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Microsoft found 31 companies hiding prompt injections inside "Summarize with AI" buttons aimed at biasing what AI assistants recommend in future conversations. The post Microsoft: ‘Summarize With AI’ Buttons Used To Poison AI Recommendations appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

A federal judge has ruled that Tesla is still required to pay $243 million over a 2019 crash involving a Tesla equipped with Autopilot, despite the company’s efforts to overturn the verdict. In August 2025, a jury found Tesla liable for the death of Naibel Benavides Leon, a 22-year-old woman who was killed when George McGee, who was driving a Tesla Model S, drove through an intersection while he bent to look for his dropped phone. The crash occurred in Key Largo, Florida, in 2019. McGee’s vehicle, which was equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot technology, crashed into an SUV that was parked on the shoulder, killing Leon and injuring Dillon Angulo. “I trusted the technology too much,” McGee said in 2025. “I believed that if the car saw something in front of it, it would provide a warning and apply the brakes.” That jury assigned Tesla 33% of the fault for the collision, and awarded $200 million in punitive damages, and $43 million in compensatory damages. A courtroom first The 2025 verdict was a first from a federal jury over a fatal Autopilot accident, though there have been multiple incidents of Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode that were involved in vehicle collisions. Soon after that case, Tesla challenged the verdict, filing a motion asking the court to throw it out, or grant a new trial. The company argued that the Model S was not defective, and that there wasn’t evidence that the company failed to provide warnings or instructions concerning Autopilot. This week, however, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom in Miami disagreed with Tesla’s arguments. Bloom ruled that the evidence from the 2025 trial “more than supported” the verdict, and that the company did not present any additional arguments. That means Tesla is on the hook for the $243 million in damages. “The grounds for relief that Tesla relies upon are virtually the same as those Tesla put forth previously during the course of trial and in their briefings on summary judgment-arguments that were already considered and rejected,” the decision said, according to MarketWatch. Fast Company reached out to Tesla for comment. Prior to the 2025 trial, Tesla had rejected a $60 million settlement offer for the case. Tesla has “indicated” that it will appeal the ruling, Electrek reports, but even if that appeal is successful, the judgement is still likely to be more than that settlement offer. View the full article

Battle lines begin to form over who will recover more than $130bn in levies assessed on imports View the full article

You’re stuck in traffic again, late for work, watching brake lights stretch to the horizon. According to the most recent data in the U.S. (2024), here are some of the ways traffic jams are lowering the quality of life: Americans lost an average of an entire work week sitting in traffic. Commuter costs have surged 16% over the past five years to reach $269 billion annually. Congestion time for commuters has gone up 10% since 2019 and it’s 19% for trucks delivering all the products we buy. Stress increases of 80%, and aggressiveness increases of 52%. Long stretches in traffic lead to back pain, leg pain, and headaches. There’s no one solution to dealing with crowds of people all trying to move in the same direction at the same time, but there is one opportunity staring us all in the face that hardly any commuter seems to notice—public transit. The power of public transit If you’re like most drivers, public transit is for other people. But here’s the thing: investing in better buses and trains could make your commute faster and less stressful, without you ever setting foot on one. Maybe transit is for other people to ride, but it can help improve your car trips. A surprisingly small drop in cars on the road—just 5-10%—can dramatically ease congestion, and public transit is one of the most effective ways to get that drop. Congestion doesn’t increase linearly as the number of vehicles goes up. Streets handle car traffic just fine, until you cross a certain capacity threshold when everything quickly collapses. A transportation planning model developed in the 1960s quantifies this phenomenon. On a typical urban road running at 90% capacity: Baseline: About 10% delay over free-flow conditions 5% fewer cars (85% capacity): Delay drops by roughly 18% 10% fewer cars (81% capacity): Delay plummets by 35% We’ve all experienced the exponential improvements in travel time from modest reductions in vehicle volume. If transit gives some commuters a viable alternative, your commute could save minutes each day without building a single new lane. Transit helps people who don’t use transit A transportation system that offers reliable and convenient public transit isn’t forcing you out of your car. There’s only so much space on the roads, and one bus can hold 40 or 50 people, replacing that many cars. One train can replace hundreds of cars. Transit already saves Americans 865 million hours in traffic delays annually. In dense urban areas, the potential is even greater. Case study: New York New York City’s decongestion zone offers a real-world example. By charging people who choose to drive into Manhattan’s core, the city reduced traffic volumes and delivered major wins: pollution fell, streets flowed better, and spillover congestion to outer areas decreased. And the people who drive themselves benefit from less crowded roads. You might be thinking “I will never use public transit, so why should I fund something I won’t use?” Whether or not you use public transit, think of it as an investment that delivers: Better travel times because fewer people are driving at the same time. Fewer crashes because fewer people are driving at the same time. Less stress on you because fewer people are driving at the same time. Transportation systems work better when people have real choices. You might always opt for driving yourself, and that’s fine. But when others have practical alternatives like buses, trains, and subways, your drive is improved. Remember, if just 5-10% of people aren’t driving themselves, your experience on the roads can be dramatically improved. The best thing for drivers might be investing in something they’ll never personally use, and it might be the fastest way to improve quality of life. 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. Gamers and multi-taskers shouldn’t sleep on the 27-inch LG 27UP650K-W Ultrafine 4K monitor—like most options from LG, it’s a versatile and visually striking display with appeal for multimedia, gaming, and office usage. Right now, it’s cheaper than it's ever been at 30% off, bringing its price down from $279.99 to $196.99. LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch Ultrafine 4K Monitor $196.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $83.00 Get Deal Get Deal $196.99 at Amazon $279.99 Save $83.00 The monitor offers top-tier 4K clarity for a sub-$200 price tag, with Native 3840×2160 resolution on a 27-inch IPS panel. Its strong color accuracy with HDR400 makes it equally suitable for creative or media consumption. Additionally, it has wide viewing angles and reliable brightness (around 400 nits, which isn’t cinema-quality, but still impressive for a budget 4K monitor), which improves daytime visibility but is modest compared to pricier monitors. Users can adjust the monitor's pivot, tilt, and height, while HDMI and DisplayPort make it a good choice for most desk setups. Given its 60Hz refresh rate, it’s better for work, watching movies, and casual gaming; competitive gamers might find it limiting. It also lacks USB-C connectivity, which is a con for those who use laptops like a MacBook. While it can’t offer the same as luxury displays, if you’re looking for a monitor that gets it all done, whether that’s light gaming, office work, media consumption, or content creation, the 27-inch LG 27UP650K-W Ultrafine 4K monitor is a strong budget 4K productivity and casual gaming monitor, particularly at less than $200 with its current discount. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.99 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Grasping team building is essential for cultivating effective collaboration among group members. It involves enhancing interpersonal relationships, which leads to better communication and productivity. By participating in structured activities, team members can uncover hidden talents and align around common goals. This process nurtures trust and accountability, eventually creating a positive workplace culture. Nonetheless, there are challenges to navigate, and recognizing key elements can greatly impact your team’s success. Let’s explore these aspects further. Key Takeaways Team building strengthens relationships within a group, enhancing collaboration toward shared goals and improving overall productivity. Engaging in team building activities fosters trust and communication, leading to a positive workplace culture and increased employee engagement. Clear goals and role clarification during team building efforts minimize misunderstandings and boost team cohesion. Regular team building can reveal hidden talents among members, enhancing workforce capability and contributing to organizational success. Effective team building involves structured activities that promote collaboration, reduce stress, and support mental well-being among employees. Defining Team Building Team building is a crucial process that focuses on strengthening relationships within a group to improve collaboration toward shared goals. Comprehending team building meaning involves recognizing it as a structured approach aimed at improving interpersonal dynamics and nurturing a cohesive work environment. The benefits of team building are significant; it leads to increased productivity, better communication, and a positive workplace culture. By clarifying roles and setting specific objectives, you create a strong foundation that promotes mutual respect among team members. Engaging in various team-building activities, whether indoors or outdoors, can help identify hidden talents and improve overall workforce capability for future projects. In the end, the importance of the team lies in its ability to unite individuals toward common goals, ensuring that everyone works effectively together. This collaborative spirit not only boosts job satisfaction but additionally drives the organization toward success. Importance of Team Building Though the benefits of team building might seem obvious, grasping its significance in a workplace context is fundamental for cultivating a productive environment. Team development is critical as it directly impacts employee engagement and productivity. Engaged teams, which leverage their strengths through team-building activities, can see efficiency boosts of up to 50%. In addition, team building nurtures trust and strengthens collaboration among colleagues, creating a thriving company culture where everyone feels connected and valued. This alignment is significant, as improved communication across departments breaks down silos, promoting a unified approach to achieving goals. Regular team-building activities can lead to a 17% increase in job satisfaction, contributing to higher retention rates and lower absenteeism. Recognizing why team development is important helps you realize that its benefits extend beyond individual performance, ultimately enhancing the overall success of the organization. Core Elements of Effective Team Building In effective team building, clear and specific goals are vital as they give everyone a measurable direction. Furthermore, role clarification plays a significant role in enhancing productivity by ensuring each member understands their responsibilities. Ultimately, nurturing mutual respect among team members builds a strong foundation for accountability and collaboration, fundamental for achieving team success. Clear and Specific Goals Clear and specific goals serve as a foundation for effective team building, ensuring that every member understands the collective objectives. When you define these goals, you create measurable direction for the team’s performance, allowing everyone to grasp what they’re working for. This clarity not merely boosts productivity but additionally reduces misunderstandings among team members. As each individual recognizes how their contributions align with the overall mission, collaboration improves markedly. Setting specific goals promotes accountability, encouraging you to take ownership of your tasks and commitments. Regularly evaluating progress in relation to these goals highlights successes and identifies challenges, enabling your team to adapt as needed and stay aligned with its objectives. This structured approach is crucial for achieving lasting results. Role Clarification Importance Achieving clear and specific goals lays the groundwork for effective team collaboration, but grasp of individual roles within that framework is equally important. Role clarification boosts productivity by ensuring every team member comprehends their specific responsibilities, leading to fewer misunderstandings and increased efficiency. Studies indicate that organizations with well-defined roles see a 25% improvement in team performance, underlining the need for clarity. This insight likewise helps identify individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing teams to leverage diverse skills effectively. Establishing clear roles not only streamlines workflow but empowers team members to take ownership of their tasks, enhancing engagement and job satisfaction by up to 17%. Mutual Respect Foundation Mutual respect serves as a fundamental cornerstone of effective team building, markedly influencing how team members interact and collaborate. When you establish mutual respect, you create a safe environment where everyone feels valued, which improves open communication. This respect promotes accountability and collaboration, leading to stronger dynamics and enhanced team performance. Furthermore, teams grounded in mutual respect experience higher trust levels, reducing conflicts and misunderstandings. Core Elements Benefits Actions to Promote Accountability Stronger Dynamics Recognize Contributions Open Communication Improved Performance Encourage Inclusivity Trust Higher Morale Appreciate Unique Talents Encouraging mutual respect eventually contributes to a positive workplace culture, increasing job satisfaction and retention rates. Types of Team Building Activities In terms of team building activities, you can choose from three main types: indoor, outdoor, and creative. Indoor activities often focus on icebreakers and problem-solving games that improve communication, whereas outdoor challenges promote physical fitness and teamwork under pressure. Creative exercises encourage innovative thinking, allowing team members to brainstorm freely and share diverse perspectives, which can lead to increased collaboration and productivity. Indoor Team Building Activities Indoor team building activities offer a variety of ways to improve collaboration and communication within teams. These exercises include icebreakers, collaborative tasks, and problem-solving challenges, all crafted to improve team relationships in a controlled environment. Engaging in these activities can lead to a 17% increase in job satisfaction by nurturing connections among team members and breaking down communication barriers. Regular participation boosts employee morale and productivity, creating a positive work atmosphere. Icebreaker activities, such as “Two Truths and a Lie,” effectively introduce team members and build trust, particularly among new or remote teams. Furthermore, creative activities, like brainstorming sessions or collaborative art projects, stimulate innovation and allow members to express diverse perspectives in an enjoyable setting. Outdoor Team Challenges Outdoor team challenges serve as a dynamic avenue for enhancing collaboration and teamwork among employees. Activities like obstacle courses and scavenger hunts promote physical engagement while encouraging effective communication and strategic planning. You’ll likely see a 20% increase in team cohesion as members bond through shared experiences. Consider the following benefits of outdoor team challenges: Boosts productivity by up to 15% through invigorating breaks from the usual work environment. Enhances trust and rapport among team members, nurturing a positive workplace culture. Encourages problem-solving skills as teams work together to navigate challenges. Promotes physical health during participating in engaging activities. Strengthens collaboration through the necessity of teamwork to succeed. These experiences contribute to effective collaboration and a stronger team dynamic. Creative Team Exercises Creative team exercises play a crucial role in cultivating collaboration and innovation within a team. These activities, such as brainstorming sessions, art-based projects, role-playing games, and design challenges, encourage members to generate diverse ideas and solutions together. By nurturing out-of-the-box thinking, you create a safe environment where team members can explore their creativity. Participating in these exercises improves problem-solving skills, as they prompt you to approach challenges from various perspectives. In addition, engaging in creative activities boosts employee morale and job satisfaction, contributing to a positive work atmosphere. Regular involvement can likewise reveal hidden talents within your team, offering valuable insights for future projects and enhancing overall organizational capability. Emphasizing creativity can greatly strengthen your team’s cohesion and effectiveness. Indoor Team Building Activities When teams engage in structured activities within a controlled environment, they often find opportunities to strengthen communication and collaboration. Indoor team building activities, like icebreakers and problem-solving tasks, improve relationships among team members. Regular participation can greatly boost employee morale, leading to a 17% increase in overall job satisfaction. Engaging in these activities promotes creativity and innovation, as diverse perspectives come together to tackle challenges. They improve team cohesion, in the end nurturing stronger collaboration and increased productivity. Here are some benefits of incorporating indoor team building into your company culture: Strengthens communication skills Improves relationship-building among team members Identifies hidden talents for better task delegation Encourages creativity and innovative thinking Boosts overall job satisfaction and morale Outdoor Team Building Activities Outdoor team building activities offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve your team’s dynamics. Engaging in popular challenges like obstacle courses or scavenger hunts not just encourages collaboration but additionally boosts morale by providing a revitalizing break from the usual office setting. When planning effective outdoor events, consider how these activities can improve communication and trust among team members, ultimately resulting in greater productivity and creativity back at work. Benefits of Outdoor Activities Engaging in outdoor team building activities offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve collaboration among team members. These activities not only promote teamwork but additionally improve communication skills, resulting in better interactions at work. You’ll likely notice a boost in employee morale, with studies showing a 17% increase in job satisfaction post-events. Moreover, outdoor settings help identify individual strengths, cultivating trust and deeper connections. You’ll likewise experience creative problem-solving under pressure, which improves innovation within the team. Regular participation contributes to a healthier workplace culture by reducing stress and nurturing a sense of belonging. Boosts teamwork and communication Increases job satisfaction Cultivates trust and connections Improves problem-solving skills Enhances workplace culture Popular Outdoor Challenges Participating in popular outdoor challenges can greatly improve team dynamics and collaboration. Activities like ropes courses and obstacle challenges engage participants physically while nurturing crucial teamwork and communication skills. Hiking and scavenger hunts encourage problem-solving, as teams work together to navigate obstacles and achieve common goals. Research indicates that these outdoor challenges can boost team cohesion and trust, resulting in a 25% increase in overall performance. Incorporating competition into these activities can further elevate motivation, with teams experiencing a 15% rise in morale afterward. Furthermore, outdoor team building not just strengthens relationships but contributes to employee well-being, as participants report a 20% decrease in stress levels following these engaging experiences. Planning Effective Outdoor Events When planning effective outdoor team building events, it’s vital to take into account several key factors that can greatly affect the success of these activities. Here are some important considerations: Select suitable activities that promote physical challenges, like obstacle courses or scavenger hunts. Encourage creativity by choosing nature-based activities that nurture innovative thinking. Focus on team dynamics to improve collaboration and trust through shared experiences. Evaluate employee preferences to guarantee engagement and participation. Integrate events into company culture to boost morale and elevate retention rates. Creative Team Building Activities Creative team building activities play a crucial role in improving collaboration and innovation within a group. Activities like collaborative art projects or innovation workshops encourage you to think outside the box, nurturing creativity and open-mindedness. Engaging in brainstorming and idea-sharing can lead to a 50% increase in productivity, as diverse perspectives contribute to richer discussions and innovative solutions. Incorporating playful elements, such as improv games or escape room challenges, strengthens team cohesion and improves problem-solving skills, with teams often reporting enhanced collaboration and trust afterward. Teamwork activities, like building structures with limited materials, can reveal hidden talents and strengths, allowing for better alignment in future projects. Benefits of Regular Team Building Events Regular team building events offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve workplace dynamics. By participating in these activities, you can boost employee morale by up to 17%, leading to improved job satisfaction and a positive atmosphere. These events promote collaboration and open communication, which are vital for achieving your organization’s goals. Consider these benefits: Reveals hidden talents among team members, improving overall workforce capability. Reduces stress and promotes employee well-being, supporting mental health. Breaks down silos between departments, encouraging cross-functional collaboration. Contributes to a thriving company culture, resulting in better retention rates. Makes employees feel more connected and valued within their teams. Engaging in regular team building not just strengthens relationships but also creates a supportive environment that encourages growth and productivity. Implementing Team Building in Your Organization Implementing team building in your organization requires a strategic approach to guarantee that activities are effective and aligned with your goals. Start by scheduling kickoff meetings to communicate objectives and set expectations for team members. Create a calendar that outlines a series of regular team building activities, integrating them into your company culture for sustained engagement. Customize activities to align with specific organizational goals, enhancing their relevance and impact. Collect feedback regularly to refine and improve the programs. Here’s a simple table to help you organize your approach: Step Action Kickoff Meeting Set clear objectives Activity Calendar Schedule regular events Customized Activities Align with organizational goals Feedback Collection Improve based on employee input Effectiveness Assessment Track engagement and outcomes Leveraging Technology for Team Building In today’s digital age, leveraging technology for team building can greatly improve communication and interaction among team members, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. By using various tools, you can nurture a sense of connection and collaboration among your team. Consider these effective strategies: Virtual platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for immersive activities, such as escape rooms or trivia games. Project management tools like Asana or Trello to streamline workflows and provide real-time updates. Digital collaboration tools such as Slack or Google Workspace that encourage open dialogue and sharing of ideas. Feedback loops through digital channels to allow for regular insights and constructive criticism. Engagement activities that utilize technology to strengthen teamwork, irrespective of physical location. Overcoming Challenges in Team Building In terms of overcoming challenges in team building, implementing trust-building strategies and conflict resolution techniques is crucial. You’ll find that cultivating trust among team members not just improves collaboration but additionally boosts overall productivity. Trust-Building Strategies Trust-building strategies play a crucial role in overcoming challenges within team dynamics, as they create a foundation for accountability and collaboration among members. By implementing these strategies, you can greatly improve team performance and morale. Engage in regular team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships. Establish clear roles and expectations to prevent misunderstandings. Cultivate open communication by encouraging feedback and active listening. Recognize and celebrate individual contributions to promote a sense of value. Create a safe environment for sharing ideas and expressing concerns. These approaches won’t just reduce trust issues but will also encourage mutual respect, eventually leading to a more effective and productive team. Conflict Resolution Techniques Effective conflict resolution techniques are vital for maintaining a harmonious and productive team environment. Promoting open communication and active listening helps reduce misunderstandings and encourages constructive feedback. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities prevents ambiguity, which can lead to friction. Regular check-ins and feedback loops allow you to address issues early, preventing escalation into larger conflicts. Utilizing structured strategies like mediation and negotiation enables teams to navigate disagreements productively as they preserve positive relationships. Furthermore, building trust within the team is necessary; it encourages members to voice concerns and collaborate on solutions without fear of negative repercussions. Establishing Leadership and Trust Establishing leadership and trust within a team is essential for creating a collaborative environment where open communication thrives. When leaders cultivate an atmosphere based on trust and loyalty, it markedly improves team dynamics. Here are some key aspects to take into account: Value each employee’s ideas, encouraging contributions regardless of perceived quality. Stay attuned to unspoken feelings among team members to mediate disputes effectively. Communicate directives clearly to minimize misunderstandings and align team efforts. Act as a harmonizing influence, boosting trust and cohesion among members. Support a culture that empowers individuals, making them feel respected and valued. Fostering Team Dynamics Building on the foundation of leadership and trust, nurturing team dynamics is key to improving collaboration within a group. Cultivating trust and cooperation among team members can greatly boost creativity and collaboration. Open communication allows everyone to share ideas and resolve conflicts, leading to a more cohesive environment. Regularly monitoring interactions and providing constructive feedback can pinpoint areas needing improvement, eventually strengthening dynamics. Engaging your team in discussions about roles and responsibilities promotes clarity and accountability. Establishing ground rules collaboratively guarantees all members understand expectations and contribute to a respectful culture. Here’s a quick overview of critical elements for promoting team dynamics: Element Importance Action Steps Trust Improves collaboration Encourage openness Open Communication Resolves conflicts effectively Hold regular check-ins Role Clarity Increases accountability Define roles together Ground Rules Establishes expectations Collaborate on rules Setting Goals and Values When teams align around clear goals and values, they create a unified direction that can greatly boost performance. By engaging everyone in the goal-setting process, you cultivate ownership and accountability, which improves collaboration. Here are key benefits of setting goals and values: Increased Performance: Teams can improve performance by up to 25% when aligned on objectives. Higher Job Satisfaction: Regular discussions about goals can lead to a 17% boost in job satisfaction, making employees feel valued. Clear Responsibilities: Defining roles minimizes confusion and potential conflicts, improving productivity. Improved Creativity: Utilizing consensus-building methods encourages open dialogue, leading to innovative solutions. Stronger Team Dynamics: Engaging everyone in the process builds cohesiveness and strengthens the team’s overall dynamics. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Collaboration in Team Building? Collaboration in team building refers to the process where team members actively work together, sharing ideas and responsibilities to achieve common goals. Unlike traditional teamwork, collaboration promotes fluid roles, enabling creative problem-solving and adaptability. It encourages leveraging each individual’s strengths, nurturing an environment of psychological safety that allows for open idea exchange. Effective collaboration improves communication, boosts innovation, and fundamentally enhances team performance, resulting in higher employee engagement and retention rates. What Are the 5 C’s of Collaboration? The 5 C’s of collaboration are crucial for effective teamwork. First, Communication nurtures clear dialogue. Second, Cooperation encourages working together toward common goals, improving team unity. Third, Coordination aligns tasks, clarifying roles and boosting productivity. Fourth, Conflict Resolution addresses disagreements constructively, preventing issues from escalating. Finally, Convergence brings diverse perspectives together, promoting innovative solutions. What Do You Understand by Team Building? Team building involves structured activities aimed at improving group dynamics and enhancing collaboration. It helps clarify roles, nurtures trust, and develops crucial skills, leading to better communication among team members. Engaging in these activities can boost employee engagement and overall job satisfaction. By recognizing each other’s strengths, you create a positive workplace culture that supports innovation and retention of talent, ultimately propelling organizational success through improved performance and teamwork. What Is Your Understanding of Teamwork and Collaboration? You understand teamwork as a structured approach where roles are defined, and tasks are completed efficiently. Conversely, collaboration nurtures an environment where ideas are shared, and everyone contributes to problem-solving. Whereas teamwork relies on hierarchy, collaboration encourages fluid interactions that can lead to innovation. Conclusion In summary, comprehending team building is vital for effective collaboration within any group. By cultivating interpersonal relationships and promoting trust, team members can improve communication and productivity. Engaging in various activities helps identify individual strengths and align goals, contributing to a cohesive workplace culture. As you implement team-building strategies, focus on leadership, clear values, and a supportive environment. In the end, these efforts lead to improved morale and organizational success, making team building a fundamental component of any successful team. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Understanding Team Building Meaning for Effective Collaboration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When word started circling that AMC Theaters was screening an AI-generated short film, the internet’s cinephiles took it personally. On Wednesday, some social media users reported that the short was playing in the pre-show before trailers at select AMC locations. A little digging revealed the source: Earlier this week, the short, titled Thanksgiving Day, was announced as the winner of the inaugural Frame Forward Animated AI Film Festival. The prize package included a nationwide theatrical release, which apparently entailed making its way to AMC’s screens. Movie lovers across social media were immediately up in arms. Some called for boycotts. Some found it insulting that if pre-show screen time were being given to short films, AMC would feature AI-generated content rather than human-made movies. Almost all seemed to agree that the move was, as one disgruntled user put it, “hot garbage.” Don't go to AMC theatres. Boycott all slop. https://t.co/x4HrMttzGB — Ewan Morrison (@MrEwanMorrison) February 18, 2026 Imagine if they were screening traditionally made short films … https://t.co/cvCTtKlYMF — Scott Jeschke (@ScottJeschke) February 18, 2026 hey @AMCTheatres this is hot garbage 🫶 https://t.co/aL1b05Xw46 — Miss Gender (@girldrawsghosts) February 18, 2026 Less than 24 hours later, AMC issued a statement to set things straight. Showing Thanksgiving Day wasn’t AMC’s idea, but an initiative from Screenvision Media, a cinema advertising company that co-organized the Frame Forward festival. According to AMC, Screenvision’s pre-show advertising packages run “in fewer than 30 percent of AMC’s U.S. locations.” “AMC was not involved in the creation of the content or the initiative and has informed Screenvision that AMC locations will not participate,” the statement, which was given to the Hollywood Reporter, concluded. Social media users celebrated the news that AMC would no longer screen the short. Yes, it’s a victory in itself for anti-AI advocates. But perhaps more importantly, it suggests that brands take notice when consumers speak out against AI integration. According to film critic Jacob Harper, claims about AI’s inevitably don’t hold water. “Stand firm against AI in film! Make them listen and they WILL listen! Never underestimate the power of your voice!” Harper wrote in his post on X. “Very proud of AMC for this!” “AI is inevitable. Adapt or be left behind” NOPE. Stand firm against AI in film! Make them listen and they WILL listen! Never underestimate the power of your voice! Very proud of AMC for this! https://t.co/N8ExrXiKij — Jacob Harper (@JacobAtTheMovie) February 19, 2026 Good 🥰 Keep being loud about how much you dislike AI. It works! https://t.co/7oLsZqwOjZ — Is this a 3D model? (@IsThisA3DModel) February 19, 2026 A wonderful example of You slop, you flop. https://t.co/WScuO9FEY6 — Ewan Morrison (@MrEwanMorrison) February 20, 2026 KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT AI!!! https://t.co/xBodh0vSEc — Drew (@HeyImReallyDrew) February 19, 2026 AMC wasn’t the only theater showing the short, and it’s not the only theater to axe it. Social media users also reported seeing Thanksgiving Day ahead of films at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, prompting similar outrage from moviegoers. PUT SOME LOONEY TUNES ON INSTEAD OR SOMETHING WTF https://t.co/qfsjuEqsN8 — Zac (@ZacStrikesAgain) February 18, 2026 But a representative for the theater tells Fast Company that the short has “been removed,” following AMC’s example. Though Thanksgiving Day may no longer be part of the AMC experience, organizers of the Frame First festival, including AI film company Modern Uprising Studios, aren’t giving up on the short. In a statement issued by the festival, president and studio head of MUS Joel Roodman said that the theatrical run was only the beginning of plans for the AI-generated film, which include adapting Thanksgiving Day for a new immersive theatrical venue coming to New York City. “Shared theatrical experiences are an important cultural bond,” Roodman said. “The traditional theatrical chains are vital to our cohesion as a society, and are duly cautious [about AI]. However, the media landscape is changing and evolving rapidly.” “They may be prudent, but it is important to MUS immersive that new and exciting films, filmmakers, cinematic language, and spaces for these shared experiences continue to develop,” Roodman added. “We will bring new content, and important existing content, to our developing venue network of venues, starting in New York. We will not see the theatrical window wither on our watch.” View the full article

We have a complicated relationship with creativity. Intuitively, we understand its value—the ability to produce new ideas and novel innovation. Instinctively, we know that it presents opportunities for marketplace advancements. When we think of some of the most revered organizations in modern times, like the Apple’s and Disney’s of the world, we point to their creative contributions and their impact. However, although most companies revere organizations with a creative culture, there is a deep-seated misnomer that some companies are inherently creative and others just aren’t, as if creativity is a rare gene or a divine gift that is bestowed on some and coveted by others. But perhaps the mystical nature of creativity isn’t that mysterious after all? What if a culture of creativity was more obtainable than you think? Something you can build, not just be born with? As unbelievable as that may seem, Alejandro Chavetta, the Executive Creative Director at Adobe, has made a career of doing that very thing; so, we invited him onto the From The Culture podcast to discuss what it means to facilitate a culture of creativity. What is creativity? To start, we need to lay some groundwork. If organizational culture is the operating system by which individuals co-labor, or collaborate, then fortifying a culture of creativity requires instituting an operating system that facilitates creativity. Simple enough, right? But what is creativity? There are a host of scholarly definitions but far too many are too abstract to apply or too esoteric to operationalize. Therefore, we must first establish a working understanding of what creativity actually is if we are to integrate it into our operating system. Dan Wieden, the renewed advertiser who cofounded the most celebrated advertising agency on the planet, Wieden+Kennedy, and came up with such legendary campaigns as “Just Do It” for Nike, once described creativity as subversion. That is to say that creativity is the act of bending, contorting, or refashioning what is into something that could be. This framing of creativity makes what has long been considered something reserved for the few something far more democratized for the many—for all of us. We may not all be able to conceive of brilliant taglines like Dan Wieden, per se, but we can all certainly subvert. In fact, we all do it, every day, unknowingly. Subversion is merely the act of looking at something in a different way, usurping the orthodox frames by which we see a problem or situation. We all have the ability to subvert because we all bring new perspectives to the table in our organizations. We all see the world differently, and the heterogeneity of our diverse perspectives create a plethora of potential subversions that could lead to innovative solutions, new products, or new ways of work. The challenge isn’t our ability to subvert, it’s that our organizations don’t recognize this ability in its employees. Chavetta argues that the key to facilitating a culture of creativity is to realize that everyone in the organization can be creative—because everyone can subvert. Not just the creative directors. Not just the marketing team. But everyone. The guy in finance, Chavetta illustrates as an example, might see something that the copywriter does not, or might bring a point of view that may have otherwise been missed by the “creative team” which subverts the pre-existing way by which everyone else saw the situation. This new framing might reveal blind spots or unearth unrealized opportunities for the organization that lead to new outcomes—a boon to any organization’s business, regardless of the industry. And if that be the case, then it’s the job of the organization’s leadership to facilitate an environment that invites everyone to realize this super power that lies within us and inspire them to share it freely. Ideas come from anywhere In the advertising industry, where I’ve spent the lion’s share of my career, there is a ubiquitous refrain: ideas can come from anywhere—from the CEO to the janitor. Although these words are repeated in the halls and pitch decks of just about every creative agency on the planet, rarely are they ever truly practiced. Instead, there is a walled-off garden where creativity dwells. In advertising, we call it the “creative department.” It might go by another name somewhere else. Whatever the nomenclature, the designation of “creativity” is relegated to a specific group of people which insinuates that creativity is only capable of and expected from a few. But what if we thought of creativity as something we all harness within us and creation as something achieved through craft? This small, but powerful, shift in thinking could not only welcome new perspectives that lead to new outcomes but also institutionalize an operating system inside the organization where everyone feels licensed to contribute—thus, facilitating a culture of creativity. Check our full conversation with Alejandro Chavetta as we discuss creative work and organizations on the latest episode of FROM THE CULTURE podcast. View the full article

At one point in my life, I managed a team of seven. My days consisted of 1:1 calls, performance reviews, and running interference between the team, other departments, and customers. I thought that’s what I wanted: the perceived power and responsibility of being a manager. But in reality, it was very stressful. Today, I have been a solopreneur for three years. The assumption is that solo businesses are a starting point. You launch alone, build momentum, hire employees, and scale. That’s the entrepreneur’s playbook, right? But over 80% of small businesses in the U.S. have no employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. For many of us, that’s not a limitation. Staying solo is a deliberate strategy that prioritizes control and flexibility over growth for growth’s sake. Small is a strategy, not a stepping stone The “grow or die” mentality makes sense for companies that have dreams of becoming large, enterprise organizations. And some small businesses may have that dream. The cultural assumption is that a solo business is Phase One: something to outgrow. But many solopreneurs are choosing to stay small permanently. Hiring employees fundamentally changes what you do every day. You stop being a practitioner and become a manager. Some people want that transition. Many don’t — and recognizing that isn’t a failure of ambition. It’s simply prioritizing a different way of working. Revenue isn’t profit A report by Gusto found that 77% of solopreneurs are profitable in their first year, compared to just 54% of businesses with employees. And 93% of solopreneurs expect to be profitable in 2025, versus 80% of employer businesses. A company earning a million dollars per year sounds impressive until you subtract salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, equipment, and the overhead required to keep it all running. The owner of that business may take home less than a solopreneur earning a third of that revenue with almost no overhead. When you stay solo, you can increase your effective rate by being selective. You might take on fewer, better-paying clients instead of chasing volume. In the end, revenue is a vanity metric if you’re working more hours for less take-home pay. You don’t need permission to reinvent yourself Staying solo means retaining total control over your business and your life. When you have employees, every pivot requires buy-in, transition planning, and often difficult conversations. You can’t just decide to raise your rates, shift your niche, or take a three-month sabbatical. In the several years I’ve worked for myself, I’ve gone through several iterations of “Who am I? What do I do? What clients should I serve?” I can change my entire service offering without consulting anyone. I can walk away from a client who isn’t working out without worrying about how it affects someone else’s paycheck. That flexibility is especially valuable in an uncertain economy because I can respond to market changes in days, not months. The question solopreneurs should ask themselves isn’t necessarily, “How can I grow and scale?” It’s “What kind of business do I actually want to run?” View the full article

The venerable business case study method got its start in 1921 at the Harvard Business School. The method became standard at the school throughout the 1920’s and since then Harvard has a near-monopoly grip on the business, selling its cases to over 4,000 rival schools. Cases can be useful and informative, but recognize that they aren’t reality. The companies featured typically require that the case writer submit the case to them for approval. That introduces survivor bias—whoever is still around at the time of publication gets to dictate how the narrative is told. Another issue is that the companies selected and held up as exemplars are subject to the halo effect. This is the tendency to believe that because a company was successful, copying its practices will create success elsewhere. Unfortunately, the iron law of transient advantage is hard to escape. The 1995 Dell case doesn’t hold up so well. A 2002 case about Nokia centered on how the successful phone company was going to deal with the €8 billion in cash piling up in its accounts. And don’t even get me started on the 618 (!) cases that feature the General Electric Corporation. Which brings me to the decades of adulation long accorded to Southwest Airlines. The Shortest Distance to Just Another Airline Southwest Airlines ran a Super Bowl ad this year. In it, passengers scramble through a jungle, climbing over each other in a chaotic race to grab seats. The tagline? “That was wild. Assigned seating is here.” The ad was intended (I think) to indulge in gentle mockery of the past. I found it jarring. Herb Kelleher, the airline’s colorful co-founder, would have been horrified, I think. I last met with him (over a Wild Turkey bourbon, of course) at the Strategic Management Society Meetings in 2004 and he was adamant—employees first, deep attention to details, and most importantly, fun! The many (348!) cases, book chapters, and textbook references to Southwest reference its tightly integrated strategy where every element reinforced every other, allowing it to be profitable in a notoriously tough business. Kelleher’s insight was that there was a particular kind of flyer whose other option was driving, so short flights that replaced a 4-5 hour drive were attractive. That meant you didn’t have to offer meals. One aircraft type (Boeing 737s) meant simplified maintenance, training, and scheduling. Open seating enabled 20-minute turnarounds instead of competitors’ 35 minutes. That extra utilization squeezed more flights from every plane. Bags fly free meant fewer delays at check-in and faster boarding. Employees came first and everybody pitched in. Pilots helped clean cabins, gate agents jumped in wherever needed. And even with all that, the company’s culture of having fun at work made the operational discipline feel human rather than mechanical. One of my favorite examples is a flight attendant rapping the entire safety briefing to the tune of “Ice, Ice, Baby.” Or this one, safety with a sprinkling of humor. The takeaway The big teaching point from the Southwest cases is that competitive advantage isn’t about any single policy. It’s about the fit between policies. Remove one piece and the whole system weakens. Southwest has now removed all of them. Assigned seating went into effect January 27th. “Bags fly free” ended in May 2025. The company is adding premium extra-legroom sections and tiered fare bundles. They’ve announced redeye flights and partnerships with Icelandair. They’ve conducted the first layoffs in their 53-year history. At least they are honest—their COO explained the bag fee reversal with refreshing candor: “We need more revenue to cover our costs.” Activist investors at Elliott Management got what they wanted. But what exactly has Southwest become? As one former loyalist put it: “There’s simply no reason to fly Southwest anymore.” Southwest’s leadership cited research showing “8 out of 10 customers prefer assigned seating.” They also acknowledged that after fare and schedule, bags fly free was cited as the #1 reason customers choose Southwest. The problem is that when you remove that differentiator, you’re now competing on fare and schedule against Delta, United, and American, carriers with better route networks, international reach, premium cabins, and decades more experience operating their models. Like all the other airlines, we are likely to now see pitched battles for overhead space, another blow to a business model built on fast airport turnarounds. The Super Bowl ad could be a case study in strategic confusion. Southwest is making fun of customers who were passionately loyal to what made Southwest different, while asking those same customers to believe the company’s “legendary hospitality” somehow exists independent of the operational system that enabled it. Take lessons from case studies with caution There’s a deeper lesson here. Case studies are snapshots. They capture what worked at a particular moment, under particular boundary conditions. What they don’t speak to is what to do when those conditions shift. Southwest’s open seating made sense for the short-hop flights taken by their initial core customers. When the alternative was expensive legacy carriers, those customers would have been driving were it not for Southwest. By 2024, travelers had options that didn’t exist in 1971 or 1991 or even 2011. JetBlue offered assigned seats with personality. Spirit and Frontier offered unbundled ultra-low fares. Delta went upmarket with better service. The white space Southwest once occupied got crowded. My friends Zeynep Ton and Frances Frei exchanged concerns for the culture of the airline. Frei, a professor at Harvard Business School, captured this concern: “I sure hope this isn’t a case of activist investors coming in and insisting on a set of decisions that they won’t be around to have to endure. Great organizations get built over time. It doesn’t take very long to ruin an organization.” I’m not arguing Southwest should have frozen in amber forever. Markets change. Customer preferences evolve. Even the most elegant strategy eventually needs updating. But there’s a difference between thoughtful evolution and abandoning your model. Herb Kelleher once said humility and discipline go together: “You can’t really be disciplined in what you do unless you are humble and open-minded.” He built an airline that knew exactly what it was, knew exactly who it served, and had the discipline to say no to opportunities that didn’t fit. Southwest’s new leadership knows what investors want. Whether they know what Southwest is anymore—that’s less clear. View the full article

Search has changed, and so should your audience personas. Your audience searches across Google, ChatGPT, Reddit, YouTube, and many other channels. Knowing who they are isn’t enough anymore. You need to know how they search. Search-focused audience personas fill gaps that traditional personas miss. Think insights like: Where this person actually goes for answers What triggers them to look for solutions right now Which proof points win their trust And you don’t need months of research or expensive tools to build them. An audience persona is a profile of who you’re creating for — what they need, how they search, and what makes them trust (or tune out). Done well, it aligns your team around a shared understanding of who you’re serving. In this guide, I’ll walk you through nine strategic questions that dig deep into your persona’s search behavior. I’ve also included AI prompts to speed up your analysis. They’ll help you spot patterns and synthesize findings without the manual work. By the end, you’ll have a complete audience persona to guide your content strategy. Free template: Download our audience persona template to document your insights. It includes a persona example for a fictional SaaS brand to guide you through the process. 1. Where Is Your Audience Asking Questions? Answer this question to find out: Where you need to build authority and presence Which platforms to target for every persona Which formats work well for each persona Knowing where your persona hangs out tells you which channels influence their decisions. So, you can show up in places they already trust. It also reveals how they think and what will resonate with them. For example, someone posting on Reddit wants honest advice based on lived experiences. But someone searching on TikTok wants visual content like tutorials or unboxing videos. How to Answer This Question Start with an audience intelligence tool that lets you identify your persona’s preferred platforms and communities. I’ll be using SparkToro. Note: Throughout this guide, I’ll walk you through this persona-building process using the example of Podlinko, a fictional podcasting software. You’ll see every step of the research in action, so you can replicate it for your own business. For this example, we’re building out one of Podlinko’s core personas: Marcus, a marketing professional on a one-person or small team team, so he’s scrappy and in-the-weeds. Pro tip: Start with one primary persona and build it completely before adding others. Focus on your most valuable customer segment (the one driving the highest revenue for your business). In SparkToro, enter a relevant keyword that describes your persona’s professional identity or core interests. This could be their job title, industry, or a topic they care deeply about. I went with “how to start a podcast.” Marcus would likely search for this early in his journey. The report gives a pretty solid overview of Marcus’s online behavior. For example, Google, ChatGPT, YouTube, and Facebook are his primary research channels. But it could be worth testing a few other platforms too. Compared to the average user, he’s 24.66% more likely to use X and 12.92% more likely to use TikTok. The report also tells me the specific YouTube channels where he spends time. He’s watching automation, editing, and business tutorials. He’s also active in multiple industry-related Reddit communities. Maybe he’s posting, commenting, or even just lurking to read advice. Since Marcus uses ChatGPT, I also did a quick search on this platform to see which sources the platform frequently cites. I searched for some prompts he might ask, like “Which podcast hosting platforms should I use for marketing?” If you see large language models (LLMs) repeatedly mention the same sources, they likely carry authority for the topic. And by extension, they influence your persona’s research as well. Compare these sources to the ones you identified earlier. If they match, you have validation. If they’re different, assess which ones to add to your persona document. Here’s how I filled out the persona template with Marcus’s search behavior: 2. What Exact Questions Are They Asking? Answer this question to find out: What language to mirror in your content How to structure content for AI visibility What content gaps exist in your market Your buyer persona’s language rarely matches marketing jargon. Companies might talk about “podcast production tools” and “integrated workflows.” But personas use more personal and specific language: What’s the cheapest way to record remote podcasts? How long does it take to edit a 30-minute podcast? Knowing your audience’s actual questions reveals the gap between how you describe your solution and how they experience the problem. And shows you exactly how to bridge it. How to Answer This Question Start by going to the platforms and communities you identified in Question 1. Search 3-5 topics related to your persona. Review the context around headlines, posts, and comments: How they phrase questions (exact words matter) What emotions do they express What outcomes they’re trying to achieve Pro tip: As you research, save persona comments, discussions, and reviews in full — not just snippets. You’ll analyze the same sources in Questions 3-5. But through different lenses (challenges, triggers, language patterns). Having everything saved means you won’t need to revisit platforms multiple times. For example, I searched “how to start a podcast for a business” on Google. Then, I checked People Also Ask for related questions Marcus might have: On YouTube, I searched “how to edit a podcast” and reviewed video comments. Users asked follow-up questions about mic issues and screen sharing. This gave me insight into language and questions beyond the video’s main topic. In Facebook Groups, I found users asking questions related to their goals, constraints, and challenges. It also provided the unfiltered language Marcus uses when he’s stuck. Now, use a keyword research tool to visualize how your persona’s questions connect throughout their journey. I used AlsoAsked for this task. But AnswerThePublic and Semrush’s Topic Research tool would also work. For Marcus, I searched “Best AI podcasting editing software,” which revealed this path: Which AI tool is best for audio editing? → Can I use AI to edit audio? → Which software do professionals use for audio editing? → How much does AI audio editor cost? It’s helpful to visualize how Marcus’s questions change as he progresses through his search. Next, learn the questions your persona asks in AI search. You’ll need a specialized tool like Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit for this task. It tells you the exact prompts people use when searching topics related to your brand. (And if your brand appears in the answers.) If you don’t have a subscription, sign up for a free trial of Semrush One, which includes the AI Visibility Toolkit and Semrush Pro. Since Podlinko is fictional, I used a real podcasting platform (Zencastr.com) for this example. This brand appears often in AI answers for user questions like: What equipment do I need to create a professional podcast setup? Can you recommend popular tools for managing and promoting online radio or podcasts? You’ll also see citation gaps — questions where your brand isn’t mentioned. These reveal content opportunities. For this brand, one gap includes: “Which AI tools are best for recording, editing, and distributing an AI-focused podcast?” After reviewing all the questions I gathered, I narrowed them down to the top 5 for the template: 3. What Challenges Influence Their Search Behavior? Answer this question to find out: What constraints influence their decision-making process How to anticipate objections before they arise What kind of solutions does your persona need Challenges are the ongoing issues driving your persona’s search behavior. These overarching problems shape their decisions to find a solution. Understanding these challenges can help you: Position your solution in the context of these pain points Anticipate and address objections before they come up Structure your campaigns to speak directly to their limitations How to Answer This Question Review the questions you collected in Question 2 to identify underlying pain points. For example, this Facebook Group post contains some telling language for Marcus’s persona: Specific phrases highlight ongoing challenges: “Tech support is no help” Can’t find an editing software that consistently works” Now, visit industry-specific review platforms. Check G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, Amazon, Yelp, or another site, depending on your niche. Look for reviews where people describe recurring frustrations. Positive reviews may mention what drove a user to seek a new solution. For example, this one references poor audio and video quality: Negative reviews reveal what users constantly struggle with. Unresolved pain points often push people to find workarounds or alternatives. This user noted issues with a podcasting tool, including loss of backups, unreliable tech, and more. Pay close attention to the language people use. Word choice can signal underlying feelings and constraints. When someone asks for the “easiest” and “most cost-effective” solution, they’re signaling: Limited resources Low confidence Risk aversion After reviewing conversations and communities, you’ll likely have dozens of data points. Copy the reviews, questions, and phrases into an AI tool to identify your persona’s top challenges. Use this prompt: Based on these reviews and discussions, identify the five biggest challenges for this persona. For each challenge, show: (1) exact phrases they use to describe it (2) what constraints make it harder (budget, time, skills) (3) how it influences where and when they search. Format as a table. This analysis helped me identify Marcus’s recurring challenges: 4. What Triggers Them to Search Right Now? Answer this question to find out: What emotional and situational context should you address in your content How to structure content for different urgency levels Which pain points to lead with Search triggers explain why your audience is ready to take action. But they’re not the same as challenges. Challenges are ongoing constraints your persona faces. This could be a limited budget, small team, or skill gap. Triggers are the specific events or goals that push them to act right now. Like a looming deadline or a competitor launching a podcast. Understanding triggers helps you reach your persona when they’re most receptive. How to Answer This Question If you have access to internal data, start there. Your sales and customer support teams can spot patterns that push prospects from browsing to buying. For example, your sales conversations might reveal that one of Marcus’s triggers is urgency. His manager might ask him to improve the sound quality by the next episode, prompting his search. If you don’t have internal intel, use tools like AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked, or Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool. This will help you identify the language people use when they’re ready to act. For Marcus, my AlsoAsked research led to questions like: “Can I record a podcast with just my phone?” This may suggest a desire to start immediately, without professional equipment. “How to make a podcast with someone far away” could suggest the trigger of a sudden need to work with a remote guest/host You can also refer back to your research on community spaces. (Or conduct additional audience research, if needed.) These spaces are where people describe the exact moments they decide to take action. Aka plateaus, milestones, and failed attempts. When I searched “podcast marketing” on Reddit, I found a post from someone experiencing clear triggers: This user has been unable to get a consistent flow of organic listeners despite high-quality content. Trigger: A growth plateau that pushed him to ask for help. He’s also trying to hit his first 1,000 listeners. Trigger: A goal that pushed him to look for solutions. If you collected a lot of content, upload it to an AI tool to quickly identify triggers. Use this prompt: Analyze these community posts and discussions. Identify the specific trigger moments that pushed people to actively search for solutions. For each trigger, show: The exact moment or event described (quote the language they use) The type of trigger (situational, temporal, emotional, or goal-driven) What action did they take as a result Format as a table. After analyzing the content I gathered, I identified the key triggers pushing Marcus to search: 5. What Language Resonates (and What Turns Them Off)? Answer this question to find out: Which messaging angles resonate What tones build trust with your audience Which phrases trigger objections or skepticism The words you use can affect whether your persona trusts you or tunes out. The right language makes people feel understood. The wrong language creates friction and drives them away. When you know what resonates, you can create messaging that builds trust and motivates your personas to act. How to Answer This Question Refer back to your research from Questions 3 and 4. This time, focus specifically on language patterns in reviews and community discussions. Look at: Exact phrases people use to describe success, relief, or satisfaction Words highlighting frustration, disappointment, and concerns For example, on Capterra, users praised podcasting platforms that “do a lot” and let them “distribute with ease.” This language signals Marcus’s preference for all-in-one platforms. He would likely connect with messaging that emphasizes functionality without complexity. Next, review the content you previously gathered from community spaces. In r/podcasting, users like Marcus write with direct, benefit-focused language: Notice what he values: simplicity and concrete outcomes (“automatic transcripts”). He’s not mentioning jargon like “AI-powered transcription engine” or “enterprise-grade recording infrastructure.” Plain language that emphasizes quick results over technical capabilities works best with this persona. Once you have enough data, use this LLM prompt to identify language patterns: Analyze these customer reviews and community discussions I’ve shared. Identify: Most common words and phrases people use to describe positive experiences Most common words and phrases that signal frustration or concerns Emotional undertones in how they describe problems and solutions Create a table organizing these insights. This analysis revealed the specific language that Marcus reacts to positively (and negatively). 6. What Content Types Do They Engage With Most? Answer this question to find out: Content types to prioritize in your content strategy How to structure content for maximum engagement What length and style work best for each format Knowing the content types your audience prefers has multiple benefits. It lets you create content that captures your persona’s attention and keeps them engaged. Think about it: You could write the most comprehensive guide on podcast equipment. But if your ideal customer prefers video reviews, they’ll scroll right past it. How to Answer This Question You identified your persona’s most-used platforms in Question 1. Now analyze which content formats perform best on each. Conduct a few Google Searches to identify popular content types. You’ll learn what users (and search engines) prefer for specific queries. Look at videos, written guides, infographics, carousels, podcasts, and more. For example, when I search “how to set up podcast equipment,” the top results are a mix: long-form articles, video tutorials, and community discussions. But organic search rankings don’t tell the full story. Analyze content directly on your persona’s preferred platforms, too. I searched “How to distribute a podcast” on YouTube and assessed the top 20 videos and Shorts for: Video length Views Comments Engagement patterns Look at the creators your persona follows on each platform. (From the SparkToro report in Question 1). Pay attention to: Content types drive the most engagement (videos vs. carousels vs. threads) How these creators structure content (length, style, tone) Which topics resonate most with their audience Once you’ve collected this data, look for patterns. Or drop your data into an LLM and ask it to find the patterns for you: Analyze this engagement data I’ve collected for my audience persona. Identify: Which video lengths perform best (views, comments, engagement rate) and why Which content styles generate the most engagement (tutorials, vlogs, behind-the-scenes, etc.) Any patterns in thumbnails, titles, or formats that consistently perform well Summarize my persona’s content preferences by video type and rank them as low, medium, or high For Marcus, I learned that 5- to 15-minute video tutorials generated the highest engagement. Shorts consistently underperformed for how-to queries, showing his preference for in-depth tutorials. I documented my findings and ranked each content type by engagement level: high, medium, or low. 7. What Proof Points and Signals Matter? Answer this question to find out: What proof points influence buyers How to structure case studies and testimonials Where to place proof points to win people’s trust Proof points can influence whether someone acts on your content or bounces. They’re also a ranking factor. Search engines and LLMs reward content that demonstrates Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). But different personas might value different proof points. Understanding what matters to each persona is crucial to building trust and visibility. How to Answer This Question Identify the most common trust markers on your persona’s preferred sites. Look for: Author credentials: Bylines with relevant expertise Methods: Transparency about the method for creating this content Citations: Links to studies, expert quotes, industry reports, original research Recency signals: Publication and last updated dates Visual proof: Screenshots, before/after comparisons, annotated walkthroughs Social validation: Comment sections, user discussions, engagement metrics Use Semrush’s Keyword Overview tool to find this information. Note: A free Semrush account gives you 10 searches in this tool per day. Or you can use this link to access a free Semrush One trial. Enter your keyword (I used “how to start a podcast”). Scroll to the SERP Analysis report to view the ranking domains. Aim to review 20 to 50 pages for the best results. (Create a spreadsheet to organize the information.) Identify which proof points they use and how prominently they’re displayed. Here’s how I did this for one of the articles I assessed: Quantified track record: “Since 2009, Buzzsprout has helped over 400,000 podcasters” First-person experience: “I’ve drawn on lessons from my own podcasts and thousands of conversations with creators” Third-party sources: Expert advice cited from Apple Podcasts on naming conventions Visual demonstrations: Embedded tutorials showing recommendations in action Then, use an LLM to quickly spot patterns: I’ve analyzed top-ranking pages for my persona and uploaded my findings. Identify: Which proof points appear most frequently (e.g., “8 out of 10 pages include X”) How these proof points are displayed (above the fold, in sidebar, throughout content) Which combinations of proof points appear together most often Format as a summary with the top 5 most common patterns. Ultimately, you’ll want to infuse your content with these same trust markers to attract and convert your persona. After identifying Marcus’s top proof points, I ranked them from medium to high in the template: 8. Where (and How) Should You Distribute Content to Reach This Persona? Answer this question to find out: Which platforms deserve your investment What content formats work best on each platform How to maximize organic reach through distribution Where you distribute content determines whether it reaches your audience. If you only publish content on your website but buyers find solutions on LinkedIn, you’re overlooking key touchpoints. Even worse, you’re invisible on major platforms that LLMs scan for answers, recommendations, and citations. How to Answer This Question By now, you know your audience persona’s top platforms. These are your initial distribution targets. But you’ll ideally be able to validate them against real behavioral data. If possible, survey recent customers to find concrete patterns about their search behavior. Send a short survey to customers who converted in the last 90 days: Where did you first hear about us? Where do you go for advice about [primary pain points]? What platforms do you use when researching [your product category]? How do you prefer to learn about new solutions in your workflow? Once responses come in, look for patterns in how each segment discovers, researches, and evaluates solutions. Here’s a prompt you can use in an AI tool for faster analysis: I surveyed recent customers about their search and discovery behavior. Analyze this data and identify: The top 3-5 platforms where customers discovered us or researched solutions Common pain points or information needs they mentioned Preferred content formats for learning about solutions Any patterns in how different customer segments discover and evaluate us Highlight the platforms and channels that appear most frequently, and flag any gaps between where customers search and where we currently have a presence. Next, cross-reference your research against existing data in Google Analytics. Open Google Analytics and navigate to Reports > Lifecycle > Acquisition > Traffic acquisition. Sort by engagement rate or average session duration to see which channels drive genuinely engaged visitors. Look for high time on site (2+ minutes) and multiple pages per session (3+). Then, map each platform to the content format that performs best there. Combine insights from Question 1 (preferred platforms) and Question 6 (preferred formats) to build your distribution strategy. Here’s what this looks like for Marcus: 9. What Keeps This Persona Coming Back? Answer this question to find out: What product features or experiences to double down on How to position your solution beyond initial use cases What content to create for existing customers Winning your audience’s attention once is easy. Earning it repeatedly is the real challenge. Understanding what keeps your persona engaged is the key to getting them to return. How to Answer This Question Review all the audience persona insights you’ve gathered so far to identify recurring needs. Look at triggers, pain points, content preferences, and community discussions. Pinpoints problems that can’t be solved with a single article or resource. This could include: Tasks they do every week (editing, distribution, promotion) Decisions they face with each piece of content (format, platform, messaging) Skills they’re continuously learning (new tools, changing algorithms) Friction points that slow them down every time Then, outline the content types that repeatedly solve these problems. Think tools, templates, checklists, and guides they’ll use repeatedly. If you don’t want to do this manually, drop this prompt into an AI tool to synthesize your findings: Based on my audience persona research, here’s what I’ve learned: Questions they ask: [Paste top questions from Q2] Challenges they face: [Paste challenges from Q3] Triggers that push them to act: [Paste triggers from Q4] Their preferred content types: [Paste formats from Q6] Identify recurring problems they face repeatedly (not one-time issues). For each recurring problem: Describe the problem in their own words Explain why it’s recurring (weekly task, ongoing decision, changing landscape, etc.) Suggest 2-3 content types that would provide repeatable value each time they face this problem Format as a table with columns: Problem | Why It’s Recurring | Content Solutions For Marcus, this could look something like this: Problem areas Content assets Marcus spends too long cleaning audio Editing workflow template (step-by-step, repeatable each week) Breakdown video: “How to Edit a 30-minute Episode in Under 12 Minutes” Marcus wants consistent reach across platforms Podcast distribution checklist (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, LinkedIn, newsletter) Repurposing templates (social snippets, video clips, carousel outlines) Every time Marcus faces these challenges, he can turn to them for a reliable solution. These are the content types that have repeatable value for him: Build Audience Personas That Win AI Visibility Forget surface-level demographics. These nine audience persona questions give you actionable, in-depth search intelligence. You now know a lot about your persona. You’ve uncovered where they search, what language resonates, and which proof points earn trust. This is everything you need to show up in the right places with the right message. If you haven’t already, download our audience persona template to organize your research. Use it to guide your content creation, search strategy, and distribution efforts. Your next move: Expand your visibility further with our guide to ranking in AI search. Our Seen & Trusted Framework will help you increase mentions, citations, and recommendations for your brand. The post How to Build Audience Personas for Modern Search + Template appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

At just under 200 employees, Descript is not the biggest name in video editing software. It’s not the most robust or the most popular, either. But it’s punching way above its weight, competing with much bigger companies (like Adobe, and CapCut) in LLM search. Using Semrush’s AI Visibility score, you can see that Descript is competing closely with giant brands like Adobe. Descript found the way in. And so can you. In this SaaS LLM visibility case study, we’ll break down exactly how Descript is getting seen. And more importantly, what you can copy to improve visibility for your own product. Choosing Clear Niche Messaging For years, Descript has been known as a podcast editing tool. That matters. Because when people talk about podcast editing, Descript comes up naturally. In blog posts. In forums. And now, in AI answers. This isn’t accidental. Descript is clear about who it’s for, and their content reflects that focus. Their product pages and blog posts consistently speak to one core audience: people who want to edit podcasts easily. Here’s why this matters: When I asked Google’s AI Mode for the best software to edit podcasts — specifically as someone with no video editing skills — Descript was one of the first tools mentioned. And what shows up second in the list of sources? One of Descript’s own blog posts about podcast editing. Across Descript’s own website and other third-party sources, this tool is regularly mentioned as ideal for podcasters. This matters because of a key difference between AI search and traditional SEO. LLMs don’t just surface pages. They based their answers on query fan-outs. Here’s what that means: AI creates multiple searches after the original query, and tries to find an answer that is most directly matched to what was asked. That’s why even articles and websites that aren’t ranking well in Google can still get cited by AI when they provide the most relevant, specific answer to what users are asking. Because Descript’s content is tightly focused on one audience, one use case, one problem, it maps cleanly to those AI queries. That doesn’t necessarily correlate to higher ranking in traditional search. In fact, Descript’s traffic from traditional SEO has been steadily decreasing since its peak in 2024: But at the same time, branded traffic has increased. So even while the brand isn’t succeeding in traditional search, more people are becoming aware of Descript and searching for the brand name specifically. Why? In part, because the brand is known for exactly what it does: podcast editing. AI knows that too. And I would bet that a higher amount of mentions in AI search is helping with brand recognition and influencing that increase in branded search traffic. Here’s the point: Descript isn’t just checking off boxes of what to talk about. The way they write — and the way they present their product — shows exactly who they’re speaking to. They match the way their audience talks. Take the blog article on podcast editing that we mentioned above as an example. The copy flows naturally, includes quotes from an internal expert in the way she describes the problem and solution, and speaks in an easy way that matches the tone of the audience. As a byproduct of this natural way of writing and clear product position, their copy and content semantically matches what their audience is searching for. And their AI mentions keep increasing. Action Item: Identify and Focus on Your Niche Market Effort vs. Impact: Medium effort. High impact. If you’re trying to be all things to everyone, AI is less likely to recommend you for anything specific. Instead, narrow your focus like Descript does: Of course, you also want to find balance. For example, “Podcast editing software for true crime hosts who only record on Thursdays,” may be a bit too niche. To get the narrowest viable version of your core audience, look at your most successful customers. Ask: Who gets the most ROI from our product? Who uses it weekly — or daily? Which customers have become vocal advocates? What do those users have in common? (Role, company size, industry, workflow) That overlap is your niche. Once that’s clear, your messaging gets easier. You stop being an “All-in-one AI-powered platform for creators and teams.” And start anchoring your product to a specific job: “Edit podcasts and spoken audio, without technical complexity.” Then, your product becomes easier for AI systems to understand — and recommend — for specific use cases. Further reading: Learn how to do deep audience research, along with a free audience research tracker template. Developing Seriously Helpful Content Once you know who you’re talking to, the next step is obvious: Help them. That idea isn’t new. Helpful content has long been a ranking factor in traditional search. And in 2024, Google confirmed that their algorithm changes had reduced the appearance of low-quality content in search results by 45%. But Descript’s example (and plenty of others) shows how this also applies to AI search. Because clear, useful, unique content also drives LLM visibility. Descript doesn’t rely on shallow blog posts or surface-level explanations. They create: Instructional blog content that answers real questions Help Center pages that actually solve problems Product pages that clearly explain what features do — and who they’re for They also publish content that isn’t strictly about their product, but is highly relevant to their audience. For example: When I asked Google’s AI Mode how much YouTubers actually make, one of the cited sources was a Descript blog post on the topic. That article includes: Data from recent studies Real-world examples A YouTube earnings calculator It’s comprehensive. And it’s written from an expert perspective. Here’s another example: When I asked how much it costs to start a YouTube channel, I was again directed to an article from Descript. That page includes a detailed FAQ and embedded video content from Descript’s own YouTube channel. The pattern is clear. Depth gets cited. Surface-level content gets ignored. Action Item: Focus Your Content on Being Helpful Effort vs. Impact: High effort. Medium impact. Once you’ve defined your niche, focus your content on what actually helps them. Descript doesn’t target video editing professionals. So, they don’t show up in those searches. They focus on content creators and podcasters. And their content reflects that. To do the same: Talk to people in your niche industry Ask about their workflows, goals, and sticking points Learn what slows them down Pro tip: If you can’t speak directly to people in your audience or customer base, talk to your customer-facing teams. Customer success and sales teams have daily contact with your core audience. So, they’re in a better position to give you insights into what this audience cares about. Online research also helps. Find relevant subreddits to see what people are talking about. Check the comments section of relevant YouTube videos. Look for recurring questions and complaints. For example, the Descript team might peruse the r/podcasting subreddit to learn about their audience’s questions and opinions. The goal: understanding. When you deeply understand your audience’s day-to-day reality, creating helpful content becomes much easier. And your content can become the source for AI answers. Of course, getting citations back to your website isn’t the same as getting direct brand mentions. However, it’s still an opportunity to build awareness and authority. Plus, building content around relevant core topics helps reinforce your niche messaging. Further reading: Read the full guide on how to create helpful content. Showcasing Images and Videos of Their Product LLMs don’t just read text anymore. They interpret visuals too. With image-processing models like contrastive language–image pre-training (CLIP,) AI systems can understand what’s happening inside screenshots and videos — not just the words around them. And those visuals now show up directly in AI answers. Especially for SaaS product queries in tools like ChatGPT. For example, when I search for “best CRM software for a small business,” the top AI result includes images of the actual product interface. That’s a shift. Highly polished mockups matter less. Real, in-product visuals matter more. Which is why Descript shows up like this in ChatGPT: Descript consistently shows real product images and videos across product pages, Help Center articles, and blog content. These aren’t decorative. They show: What the product looks like How features work What users should expect when they log in As a result, those same images and videos get pulled into AI answers — often with a link back to Descript’s site. In this case, the link goes back to a very in-depth Help Center guide to getting started with podcast editing. And most Interestingly, that’s a near-perfect semantic match to the original query. Action Item: Include In-Product Images in Your Marketing Content Effort vs. Impact: Low effort. Medium impact. Start with the basics. For every feature you highlight, ask one question: Can someone see this working? Then act on it. Add real screenshots of your core product screens to key product pages. Replace abstract diagrams with in-product visuals where possible. Next, expand beyond product pages. Mention a feature in a blog post? Include a screenshot of it in use. Explaining a workflow in a Help Center article? Show each step visually. Teaching a process? Record a short screen capture instead of relying on text alone. The goal is clarity. Clear visuals help users understand your product faster. And they give AI systems concrete material to reuse in answers. Which makes your product easier to recommend — and easier to recognize — inside AI search. Creating Detailed MoFu/BoFu Content Content mapped to different awareness levels performs especially well in AI search. Descript understands this. They don’t just publish top-of-funnel guides. They create content for product-aware and solution-aware searches, too. When you search in ChatGPT for video creation or editing tools, Descript often appears in the results. But more importantly, their own content is cited as a source. In this example, the cited source is a Descript-owned “best of” article comparing video tools. Instead of generic recommendations, the page: Breaks tools down by specific use cases Includes clear pros and cons Explains who each option is best for Descript follows this same pattern with multiple “best of” lists and comparison pages against their main competitors. The payoff? When I asked AI to compare podcast video editing tools, Descript appeared with clear labels explaining: Who it’s best for Key features When it makes sense to choose it That context helps AI recommend Descript to the right people (not everyone). Action Item: Create Citable MoFu and BoFu Content Effort vs. Impact: High effort. High impact. Different awareness levels need different content. To increase product-level AI visibility, focus on Product Aware and Solution Aware queries. For Product Aware audiences, create: Comparison pages “Best alternative” posts Owned “best of” lists Want more ideas? Talk to your sales team. Ask them: What features are convincing people to buy? Which competitors are commonly brought up in sales conversations? Those answers map directly to comparison content AI likes to cite. For Solution Aware audiences, focus on how-to content that naturally features your product. For example, when I asked Google’s AI Mode how to reduce background noise from a microphone, it referenced a Descript how-to article. This same pattern repeats itself across many of Descript’s blog posts: Find a clear problem, give a clear solution, add product mentions naturally. It’s all about finding the right questions to answer. To find these opportunities faster, use Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit. This data is powered by Semrush’s AI prompt database and clickstream data, organized into meaningful topics. Head to “Competitor Research” and review: Shared topics where competitors appear Prompts where they earn more AI visibility than you Then, dig into the specific questions behind those prompts. The goal isn’t simply “more content”. It’s answering the right questions — at the right stage — with content AI can confidently cite. Building Positive Sentiment With Digital PR and Affiliate Marketing AI visibility isn’t earned on your website alone. LLMs look for signals across the web. This is what we call consensus. And it means that positive sentiment has to exist outside your owned channels. Descript is doing this in two ways: Digital PR on sites AI already trusts A creator-friendly affiliate program that drives third-party mentions Here’s how it works: Google’s AI Mode tends to favor certain websites to source when answering queries about software. Semrush’s visibility research for AI in SaaS from December 2025 shows these sites dominate citations: Zapier PCMag Gartner LinkedIn G2 Here’s what’s interesting. Descript is mentioned in articles across nearly all of these top sources. For example, in software listicles like this one on Zapier: Or in real-world experience articles like this one on Medium: Or in their clear listings on reviews sites like Gartner and G2: When AI systems cite those favored sources, Descript comes along for the ride. Not because it’s the biggest brand. But because it’s present where AI is already looking. The second lever is Descript’s affiliate program. It’s simple: $25 per new subscriber 30-day attribution window Monthly payouts No minimums Those are solid incentives. And they lead to more creator-driven content across the web. For example, a YouTube walkthrough from VP Land explains how to use Descript and includes an affiliate link in the description. When I later asked Google’s AI Mode how to use Descript, that exact video was cited as a source. That’s the pattern. Affiliate content creates citable, trusted references that AI systems reuse. Action Item: Build a Strategy to Get More Mentions Online Effort vs. Impact: High effort. High impact. Getting third party mentions is all about building relationships. First, build relationships with publishers, starting with the ones AI already trusts. Even if you’re not an enterprise SaaS company with a full-sized PR team, this is still possible. Granted, it’s not the easy route — but when you find the right websites and perform regular outreach to those teams, you can get your brand on these sites. Before you start outreach, get your bearings. Start by going back to Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit. Head to the “Competitor Research” tab and select “Sources.” This shows you: Which sites LLMs cite for your category Where competitors are already getting mentioned Gaps where your brand doesn’t show up (yet) Those sites become your shortlist. Outreach works better when you’re aiming at sources AI already relies on. Second, build relationships with creators. Affiliate programs work when creators want to talk about you. So, build an affiliate program people actually want to be part of. This means the program has to be easy to join, with clear terms that make it worth their time. At a minimum, make sure you have: A simple signup Transparent tracking Reliable payouts Pro tip: Use a tool like PartnerStack to handle all of the details automatically. Better signups, better tracking, and automated payouts build trust with your affiliates. If you need inspiration, research top affiliate programs to learn more about the conditions creators expect. But most importantly: Treat affiliates as distribution partners, not just a side channel. This means enabling them with clear positioning on your product, example use cases, demo workflows, screenshots they can reuse, and other resources. The better you equip them, the stronger their recommendations will be. Once you have this set up, track the results. Use AI visibility data to see: Which publisher relationships are turning into citations in AI search Which creators show up in AI answers Which formats perform best Then, double down. Now that we’ve discussed what Descript is doing well, let’s look at where there’s room for improvement. Where Descript Could Improve: Reddit Marketing Descript is doing a great job in many areas that are important for AI search visibility. That said, there’s one area they’re missing out on: Reddit. And yes, Reddit matters. A lot. It’s still one of the most-cited sources in Google’s AI Mode. And in almost all of the searches I tested above, Reddit was cited as a source (especially conversations in the r/podcasting subreddit). Here’s the problem: right now, Reddit is not doing Descript any favors. Here are a few thread titles I found just by searching for Descript in a podcasting subreddit: And yes, there are positive mentions of Descript. But they’re buried under a wave of negative sentiment. When LLMs scan Reddit for sentiment, that unbalance matters. AI wants to see consensus. So when Reddit skews negative, recommendations may weaken, and alternatives get surfaced instead. Even when the product is strong. That’s why, while Descript’s AI visibility is good, it’s still not as good as it could be. And that vulnerability could hurt them in the long run, even if they’re still doing everything else right. Here are some ways that Descript (and you) could turn the tides on Reddit: Avoid promoting and start participating: Reddit punishes marketing language. Helpful, honest comments perform better than posts. Respond to criticism directly (when appropriate): Not defensively, but with clear explanations and fixes Be present before there’s a problem: Accounts that only show up during damage control don’t build trust Focus on comments, not posts: High-value comments in active threads outperform standalone branded posts Monitor brand mention weekly: Focus especially on high-intent subreddits. In Descript’s case, that could be r/podcasting. To be fair, it seems like Descript is taking steps in the right direction. As of December 2025, the Descript team has taken control of a dedicated brand subreddit, with PMM Gabe at the helm. And the team’s responses feel very Reddit-friendly, not using marketing jargon or being pushy. But popular threads here still have very little interaction with the Descript team. And there seems to be very few (if any) comments from the Descript team outside of this branded subreddit. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot to work on. Done right, Reddit becomes a sentiment stabilizer and a stronger input source for AI answers. Ignore it, and Reddit can become a liability. Remember: for AI visibility, silence isn’t neutral. Further reading: If Reddit feels like a whole other world, we’ve got you covered. Read our full guide to Reddit Marketing. What You Can Take Away from This SaaS LLM Visibility Case Study Descript isn’t winning AI visibility because it’s the biggest brand. It’s winning because it’s clear, focused, and consistently helpful. None of that is accidental. And none of it requires massive scale. You can get started on this today by choosing one key action to work on. Use the effort vs. impact lens from this article to choose where to start. Add in-product screenshots and videos: Low effort, medium impact Tighten your niche messaging: Medium effort, high impact Build citable MoFu/BoFu content: High effort, medium impact Invest in digital PR, affiliates, and community participation: High effort, high impact Create seriously helpful content: High effort, high impact Pick one, start there. AI search visibility tools for SaaS companies — like Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit — can help you see exactly where you stand today, and where you can improve. Remember: LLM visibility isn’t about chasing algorithms. It’s about making your product easier to understand, easier to trust, and easier to recommend. Do that consistently — and AI search will follow. Want to learn how it all works on a deeper level? Read our LLM visibility guide to discover even more ways to increase your brand mentions and citations in AI search. The post How a 200-Person Company Competes with a $160B Giant in AI Search appeared first on Backlinko. 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Google Ads PMax placement reporting is now populating with data for more accounts, revealing Search Partner domains and impression counts for brand safety review. The post Google Ads Surfaces PMax Search Partner Domains In Placement Report appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

While I generally consider Chrome to be a mature, feature complete browser, it's great to see that Google is still making meaningful additions to it. With its latest update, Google Chrome for desktop now has three new productivity features: Split View, PDF annotations, and the ability to save downloads directly to Google Drive. These features are targeted at both regular and enterprise users, the company says, so you don't need to worry about Workspace exclusivity. Let's take a look at each new feature and how you can best use it. Split View lets you boost your productivity Credit: Google Over the years, the internet browser has become a super app of sorts, since it has access to so many useful sites and web apps. In Chrome, I often find myself taking notes while attending meetings online, or keeping a second tab open for research while I write articles. For many people, a single Chrome tab or window is no longer enough, and with that in mind, Google's added Split View to the desktop version of its browser. Split View merges two tabs and displays them in the same window. You can think of it like the split-screen view in old school video games. You can use Split View by right-clicking any tab and selecting Add Tab to New Split View. For now, Chrome allows you to have a maximum of two tabs side by side in Split View, although I hope you'll eventually be able to add more in the future. In its current form, the feature is great for using Google Docs while watching an educational video, or similar two-tab use cases. Finally, no more opening single tabs in separate windows and then resizing them into your own, makeshift split view. You can easily drag the slider in between the two tabs to give one tab more screen space than the other. Or for more control, you can click the Split View button to the left of the address bar and select the Arrange Split View menu (this is also available if you right click the merged tabs in your tab bar). This is an easy way to quickly reverse the order of the two tabs, separate them, or close just one of the tabs. Annotate PDFs in Chrome Credit: Google Let's be honest: Chrome is probably the PDF viewer that most people use. No matter how many fancy PDF editing apps I or my colleagues recommend, for the most part, you're going to search for and open PDFs in your browser. Luckily, now you no longer have to use a different app for basic annotations. Chrome's desktop PDF Viewer now has tools for highlighting text, adding notes, and even making digital signatures. You're still going to need a different app for advanced PDF edits, but Chrome is now capable enough to handle the basics. Save PDF files directly to Google Drive Credit: Google Whenever you download a PDF file using Google Chrome, it defaults to saving them to the Downloads folder on your computer, or to another location on your hard drive. On desktop, Google now lets you save these files directly to your Google Drive account. This can be very useful if you want to keep your local storage clear. When you open a PDF file in Chrome, you'll see a Google Drive icon in the toolbar, next to the download button. Clicking the Google Drive icon will automatically save it to the cloud storage service, in a new folder called "Saved from Chrome." View the full article

Is it lawful to call boneless chicken wings ‘wings’? According to a U.S. District Judge, yes. On Tuesday in Illinois, Judge John Tharp reached a verdict in a case brought against Buffalo Wild Wings alleging that the wings aren’t wings and shouldn’t be referred to as such on the restaurant chain’s menu. The suit, which was first brought by customer Aimen Halim in March 2023, claimed the business had violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act by referring to the product as “boneless wings” instead of something the plaintiff deemed more fitting, such as “chicken nuggets. In the end, the judge didn’t feel the case had any bones. In a 10-page ruling, Tharp wrote, “Boneless wings are not a niche product for which a consumer would need to do extensive research to figure out the truth. Instead, ‘boneless wings’ is a common term that has existed for over two decades.” Tharp continued, asserting that the plaintiff didn’t have enough solid evidence to prove Buffalo Wild Wings was at fault. “Halim did not ‘drum’ up enough factual allegations to state a claim. Though he has standing to bring the claim because he plausibly alleged economic injury, he does not plausibly allege that reasonable consumers are fooled by Buffalo Wild Wings’ use of the term ‘boneless wings.'” The judge also cited a 2024 Supreme Court case, which also involved boneless wings at a different establishment in Ohio. In that case, the plaintiff was allegedly injured by a bone from a so-called “boneless wing” getting lodged in his throat. However, the court ruled that under Ohio law, “a reasonable consumer could have reasonably anticipated and guarded against the bone at issue”, regardless of it being called “boneless.” Judge Tharp wrote, “As the Ohio Supreme Court recently put it, ‘[a] diner reading ‘boneless wings’ on a menu would no more believe that the restaurant was warranting the absence of bones in the items than believe that the items were made from chicken wings, just as a person eating ‘chicken fingers’ would know that he had not been served fingers.” Now, Buffalo Wild Wings is celebrating the case’s dismissal. In a social media post, the chain wrote, “They’re called boneless wings and will forever be called boneless wings. Celebrate the court’s decision today with BOGO FREE boneless wings.” According to the chain’s website, the BOGO deal happens every Thursday. Regardless of the fact that the lawsuit has been tossed, the conversation about whether boneless wings are wings is still popping off. Commenters on Buffalo Wild Wing’s celebratory post ranged from pure disgust with the verdict to fierce defense of both the chain and of boneless wings. “This makes me never want to go to BWW…,” one user wrote. “They aren’t ‘Buffalo wings’, they’re just wings AND your ‘boneless wings’ are chicken tenders. C’mon man.” Others called the wings “grown up chicken nuggets” or simply vented that the chain’s wings are subpar in general. On the contrary, some commenters expressed their enthusiasm for the menu item. “Boneless wings are the only wings that should be consumed,” wrote another X user on the post. While the judge made his ruling, he also said that the plaintiff can amend his initial complaint by March 20. Halim will have the opportunity to “provide additional facts about his experience that would demonstrate that BWW is committing a deceptive act.” View the full article

Walgreens will lay off hundreds of employees as the pharmacy chain continues to struggle with increased competition and higher-than-desired costs. On top of this, the newly private company is expected to close at least another few dozen retail stores in 2026. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Walgreens has announced that it will cut at least 628 jobs across two states, according to communications it sent to the states in question earlier this month. A Walgreens spokesperson confirmed the layoffs with Fast Company when reached for comment. News of the layoffs was first reported by Bloomberg. The job cuts include 469 positions in the company’s home state of Illinois and 159 jobs in Texas, where the company is shuttering a distribution center. “We’re focused on becoming America’s best retail pharmacy, beginning with improving the in‑store experience for our customers and patients,” Walgreens said in a statement to Fast Company. “To do this, we’ve made the difficult decision to simplify our organization in both the support center  and  with  our field leadership to speed decision making and improve the service that millions of customers rely on every day.” “We have deep respect for our colleagues and greatly appreciate their contributions and are committed to supporting them throughout this transition,” the spokesperson added. Walgreens has been closing stores In addition to the layoffs, Walgreens also reportedly confirmed that it will be closing dozens of stores in 2026. While no exact numbers were given, Bloomberg says the pharmacy chain confirmed that the number of closing locations would be fewer than 100, which is less than previously planned. Walgreens said in 2024 that it had targeted 1,200 stores for closure by 2027. Walgreens will also reportedly open four new locations this year. Pharmacy chains have struggled in recent years Last August, Walgreens went private when the private equity firm Sycamore Partners purchased the company for roughly $10 billion. The move marked the end of the iconic pharmacy chain’s nearly century-long reign as a publicly traded company. For years before the deal, Walgreens, like other pharmacy chains, had struggled with increased online competition from the likes of Amazon and falling foot traffic that was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Pharmacy chains have also struggled with rising costs and increasing debts. These factors contributed to competitor Rite Aid’s bankruptcy in 2025 and led to a wave of pharmacy layoffs over the past few years, including at CVS. According to the company’s website, Walgreens currently has around 8,000 locations in the United States and Puerto Rico and employs around 211,000 workers. View the full article

Probe into former Prince Andrew over Epstein ties is an example for the USView the full article

The worst days of the pandemic are long behind us, but the world is still reeling from its aftereffects. For some people, this has driven a dramatic reprioritizing of what’s important in their lives, including where they work and the kind of energy they’re prepared to give to the company that employs them. According to a new survey, one result of the pandemic aftershocks in the workforce is a sharp rise in how much people want to take time off to travel. Younger Americans are so keen to vacation, in fact, that they’re putting off big life decisions and even going into debt. Not only could this shift in priorities affect your business if you’re trying to attract young customers, but it may change how you think about your own staff’s working hours. The data comes from a new survey of a thousand Americans by financial services company Empower, Fortune reports. Headline numbers from the report are that over 90 percent of people are planning domestic travel this year. Plus 33 percent have said they’re not going to wait until retirement to “see the world”–they’re doing it now, instead. And when it comes to money, 47 percent of people said they would spend more on travel this year than last. Even more strikingly, one in five Millennial workers are postponing plans for big purchases, like a home, and will spend the money on travel instead. While the vast majority of workers, 61 percent, said they plan to travel in the summer, 34 percent said they will travel in out-of-season time, and 24 percent said they’d travel for birthdays–these last are both types of trip that are likely to impact their regular work schedule, since they don’t revolve around typical vacation times. In particular, Gen-Z staff, at 28 percent, said they were more likely than older generations to travel for their birthdays, and a quarter of Gen-Z staff liked to plan their trips four weeks or less ahead of time–meaning they’re more likely to spontaneously ask for time off than older employees. Fortune quotes Christie Hudson, head of public relations at online travel firm Expedia, who says that a “significant share” of respondents to a similar, recent Expedia survey plan to travel “no matter what” this year. “In terms of attitude and valuing experiences over things, that whole mentality, people seem very aligned” in the post-pandemic era, she said. This news is playing out as many people continue to feel considerable economic stress thanks to inflation, and amid an epidemic of “quiet vacationing“–remote workers just continuing to work as if they’re at home, but taking a trip without telling their employer, simply because they don’t want to seem like they’re slacking, or can’t afford to take time off. More vacation time and more flexible vacation policy may be anathema to many more traditional U.S. employers–the kind rattling their sabers with strict back-to-office rules because they think staff labor is proved by their grinding away for long hours right where they can see them. But Empower’s data shows more employees–of all ages–are planning vacations. Younger workers (who already dislike the grind of the “traditional” workplace) aren’t shy about showing they want to travel more spontaneously and even postpone big life plans to do so. To attract and retain them, it might be worth reevaluating your company’s PTO policy. An Ernst & Young study shows why this could be a good idea: For each extra 10 hours of vacation time an employee took, their year-end performance jumped 8 percent. Another survey showed that if a staff member takes all their vacation time, they’re actually boosting their chances of getting a raise or promotion. Plus if you want to attract new younger workers, advertising your more generous vacation policy–including, perhaps, relaxed summer work hours–may actually help you recruit or retain Gen-Z staff. Something to think about as you relax and watch the fireworks this upcoming long weekend. —Kit Eaton This article originally appeared on Fast Company’s sister site, Inc.com. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur. We inspire, inform, and document the most fascinating people in business: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters that represent the most dynamic force in the American economy. 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. This is one of those rare opportunities that don't come very often in the consumer tech space: You can get a 2025, 65-inch OLED TV from Samsung for $899.99 (originally $1,999.99) from Best Buy. The catch? It's the entry-level OLED version, but it's still an incredible value for the money and the lowest price it has been, according to price-tracking tools. Oh, and the deal expires tonight, Feb. 20, at midnight. Samsung - 65" Class S84F OLED 4K UHD Vision AI Smart Tizen TV (2025) $899.99 at Best Buy $1,999.99 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.99 at Best Buy $1,999.99 Save $1,100.00 The last time this deal happened was during the Christmas shopping sales, and before that, during Black Friday. So if you're reading this after the sale ended, you'll likely see the deal again at some major future sale. If you've never owned an OLED before, there are some things you need to know to make sure it's a good fit for you. Perhaps most important is that you'll notice they don't get as bright as QLEDs or LED TVs. Since this is an entry-level OLED, it doesn't have quantum dot technology, which offers a bit higher brightness. Another missing feature that you should know is that there is no Dolby Vision support. But that is where the cons stop. The S84F offers the same near-perfect black levels you can expect from OLED TVs, making the contrast look incredible. The pixel-level dimming will also be on par with other high-end OLEDs, as will the wide viewing angles, so multiple people can enjoy the colors. This TV also offers great features for gamers, including 4K gaming at 120Hz across all of its HDMI 2.1 ports, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode. OLED TVs are not normally under a grand, especially newer models like this 2025 one at 65 inches. This is an incredible value for the money for anyone looking to get premium OLED viewing or anyone looking to get their feet wet in the technology. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.99 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Oracle has unveiled a suite of new role-based AI agents embedded within Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications, aiming to empower small business leaders in marketing, sales, and service to enhance customer experiences and drive productivity. These intelligent tools promise to analyze data, automate processes, and provide predictive insights—all crucial elements for businesses wanting to gain a competitive edge. “Organizations are transforming slow, reactive sales, marketing, and service processes into proactive and intelligent workflows that deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale and drive revenue growth,” said Chris Leone, Oracle’s executive vice president of Applications Development. This indicates a significant pivot toward leveraging data-driven decision-making to foster stronger customer relationships. These AI agents, built using the Oracle AI Agent Studio, come at no additional cost to Oracle Fusion users, integrating seamlessly within existing workflows. This cohesive functionality means that small business owners can enhance their operational efficiency without the need for extensive new investments or training. The AI agents serve a variety of functions tailored to the needs of small businesses looking to optimize different areas of their operations. In marketing, notable features include the Program Planning Agent, which assists in launching cross-sell and up-sell campaigns by defining goals and audience. The Customer Insights Agent deepens understanding of customers through an analysis of account data. Furthermore, the Copywriting Agent automates content creation for various marketing materials, significantly reducing the manual workload and shortening campaign timelines. Sales enhancement is also a key priority. The Contact Insights Agent prioritizes outreach efforts, helping sellers build relationships with high-value contacts. The Quote Generation Agent streamlines pricing and proposal assembly, allowing sellers to quickly respond to inquiries and increase turnover. In the service domain, the Start-of-Day Agent aids field technicians by personalizing daily assignment summaries, boosting first-time fix rates. The Customer Self-Service Agent empowers customers to find immediate answers, enhancing satisfaction and reducing the burden on service teams. For small business owners, the practical applications are extensive. By employing tools like the Audience Analysis Agent, businesses can focus resources where they’re likely to yield the highest return on investment. Moreover, the ability to create custom AI agents via the AI Agent Studio allows small businesses to tailor the technology to their specific needs and challenges. However, while these tools promise significant benefits, small business owners should be aware of potential challenges. First, the effective integration of AI tools requires a robust understanding of their functionalities. Business owners may need to allocate time for training and system adjustments to harness the full potential of these tools. Additionally, reliance on AI introduces a dependence on technology that might initially overwhelm smaller operations lacking in-house IT support. In summary, Oracle’s AI agents represent a transformative opportunity for small businesses eager to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. As these tools become more embedded in business routines, they offer not just automation, but the potential for smarter and more meaningful customer interactions. The future of small business operations may well depend on leveraging these innovative technologies to remain competitive and responsive to customer needs. For more information about Oracle’s new AI agents, you can read the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Oracle Unveils Role-Based AI Agents to Transform Customer Experiences" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Oracle has unveiled a suite of new role-based AI agents embedded within Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications, aiming to empower small business leaders in marketing, sales, and service to enhance customer experiences and drive productivity. These intelligent tools promise to analyze data, automate processes, and provide predictive insights—all crucial elements for businesses wanting to gain a competitive edge. “Organizations are transforming slow, reactive sales, marketing, and service processes into proactive and intelligent workflows that deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale and drive revenue growth,” said Chris Leone, Oracle’s executive vice president of Applications Development. This indicates a significant pivot toward leveraging data-driven decision-making to foster stronger customer relationships. These AI agents, built using the Oracle AI Agent Studio, come at no additional cost to Oracle Fusion users, integrating seamlessly within existing workflows. This cohesive functionality means that small business owners can enhance their operational efficiency without the need for extensive new investments or training. The AI agents serve a variety of functions tailored to the needs of small businesses looking to optimize different areas of their operations. In marketing, notable features include the Program Planning Agent, which assists in launching cross-sell and up-sell campaigns by defining goals and audience. The Customer Insights Agent deepens understanding of customers through an analysis of account data. Furthermore, the Copywriting Agent automates content creation for various marketing materials, significantly reducing the manual workload and shortening campaign timelines. Sales enhancement is also a key priority. The Contact Insights Agent prioritizes outreach efforts, helping sellers build relationships with high-value contacts. The Quote Generation Agent streamlines pricing and proposal assembly, allowing sellers to quickly respond to inquiries and increase turnover. In the service domain, the Start-of-Day Agent aids field technicians by personalizing daily assignment summaries, boosting first-time fix rates. The Customer Self-Service Agent empowers customers to find immediate answers, enhancing satisfaction and reducing the burden on service teams. For small business owners, the practical applications are extensive. By employing tools like the Audience Analysis Agent, businesses can focus resources where they’re likely to yield the highest return on investment. Moreover, the ability to create custom AI agents via the AI Agent Studio allows small businesses to tailor the technology to their specific needs and challenges. However, while these tools promise significant benefits, small business owners should be aware of potential challenges. First, the effective integration of AI tools requires a robust understanding of their functionalities. Business owners may need to allocate time for training and system adjustments to harness the full potential of these tools. Additionally, reliance on AI introduces a dependence on technology that might initially overwhelm smaller operations lacking in-house IT support. In summary, Oracle’s AI agents represent a transformative opportunity for small businesses eager to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. As these tools become more embedded in business routines, they offer not just automation, but the potential for smarter and more meaningful customer interactions. The future of small business operations may well depend on leveraging these innovative technologies to remain competitive and responsive to customer needs. For more information about Oracle’s new AI agents, you can read the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Oracle Unveils Role-Based AI Agents to Transform Customer Experiences" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OpenAI, the maker of the most popular AI chatbot, used to say it aimed to build artificial intelligence that “safely benefits humanity, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return,” mission statement. But the ChatGPT maker seems to no longer have the same emphasis on doing so “safely.” While reviewing its latest IRS disclosure form, which was released in November 2025 and covers 2024, I noticed OpenAI had removed “safely” from its mission statement, among other changes. That change in wording coincided with its transformation from a nonprofit organization into a business increasingly focused on profits. OpenAI currently faces several lawsuits related to its products’ safety, making this change newsworthy. Many of the plaintiffs suing the AI company allege psychological manipulation, wrongful death, and assisted suicide, while others have filed negligence claims. As a scholar of nonprofit accountability and the governance of social enterprises, I see the deletion of the word “safely” from its mission statement as a significant shift that has largely gone unreported – outside highly specialized outlets. And I believe OpenAI’s makeover is a test case for how we, as a society, oversee the work of organizations that have the potential to both provide enormous benefits and do catastrophic harm. Tracing OpenAI’s origins OpenAI, which also makes the Sora video artificial intelligence app, was founded as a nonprofit scientific research lab in 2015. Its original purpose was to benefit society by making its findings public and royalty-free rather than to make money. To raise the money that developing its AI models would require, OpenAI, under the leadership of CEO Sam Altman, created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019. Microsoft initially invested US$1 billion in this venture; by 2024 that sum had topped $13 billion. In exchange, Microsoft was promised a portion of future profits, capped at 100 times its initial investment. But the software giant didn’t get a seat on OpenAI’s nonprofit board – meaning it lacked the power to help steer the AI venture it was funding. A subsequent round of funding in late 2024, which raised $6.6 billion from multiple investors, came with a catch: that the funding would become debt unless OpenAI converted to a more traditional for-profit business in which investors could own shares, without any caps on profits, and possibly occupy board seats. Establishing a new structure In October 2025, OpenAI reached an agreement with the attorneys general of California and Delaware to become a more traditional for-profit company. Under the new arrangement, OpenAI was split into two entities: a nonprofit foundation and a for-profit business. The restructured nonprofit, the OpenAI Foundation, owns about one-fourth of the stock in a new for-profit public benefit corporation, the OpenAI Group. Both are headquartered in California but incorporated in Delaware. A public benefit corporation is a business that must consider interests beyond shareholders, such as those of society and the environment, and it must issue an annual benefit report to its shareholders and the public. However, it is up to the board to decide how to weigh those interests and what to report in terms of the benefits and harms caused by the company. The new structure is described in a signed in October 2025 by OpenAI and the California attorney general, and endorsed by the Delaware attorney general. Many business media outlets heralded the move, predicting that it would usher in more investment. Two months later, SoftBank, a Japanese conglomerate, finalized a $41 billion investment in OpenAI. Changing its mission statement Most charities must file forms annually with the Internal Revenue Service with details about their missions, activities and financial status to show that they qualify for tax-exempt status. Because the IRS makes the forms public, they have become a way for nonprofits to signal their missions to the world. In its forms for 2022, OpenAI said its mission was “to build general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) that safely benefits humanity, unconstrained by a need to generate financial return.” OpenAI’s mission statement as of 2023 included the word ‘safely.’ IRS via Candid That mission statement has changed, as the company filed with the IRS in late 2025. It became “to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.” OpenAI had dropped its commitment to safety from its mission statement – along with a commitment to being “unconstrained” by a need to make money for investors. According to Platformer, a tech media outlet, it has also disbanded its “mission alignment” team. In my view, these changes explicitly signal that OpenAI is making its profits a higher priority than the safety of its products. To be sure, OpenAI continues to mention safety when it discusses its mission. “We view this mission as the most important challenge of our time,” it states on its website. “It requires simultaneously advancing AI’s capability, safety, and positive impact in the world.” Revising its legal governance structure Nonprofit boards are responsible for key decisions and upholding their organization’s mission. Unlike private companies, board members of tax-exempt charitable nonprofits cannot personally enrich themselves by taking a share of earnings. In cases where a nonprofit owns a for-profit business, as OpenAI did with its previous structure, investors can take a cut of profits – but they typically do not get a seat on the board or have an opportunity to elect board members, because that would be seen as a conflict of interest. The OpenAI Foundation now has a 26% stake in OpenAI Group. In effect, that means that the nonprofit board has given up nearly three-quarters of its control over the company. Software giant Microsoft owns a slightly larger stake – 27% of OpenAI’s stock – due to its $13.8 billion investment in the AI company to date. OpenAI’s employees and its other investors own the rest of the shares. Seeking more investment The main goal of OpenAI’s restructuring, which it called a “recapitalization,” was to attract more private investment in the race for AI dominance. It has already succeeded on that front. As of early February 2026, the company was in talks with SoftBank for an additional $30 billion and stands to get up to a total of $60 billion from Amazon, Nvidia and Microsoft combined. OpenAI is now valued at over $500 billion, up from $300 billion in March 2025. The new structure also paves the way for an eventual initial public offering, which, if it happens, would not only help the company raise more capital through stock markets but would also increase the pressure to make money for its shareholders. OpenAI says the foundation’s endowment is worth about $130 billion. Those numbers are only estimates because OpenAI is a privately held company without publicly traded shares. That means these figures are based on market value estimates rather than any objective evidence, such as market capitalization. When he announced the new structure, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, “We secured concessions that ensure charitable assets are used for their intended purpose.” He also predicted that “safety will be prioritized” and said the “top priority is, and always will be, protecting our kids.” Steps that might help keep people safe At the same time, several conditions in the OpenAI restructuring memo are designed to promote safety, including: A safety and security committee on the OpenAI Foundation board has the authority to that could potentially include the halting of a release of new OpenAI products based on assessments of their risks. The for-profit OpenAI Group has its own board, which must consider only OpenAI’s mission – rather than financial issues – regarding safety and security issues. The OpenAI Foundation’s nonprofit board gets to appoint all members of the OpenAI Group’s for-profit board. But given that neither the mission of the foundation nor of the OpenAI group explicitly alludes to safety, it will be hard to hold their boards accountable for it. Furthermore, since all but one board member currently serve on both boards, it is hard to see how they might oversee themselves. And doesn’t indicate whether he was aware of the removal of any reference to safety from the mission statement. Identifying other paths OpenAI could have taken There are alternative models that I believe would serve the public interest better than this one. When Health Net, a California nonprofit health maintenance organization, converted to a for-profit insurance company in 1992, regulators required that 80% of its equity be transferred to another nonprofit health foundation. Unlike with OpenAI, the foundation had majority control after the transformation. A coalition of California nonprofits has argued that the attorney general should require OpenAI to transfer all of its assets to an independent nonprofit. Another example is The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Pennsylvania newspaper became a for-profit public benefit corporation in 2016. It belongs to the Lenfest Institute, a nonprofit. This structure allows Philadelphia’s biggest newspaper to attract investment without compromising its purpose – journalism serving the needs of its local communities. It’s become a model for potentially transforming the local news industry. At this point, I believe that the public bears the burden of two governance failures. One is that OpenAI’s board has apparently abandoned its mission of safety. And the other is that the attorneys general of California and Delaware have let that happen. Alnoor Ebrahim is a professor of international business at The Fletcher School & Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

It turns out that even conservative justices will only accept so many assaults on legal and constitutional normsView the full article

Steps you can take even during busy season. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Steps you can take even during busy season. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article