be at that time. Even secure timesheets, which streamline payroll, help keep projects on budget by monitoring labor costs. /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Project-portfolio-status-report.png Related Program Management Content There’s more to program management than program management templates. For those curious to learn more, below are some articles we’ve posted to our blog on making a program management plan, the difference between project and program management and much more. Program Management: The Ultimate Guide How to Make a Program Management Plan (Free Templates Included) What Is a Program Manager (Job Description Included) Project vs. Program Management: Key Differences and Similarities ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams from Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 10 Free Program Management Templates for Excel and Word appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Justice department asks judge to force Alphabet to sell its ad exchange and publisher server tech after trial victoryView the full article

Wake up, the running influencers are fighting again. In the hot seat this week is popular running influencer Kate Mackz, facing heavy backlash over the latest guest on her running interview series: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Mackz, who has nearly 800,000 followers on TikTok, has previously featured notable figures such as political commentator Dana Perino and biohacker-in-chief Bryan Johnson. On Wednesday, she released her newest interview with Leavitt, who declined to run any miles but did give Mackz a tour of the White House. “I can’t believe you get to wake up and be here every single day,” Mackz said as she and Leavitt took a stroll through the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, and Leavitt’s office. Notably absent is the mention of policy or actual politics. The interview—filmed for both TikTok and Mackz’s podcast—comes as the White House intensifies its outreach to nontraditional media, including influencers and podcasters, whose impact on the 2020 election hasn’t gone unnoticed. While some view this as a savvy response to a shifting media landscape, critics note that the influencers being granted access tend to lean pro-The President—or at least avoid asking hard questions. “Truly surreal to walk through a place with so much history and meaning,” Mackz wrote in the video’s caption. Like much of American politics today, the comments section was deeply divided. Some followers praised the video. Others were less impressed. “Oh Kate, this is disappointing,” one wrote. “Read the room girl,” added another. “’The fact she wasn’t even running – you put a torch to your platform for a video that doesn’t even fit your own brand,’ a third commented. (Fast Company has reached out to Mackz for comment.) One particularly pointed comment reportedly came from Hope Walz, daughter of Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, who asked Mackz to unpin her earlier interview with her father—posted in the lead-up to the election—from the top of her page. As of this writing, the video remains pinned and has over 4.4 million views. While the comment is no longer visible, Walz posted her own video yesterday in response, where she discusses running as a political act. “You know who taught me that,” she says. “Tim Walz.” In her video, Walz highlights the privilege embedded in the running world—access to safe spaces, healthcare, and climate protections—and criticizes the current administration’s cuts to mental health funding, food banks, and environmental programs. “We should not be normalizing these people,” she says. “I’m not going to tell anyone what to do with their page, but I think it is insulting to my dad to leave a certain video pinned, especially when he stands for quite literally the opposite of what this administration is doing. You do not get to both-sides this.” View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Cultural Competency: Cultural competency leadership is essential for fostering an inclusive environment, enhancing team dynamics, and driving innovation within diverse workplaces. Key Characteristics: Effective cultural competency leaders exhibit strong communication skills, empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning to effectively manage diverse teams. Benefits of Diversity: Prioritizing cultural competency leads to improved team collaboration, better decision-making, enhanced employee engagement, and superior customer service, ultimately benefiting business growth. Challenges to Address: Leaders must navigate communication barriers, conflict resolution, and time management to effectively integrate diverse cultural perspectives into their operations. Strategies for Development: Engaging in training opportunities, fostering open discussions, and adapting business processes can significantly enhance a leader’s cultural competency and improve team integration. Measuring Impact: Employing assessment tools like self-evaluations, employee feedback surveys, and performance reviews helps gauge the effectiveness of cultural competency initiatives and their influence on business outcomes. In today’s diverse world, cultural competency leadership is more crucial than ever. As workplaces become melting pots of different backgrounds, effective leaders must understand and embrace this diversity. It’s not just about tolerance; it’s about actively engaging with various cultures to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Leaders who prioritize cultural competency can drive innovation and improve team dynamics. By recognizing the unique perspectives that different cultures bring, you can enhance collaboration and boost morale. This article will explore the essential skills and strategies you need to develop as a culturally competent leader, helping you navigate the complexities of today’s global landscape. Understanding Cultural Competency Leadership Cultural competency leadership involves more than just awareness; it includes actively engaging with diverse cultures within your small business. Effective leaders harness this competency to enhance team dynamics and drive productivity. Definition and Importance Cultural competency leadership refers to the ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. In today’s global marketplace, it’s crucial for small business leaders. A culturally competent leader fosters an inclusive environment that promotes collaboration and innovation. This inclusivity leads to improved employee morale and enhances customer service, driving business growth and customer retention. Key Characteristics of Cultural Competency Leaders Communication Skills: Cultural competency leaders exhibit strong communication skills, facilitating clear dialogue across diverse teams and fostering understanding. Decision-Making: They make informed decisions by considering different cultural perspectives, which enhances problem-solving and conflict resolution within teams. Empathy: Demonstrating empathy allows leaders to connect with employees on a personal level, improving employee management and retention rates. Adaptability: Culturally competent leaders adapt their management styles to meet the needs of diverse employees, increasing operational efficiency and productivity. Delegation: They effectively delegate tasks to team members based on their individual strengths and cultural contexts, optimizing workflow and employee development. Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing learning about different cultures helps leaders stay relevant and effective in their leadership roles. By integrating these characteristics, you can effectively lead a diverse workforce, enhancing both employee engagement and your business operations. The Role of Cultural Competency in Organizations Cultural competency plays a vital role in enhancing leadership within your small business. It involves understanding and effectively interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds, which is key to fostering an inclusive workplace. Benefits of Cultural Competency Leadership Improved team collaboration: Culturally competent leaders facilitate better teamwork by bridging cultural gaps, leading to enhanced morale and productivity. Diverse perspectives encourage innovation, driving business growth. Effective decision-making: Leaders who appreciate cultural differences make well-informed decisions, considering various viewpoints. This approach results in fairer outcomes that align with your business goals. Employee engagement: Culturally aware leaders create an environment where all employees feel valued, increasing retention rates. Engaged employees are more likely to contribute positively to your business operations. Enhanced customer service: Understanding diverse cultural backgrounds allows leaders to tailor customer interactions effectively, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Challenges Faced by Leaders in Diverse Environments Communication barriers: Misunderstandings can arise from different cultural communication styles. Leaders must identify these barriers and implement strategies to promote clear interactions within their teams. Conflict resolution: Cultural differences often lead to conflicts that can hinder team dynamics. Leaders should be equipped with conflict resolution skills to address these issues promptly and fairly. Adaptability: Adjusting leadership styles to suit diverse cultural expectations can be challenging. Leaders need to remain flexible and open-minded, ensuring their management strategies meet the needs of all team members. Time management: Balancing various cultural perspectives alongside day-to-day operations can strain resources. Leaders must implement effective time management techniques to ensure that all voices are heard without compromising workflow. By prioritizing cultural competency, you enhance operational efficiency and strengthen your business’s ability to adapt to the global market. Engaging with diverse cultures not only cultivates a positive work environment but also drives better outcomes for your small business. Developing Cultural Competency Skills Cultural competency plays a vital role in your leadership, especially when managing a diverse team within your small business. Enhancing these skills fosters collaboration and drives productivity. Training and Education Opportunities Seek out training programs focusing on cultural competency to bolster your leadership abilities. Workshops and webinars provide insights into cultural awareness and effective communication skills. Many organizations offer online courses designed for small business leaders. By investing in employee training, you not only enhance your team’s cultural understanding but also improve employee engagement and morale. Incorporating these learning opportunities aids your team management efforts and supports strategic planning for business growth. Practical Strategies for Leaders Implement practical strategies to develop cultural competency in your workplace. Engage Regularly: Facilitate regular discussions about diversity and cultural experiences with your team. Creating a safe space for sharing encourages open communication. Delegate Responsibilities: Use delegation wisely to encourage team members from diverse backgrounds to lead projects. This approach builds trust and promotes shared leadership. Encourage Feedback: Gather customer feedback on cultural inclusivity in your products or services. Understanding market responses aids in refining your business strategy. Adapt Processes: Tailor your business processes to accommodate various cultural perspectives. This emphasis on inclusion can enhance overall operational efficiency. By prioritizing these strategies, you’ll enhance decision-making processes and effectively manage your small business’s diverse workforce, leading to improved customer service and satisfaction. Measuring the Impact of Cultural Competency Leadership Measuring the impact of cultural competency leadership is essential for small businesses aiming to enhance operations and foster team collaboration. Effective cultural competency promotes better communication and decision-making, leading to improved employee engagement and customer service. Assessment Tools and Metrics To gauge the impact of cultural competency in leadership, you can employ various assessment tools and metrics: Self-Assessment: Utilize checklists or standardized tools for self-evaluation. These instruments focus on critical attributes such as awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, and skill in cultural interactions. The Cultural Competence and Confidence Model highlights self-appraisal as crucial for developing cultural competence. Employee Feedback Surveys: Implement surveys to collect data from your team. Analyze results to identify areas for improvement in leadership practices and team dynamics. Regular feedback fosters an environment of open communication and continuous learning. Performance Reviews: Integrate cultural competency metrics into employee performance reviews. Assess how effectively leaders communicate with and engage diverse team members, contributing to business goals and operational efficiency. Case Studies and Success Stories Numerous small businesses demonstrate the effectiveness of cultural competency leadership: Local Café: A small café implemented cultural training for staff, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction. The team learned to appreciate diverse food preferences, enhancing customer service and building stronger customer loyalty. Marketing Agency: A marketing agency focused on diversity initiated performance reviews that evaluated cultural competency. They reported a 30% improvement in collaborative project outcomes, significantly boosting productivity and team morale. Retail Store: A retail business adopted a customer feedback system to gather insights on cultural inclusivity. Consequently, they optimized inventory management based on customer preferences, leading to a 25% rise in sales and client retention. These examples illustrate the transformative effects of integrating cultural competency into leadership strategies, highlighting improved business outcomes and growth potential. Conclusion Embracing cultural competency leadership is essential for thriving in today’s diverse business landscape. By actively engaging with various cultures you can foster an inclusive environment that not only enhances team dynamics but also drives innovation. The journey toward becoming a culturally competent leader involves continuous learning and a commitment to understanding the unique perspectives of your team. Implementing practical strategies and utilizing assessment tools can help you measure your progress and adapt your approach. Ultimately the effort you put into cultivating cultural competency will not only benefit your organization but also create a positive impact on employee engagement and customer satisfaction. As you navigate the complexities of the global marketplace remember that your leadership style can pave the way for a more inclusive and successful future. Frequently Asked Questions What is cultural competency leadership? Cultural competency leadership is the ability to understand, respect, and effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This skill is essential for creating inclusive environments that drive innovation and enhance team collaboration. Why is cultural competency important in the workplace? Cultural competency is crucial in today’s diverse workplaces as it improves team dynamics, enhances employee engagement, and fosters better customer service. Leaders who prioritize these skills can create a positive work environment that promotes growth and adaptability. What are the key characteristics of culturally competent leaders? Culturally competent leaders possess strong communication skills, empathy, adaptability, informed decision-making, effective delegation, and a commitment to continuous learning. These traits help them engage effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. How can leaders develop cultural competency skills? Leaders can develop cultural competency by attending workshops, taking online courses, and engaging in open conversations with team members about diversity. Regularly seeking customer feedback on cultural inclusivity also helps to enhance these skills. What challenges do leaders face in diverse environments? Leaders often encounter challenges like communication barriers, conflict resolution, adaptability issues, and time management in diverse settings. Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to cultural competency and effective leadership practices. How can cultural competency positively impact a small business? Cultural competency can lead to improved team collaboration, better decision-making, enhanced employee engagement, and superior customer service. It helps small businesses adapt to the global market and strengthens their overall operational efficiency. What tools can measure cultural competency in leadership? Assessment tools like self-assessments, employee feedback surveys, and performance reviews can effectively measure cultural competency in leadership practices. These metrics help identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. Can you share examples of successful cultural competency integration? Many small businesses have successfully incorporated cultural competency into their operations, leading to tangible improvements in customer satisfaction, team collaboration, and business performance. These case studies demonstrate the real-world benefits of prioritizing cultural inclusivity. Image Via Envato This article, "Mastering Cultural Competency Leadership for Inclusive Workplace Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cheese and carbs have never been a tough sell, but if you’ve ever had a stretchy, springy bite of pão de queijo (a Brazilian cheese bread puff) then you know that this simple combination can soar to new heights. It’s the most utterly stretchy cheese puff you’ve ever known. If you haven’t had the pleasure of noshing on pão de queijo, then we should change that. Luckily, it only requires six ingredients and with the help of a blender or stand mixer, it’s nearly effortless. What is pão de queijo?While many South American countries have a version of a this cheesy bread, pão de queijo originated in Brazil. This delightful snack owes its stretchy, gummy center to tapioca flour, a starch made from the cassava root. Cheese delivers its own stretch too, but I find it plays a bigger role as the primary flavoring ingredient. So using a powerful cheese with plenty of flavor pays off in the end. Add a bit of egg, oil, and milk and you’re on your way. I first had pão de queijo in a Brazilian restaurant in Brooklyn, where the we were quickly supplied with a basket of golden brown flecked pastry balls about the size of a large egg. My friend stopped the conversation and directed my attention to the bread because this was the whole reason she brought me there. After tearing one in half—which took a long moment, due to the never-ending cheesy stretch—I understood why we had paused our discussion. This chewy, salty, crusty but soft pão de queijo demands your full attention, and deserves it. A few years later, I did have the distinct pleasure of eating pão de queijo in Brazil. It’s not uncommon to have them with breakfast, or for a café to serve a few golden spheres alongside your coffee. The ones I ate in Brazil are made in frustratingly small sizes compared to how big my appetite is for them, but not everyone is a cheese monster like I am. And in my own home, I get to make them bigger. There are two different methods that I’ve used for making pão de queijo: a blender version and a stand mixer version. (If you haven't joined the stand mixer club yet, here's what to look for when you're shopping for one.) Both recipes are delicious, so instead of choosing for you, I’ve provided them both. Pão de queijo in your blenderThis style of pão de queijo is more like a batter. It’s extremely simple: I just add all of the ingredients to my Vitamix, but you can use any other blender just as well. (If you need a fancy new blender, this one has nearly changed my life.) The oven takes care of the rest. It’s better to use a cupcake pan (or a mini cupcake pan) to shape the puffs. I used this recipe from the back of the Bob’s Red Mill Tapioca Flour package. I took the liberty of adding extra cheese before baking and included that here. Ingredients: 1 egg ¼ cup olive oil ⅔ cup milk 1 ½ cups tapioca flour ½ cup grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping ½ teaspoon salt 1. Blender dumpButter a cupcake pan, or mini cupcake pan, and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed to “catch” all of the ingredients and slowly increase the speed. Stop the blender and scrape the sides if you see any tapioca flour is stuck. Blend again if necessary. 2. BakePour the contents of the blender into the greased cups of a cupcake pan, or mini cupcake pan. I only fill them about halfway to three quarters full. Then top them each with a pinch of extra cheese. Bake them for about 20 minutes, or until puffed and the cheese has browned. Pão de queijo in your stand mixer Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I used this recipe from TudoGostoso which ends up with more of a dough consistency partially due to heating the tapioca with hot milk and oil before it goes in the oven. Ingredients: 500 grams tapioca flour (I used the whole bag of Bob’s Red Mill tapioca flour) 1 tablespoon salt 250 mL milk (slightly more than 1 cup) 1 to 2 eggs (the second egg is only if needed) 12 ounce shredded cheese (I used a mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar blend) 1. Dry and wet ingredients Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Add the tapioca flour and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer. In a pan or pot, add the milk and oil. Heat the liquid mixture over medium until it starts to bubble on the edges. 2. Mix the doughAdd a paddle attachment and turn the mixer on the lowest speed. Pour in the hot oil and milk mixture all at once with the mixer running. Mix until evenly incorporated and the texture is consistent and sandy. Add one egg and the cheese. If the dough is dry, add the other egg. It should feel like soft cookie dough. Mix until the dough is homogeneous and thick. 3. Form the balls Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. I scooped the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and then rolled them in my palms to smooth out the shape. Give them an inch of space between each ball and bake them in a 350ºF oven until fully puffed and lightly browned on the bottom, about 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy warm. View the full article

Google has doubled down on its automation-first strategy with a key update to Performance Max (PMax) campaigns: some advertisers can now add up to 50 Search themes. Why we care. This update gives advertisers more flexibility and control in guiding Google’s AI-powered targeting. Search themes, which help steer PMax toward relevant search traffic, are increasingly critical for advertisers looking to influence automation without relying on traditional keywords. Catch up quick. Search themes act as keyword-like signals to help Performance Max campaigns align with user intent. The limit started at 10, was raised to 25 in late 2023, and now sits at 50. Between the lines. Some advertisers had complained that the previous 25-theme cap was too restrictive, especially for accounts with broad product lines or diverse customer segments. Google’s move appears to respond directly to that feedback. What’s next. Watch for marketers to experiment with the added flexibility. Expect updated best practices on theme grouping, testing strategies, and how to prevent overlap with existing Search or Shopping campaigns. First seen. This update was first spotted Google Ads Specialist Pronay Roy then shared by Thomas Eccel on LinkedIn. View the full article

Google's Martin Splitt shares key JavaScript rendering insights. He discusses AI crawlers, SSR vs. CSR, and the impact of structured data. The post Server-Side vs. Client-Side Rendering: What Google Recommends appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

President Donald The President just won’t let go of his ongoing battle against Harvard. In the latest move against the Ivy League school, The President on Friday said he will revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. It’s another attempt to defund Harvard, which has flat out refused to comply with the administration’s long list of demands for higher education institutions, requiring the university to make sweeping changes in order to keep its $2.2 billion in federal funding—which the administration has since frozen, prompting Harvard to sue the administration, leaving it to the courts to decide. Those demands include ending DEI on campus; taking actions aimed at ending antisemitism, including when it limits free speech; and trying to enforce or at least have a say in what professors can ultimately teach on campus. “We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!” The President wrote in a post on Truth Social. In response, Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton told NBC News that not only was “there was no legal basis to rescind its status,” but also revoking the university’s tax-exempt status “would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission . . . [and] result in diminished financial aid for students, abandonment of critical medical research programs . . . [and] more broadly would have grave consequences for the future of higher education in America.” Harvard, like most major colleges and universities, is a tax-exempt organization. Trying to pull one university’s funding would likely be challenged in court, as many of The President’s executive orders have been just 100-some days into his second term. (Harvard’s federal income tax exemption as an educational institution is mandated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As an educational institution, Harvard is also exempt from state income tax in Massachusetts, where it is located.) Harvard’s unwillingness to back down has created a target on its back—because if one university, one law firm, or one state can stand up to The President, it could pave the way for others to do the same. For example, since Harvard boldly refused to comply with the administration’s demands earlier this month, a number of other schools have followed with some form of resistance. In the weeks following The President’s decision to try to pull nearly all of Harvard’s $2.2 billion in federal funding, 170 college presidents, including those of Princeton University and Brown University, signed a letter rebuking the administration’s “overreach.” The American Association of Colleges and Universities said in a statement, “as leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” Although Harvard has a vast endowment of $53.2 billion, it relies on several other sources beyond that for its funding, and can only tap about 20% of it for discretionary spending to go toward covering the money lost by The President’s funding freeze. In fact, the majority of Harvard’s endowment has restrictions that stipulate how exactly the Ivy can spend that money. View the full article

Widespread local election wins raise prospect of populist party becoming Labour’s main oppositionView the full article

President Donald The President’s 2026 budget plan would slash non-defense domestic spending by $163 billion while increasing expenditures on national security, according to White House statements Friday. The plan shows a desire to crack down on diversity programs and initiatives to address climate change. But it doesn’t include details about what The President wants on income taxes, tariffs, entitlement programs or the budget deficit — a sign of the challenge confronting the president when he’s promising to cut taxes and repay the federal debt without doing major damage to economic growth. Budgets do not become law but serve as a touchstone for the upcoming fiscal year debates. Often considered a statement of values, this first budget since The President’s return to the White House carries the added weight of defining the Republican president’s second-term pursuits, alongside his party in Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the plan showed fiscal discipline given the problems of persistently high budget deficits. The budget released on Friday did not, in fact, include a forecast on government borrowing. “President The President’s plan ensures every federal taxpayer dollar spent is used to serve the American people, not a bloated bureaucracy or partisan pet projects,” Johnson said. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said the cuts could ultimately be more extreme than what the administration has proposed, noting that the budget doesn’t provide funding levels for programs such as Head Start. “President The President has made his priorities clear as day: he wants to outright defund programs that help working Americans while he shovels massive tax breaks at billionaires like himself and raises taxes on middle-class Americans with his reckless tariffs,” Murray said. The budget seeks to cut discretionary spending by a total of 7.6% next year, but includes a 13% increase in national security spending. The State Department and international programs would lose 84% of their money and receive $9.6 billion, a cut that reflects the existing efforts by adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The Housing and Urban Development Department would get a $33.6 billion cut, while the Health and Human Service Department would receive $33.3 trillion less and the Education Department’s spending would be reduced by $12 billion. The Defense Department would get an additional $113.3 billion and Homeland Security would receive $42.3 billion more. The IRS and FBI would lose money, while the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program would be ended. There would be $980 million less for college students in work-study programs, as well as similarly sized cuts for adult education and instruction for learning English. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would lose nearly $3.6 billion under the plan, while the National Institutes of Health would face a steep cut of almost $18 billion. The budget would eliminate more than $15 billion for infrastructure-related programs tied to climate change and $1.3 billion from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The White House budget plan arrives as The President has unilaterally imposed what could hundreds of billions of dollars in tax increases in the form of tariffs, setting off a trade war that has consumers, CEOs and foreign leaders worried about a possible economic downturn. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russell Vought, a chief architect of Project 2025, provided contours of a so-called skinny version of topline numbers only regarding discretionary spending. Administration officials said a fuller budget will come soon with plans to address the drivers of the annual deficit. The nation’s estimated $7 trillion-plus federal budget has been growing steadily, with annual deficits fast approaching $2 trillion and the annual interest payments on the debt almost $1 trillion. That’s thanks mostly to the spike in emergency COVID-19 pandemic spending, changes in the tax code that reduced revenues and the climbing costs of Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, largely to cover the nation’s health needs as people age. The nation’s debt load, at $36 trillion, is ballooning. Democrats are prepared to assail The President’s budget as further evidence that the Republican administration is intent on gutting government programs that Americans depend on. Congress is already deep into the slog of drafting of The President’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and bolstered funds for the administration’s mass deportation effort — a package that, unlike the budget plan, would carry the force of law. But deep differences remain among the Republicans, who are trying to pass that big bill over the objections of Democrats. “We are awaiting some final calculations on a few of the tax components, and we expect to be able to complete that work on a very aggressive schedule,” Johnson said. It’s Congress, under its constitutional powers, that decides the spending plans, approves the bills that authorize federal programs and funds them through the appropriations process. Often, that system breaks down, forcing lawmakers to pass stopgap spending bills to keep the government funded and avoid federal shutdowns. Vought is also expected on Capitol Hill in the weeks ahead as the The President administration presses its case to Congress for funds. Among the more skilled conservative budget hands in Washington, Vought has charted a career toward this moment. He served during the first The President administration in the same role and, for Project 2025, wrote an extensive chapter about the remaking of the federal government. Vought has separately been preparing a $9 billion package that would gut current 2025 funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which involves the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio. The President signed an executive order late Thursday that instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and federal agencies to cease funding for PBS and NPR. Vought has said that package of so-called budget rescissions would be a first of potentially more, as the The President administration tests the appetite in Congress for lawmakers to go on record and vote to roll back the money. —Lisa Mascaro and Josh Boak, Associated Press View the full article

Reform party’s rout in local elections poses huge challenges for Conservatives and Labour View the full article

Budget blueprint proposes slashing environmental and aid programmes, while boosting support for defenceView the full article

Only 50% of employed people in the U.S. describe themselves as “extremely satisfied” with their job, so it’s safe to say that everyone at some point in their lives has dreaded going to work on Monday and dreamed of the sort of career you see on television: Fun, exciting, and with a high enough salary to be comfortable. If you think that “fun” and “pays enough” are polar opposites, the good news is that’s not true. If you want to have a good time while earning a salary, there are some surprising options out there. These jobs may not make you rich, but they will pay your bills while you get to have a blast. LEGO master builderIf you thought your days of playing with LEGO ended when you became an adult, it’s time to revise your concept of adulthood because the LEGO master builder profession exists. This—and I cannot stress this enough—is a real job. LEGO hires people at its stores and facilities to build, maintain, and repair massive, complex installations. Master builders also perform a PR role for the company, doing interviews and creating social media content. Getting the job doesn’t require any formal education or certification—a high school diploma is the basic requirement—but a background in art and design won’t hurt. The main qualification is creativity, so having a portfolio of impressive LEGO creations is essential. The company holds regional competitions called Brick Factors where you compete against other LEGO enthusiasts to be named an assistant master builder, putting you on the career track of your childhood dreams, so you’ll have to check at your local Discovery Center for the next opportunity. A LEGO master builder earns an average of about $46,000, with New York being the highest-paying area at about $50,000 annually. RoadieThe role of the roadie has evolved quite a bit from the classic image of the grungy dude hauling amplifiers around backstage. Bands and other traveling music performances still need roadies, but the modern incarnations are more specialized, including lighting and sound engineers and instrument technicians. While that might sound intimidating, most roadies learn their skills on the job—they start off with a low-level job at a local music venue, network with artists and managers who come through the space, and often have to work for free for a while in order to establish themselves. Once you do that, however, you can earn anywhere from $45,000 to $60,000 a year—although it’s all freelance work, so your income will vary tremendously depending on whether you’re touring with a national act or a band that’s just getting started. It can be hard work—long hours and months spent on the road in uncomfortable accommodations—but if you love music and want the rush of setting up a concert for thousands of people, this career could be a blast. Water slide testerYes, this is an actual job you can get. Also called a ride verification technician, a water slide tester is exactly what it sounds like: You test water slides for safety, operation, and any other issues. Some of these jobs are permanent in a specific amusement park, and sometimes they travel around the country testing and inspecting slides everywhere, but it still equates to slapping on some swimwear and taking multiple splashdowns every day for a living. The main prerequisite is first aid and lifeguard certifications, which can often be obtained from the hiring company itself. You’ll also need to become very familiar with the specifications and operating guidelines for the specific slides, as manufacturers have very strict rules on how frequently people can enter and other stats. The average annual salary for a water slide tester is about $60,000 annually, although a few years ago someone on Reddit claimed to be making closer to $100,000. Ice sculptingIf you’ve ever been to a fancy party (or a party that wants desperately to be fancy), you’ve probably seen an ice sculpture or two in your time. If you have an artistic mind and a related skill in carving, this could be a fun career that lets you make money by being creative (and bringing a little joy to people, too). There are different routes into the career: You can take a class from someplace like the Academy of Ice Carving and Design in Tennessee or from established ice sculptors who offer them, or you can contact local sculptors and see if you can get a job or an unpaid internship with them. There’s no certification process, however, so you can also just start carving some ice and then enter an ice sculpting competition like Ice Alaska or the Québec Winter Carnival. A few awards will be all you need to start getting gigs. You can make an average of about $50,000 annually as an ice sculptor in the U.S.—but income can be as much as twice as high depending on your location and the opportunities available. Candle or perfume 'nose'If your idea of a good time is being paid to smell things, being a nose is the ideal career. A nose is a professional who works for a perfumery, a candle company, or any other place where smell is a key component of the business. Becoming a nose (sometimes called a perfumer, especially in the fragrance business) isn’t something you just decide to do, however. While you don’t need to be born with a freakish sense of smell, you do need a lot of training. It starts with getting a degree in a field like chemistry or cosmetic science in order to have the fundamental training necessary. From there it’s possible to find apprenticeship positions in fragrance houses or at candle companies, but your best bet will likely be certification at a perfumery school, which will take years and won’t be cheap. But if your passions run through your sense of smell, this could be the perfect career for you. And it’ll pay your rent, too, depending on where you live: A nose can make about $70,000 a year on average. View the full article

As if there wasn’t enough to worry about already between the economic pressure of President The President’s tariffs and an escalating trade war with China, not mention the overhaul of our federal government, you can add this to the list: Next week is the deadline before updated identification requirements for domestic travel will kick in. Starting May 7, Americans will need to have the new Real ID in place of a regular driver’s license to board a domestic flight. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Real ID requirements. What is a Real ID? So you’re probably wondering: What is the Real ID, anyway? It’s an enhanced form of identification, either a federally compliant state-issued driver’s license, learner’s permit, or another form of approved identification. Real IDs are marked with a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner, to indicate it meets the federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act. Those stars vary from state to state. For example, a Massachusetts Real ID driver’s license or identification card displays a simple gold star, while a California Real ID will be marked with a golden bear in the same place. Why is it necessary to get a Real ID? Starting May 7, people in the U.S. will need a Real ID for domestic air travel, access to secure federal facilities, and to enter nuclear power plants. (The majority of Americans will need a Real ID for the purpose of boarding a plane.) Why is the government requiring Real IDs? In the years following the deadly plane crashes on September 11th, most notably into the World Trade Center, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. (The hijackers responsible for those attacks were reportedly carrying U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs.) Recommended by the 9/11 Commission, it required the government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. After a number of delays, Real ID requirements will finally go into effect after 20 years in the making. What’s the deadline to obtain a Real ID for travel? Starting May 7, 2025, travelers 18 years of age and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification to fly within the United States. How can I get a Real ID? In many states, people can obtain a Real ID by visiting their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and providing required an assortment of documentation, including state-issued driver’s licenses, otherwise approved ID cards, or a passport. This will likely require making an in-person appointment. There are recent reports of long lines in many states including Pennsylvania and Kentucky, with New York extending service hours at select offices, according to the New York Times. Check your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required, as it may vary from state to state. At a minimum, most documentation requirements include: your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, proofs of address, and lawful status. Are all states issuing Real ID compliant cards? Yes. All states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories are Real ID compliant and issuing Real ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. What if I can’t get a Real ID by May 7 but still need to fly? If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification, either your Real ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both. So if you don’t get your Real ID and need to fly after the May 7 deadline, you can still board a plane for domestic travel using your passport. Just make sure it’s up to date. If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. View the full article

Google’s latest update to Performance Max (PMax) campaigns—featuring Channel Reporting, Asset Reporting, and Search Term Reports—has triggered a wide range of responses from marketers. From cautious optimism to pointed critiques, advertisers are weighing in on how these long-awaited features may reshape their campaign strategies. Deeper insight arrives – finally Optmyzr Brand Evangelist Navah Hopkins celebrated the newfound visibility: “Google just announced some really important updates to PMax and I think it’s important we talk about just what they mean for us as we continue to market in the AI world. Google is FINALLY giving transparency into where budget is going (UI exclusive for now) and I have to say I love the interface.” However, Hopkins also expressed a shared frustration many marketers feel: “I don’t love that we can’t do anything about this data. Imagine knowing that your child was getting into trouble and there was no way to get to them. That’s what this feels like: all the tension with none of the ability to react.” Despite this limitation, she sees the potential for future enhancements: “This does seem to open the door for CPA/ROAS guidance on where budget goes (Google seems open to that as a V2 or V3 of this).” Local and Lead Gen Advertisers Take Note Local Ads Specialist, Harrison Jack Hepp sees the updates as a major advantage for local businesses: “Channel and asset level reporting is going to be a big deal for local businesses using PMax campaigns. Specifically, I’m excited to see a breakdown on maps performance vs. search for these campaigns.” He cautions against misinterpreting the data too narrowly: “The knee jerk reaction is going to be worrying about poor performing display or YouTube placements. You have to remember that you’re using PMax because it places across channels. If you don’t want multichannel placements, then PMax shouldn’t be your go to campaign anyway.” For Hepp, the true value lies in deeper strategic insight: “The focus should be on what can we learn about how the campaign is targeting our customers and how can we apply those learnings to our marketing strategy. Think strategically, not tactically.” Hopkins echoed similar enthusiasm for lead gen marketers: “Lead Gen also got some amazing presents here in the diagnostic data so they can actually leverage the lead gen specific channels (think local).” Helpful, But Still Limited? Not everyone was as enthused. SaaS Marketing Consultant Chris Lloyd remarked: “Interface wrappers around existing scripts are useful and good. But probably only benefits lower-spend accounts that are less familiar with scripts. And lower-spend accounts probably shouldn’t be using PMax anyway, especially if they’re lead gen/B2B.” Paid Search Specialist Matt Beswick was more blunt: “The biggest part of the update is accessible already by a script. And the real impactful part is still missing—the ability to do anything about it!” Smarter Reporting, Smarter Strategy Optmyzr founder, Frederick Vallaeys urged advertisers to use the new data wisely, offering a structured approach: Think Holistically: “Avoid analyzing channels or assets in isolation. Understand and respect the portfolio effect.” Think Marginally: “Focus on marginal ROI and incrementality when making budget decisions.” Think Scalability: “Don’t compare their efficiency without considering their scale.” Prune Cautiously: “Remove clearly irrelevant queries, but avoid overly aggressive negatives.” Optimize the Mix: “Enhance your creative portfolio, focusing on variety.” A Step Toward What Advertisers Actually Need? Founder of Savvy Revenue, Andrew Lolk captured the cautious optimism shared by many: “I’m (finally) optimistic about P-Max evolving into what we actually need: Smarter controls for smarter advertisers. Google try to optimize for everyone. You optimize for YOUR account.” Lolk emphasized the significance of each individual feature: “Channel Reporting – My take: Massive step forward. But without channel-level ROAS goals, it’ll still focus your budget on Search / Shopping. Full Search Terms Reporting – One step closer to Standard. Expanded Asset Reporting – Sneaky huge. Finally real asset-level insights, even for Search assets. Most of you will gloss over this among all the news, but for me this is the biggest news.” Conclusion Google’s latest PMax update marks a pivotal moment: a long-overdue step toward transparency and better insights, yet still constrained by limited control. As advertisers adapt to these changes, one message comes through clearly—strategy must evolve with the tools, and understanding how campaigns work across channels is more important than ever. View the full article

Rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK threatens the Labour-Conservative duopolyView the full article

First foreign trip for prime minister since this week’s election will focus on ‘trade pressures’View the full article

Need to quickly edit a photo? MiNi PhotoEditor is a free and open source web application that lets you do basic image editing tasks in your browser, without having to upload your photos to a server somewhere. The application offers quick tools for cropping, lighting, and other adjustments, alongside Instagram-style filters. This is perfect if you ever need to quickly edit an image on a computer where you can't install photo editing software, such as a Chromebook or a work computer. To get started, simply open the MiNi PhotoEditor website and drag an image onto it. In my tests, all images—even large ones—opened instantly, which makes sense, given that all editing happens locally on your computer. No need to wait for it to upload. The editing interface is simple—your image is on the left, and the editing tools are arranged in boxes to the right (or below, if your window isn't wide enough to display them to the side). The top box allows you to rotate the image, crop it (by hand or to a given ratio) and even do some basic perspective shifting. Below that are boxes for adjusting the lighting levels and the color balance, which can be useful if the lighting wasn't quite right when you took the photo. There are also a few Instagram-style filters that can be applied with a click. Credit: Justin Pot Feel free to make as many edits as you want—the original file isn't affected. You can click the Split button in the top-right corner to see the difference between the original image and the edited version. When you're done, click the Download button to save the image as either a JPEG or PNG file. MiNi PhotoEditor is never going to replace a full-blown photo editor like Photoshop, granted, but it's completely free, it gives you a lot of the basics, and it's available on any device with a web browser. View the full article

Britain does not have a populist problem. It has an unpopularist problemView the full article

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long encouraged people to use their phones, whether through the forsaken Poke on Facebook or uploading Reels on Instagram. But the company’s newest idea for how and when to take out your phone might be too big an ask for some cinema lovers: Meta wants people to use their phones in movie theaters, specifically for its chatbot Movie Mate. The chatbot, which Meta has reportedly claimed will “get audiences back in theaters,” works by sending moviegoers trivia, quips, and questions about the movie, according to the New York Times. The catch? All of this happens while the film plays in front of them. Fast Company has reached out to Meta for comment and more details, but we did not immediately hear back. On Wednesday, Movie Mate was tested in select theaters through a partnership with Blumhouse, a production company. Blumhouse screened the horror movie M3GAN as part of its Halfway to Halloween event, and Movie Mate took on the title character’s persona. This might be a good time to remind everyone that M3GAN centers on an AI-powered robot that turns hostile. As reported by NYT, about 70 people attended a screening at an AMC theater in Los Angeles. Before the movie began, a Blumhouse representative told the crowd, “I know this sounds weird, but please take out your phones.” She briefed the crowd on how to use Movie Mate, and then the movie began alongside the glow of screens—imagine describing that to horror’s own Alfred Hitchcock. Blumhouse wasn’t immediately available to comment. Mixed reactions Regal Cineworld joined AMC Entertainment as a testing ground for Movie Mate, though both were adamant that customers had to know what they were getting into before they bought tickets. Other chains, like Alamo Drafthouse, participated in the M3GAN rerelease but kept screens limited to the one in front, as Variety reported. Hollywood could definitely use help in getting people back into theaters. As Box Office Mojo data shows, domestic grosses still haven’t come close to returning to pre-pandemic levels. U.S. ticket sales hit $8.6 billion last year, compared to more than $11 billion in 2019. However, moviegoers apparently have mixed feelings about using their phones during showings. The New York Times noted that one woman initially thought, “This is really cool,” but soon felt uncomfortable taking her phone out, reading most of the messages after the movie ended. A Variety editor who attended a screening found the chatbot unable to converse, out of sync with the movie, and mostly ignored by others in the theater. He summed Movie Mate up in two words: “epic fail.” View the full article

Welcome to Remote Real Talk, our monthly Q&A series where we share honest, thoughtful conversations with members of the Remotive community who are building meaningful careers in remote work. This time, I had the chance to speak with Andrew Gobran, Senior People Business Partner at Doist and a longtime member of the Remotive community. Andrew’s thoughtful approach to people-first practices, intentional career choices, and remote hiring gave me a lot to think about, and I hope it will for you, too. Below are six highlights from our conversation, lightly edited for clarity and readability. 🧭 What made you want to join Doist?I have many reasons! I wanted to work for a company that was mission-driven, valued people, and saw success as more than just financial metrics. I also wanted to be in a smaller company where I could wear many hats, learn as I go, and see my impact tangibly. Doist checked all those boxes—and as a longtime Todoist user, I was already a believer in the product. Ironically, I wasn’t specifically looking for a remote job when I was applying in 2017, but it turned out to be a happy accident that I landed in the world of remote work. 🔍 What’s a common mistake remote job seekers make when applying for roles?A common mistake remote job seekers make is overemphasizing their desire for remote work rather than focusing on their fit for the actual role. While flexibility is a major perk, companies are hiring for skills and impact, not just a preference for remote work. Candidates who lead with why they want to work remotely instead of why they’re the best fit for the role risk presenting a weaker case for their qualifications. My advice is to approach it as a job that happens to be remote, rather than a remote job. Focus on demonstrating how your skills, experience, and working style align with the role and company culture. ✨ What’s the best way to stand out in a remote job application process?The best way to stand out is to be clear on what you’re looking for, demonstrate the impact you’ve had in previous roles and can have in the role you’re applying for, and demonstrate your alignment with the company’s mission, values, and culture. 🧠 If you were job-seeking today, what would be your top three non-negotiables for a remote role?Assuming I already identify with the mission and values of the company, my top three non-negotiables would be: A culture of honest, transparent communication—especially from leadership. I look for teams where it’s safe to speak openly, where people acknowledge when things aren’t working, and where the “why” behind decisions is consistently shared.Productivity measured by outcomes, not hours. I’m most motivated in environments that value impact over presence.An asynchronous-first culture that supports flexibility and deep work.🌀 How has a service mindset shaped your career decisions?I’ve always been someone who needs intrinsic motivation to stay engaged. While external motivators like money or status can play a role, I’ve found they don’t sustain me long-term. Service, on the other hand, is a value that was instilled in me from a young age, so it’s shaped how I approach work and life. Framing my career through the lens of service has helped me find purpose in what I do. It’s pushed me to be intentional about the kinds of opportunities I pursue—specifically seeking out roles where the mission and values are core to the work, not just lip service. On a more practical level, being service-oriented helps bring meaning to even the most mundane or challenging tasks. Focusing on who I’m supporting shifts my mindset and helps me stay grounded in the bigger picture. 🔎 What’s your advice for job seekers trying to find a fully remote job today? Any key strategies that worked in the past but don’t work as well now?The best advice I can offer is to be intentional about the kind of remote work you’re looking for so you can work smarter, not harder, in your job search. Many candidates approach their search by applying to any remote job they find, without considering that remote can mean very different things depending on the company. For example, one company may expect employees to work set hours within a specific time zone, while another may offer full flexibility with an asynchronous work culture. Both are technically remote, but the day-to-day experience will be vastly different. A key strategy is to research a company’s remote work culture before applying. Look for details in the job description, company website, or employee reviews that indicate how work is structured—things like core working hours, communication norms, and expectations around availability. This will help you target roles that truly align with your ideal way of working, making your applications stronger and increasing your chances of success. 🌍 Why This ResonatedAndrew’s responses are a great reminder that remote work isn’t just about location: it’s about how and why we work. His clarity around values, mission, and culture is something I think many job seekers— and companies — can learn from. You can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn. This conversation originally appeared in the Remotive Slack community. To join us and get future Q&As early, check out Remotive Accelerator and become part of our growing community of remote job seekers, builders, and believers. View the full article

Japan’s massive holdings of U.S. Treasurys can be “a card on the table” in negotiations over tariffs with the The President administration, Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said Friday. “It does exist as a card, but I think whether we choose to use it or not would be a separate decision,” Kato said during a news show on national broadcaster TV Tokyo. Kato did not elaborate and he did not say Japan would step up sales of its holdings of U.S. government bonds as part of its talks over President Donald The President’s tariffs on exports from Japan. Earlier, Japanese officials including Kato had ruled out such an option. Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. government debt, at $1.13 trillion as of late February. China, also at odds with the The President administration over trade and tariffs, is the second largest foreign investor in Treasurys. Kato stressed that various factors would be on the negotiating table with The President, implying that a promise not to sell Treasurys could help coax Washington into an agreement favorable for Japan. The President has disrupted decades of American trade policies, including with key security allies like Japan, by imposing big import taxes, or tariffs, on a wide range of products. A team of Japanese officials was in Washington this week for talks on the tariffs. The U.S. is due to soon begin imposing a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, as well as an overall 10% baseline tariff. The bigger tariffs will hurt at a time when Japanese economic growth is weakening. Asian holdings of Treasurys have remained relatively steady in recent years, according to the most recent figures. But some analysts worry China or other governments could liquidate their U.S. Treasury holdings as trade tensions escalate. U.S. government bonds are traditionally viewed as a safe financial asset, and recent spikes in yields of those bonds have raised worries that they might be losing that status due to The President’s tariff policies. —Yuri Kageyama, AP business writer View the full article