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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. After my wife and I bought our home and it came time to get a TV, we knew we wanted one like Samsung's The Frame—we didn't want the focus of our living room to be an ugly black box when not in use. We ended up going with Hisense's first CanvasTV, and we love it. This year, Hisense released the 2026 S7 CanvasTV, and right now, 50-inch model is $798.99 (originally $1,299.99) after a $500 discount. That's the lowest price it has ever been, according to price tracking tools. Art Mode, Anti-Glare Panel, Dolby Vision HDR, Hi-Matte Display, Frame & UltraSlim Wall Mount Included, Lifestyle TV Hisense 50“ QLED S7 CanvasTV Series 4K UHD Google Smart Art TV (50S7SG, 2026 New) $798.99 at Amazon $1,299.99 Save $501.00 Get Deal Get Deal $798.99 at Amazon $1,299.99 Save $501.00 SEE -2 MORE The primary attraction of the CanvasTV over Samsung's The Frame is the price: If you choose The Frame, you have to buy the frames that go around the set and pay for most artwork separately, while Hisense includes all of that in the list price. Like The Frame, the CanvasTV also comes with a flush TV mount that will allow you to hang it so it looks like an actual art piece. I also like that CanvasTVs come with the Google OS, which is my favorite smart TV operating system, as it lets you cast seamlessly from your phone (Android or iPhone). This newer version improves on the peak brightness, bringing it up to 500 nits (as opposed to 450 nits) and an ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness and color based on your room's brightness (you can turn this off). The side viewing angle is supposed to be better, but to what extent we'll have to wait for reviews to confirm. If these changes don't seem too exciting for you, the 2024 is still a great option in 2026, and it offers a big discount as well. The 55-inch version is just $599.99 (originally $999.99) on Best Buy, a substantial price drop for a slightly bigger (but older) TV. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $229.00 (List Price $249.00) 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) Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) — $319.99 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $299.99 (List Price $649.99) Dell 15 DC15250 (Intel Core i7 13th Gen, 512GB SSD, 8GB RAM, Touch Display) — $599.99 (List Price $839.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

When Google announced AirDrop support for Pixel devices last year, it was a bit of a bombshell. For years, file sharing was just one of those things that didn't mix well between iPhone and Android. Email, texting, agreeing on a third-party app; none of the options were convenient, especially when each platform had its own easy-to-use solution: AirDrop or Quick Share. But opening up AirDrop support for Android phones bridges the gap in a meaningful way: Now, you can send a friend with an iPhone a picture, video, or file from your Pixel, and vice versa—as quickly and efficiently as if you both had the same type of smartphone. Unfortunately, in the six months since Google's original announcement, the rollout has been quite slow. At launch, only the Pixel 10 line supported AirDrop. Since then, Google opened up AirDrop support for the Pixel 9 series as well as the Pixel 8a. Then, in March, Samsung announced support for the Galaxy S26 series. Oppo also launched compatibility for the Find X9 series and Find N6, while Vivo rolled out support for the Vivo X300 Ultra. If you have a different Android phone than what's listed here, however, it sadly doesn't support AirDrop—at least, not yet. AirDrop support is on the way for these devicesDuring The Android Show: I/O Edition on Tuesday, Google announced that more Android devices would soon have AirDrop support, democratizing file sharing for more users. At this time, the following devices are on track to receive support later this year: Samsung Galaxy S25 series Samsung Galaxy S24 series Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold Oppo Find X8 series OnePlus 15 Honor Magic V6 Honor Magic8 Pro Google is also expanding support for certain Xiaomi phones this year, but it's not yet clear which devices will receive support. In addition, it's not clear whether the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy S24 FE also fall into the above list. Your Android phone can still support easy file sharing without AirDropIf you have an Android phone that isn't listed here, you aren't entirely cut out of the AirDrop equation. In fact, Google is rolling out a feature for Android devices that let them tap into easy file sharing, but via a QR code. It's a new option you'll find in the Quick Share menu: By using a QR code, your file moves to the cloud—from here, have your iPhone friends scan the QR code to retrieve the file. There's not a ton of info about this functionality just yet, but I'd imagine there are some privacy implications here. AirDrop and Quick Share send files directly from one device to another: Getting the cloud involved opens up the risk for other parties (Google included) to access your data. But, at the same time, at least there's another option on the way for users to share files without having to resort to email. View the full article

The retail giant added a pro-rated dividend for TWO stockholders that would deliver a cash value potentially greater than UWM's latest offer. View the full article

Foreclosure filings were reported on 42,430 properties in the United States last month, down 8% from the month prior but up 18% from a year ago. View the full article

Leadership is no longer linear. Among the founders I meet, there’s a clear shift: Younger entrepreneurs are starting earlier, building faster, and often working across multiple ventures at once. More than half of Gen Z has a side hustle. Entrepreneurship is beginning to look less like a single trajectory and more like a portfolio. But this generation isn’t just building businesses. They’re building dynamic careers with intent. There is a growing expectation that entrepreneurs integrate social and environmental impact into core business decisions. Nearly a third of Gen Z is interested in serving on nonprofit boards or advisory groups. The line between building a company and driving impact is increasingly blurred. In my role, working with leaders across sectors, I see this shift play out in real time. A new model of leadership is emerging: one defined not by sequence, but by action. These leaders aren’t waiting to establish credibility before they lead. They’re building and leading simultaneously, often across multiple platforms. Sophia Kianni is one of them. Kianni is the co-founder of Phia, the AI alignment layer for commerce, and co-host of business podcast The Burnouts. She also founded Climate Cardinals, now the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit, and served as the youngest UN climate advisor in U.S. history. Together, we unpack what it means to lead today, and why the next generation isn’t waiting to step up. They are already doing it. WALSH: There’s a perception that leadership comes with time and experience. But that seems to be changing. What are you seeing? KIANNI: What’s changing is access and expectations. With social media and AI, it’s easier than ever to build, get real feedback, and learn fast. If you’re a high agency young person, you can compress the timeline for building expertise and start gaining meaningful experience much earlier. At the same time, I deeply appreciate that some lessons only come from making mistakes over time. That’s why a strong support system matters. Growth takes both initiative and people around you who can offer perspective and help you navigate it. WALSH: The traditional model was more linear; you built credibility over time, often within one organization. What we’re seeing now is much more dynamic. From where I sit, that creates both opportunity and complexity. There is incredible energy and innovation, but it also challenges existing systems. Many institutions aren’t designed to engage with leaders building across multiple platforms at once. Why is this portfolio approach becoming more common? KIANNI: Because it’s possible now. You can start something with very few resources, reach people directly, and pivot quickly if it isn’t working. Instead of betting everything on one idea upfront, you can test a few things at once. Some grow, some don’t, and you learn from all of it. Sometimes those things also compound. We’re seeing media platforms become more valuable to tech companies, and founders are increasingly building ecosystems where different ventures reinforce each other through audience, distribution, and trust. But once something is clearly working, the job changes. You need to put resources, staffing, and a team around it, because companies are built by teams, not individuals. WALSH: I’m inspired by how many young leaders are using their ventures and platforms to drive real change. Sustainability and climate action have been central to your work. How are those values shaping what you build? KIANNI: I think people can feel when something is built from conviction versus convenience. If you want to bring something to life, especially through the hard parts, you have to genuinely believe in it. For me, purpose has always come from working on things that solve real problems and make people’s lives better. That started with my nonprofit, where I was focused on empowering more young people to work on climate change solutions. And that same instinct has carried into everything I’ve built since, including Phia and my podcast The Burnouts. I’ve never really thought about impact as something separate from building. For me, it is the reason to build. WALSH: You recently joined UNICEF’s NextGen Leadership Council. How do you hope your platform helps inspire others to see themselves as leaders and changemakers? KIANNI: One of the biggest through lines in my work is that I deeply believe in the ability of young people to make a real positive difference in the world. I want to keep using my platform to support initiatives I care deeply about and that I believe are making the world better, and UNICEF is absolutely one of them. More than anything, I hope I can help people see that anyone can be a changemaker. You do not need one specific job or title to make an impact. Whatever career you are in, you can use your voice, your skills, and your platform to help move things in a better direction. WALSH: That resonates with what I’m seeing. Leadership today isn’t just about vision; it’s about building what makes that vision possible. That may involve multiple ventures, partnerships, or platforms. But the goal is the same: creating something that can scale and endure. As I think about the next generation of leadership, I see an ability to connect ideas, resources, and communities in real time and turn that into meaningful change. What do you think defines this generation of leaders? KIANNI: This generation leads with imagination and acts with conviction. We see possibilities that others may miss, and we are willing to pursue them. Young leaders bring a fresh perspective to old problems. We are more likely to question inherited systems, connect ideas across different worlds, and build where others might have accepted the status quo. What defines this generation is a belief that progress is possible, and a willingness to help create it. Michele Walsh is executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer of UNICEF USA. View the full article

Post-pandemic rule changes also have driven the Department of Veterans Affairs' number higher too but not as much as the Federal Housing Administration's. View the full article

Team spirit is essential for workplace success, and implementing creative teambuilding activities can greatly improve collaboration among team members. Activities like cultural exchange days and storytelling sessions nurture trust and comprehension, whereas culinary competitions and time capsule events encourage teamwork in enjoyable ways. These initiatives not merely boost morale but additionally promote creativity and connection. Explore how these 10 activities can transform your team’s dynamics and contribute to a more cohesive work environment. Key Takeaways Organize Cultural Exchange Days to share stories, food, and artifacts, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing biases within the team. Host Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs that encourage collaboration and creativity while enhancing communication under time constraints, promoting team spirit through culinary challenges. Create a Team Anthem with custom lyrics reflecting team values, fostering collective identity and camaraderie through shared musical experiences. Conduct Weekly Wisdom Exchanges to share insights and celebrate successes, nurturing a culture of recognition and continuous growth among team members. Organize an Art and Innovation showcase to celebrate diverse talents and encourage teamwork through collaborative projects that enhance problem-solving skills. Cultural Exchange Days Cultural Exchange Days are an effective way to promote diversity within your team, as they allow members to share unique stories, food recipes, and artifacts from their own cultures. By organizing monthly sessions where team members highlight various cultural aspects, you cultivate an environment of inclusivity that encourages participation and learning. Rotating presenters each month not only engages everyone but likewise gives team members a sense of ownership in sharing their cultural heritage. Incorporating discussions and Q&A sessions during these exchanges deepens comprehension and breaks down unconscious biases. This open dialogue promotes inclusivity and improves team cohesion, as celebrating cultural traditions during activities strengthens interpersonal relationships. Through shared experiences, team members develop a greater appreciation for one another’s backgrounds, contributing to a more harmonious workplace. In the end, Cultural Exchange Days serve as a bridge, connecting diverse perspectives and enriching the team dynamic. Storytelling Sessions Storytelling sessions serve as a potent tool for nurturing connection and grasp among team members, as they provide an opportunity to share personal experiences and insights. By creating a safe environment for open dialogue, these sessions improve trust and connection within the group. When you use prompts, you can spark engaging conversations that help participants reflect on their paths and the lessons learned along the way. Sharing stories can reveal common challenges and successes, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose among team members. In addition, regular storytelling sessions can greatly improve communication skills, as they encourage active listening and thoughtful responses. The act of recounting experiences likewise boosts morale, contributing to a positive workplace culture. Team Anthem Creating a team anthem offers a unique opportunity for you and your colleagues to express your collective identity through custom lyrics. As you brainstorm, think about how the words can reflect your team’s values and spirit, often set to a familiar tune for easy performance. Engaging in this process not just strengthens your group’s bond but furthermore improves the dynamics of group performance during meetings or events. Crafting Unique Lyrics Engaging your team in crafting unique lyrics for a team anthem can greatly improve collaboration and creativity. This process encourages each member to contribute ideas that reflect your collective spirit and values. By using familiar melodies, you boost participation, making it easy for everyone to remember and sing together. Benefits Description Collaboration Team members share ideas and themes. Creativity Individual personalities align with common goals. Fun Participation Familiar melodies increase enjoyment and engagement. Inside Jokes Personal references strengthen team bonds. Team Identity Regular singing reinforces morale and unity. Crafting unique lyrics not only promotes team building but creates a strong sense of belonging, making your team’s anthem a memorable part of your meetings. Group Performance Dynamics A team anthem plays a significant role in shaping group performance dynamics by establishing a shared identity among team members. It improves group cohesion, nurturing a collective spirit that connects everyone. When you collaborate to create a team anthem, whether writing lyrics or adapting a familiar tune, you engage in teambuilding, which is an essential process. Incorporating the anthem into meetings or events acts as a unifying ritual, energizing members before collaborative efforts. Regularly singing or playing your anthem boosts morale and motivation, instilling pride in your team. Research underscores that shared music experiences can deepen emotional bonds, making a team anthem a influential tool for improving interpersonal relationships and promoting a positive team culture. Yearly Time Capsule Event Though team dynamics can shift over time, a yearly time capsule event provides a unique opportunity for members to capture and preserve their current experiences, achievements, and insights. Team members can collect items, letters, or digital content that reflect their expedition, contributing to a shared narrative. The capsule is typically buried at a significant location, building anticipation for its discovery a year later. During the discovery, you’ll share stories about the collected items, nurturing connection and camaraderie. This activity involves all members, promoting team bonding and reinforcing a sense of shared purpose. Here’s a quick overview of the process: Step Description Outcome Collection of Items Team members gather meaningful items or letters. Reflects current team dynamics. Burial of the Capsule Capsule is buried at a chosen location. Creates anticipation for discovery. Revealing the Capsule Team members share stories and insights. Strengthens connections and unity. Reflection Discuss growth and changes over the year. Reinforces shared purpose and expedition. Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs serve as engaging culinary challenges that not merely showcase your cooking talents but additionally promote teamwork and collaboration. By forming small groups, you’ll work together to create dishes under time constraints, which improves communication and encourages creativity among team members. These events celebrate culinary achievements, allowing everyone to bond over shared experiences as they cultivate a relaxed atmosphere that strengthens team spirit. Engaging Culinary Challenges Engaging in culinary challenges, such as team cook-offs, can greatly improve collaboration and creativity among team members. These bi-annual events encourage camaraderie as everyone works together within a set time to prepare dishes. Here’s what makes these cook-offs effective: Themed Challenges: Incorporating specific themes or secret ingredients sparks innovative thinking. Skill Showcase: Team members can display their culinary talents, nurturing friendly competition. Taste-Testing & Judging: Involving everyone in evaluating dishes promotes feedback and recognition of contributions. Problem-Solving: Steering cooking challenges boosts communication and teamwork. Team Bonding Through Cooking Cook-offs offer a unique way for teams to bond as they hone their culinary skills. These bi-annual events encourage collaboration and creativity, as team members work together to prepare various dishes. Friendly competition promotes an engaging environment where teams are judged on taste, presentation, and teamwork. Participants not only showcase their culinary talents but likewise improve camaraderie and team spirit. Shared experiences in the kitchen lead to enhanced communication and collaboration back in the workplace. Organizing these cook-offs contributes to a positive workplace culture by creating memorable experiences that strengthen team dynamics and engagement. Team Name Dish Name Judge’s Score Culinary Crew Spaghetti Surprise 8 Flavor Fusion Tacos Deluxe 9 Spice Masters Curry Delight 7 Gourmet Gang BBQ Ribs 9 Savory Squad Veggie Stir-Fry 8 Celebrating Culinary Achievements When teams gather for culinary competitions, they not only celebrate their cooking skills but also strengthen their bonds through shared experiences. Bi-annual team cook-offs promote teamwork and camaraderie, encouraging collaboration as participants showcase their culinary creativity. These events can be structured around specific themes or ingredients, stimulating engagement and excitement. Teams compete in various areas, including: Taste and flavor profiles Presentation and creativity Teamwork and collaboration Overall execution and timing The cook-offs provide a platform for team members to bond over laughter and the joy of cooking in a relaxed environment. Hosting these events twice a year allows for continual improvement, as teams refine their techniques and build on previous experiences, enhancing both skills and relationships. Weekly Wisdom Exchanges Weekly Wisdom Exchanges create an opportunity for team members to share insights and experiences during short segments of team meetings, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes. This practice nurtures a culture of continuous growth and reflection, encouraging everyone to recognize personal and collective successes. When team members openly celebrate these achievements, it boosts morale and strengthens team cohesion. Weekly Friday Wins Building on the foundation of Weekly Wisdom Exchanges, implementing Weekly Friday Wins can greatly improve team dynamics. These sessions allow team members to share personal and professional successes, promoting a culture of recognition and appreciation. By allocating just 10 to 15 minutes during weekly meetings for these shares, you boost team morale and create a positive atmosphere. Here are some key benefits: Encourages open communication about achievements. Builds psychological safety and strengthens relationships. Increases employee satisfaction and motivation. Cultivates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Art and Innovation Art and innovation can serve as strong catalysts for team cohesion and creativity, especially when integrated into team-building activities. By hosting art and innovation showcase events, you allow team members to present creative projects, which encourages collaboration as well as celebrating diverse talents. These events typically feature a designated date and theme, giving participants time to prepare their work, improving engagement. Discussions during these presentations encourage sharing inspiration and promote a culture of creativity. Engaging in collaborative art activities, like creating a mural, strengthens team bonds and improves communication through shared expression. Incorporating art and innovation enriches team spirit and stimulates problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a relaxed environment. Activity Type Benefits Art Showcase Celebrates diverse talents Themed Projects Improves engagement and anticipation Group Discussions Shares inspiration and learning Mural Collaboration Strengthens bonds and communication Innovation Tasks Stimulates problem-solving skills Personality Profiling Personality profiling is a valuable tool for enhancing team dynamics and improving collaboration among group members. By evaluating individual traits, preferences, and behaviors, you can gain insights that lead to better teamwork. Here are some key aspects of incorporating personality profiling into your team-building activities: Utilize common personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DiSC Assessment, and Enneagram. Understand diverse personality types to leverage each member’s strengths and promote empathy. Encourage appreciation for different perspectives, reducing conflicts within the team. Encourage regular discussions about personality insights to build a culture of self-awareness. Festival of Lights The Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, a theme found in many cultures around the world. In corporate settings, organizing a Festival of Lights-themed team-building activity can help promote inclusivity and appreciation for diverse traditions. Participants can engage in creative projects like making lanterns or designing decorations, which promotes collaboration and teamwork during enhancing cultural awareness. Here’s a simple table to illustrate key elements of the Festival of Lights: Activity Purpose Benefits Lantern Making Crafting decorations Encourages creativity Shared Meals Bonding over food Builds community Storytelling Sharing personal stories Deepens connections Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Fun Activities for Team Building? You can engage your team in various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. Consider hosting trivia contests, where members can work together under pressure, or organizing cooking challenges to spark creativity. Improv games and talent shows allow everyone to showcase their skills, promoting appreciation for each other’s talents. Furthermore, classic games like Pictionary or Charades encourage non-verbal communication and laughter, creating a relaxed atmosphere that strengthens team bonds effectively. What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The 5 C’s of team building are essential for effective teamwork. First, communication nurtures open dialogue, ensuring everyone’s ideas are valued. Next, collaboration involves leveraging each member’s strengths to pursue shared goals. Commitment reflects team members’ dedication to achieving success, boosting motivation. Creativity encourages innovative thinking, allowing teams to develop unique solutions. Finally, cohesion builds a sense of unity, which strengthens relationships and improves overall team performance. Together, these elements create a thriving work environment. What Are 30 Minute Team Building Activities? You can engage your team in several effective 30-minute activities. Icebreakers like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Human Knot” promote interaction. Quick problem-solving tasks, such as the Marshmallow Challenge, improve creativity and collaboration. Furthermore, activities like “Emoji Introductions” allow team members to share their personalities, nurturing comprehension. Incorporating brief sessions for sharing “Weekly Wins” can boost morale, creating a positive atmosphere as well as fitting conveniently into busy schedules. What Are Crafty Team Building Activities? Crafty team building activities often involve creative projects that improve collaboration. You could engage in DIY craft sessions, where each member contributes to a shared art piece, promoting teamwork. Collaborative mural painting or building structures from recycled materials encourages innovative problem-solving. Furthermore, creating storyboards allows teams to visualize ideas effectively. Finally, hosting an art showcase nurtures appreciation for diverse talents, strengthening team cohesion through mutual recognition and support of each other’s creative efforts. Conclusion Incorporating creative teambuilding activities can greatly improve team spirit and collaboration within your organization. By engaging in events like cultural exchange days, storytelling sessions, and culinary competitions, team members can build trust and comprehension. Moreover, activities such as yearly time capsules and weekly recognition sessions nurture a sense of belonging and motivation. These initiatives not only create lasting memories but similarly cultivate a positive team environment, ultimately reinforcing workplace dynamics and enhancing overall productivity. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Creative Teambuilding Activities for Team Spirit Building" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Team spirit is essential for workplace success, and implementing creative teambuilding activities can greatly improve collaboration among team members. Activities like cultural exchange days and storytelling sessions nurture trust and comprehension, whereas culinary competitions and time capsule events encourage teamwork in enjoyable ways. These initiatives not merely boost morale but additionally promote creativity and connection. Explore how these 10 activities can transform your team’s dynamics and contribute to a more cohesive work environment. Key Takeaways Organize Cultural Exchange Days to share stories, food, and artifacts, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing biases within the team. Host Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs that encourage collaboration and creativity while enhancing communication under time constraints, promoting team spirit through culinary challenges. Create a Team Anthem with custom lyrics reflecting team values, fostering collective identity and camaraderie through shared musical experiences. Conduct Weekly Wisdom Exchanges to share insights and celebrate successes, nurturing a culture of recognition and continuous growth among team members. Organize an Art and Innovation showcase to celebrate diverse talents and encourage teamwork through collaborative projects that enhance problem-solving skills. Cultural Exchange Days Cultural Exchange Days are an effective way to promote diversity within your team, as they allow members to share unique stories, food recipes, and artifacts from their own cultures. By organizing monthly sessions where team members highlight various cultural aspects, you cultivate an environment of inclusivity that encourages participation and learning. Rotating presenters each month not only engages everyone but likewise gives team members a sense of ownership in sharing their cultural heritage. Incorporating discussions and Q&A sessions during these exchanges deepens comprehension and breaks down unconscious biases. This open dialogue promotes inclusivity and improves team cohesion, as celebrating cultural traditions during activities strengthens interpersonal relationships. Through shared experiences, team members develop a greater appreciation for one another’s backgrounds, contributing to a more harmonious workplace. In the end, Cultural Exchange Days serve as a bridge, connecting diverse perspectives and enriching the team dynamic. Storytelling Sessions Storytelling sessions serve as a potent tool for nurturing connection and grasp among team members, as they provide an opportunity to share personal experiences and insights. By creating a safe environment for open dialogue, these sessions improve trust and connection within the group. When you use prompts, you can spark engaging conversations that help participants reflect on their paths and the lessons learned along the way. Sharing stories can reveal common challenges and successes, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose among team members. In addition, regular storytelling sessions can greatly improve communication skills, as they encourage active listening and thoughtful responses. The act of recounting experiences likewise boosts morale, contributing to a positive workplace culture. Team Anthem Creating a team anthem offers a unique opportunity for you and your colleagues to express your collective identity through custom lyrics. As you brainstorm, think about how the words can reflect your team’s values and spirit, often set to a familiar tune for easy performance. Engaging in this process not just strengthens your group’s bond but furthermore improves the dynamics of group performance during meetings or events. Crafting Unique Lyrics Engaging your team in crafting unique lyrics for a team anthem can greatly improve collaboration and creativity. This process encourages each member to contribute ideas that reflect your collective spirit and values. By using familiar melodies, you boost participation, making it easy for everyone to remember and sing together. Benefits Description Collaboration Team members share ideas and themes. Creativity Individual personalities align with common goals. Fun Participation Familiar melodies increase enjoyment and engagement. Inside Jokes Personal references strengthen team bonds. Team Identity Regular singing reinforces morale and unity. Crafting unique lyrics not only promotes team building but creates a strong sense of belonging, making your team’s anthem a memorable part of your meetings. Group Performance Dynamics A team anthem plays a significant role in shaping group performance dynamics by establishing a shared identity among team members. It improves group cohesion, nurturing a collective spirit that connects everyone. When you collaborate to create a team anthem, whether writing lyrics or adapting a familiar tune, you engage in teambuilding, which is an essential process. Incorporating the anthem into meetings or events acts as a unifying ritual, energizing members before collaborative efforts. Regularly singing or playing your anthem boosts morale and motivation, instilling pride in your team. Research underscores that shared music experiences can deepen emotional bonds, making a team anthem a influential tool for improving interpersonal relationships and promoting a positive team culture. Yearly Time Capsule Event Though team dynamics can shift over time, a yearly time capsule event provides a unique opportunity for members to capture and preserve their current experiences, achievements, and insights. Team members can collect items, letters, or digital content that reflect their expedition, contributing to a shared narrative. The capsule is typically buried at a significant location, building anticipation for its discovery a year later. During the discovery, you’ll share stories about the collected items, nurturing connection and camaraderie. This activity involves all members, promoting team bonding and reinforcing a sense of shared purpose. Here’s a quick overview of the process: Step Description Outcome Collection of Items Team members gather meaningful items or letters. Reflects current team dynamics. Burial of the Capsule Capsule is buried at a chosen location. Creates anticipation for discovery. Revealing the Capsule Team members share stories and insights. Strengthens connections and unity. Reflection Discuss growth and changes over the year. Reinforces shared purpose and expedition. Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs Bi-Annual Team Cook-Offs serve as engaging culinary challenges that not merely showcase your cooking talents but additionally promote teamwork and collaboration. By forming small groups, you’ll work together to create dishes under time constraints, which improves communication and encourages creativity among team members. These events celebrate culinary achievements, allowing everyone to bond over shared experiences as they cultivate a relaxed atmosphere that strengthens team spirit. Engaging Culinary Challenges Engaging in culinary challenges, such as team cook-offs, can greatly improve collaboration and creativity among team members. These bi-annual events encourage camaraderie as everyone works together within a set time to prepare dishes. Here’s what makes these cook-offs effective: Themed Challenges: Incorporating specific themes or secret ingredients sparks innovative thinking. Skill Showcase: Team members can display their culinary talents, nurturing friendly competition. Taste-Testing & Judging: Involving everyone in evaluating dishes promotes feedback and recognition of contributions. Problem-Solving: Steering cooking challenges boosts communication and teamwork. Team Bonding Through Cooking Cook-offs offer a unique way for teams to bond as they hone their culinary skills. These bi-annual events encourage collaboration and creativity, as team members work together to prepare various dishes. Friendly competition promotes an engaging environment where teams are judged on taste, presentation, and teamwork. Participants not only showcase their culinary talents but likewise improve camaraderie and team spirit. Shared experiences in the kitchen lead to enhanced communication and collaboration back in the workplace. Organizing these cook-offs contributes to a positive workplace culture by creating memorable experiences that strengthen team dynamics and engagement. Team Name Dish Name Judge’s Score Culinary Crew Spaghetti Surprise 8 Flavor Fusion Tacos Deluxe 9 Spice Masters Curry Delight 7 Gourmet Gang BBQ Ribs 9 Savory Squad Veggie Stir-Fry 8 Celebrating Culinary Achievements When teams gather for culinary competitions, they not only celebrate their cooking skills but also strengthen their bonds through shared experiences. Bi-annual team cook-offs promote teamwork and camaraderie, encouraging collaboration as participants showcase their culinary creativity. These events can be structured around specific themes or ingredients, stimulating engagement and excitement. Teams compete in various areas, including: Taste and flavor profiles Presentation and creativity Teamwork and collaboration Overall execution and timing The cook-offs provide a platform for team members to bond over laughter and the joy of cooking in a relaxed environment. Hosting these events twice a year allows for continual improvement, as teams refine their techniques and build on previous experiences, enhancing both skills and relationships. Weekly Wisdom Exchanges Weekly Wisdom Exchanges create an opportunity for team members to share insights and experiences during short segments of team meetings, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes. This practice nurtures a culture of continuous growth and reflection, encouraging everyone to recognize personal and collective successes. When team members openly celebrate these achievements, it boosts morale and strengthens team cohesion. Weekly Friday Wins Building on the foundation of Weekly Wisdom Exchanges, implementing Weekly Friday Wins can greatly improve team dynamics. These sessions allow team members to share personal and professional successes, promoting a culture of recognition and appreciation. By allocating just 10 to 15 minutes during weekly meetings for these shares, you boost team morale and create a positive atmosphere. Here are some key benefits: Encourages open communication about achievements. Builds psychological safety and strengthens relationships. Increases employee satisfaction and motivation. Cultivates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Art and Innovation Art and innovation can serve as strong catalysts for team cohesion and creativity, especially when integrated into team-building activities. By hosting art and innovation showcase events, you allow team members to present creative projects, which encourages collaboration as well as celebrating diverse talents. These events typically feature a designated date and theme, giving participants time to prepare their work, improving engagement. Discussions during these presentations encourage sharing inspiration and promote a culture of creativity. Engaging in collaborative art activities, like creating a mural, strengthens team bonds and improves communication through shared expression. Incorporating art and innovation enriches team spirit and stimulates problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a relaxed environment. Activity Type Benefits Art Showcase Celebrates diverse talents Themed Projects Improves engagement and anticipation Group Discussions Shares inspiration and learning Mural Collaboration Strengthens bonds and communication Innovation Tasks Stimulates problem-solving skills Personality Profiling Personality profiling is a valuable tool for enhancing team dynamics and improving collaboration among group members. By evaluating individual traits, preferences, and behaviors, you can gain insights that lead to better teamwork. Here are some key aspects of incorporating personality profiling into your team-building activities: Utilize common personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DiSC Assessment, and Enneagram. Understand diverse personality types to leverage each member’s strengths and promote empathy. Encourage appreciation for different perspectives, reducing conflicts within the team. Encourage regular discussions about personality insights to build a culture of self-awareness. Festival of Lights The Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, a theme found in many cultures around the world. In corporate settings, organizing a Festival of Lights-themed team-building activity can help promote inclusivity and appreciation for diverse traditions. Participants can engage in creative projects like making lanterns or designing decorations, which promotes collaboration and teamwork during enhancing cultural awareness. Here’s a simple table to illustrate key elements of the Festival of Lights: Activity Purpose Benefits Lantern Making Crafting decorations Encourages creativity Shared Meals Bonding over food Builds community Storytelling Sharing personal stories Deepens connections Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Fun Activities for Team Building? You can engage your team in various fun activities that improve collaboration and communication. Consider hosting trivia contests, where members can work together under pressure, or organizing cooking challenges to spark creativity. Improv games and talent shows allow everyone to showcase their skills, promoting appreciation for each other’s talents. Furthermore, classic games like Pictionary or Charades encourage non-verbal communication and laughter, creating a relaxed atmosphere that strengthens team bonds effectively. What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The 5 C’s of team building are essential for effective teamwork. First, communication nurtures open dialogue, ensuring everyone’s ideas are valued. Next, collaboration involves leveraging each member’s strengths to pursue shared goals. Commitment reflects team members’ dedication to achieving success, boosting motivation. Creativity encourages innovative thinking, allowing teams to develop unique solutions. Finally, cohesion builds a sense of unity, which strengthens relationships and improves overall team performance. Together, these elements create a thriving work environment. What Are 30 Minute Team Building Activities? You can engage your team in several effective 30-minute activities. Icebreakers like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Human Knot” promote interaction. Quick problem-solving tasks, such as the Marshmallow Challenge, improve creativity and collaboration. Furthermore, activities like “Emoji Introductions” allow team members to share their personalities, nurturing comprehension. Incorporating brief sessions for sharing “Weekly Wins” can boost morale, creating a positive atmosphere as well as fitting conveniently into busy schedules. What Are Crafty Team Building Activities? Crafty team building activities often involve creative projects that improve collaboration. You could engage in DIY craft sessions, where each member contributes to a shared art piece, promoting teamwork. Collaborative mural painting or building structures from recycled materials encourages innovative problem-solving. Furthermore, creating storyboards allows teams to visualize ideas effectively. Finally, hosting an art showcase nurtures appreciation for diverse talents, strengthening team cohesion through mutual recognition and support of each other’s creative efforts. Conclusion Incorporating creative teambuilding activities can greatly improve team spirit and collaboration within your organization. By engaging in events like cultural exchange days, storytelling sessions, and culinary competitions, team members can build trust and comprehension. Moreover, activities such as yearly time capsules and weekly recognition sessions nurture a sense of belonging and motivation. These initiatives not only create lasting memories but similarly cultivate a positive team environment, ultimately reinforcing workplace dynamics and enhancing overall productivity. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Creative Teambuilding Activities for Team Spirit Building" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Stress is built into every leader’s work life. But sometimes it’s even more intense. Just as airlines say to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, executives need to take care of their physical and mental health to effectively lead the team and the company. There’s no one way to do it right, and solutions are as individual as the leaders themselves. That said, there are some buckets that well-being solutions fall into, such as exercise, sleep, and healthful eating. But how those are carried out can vary. We asked our Fast Company Impact Council members what they do to maintain physical and mental health, especially during a crunch time. What they shared can help every leader improve their own personal and work life. 1. USE THE 8-1-1 SYSTEM For the first few years of the company’s scaling, I followed the principle of “work first, rest later.” However, when burnout began to affect my concentration and decision-making ability, I revised my routine to the “8-1-1” system: 8 hours of sleep, 1 hour of exercise, and 1 hour of mindfulness practice every day. Now, I do Pilates or yoga every day, and I find time to play tennis and golf during the week. I also meditate and repeat mantras for 40 minutes a day, and devote 10–15 minutes of Pranayama to boost my energy. This daily routine helps me stay focused, disciplined, calm, and consistent, which is needed in business. — Victoria Repa, BetterMe 2. RESILIENCE IS A TEAM SPORT I started running in 2020 during the pandemic, and it’s become a non-negotiable. I’ve now run 12 marathons, including 5 of the 6 World Majors, and just finished the Boston Marathon. What stayed with me from that race wasn’t my time; it was helping another runner cross the finish line. In the middle of something hard, you realize pretty quickly that it’s not just about individual performance. That carries directly into how I lead during crunch time. Running gives me discipline and a clear head, but it also reinforces that resilience is a team sport. You can’t expect people to push through intense moments if they feel like they’re doing it alone. — Meredith Rosenberg, NU Advisory Partners 3. A WORKOUT PARTNER My workout partner is the single greatest asset—5:30 a.m. every morning, together. And when the pace or demands accelerate, we try to protect the basics. Something is better than nothing: a shorter workout, a walk, more water, a better night of sleep, a few quiet minutes to reset. A hard season can command more hours, but it should not mean self-destruction. — R. Ethan Braden, Texas A&M University 4. NO POLITICS I exercise twice a day for 40 minutes, eat lots of protein (at least 100 grams a day if possible), and keep a positive attitude. Most of all, I do not watch political or related news—on any outlet. I do read the Wall Street Journal business news and watch the stock market. I surround myself with people who have a positive attitude and ban all political conversation in the workplace. The result is a happy environment with common goals and focus. — Larraine Segil, Exceptional Women Alliance Foundation 5. CRUNCH TIME = A PERFORMANCE PHASE I treat crunch time like a performance phase, not a survival phase. I’ve seen some founders do the opposite. For example, when we were raising our Series B, I made a deliberate call to remove variables that create volatility. I stopped drinking alcohol completely for 75 days and exercised every day. That wasn’t about lifestyle, it was about consistency. Sleep improved, recovery improved, and my decision-making stayed sharp across a high-stakes period. I apply that same principle more broadly by eliminating noise and having a non-negotiable physical baseline. I’ve always believed that if your body falls apart, your company follows. — Cameron Van Der Berg, Infravision 6. PICKLEBALL AND GRATITUDE I do two things. I practice gratitude because I find it incredibly grounding and it enables me to push through stressful situations with calm and fortitude. Second, I work out most days first thing in the morning to relieve stress, clear my mind, build strength, and get ready for the day. I also throw in pickleball on the weekends for some competitive social activity. It’s very zen because while playing, I don’t think about anything other than the game. — Phillip Haid, Public Inc. 7. FAMILY TIME, EXERCISE, AND MEDITATION Even during the most hectic times, I have a few non-negotiables—family time, exercise, and meditation top the list. When we say “I don’t have time for this,” we often really mean “I don’t have the energy for this.” But what gives you joy and energy doesn’t steal your time; it gifts it back to you. And those things are crucial when work feels relentless, or the chaos in the world feels too heavy to bear. It might mean getting up a bit earlier to exercise, or fitting in a meditation on the train or between meetings, but I know what I need to keep my brain sharp and my stress levels in check, so the external noise doesn’t seep all the way in. — Tyler Perry, Mission North 8. PERSPECTIVE AND STRUCTURE In many industries, crunch time collides with real life. The key is perspective and structure. Most businesses aren’t life-or-death. Keeping that in mind prevents unnecessary stress. Prioritize systems over willpower: Align work and personal calendars, plan ahead, and remove daily friction. Build in movement. Walking calls or coffee meetings help sustain energy. Finally, set clear boundaries. A consistent weekly “shut-off” protects performance and wellbeing. For example, on Friday at 3 p.m., switching into family time can be a simple but powerful reset. — Emily Kortlang, Yerba Madre 9. DISCIPLINE, PACING, AND PATIENCE During crunch times, I manage my mental and physical health the same way I did when I recently ran the Boston Marathon, by staying disciplined, pacing myself, and being patient. I rely on the habits and experiences developed before the pressure hits, whether that’s training, preparation, or having community support. Just as important, I listen to my mind and body, making small adjustments when needed so I can keep moving forward. — Chris Moore, FIRST 10. STRUCTURE, SUPPORT, AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS During crunch times, I approach my health the same way we approach nicotine cessation at Truth Initiative: with structure, support, and realistic expectations. I protect time each morning for quiet reflection, journaling, and high-intensity exercise—simple practices that create space between stress and reaction, much like managing nicotine cravings. I also lean on my team and stay grounded in purpose. When the work is about helping others, that sense of meaning becomes a renewable source of energy, and a reminder that taking care of yourself is essential to sustaining it. — Kathy Crosby, Truth Initiative 11. REFRAME STRESS AS INFORMATION I reframe stress as information, not an enemy—actionable data pointing to an underlying problem. That shift creates agency and improves decision-making under pressure. In periods of uncertainty, especially when external crises hit personally (my home country of Lebanon is under attack and my family at risk), compartmentalization is essential—not avoidance, but leadership discipline. A leader’s psychology shapes the organization’s psychology. I rely on a high-trust team where vulnerability is possible. You acknowledge reality, share context, then keep executing. Holding emotional honesty and operational steadiness is critical in high-stakes moments. — Hala Hanna, MIT Solve 12. TAKE RECOVERY TIME The work I do tends to come in waves and can spike at a moment’s notice. When I have days where things are light, I take the time to recover. I focus on getting outside, connecting with something bigger than me, my company, or the issue I’m solving. I also anchor into practices that ground and support me, through breathwork, meditation, and writing. The weight of the work and what’s at stake can feel heavy, so making sure I stay steady, grounded, and calm allows me to navigate the work more effectively. I can choose intensity and adrenaline when the work requires it instead of letting it run on its own. — Regan Parker, ShiftKey 13. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WELL-BEING MOMENTS We embrace a mantra of freedom. It is not our responsibility to create the actual mental and physical well-being moments, but rather make the opportunities to do so. We constantly remind people that caring for yourself and your family is the foundation of flourishing. We just provide the flexibility and time for them to do so. — Adam Thatcher, Grace Farms 14. KEEP CRUNCH TIME TIGHT I keep a few non-negotiables: sleep, movement, and protected quiet time, which isn’t necessarily tied to certain hours of the day. If those slip, everything else follows. I run 3–8 miles most days, and switching to a standing desk has made a real difference physically. We also push for tight prioritization so crunch doesn’t sprawl; short bursts are fine, drawn-out charrettes aren’t useful to anyone. — Ben Wintner, Michael Graves Design 15. PIANO LESSONS As a leader, taking piano lessons is humbling. The mindset to learn creates space for curiosity and accomplishment, even during a crunch. Time is a choice and technology gives me the option to download songs and also learn by listening. An effective skill under pressure is the ability to listen. — Barbara Bouza, CannonDesign 16. MODEL BEHAVIOR TO OTHERS I have found that the most important thing I can do as a leader is model the behavior I want to see. If everyone is working around the clock, I try to create small but real moments of recovery. For example, I have each team member pick one night a week to leave early for dinner or something personal. I ask what is one non-negotiable they want to keep, and I help protect it. I also encourage teams to work in focused sprints with clear pauses. Even a short walk, a reset between meetings, or stepping away for an hour can make a difference. Permission matters. When I create it, people actually use it. — Tami Rosen, executive and board member 17. SILENCE It’s easy to say the obvious of sleep, diet, and exercise, but the one that’s had the biggest impact for me is silence. I run without headphones. I’ll stop for a coffee and keep my phone firmly in my pocket. If your head is constantly filled with the latest podcast or someone else’s thinking, you’re not processing yourself. Silence is deeply underrated. It’s where things actually settle. — James Greenfield, Koto 18. GET IN THE WATER A big part of the CEO role is being the chief energy officer for company culture and talent. So managing your own physical and mental health at all times is in the top three jobs to undertake, as your posture and energy sets the tone for the company. For me that is a mixture of space to let my mind wander and play, time with those close to me to be the non-CEO, and to have my cup filled. And getting in the water wherever it may be, to forget about it all. — Chris Kay, 72andSunny 19. WHAT’S MY PURPOSE? I try to be very disciplined about where I direct my energy. I’ve learned that I’m a more effective leader when I protect a few basics—movement, quiet, and enough space to think clearly before reacting. I also return to “what’s my purpose.” When the pace is high, I try to reconnect to the educators, students, and communities behind our work. That perspective steadies me. It helps me separate what feels urgent from what is actually important. — Kellie Lauth, MindSpark 20. BE A ROCK STAR I have a number of non-negotiable sanity anchors that have kept me more or less sane. Running or cycling for 20+ minutes four times a week. Working on my failed rockstar electro-indie side hustle every Saturday. On-demand counseling sessions with my wise wife Rachel. — Neil Barrie, TwentyFirstCenturyBrand 21. RUNNING Running keeps me sane. I’ve learned that the hard miles don’t break you if you’ve done the work. When you treat pressure as a threat, performance tanks. But when you treat it as a privilege, focus sharpens and execution improves. The discipline I bring to training is the same discipline I bring to the hardest stretches of the year. You don’t find resilience when you need it. You build it before you need it. — Balkrishan “BK” Kalra, Genpact 22. BE IMPERFECT There are a million opportunities in a day to do life perfectly: Make your bed, make homemade meals, eat slowly, keep the house clean, and on and on. If you’re in a work sprint, and you’re someone who likes to do everything perfectly, you’ll probably suffer more than if you just decided to let the little things slide. What’s going to matter most is a clear, sharp, and positive frame of mind plus time to commit. That means that if something time-consuming isn’t a heavy-hitter in caring for your headspace, then let it slide for a while. Be imperfect in some areas so you can be your best in the one that matters most to you now. — Lindsey Witmer Collins, WLCM Software Studio and Scribbly Books 23. CREATINE Creatine! I’m over 50. I get 8 hours sleep a night, and regular exercise including paddleball, pickleball, and squash. — Neil Cawse, Geotab View the full article

Indian tycoon had lobbied The President administration and pledged billions of dollars of investment in America View the full article

House lawmakers scrapped a ban on big-money investors from purchasing single-family homes, opting for a path that clears the bill's legislative hurdles. View the full article

Bill Lawrence, the showrunner behind Scrubs, Ted Lasso, and Shrinking, explains his creative process, from finding the emotional core of a story to surviving writer’s block, writing through a pandemic, and building shows that can make you laugh one second and gut-punch you the next. View the full article

A reader writes: I’ve been working with a report who has had some troubles with organization — he would have dropped a few balls if I hadn’t spotted that he was missing things. I’ve given him some very direct feedback which he agreed with. He’s been working on some better organizational systems, but now I’m wondering if there’s more to the issues. We’re all remote and have an online chat system that shows if you’re away from your desk for more than five minutes. And he is away … a lot. I hate that I’ve noticed this, because I don’t want to be micromanaging my team’s hours, but frequently I go to message him and find he’s been away for 20-30 minutes. We work 9-5 and it’s reasonably flexible. If you have a doctor’s appointment or want to take a longer lunch, the expectation is that you mark it in your calendar and make the time up later. I also have no problem with people stepping away from their desk occasionally to deal with life or to get some thinking time. But there is a limit and I think he’s exceeding it. As an example, he logged on 20 minutes late yesterday, took a 90+ minute lunch break and at least another half hour break that I noticed — and I’m obviously not monitoring him all the time. As far as I can tell, he’s not making the time up later, and he hasn’t mentioned any of this or put it in his calendar. If he was a strong performer, I wouldn’t care! And I don’t want people to think they can’t flex their hours sensibly because they absolutely can. But this could be playing into the organizational issues if he’s missing things because he’s not spending enough time on them. Should it be part of the conversation? How do I raise it without sounding like I’m micromanaging his hours? Yeah, I’d raise it — because while ultimately his work quality (meeting deadlines, not letting balls drop, etc.) is the issue, this sounds likely enough to be playing a role in what’s happening that it’s silly not to name it when it might speed up the whole process of figuring out if he’s going to work out in this job or not. Plus, he sounds pretty far over the line in terms of what kind of flexibility is appropriate for him to be taking. It’s not like you’re calling him out for his lunch running over by 10 minutes; you’re seeing significant and regular chunks of time missing from his work hours. I would say it this way: “I’ve noticed that you’re away from your desk a lot more frequently than I’d expect. We do have some flexibility with hours, but the expectation is that if you have an appointment or take an extra long lunch, you’ll mark it in your calendar and make the time up later (or take PTO if you can’t or don’t want to make up the time). Generally, though, I’d expect you to be working 9-5 with a half hour for lunch. I don’t want to micromanage your time — but when you’ve been dropping balls and working to get better organized, it makes me concerned that this is playing a role. So I want to ask you to look at that as well.” Or you could skip those last two sentences and just end with, “Can you be sure you’re doing that going forward?” There are times when it makes sense to just keep the focus on the ultimate outcomes you need from an employee (in this case, that he gets better organized and stops dropping balls) and figure that it’s up to him how he gets there, and that the pressure from you to do that should naturally push him to change those habits — and that if he doesn’t get there, he’s not well suited for the job. But in this case I think you’ll save some time by just naming what you’re seeing and telling him he needs to rein it in. And you’re not required to look the other way when he’s abusing the job’s flexibility … in any case, but especially when where you’re actively coaching him to fix problems. The post how much should I monitor a struggling employee’s work hours? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

While Freddie Mac's weekly data found the 30-year average inching lower, 10-year Treasurys swung in the other direction after this week's economic release. View the full article

New subsidiary pivots to energy storage batteries for AI after disastrous electric vehicle writedown View the full article

We are facing our generation’s digital divide: the AI Acumen Gap. According to our latest Brand Expectations Index, trust in AI is not a baseline; it’s a spectrum defined by professional proximity and generational sentiment. On one side, you have knowledge workers and younger generations who use these tools daily and largely trust the trajectory of big tech and AI startups. Within the general population and older generations, however, only a small fraction trusts AI companies, while nearly half view the technology as a harbinger of a more dangerous future. This divide creates a communication paradox. If you speak to everyone, you resonate with no one. To survive this divided landscape, leaders must pivot from a universal AI narrative to a segmented credibility strategy. AUDIT YOUR AUDIENCE’S COMFORT CEILING Before issuing any communications, you must first understand your audience’s boundaries for AI use. The comfort levels are not just different; they are opposed. The insiders (Millennials and knowledge workers): These two groups have higher levels of trust, with 78% of knowledge workers and 71% of Millennials comfortable with AI-driven personalization of products and recommendations. 60% of Millennials are comfortable with AI-generated executive avatars. They value efficiency and innovation. The skeptics (Boomers and general population): In the general population, 38% are uncomfortable with AI-driven product or recommendation personalization, and a staggering 80% of Boomers reject the idea of automated executive messaging. They value humanity and oversight. The playbook shift: If you are a B2B tech company, lean into the future of work with AI. Consumer brands should put the bot in the background and keep their human leadership in the foreground. TECH LEADERS MUST MOVE FROM HYPE TO GOVERNANCE For companies whose primary audience is knowledge workers, the challenge isn’t proving that AI works; it’s proving that you are a responsible steward of it. The data: knowledge workers prioritize showing the work—63% want to see you consulting outside experts, and 66% rank a leader’s long-term reputation as a primary trust driver. Despite this group’s comfort level with AI, uneasiness remains around about AI’s use in automating critical business functions: 52% are not comfortable with AI generating legal or policy documents, and 58% resist using AI to make HR decisions. The tactical shift: Stop talking about how AI will change the world. Start talking about your governance frameworks. Use explanatory channels like LinkedIn and technical whitepapers to detail your data protection and ethical guardrails. For this high-acumen group, process transparency is the most durable currency. CONSUMER BRANDS: SHIFT FROM FEATURES TO FEELINGS If your primary audience is the general population, take note. When they hear companies talking about AI, they don’t hear innovation; they hear a loss of control over their privacy, their jobs, and their information. While tech insiders see a tool, the general public sees a threat. The fear factor: Nearly half (47%) of the general population views AI as leading to a more dangerous future. This skepticism is rooted in a perceived lack of accountability. The trust floor: Only 28% of the general public trusts AI companies and startups, compared to 58% of knowledge workers. What restores control: Trust isn’t built by a visionary CEO; it’s built on safety. More than half (66%) of the general population say protecting customer data is the top driver of trust, followed closely by admitting mistakes and outlining corrective steps (66%). The tactical shift: Use AI to solve consumer pain points, but don’t lead with the AI label. Your strategy should be AI-powered and human-led. For the general public, especially women and Gen Z, trust increases when they see a brand responding to concerns rather than just broadcasting features. Meet skeptics where they are. Use YouTube and TikTok/Reels to demonstrate accountability and human impact. Show the people behind the machine and emphasize the guardrails you’ve put in place to protect the user. RESPECT THE TRANSPARENCY TAX Regardless of acumen, there is one area where the divide disappears: the penalty for deception. Most (73%) of the general public and 67% of knowledge workers will penalize a brand for undisclosed AI messaging. In a divided landscape, disclosure is the great equalizer. Whether you are selling enterprise software or laundry detergent, if a machine helps write the message, the human must sign off on it and tell the audience. We are entering an age where Silicon Valley is rewriting business as usual, but trust is still defined by the human heart. The acumen gap will eventually close as the technology matures, but the scars left by deceptive or tone-deaf communication will linger. By choosing to lead with empathy for the skeptic and governance for the insider, you’re defining the new rules of trust for the AI era. The divide is real, but for the leaders willing to show their work, it is far from insurmountable. Tyler Perry is the co-CEO of Mission North. View the full article

The U.S. stock market is rising toward more records Thursday after Cisco Systems joined the parade of U.S. companies reporting fatter profits for the start of 2026 than analysts expected. The S&P 500 added 0.9% to its all-time high set the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 386 points, or 0.8%, and is on track to finish a day above the 50,000 level for the first time since the war with Iran began. The Nasdaq composite was 1% higher and adding to its own record, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time. Cisco helped lead the market after jumping 15.5% in what could be its best day in nearly 15 years. The tech giant reported better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, and CEO Chuck Robbins said it saw “very strong, broad-based demand for our products.” Big Tech behemoths in particular are pouring cash into artificial-intelligence technology, and Cisco gave a forecast for profit in the current quarter that easily topped analysts’ expectations. Such voracious demand for AI, and the big profits it’s producing, have been major reasons the U.S. stock market has set records throughout this year. Cerebras Systems, an AI processor company, raised $5.55 billion after selling its stock in an initial public offering, and its shares are set to begin trading on the Nasdaq later in the day. Corporate earnings reported so far this season have “reinforced that this is still an AI-led market, but one where the impact is broadening quickly,” according to Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, chief investment and portfolio strategist at BlackRock. “What started with a handful of companies is now driving earnings growth across semiconductors, infrastructure, and even parts of the industrial economy,” she said. Outside of AI, other stocks rallying after delivering better-than-expected profit reports included StubHub Holdings, up 18.2%, Viking Holdings, up 7% and Yeti Holdings, up 4.7%. All three companies sell products that aren’t day-to-day essentials, such as concert tickets, river cruises and insulated water bottles. Strong results from them could be an indicator that customers are still willing to spend even though U.S. consumers have been telling surveys they’re feeling discouraged about the economy. Whether U.S. households will keep spending and support the economy is a big question because pressure has been rising on them due to high oil prices and inflation created by the Iran war. A report released Thursday said that shoppers overall spent less at U.S. retailers last month than economists expected. But the deceleration after factoring out gasoline and automobile sales wasn’t quite as bad as economists thought it would be. A separate report, meanwhile, said more U.S. workers filed for unemployment benefits last week, which could be an indication of more layoffs. The number, though, remains relatively low compared with history. Treasury yields flitted up and down in the bond market immediately after the reports, but they largely remained steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.45% from 4.46% late Wednesday. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1%, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.8% to another record thanks to gains for AI-related stocks. Stocks were nearly flat in Hong Kong and down 1.5% in Shanghai as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald The President in Beijing. Some investors hope The President could encourage Xi to use China’s close economic ties with Iran to get it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The strait’s closure because of the war has kept oil tankers pent up in the Persian Gulf instead of delivering crude to customers worldwide, which has driven up crude prices. The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, fell 0.6% to $104.97 Thursday, but it remains well above its price of roughly $70 from before the war. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Matt Ott contributed to this report. View the full article

What Is Procore? Procore is a construction management software platform used to plan, coordinate and monitor construction projects. It is commonly used by general contractors, subcontractors, owners and construction managers to manage drawings, schedules, RFIs, submittals, budgets and field collaboration across commercial and residential projects. Unlike general-purpose project management tools, Procore is built specifically for construction workflows. The platform combines document management, cost tracking, scheduling, quality and safety tools, communication features and mobile field reporting into a centralized cloud-based system that connects office and jobsite teams in real time. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies tools to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed construction schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-CTA.pngLearn more Is Procore Project Management Software? Procore can be considered a project management software, but it’s primarily a construction management platform. The software offers tools for construction scheduling, budget tracking, document management, progress monitoring and team collaboration, but its strongest functionality is centered around construction-specific features such as RFIs, submittals, punch lists, inspections, drawing management and field coordination, rather than traditional project planning, scheduling and tracking tools. As a result, Procore is designed more for managing construction workflows than for serving as a complete all-purpose project management system. Because of that, many companies still rely on additional software to handle broader project management activities such as advanced resource capacity planning, workload management, portfolio planning and long-term project forecasting. It’s common for contractors to use Procore alongside tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project when they need more control over project timelines, dependencies, resource allocation and project controls. Procore Project Management Features Beyond its construction-specific tools such as RFIs, submittals, punch lists, inspections and drawing management, Procore also includes several features that support project planning, coordination and project tracking activities. The sections below take a closer look at the project management capabilities Procore offers and how construction teams use them to manage schedules, costs, communication and day-to-day execution. Project scheduling: Procore allows teams to manage project schedules, track milestones and monitor task progress through integrations with scheduling tools like Microsoft Project and Primavera P6, along with built-in schedule viewing and updating features. Budget management: Users can create budgets, monitor committed costs, track actual expenses and compare financial performance against the original project budget throughout the project lifecycle. Document management: Centralized document storage helps teams organize contracts, drawings, specifications, reports and other project files while maintaining version control and field accessibility. Team collaboration: Built-in communication tools allow office and field teams to share updates, assign responsibilities, track conversations and coordinate project activities in real time. Progress tracking: Construction teams can monitor daily activities, production progress, open issues and project performance through logs, reports and field updates. Workflow automation: Approval workflows, notifications and project status tracking features help standardize repetitive project processes and reduce delays caused by manual coordination. Reporting and dashboards: Procore provides dashboards and customizable reports that give stakeholders visibility into schedule performance, project costs, outstanding items and overall project status. Resource coordination: Workforce planning and labor tracking tools help project teams coordinate crews, subcontractors and field activities across active construction projects. Pros of Procore for Project Management Despite leaning heavily toward construction operations, Procore still provides several capabilities that help teams plan work, coordinate stakeholders and monitor project performance. Below are some of the strongest advantages Procore offers from a project management perspective. Centralized project information: Procore keeps schedules, budgets, documents, reports and communication records in one platform, making it easier for teams to access current project data without switching between multiple systems. Strong team collaboration tools: Real-time communication features help office staff, field teams, subcontractors and stakeholders stay aligned on project updates, responsibilities and ongoing issues. Real-time project visibility: Dashboards and reporting tools give project managers quick insight into project costs, schedule progress, open items and field activity as work moves forward. Mobile accessibility: Procore’s mobile app allows project teams to review project information, submit updates and track progress directly from the jobsite, improving coordination between field and office teams. Integration with scheduling and financial tools: The platform connects with software like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and accounting systems, allowing teams to extend Procore’s project management functionality through integrations. Cons of Procore for Project Management Although Procore performs well for construction coordination and field management, its project management capabilities are more limited compared to dedicated project management software platforms. The following drawbacks become more noticeable on large, complex or portfolio-level projects. Limited advanced scheduling functionality: Procore does not offer the same level of scheduling depth found in dedicated planning tools such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, especially for dependency management, critical path analysis and schedule optimization. Weak portfolio management capabilities: Organizations managing multiple projects may find Procore lacking in portfolio planning, cross-project prioritization, strategic roadmap management and enterprise-wide workload balancing. Limited resource management tools: Resource allocation, workforce capacity planning and long-term workload forecasting are not as advanced as what specialized project management platforms provide. Heavy focus on construction workflows: Many areas of the platform are built around RFIs, submittals, drawings and field coordination, which can make the software feel less effective for broader project management needs outside construction operations. Dependence on integrations for deeper project controls: Teams frequently need external scheduling, reporting or financial tools to handle advanced project controls and detailed planning requirements. Less flexible for non-construction projects: The platform is highly specialized for construction environments, making it difficult to adapt for IT, product development, manufacturing or other industries that require different project workflows. Complex implementation for enterprise teams: Larger organizations often face longer onboarding periods, process standardization challenges and additional configuration work before Procore fully supports their project management processes. ProjectManager Is the Best Procore Alternative for Construction Project Management Although Procore performs well for construction-specific processes like RFIs, submittals, inspections and drawing management, its project planning and scheduling functionality is more limited than what dedicated project management software such as ProjectManager. Related: 10 Best Procore Alternatives of 2025 (Free + Paid) ProjectManager offers a more comprehensive construction project management solution with advanced Gantt charts, critical path tracking, workload management, resource scheduling, portfolio roadmaps, real-time dashboards, kanban boards, timesheets and automated reports in a single platform. Compared to Procore’s enterprise-oriented pricing structure, ProjectManager is easier to deploy and more affordable for contractors that need powerful project planning, tracking and resource management tools without excessive complexity. In addition to traditional construction scheduling capabilities, ProjectManager includes AI-powered project insights, workflow automation and live performance tracking that help teams identify delays, manage risks and improve decision-making. The platform also supports an open API and more than 1,000 integrations with tools like Acumatica, QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, Slack and Google Workspace, allowing construction companies to connect operational and project data across their existing systems. Watch the video below to learn more! ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Procore for Project Management: Features, Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager. 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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Just renewed for a second season, Margo's Got Money Troubles stars Elle Fanning as the title's Margo, an 20-year-old aspiring writer who becomes pregnant following a brief an affair with her married English professor. Her mom, Shyanne (Michelle Pfeiffer), is supportive but pretty negative about Margo's future prospects, while her estranged father, Jinx (Nick Offerman), is willing to pitch in and help out now that he's out of rehab. Still, she needs money if she's going to manage it all, and so takes to OnlyFans (and, at this point, who amongst us hasn't?). Stream Margo's Got Money Troubles on Apple TV, and then check out these other shows following women who make bold choices in the face of upheaval. Sex Education (2019 – 2023) There’s a fair bit of sex on TV (having migrated from the now largely sexless big screen), but that’s not the same thing as sex positivity. In this British comedy-drama, Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson star as an insecure, shy teenager named Otis and his mother, Jean, a frank and sometimes painfully honest sex therapist. When a school bully needs some sex advice, Otis dispenses some of the wisdom he’s picked up from mom, eventually making a name for himself around school by selling his knowledge as expertise. It’s a funny and charmingly raunchy show, treating sex with humor and positivity, and it features a great will-they-or-won't they couple in awkward Otis and the more fearless Maeve (Emma Mackey). The tone is similar to that of Margo, as is the sense that sex is simultaneously funny and fine. Stream Sex Education on Netflix. Sex Education (2019 – 2023) at netflix Learn More Learn More at netflix Single Drunk Female (2022 – 2023) Samantha Fink (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is a 28-year-old alcoholic who hits absolute rock bottom in the form of an embarrassing public meltdown. Committing to sobriety, she moves back to Boston with her strict and controlling mother (Ally Sheedy) and reconnects with her best friend, Brit (Sasha Compère). Of course, for all of that sounding like a good idea, it also puts her right back in the environment that contributed to her drinking in the first place. Funny and humane, this is another show about a messy, complicated young woman trying to get a fresh start following a life-changing event. Stream Single Drunk Female on Tubi. Single Drunk Female (2022 – 2023) at Tubi Learn More Learn More at Tubi Weeds (2005 – 2012) A classic of the crime-in-the-suburbs genre, Weeds finds a single mom making herself a success in a business that the broader society might frown upon. Mary-Louise Parker stars as Nancy Botwin, a recently widowed mom who's desperate to maintain the upper-middle-class lifestyle once provided by her husband. She can't really handle the idea of giving up the conspicuous consumption to which she's become accustomed, so she decides to make some bank for herself. And what better way to do that, particularly in the LA 'burbs, than by selling weed? (Obviously, the show was made and is set before the drug was legalized for recreational use in 2016.) Like Jon Hamm's Coop, Nancy is just not ready for her family to give up on nice things. Stream Weeds on Prime Video. Weeds (2005 – 2012) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Fleabag (2016 – 2019) This critical favorite stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the title character (she's only ever referred to as "Fleabag") in a comedy-drama about a free-spirited, deeply angry single young woman living in London and sharing her romantic ups and downs via confessional asides to us, the audience. She falls, rather reluctantly, for "The Priest" (Andrew Scott)—she's a confirmed atheist and he's, obviously, not, so the relationship is appropriately messy. Like Margo, Fleabag definitely has money troubles, going from art theft to running a struggling (you won't be surprised to learn) Guinea pig-themed café. Waller-Bridge won separate Emmys as the star, creator, and writer of the series. Stream Fleabag on Prime Video. Fleabag (2016 – 2019) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – 2023) Mrs. Maisel was one of Prime’s first and buzziest original series, a comedy-drama from Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls) about the title’s Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan), a New York housewife of the late 1950s who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy. Inspired by the real-life careers of comedians like Totie Fields and Joan Rivers, the show is both warm and funny, with great performances and dialogue; it also achieves something rare in being a show about comedy that’s actually funny. Mrs. Maisel and her milieu are obviously far different from that of Margo, but there are similar themes involving funny, complicated women saying "fuck it" to life and career expectations. Stream The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Prime Video. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017 – 2023) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video A Virtuous Business (2024) This charming South Korean comedy-drama show takes us to a rural village in the impossibly long-ago 1990s, where four women from different backgrounds decide to make a go of selling sex toys and other adult-type products door-to-door. None of the women is in a particularly desperate situation, which, here, makes things even more interesting: They're all engaged in an entirely taboo (certainly at the time) industry to make a few extra dollars, or for a bit of fun on the side—a solid reminder that sex-adjacent work isn't only for those in dire straits. Stream A Virtuous Business on Netflix. A Virtuous Business (2024) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix P-Valley (2020 – ) A soap opera in southern-gothic style set at a strip club in a Mississippi backwater? In terms of tone, this drama is leagues away from Margo. And yet, there's connective tissue in the stories of women who have strayed well outside the confines of polite society, and don't much care if you like it or not. P-Valley follows the lives (and dramas) of the people working at the titular strip club in the Mississippi Delta, the secret ingredient being creator and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, who very deftly blends juicy soap opera elements with an appreciation for the talents of these dancers, as well as deft commentary on the struggles of poor and Black Americans in the South. A long-awaited third season is coming later this year. Stream P-Valley on Prime Video and Starz. P-Valley (2020 – ) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Vida (2018 – 2020) Two very different Mexican-American sisters move back to their childhood home in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles following the death of their mother (the "Vida" of the title)—who they soon discover had been married to a woman. Mom left the daughters controlling shares of the bar she owned, but also a big chunk to her wife, forcing Lyn and Emma (Melissa Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada) to make nice with a woman they didn't know existed. The comedy-drama explores the intersections of queer and Latinx identities from the perspective of women, with a not-disproportionate emphasis on the importance of sexuality (the show is as horny as it is smart). Stream Vida on Hulu and Prime Video. Vida (2018 – 2020) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu I May Destroy You (2020) Series creator/writer/co-director and star Michaela Cole plays a social media influencer turned novelist struggling to reclaim and rebuild her life after she is raped. It’s a meaningful, but frequently very funny comedy-drama about the darkness that threatens to overwhelm a woman’s life, and the long road back. Stream I May Destroy You on HBO Max. I May Destroy You (2020) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Casual (2015 – 2018) Valerie Meyers (Michaela Watkins) is recently divorced, so she takes her daughter and moves in with her single brother, Alex (Tommy Dewey). Reconnecting with family is always fun so, ya know...definitely uncomplicated. He's the founder of a dating site, and helps her get back into the dating scene while she helps him find some meaning in his relatively untethered life. Like Margo, Valerie is picking up her life after a significant upheaval and figuring out what she wants from life. Stream Casual on Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and Tubi. Casual (2015 – 2018) Learn More Learn More View the full article

Rocket Mortgage pointed to United Wholesale Mortgage's refinance promotions and comments by Mat Ishbia to induce brokers to breach non-solicitation agreements. View the full article

Microsoft Advertising is bringing LinkedIn profile targeting to connected TV campaigns, giving advertisers a new way to blend professional audience data with streaming inventory. The announcement was made by Product Liaison Navah Hopkins during the SEM Stories event on May 14. Why we care. Microsoft has long differentiated itself through access to LinkedIn audience data. Bringing that targeting capability into connected TV extends those signals into a fast-growing upper funnel format that has historically lacked precise professional targeting. For B2B advertisers especially, the move could help bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance measurement. What’s new. According to Hopkins, advertisers can now target connected TV audiences using LinkedIn profile attributes tied to a user’s profession. That means marketers may be able to reach viewers based on professional characteristics such as: Industry Job function Company category Professional identity signals Hopkins framed the feature as a way to build “really meaningful” audience lists that are less dependent on click-based intent signals. The bigger picture. The announcement fits into Microsoft’s broader push toward AI-powered and audience-first advertising experiences. During the session, Hopkins repeatedly emphasized the convergence of brand and performance marketing, arguing that AI-driven journeys are collapsing traditional funnels. Connected TV sits squarely in that conversation. Historically, CTV has been treated as a brand-heavy channel with weaker attribution than search or shopping campaigns. LinkedIn-powered audience targeting could make those campaigns more actionable for performance-minded marketers who need tighter audience controls. The update also strengthens Microsoft’s positioning against competitors in both the streaming and B2B advertising markets. What to watch. Key questions remain around, available markets, measurement and attribution capabilities, how granular LinkedIn audience segmentation will become in CTV campaigns and privacy and compliance controls for professional audience targeting. Still, the announcement gives Microsoft another differentiator in a crowded CTV market where advertisers increasingly want stronger audience precision without sacrificing scale. View the full article

Visa is stepping up its game in the blockchain space, marking a significant milestone for small businesses interested in innovative payment solutions. The company announced an expansion of its stablecoin settlement pilot program, now incorporating five additional blockchains. This initiative allows businesses to navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape more effectively. As stablecoins increasingly become integrated into regular transactions, small business owners might find this move particularly beneficial. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities reached an impressive $7 billion in annualized volume, marking a 50% growth quarter-over-quarter. This signals a growing acceptance of stablecoins as a viable option for everyday transactions. “Our partners are building in a multi-chain world, and they expect their options to reflect that reality,” said Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships. By opening the door to multiple blockchains, Visa empowers partners to choose the networks that best align with their business needs while relying on Visa’s proven infrastructure for settlement. Using stablecoins for transaction settlements has several practical advantages for small business owners. For one, the speed of transactions can significantly enhance cash flow management. Unlike traditional payment methods that may take several days to process, stablecoins can enable near-instant transactions. Furthermore, the low transaction fees associated with stablecoin transfers can be economical for small businesses that heavily rely on digital transactions, enhancing their profit margins. The new blockchains included in Visa’s pilot program—such as Arc, Base, Canton, Polygon, and Tempo—each bring unique functionalities that cater to diverse business needs. For instance, Arc focuses on integrating programmable money with real-world economic activities, while Base emphasizes low-cost, efficient settlements. This variety allows businesses to select platforms that fit their specific requirements, potentially driving innovation and improving operational efficiencies. Yet, transitioning to stablecoin payments isn’t without its challenges. Small business owners should consider regulatory concerns and technological barriers associated with adopting blockchain solutions. The evolving legal landscape around cryptocurrencies may pose risks, particularly for businesses in sectors that face stringent compliance regulations. Adopting a multi-chain approach requires a certain level of technical aptitude and may involve additional costs related to training staff on new systems, integrating these solutions into existing infrastructures, and ensuring cyber-security measures are robust. Furthermore, volatility remains a concern with cryptocurrencies. While stablecoins are designed to maintain their value, business owners must stay informed about market conditions that could affect these digital assets. Understanding these risks and having a sound strategy will be essential for businesses as they explore integrating stablecoin payments into their operations. The industry response to Visa’s expanded stablecoin capabilities indicates widespread support for these solutions. Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Circle, emphasized that their collaboration with Visa is fueled by the need for real-time settlement at a global scale. Jesse Pollak, Founder of Base, pointed out that Visa’s expansion is a pivotal step toward making stablecoin payments a daily reality, ultimately fostering a financial system that is faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone. Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, highlighted the significance of this partnership in moving stablecoins into real-world payments, combining Visa’s global reach with Polygon’s efficient infrastructure to provide reliability and accessibility to partners worldwide. Visa’s move signifies an adaptive response to a growing multi-chain ecosystem, reflecting a robust trend in the usage of blockchain technology in commerce. By broadening its stablecoin settlement program, Visa not only caters to the immediate needs of its partners but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing the long-term viability of blockchain solutions in mainstream finance. In this climate of rapid technological advancement, small businesses have an opportunity to leverage these developments for competitive advantage. The integration of stablecoins and blockchain technology into payment systems will continue to evolve, presenting a landscape rich with potential for those willing to embrace it. For more details, you can view the original press release from Visa here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Visa Expands Stablecoin Pilot to Support Nine Blockchains Amid Rapid Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Visa is stepping up its game in the blockchain space, marking a significant milestone for small businesses interested in innovative payment solutions. The company announced an expansion of its stablecoin settlement pilot program, now incorporating five additional blockchains. This initiative allows businesses to navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape more effectively. As stablecoins increasingly become integrated into regular transactions, small business owners might find this move particularly beneficial. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities reached an impressive $7 billion in annualized volume, marking a 50% growth quarter-over-quarter. This signals a growing acceptance of stablecoins as a viable option for everyday transactions. “Our partners are building in a multi-chain world, and they expect their options to reflect that reality,” said Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships. By opening the door to multiple blockchains, Visa empowers partners to choose the networks that best align with their business needs while relying on Visa’s proven infrastructure for settlement. Using stablecoins for transaction settlements has several practical advantages for small business owners. For one, the speed of transactions can significantly enhance cash flow management. Unlike traditional payment methods that may take several days to process, stablecoins can enable near-instant transactions. Furthermore, the low transaction fees associated with stablecoin transfers can be economical for small businesses that heavily rely on digital transactions, enhancing their profit margins. The new blockchains included in Visa’s pilot program—such as Arc, Base, Canton, Polygon, and Tempo—each bring unique functionalities that cater to diverse business needs. For instance, Arc focuses on integrating programmable money with real-world economic activities, while Base emphasizes low-cost, efficient settlements. This variety allows businesses to select platforms that fit their specific requirements, potentially driving innovation and improving operational efficiencies. Yet, transitioning to stablecoin payments isn’t without its challenges. Small business owners should consider regulatory concerns and technological barriers associated with adopting blockchain solutions. The evolving legal landscape around cryptocurrencies may pose risks, particularly for businesses in sectors that face stringent compliance regulations. Adopting a multi-chain approach requires a certain level of technical aptitude and may involve additional costs related to training staff on new systems, integrating these solutions into existing infrastructures, and ensuring cyber-security measures are robust. Furthermore, volatility remains a concern with cryptocurrencies. While stablecoins are designed to maintain their value, business owners must stay informed about market conditions that could affect these digital assets. Understanding these risks and having a sound strategy will be essential for businesses as they explore integrating stablecoin payments into their operations. The industry response to Visa’s expanded stablecoin capabilities indicates widespread support for these solutions. Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Circle, emphasized that their collaboration with Visa is fueled by the need for real-time settlement at a global scale. Jesse Pollak, Founder of Base, pointed out that Visa’s expansion is a pivotal step toward making stablecoin payments a daily reality, ultimately fostering a financial system that is faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone. Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, highlighted the significance of this partnership in moving stablecoins into real-world payments, combining Visa’s global reach with Polygon’s efficient infrastructure to provide reliability and accessibility to partners worldwide. Visa’s move signifies an adaptive response to a growing multi-chain ecosystem, reflecting a robust trend in the usage of blockchain technology in commerce. By broadening its stablecoin settlement program, Visa not only caters to the immediate needs of its partners but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing the long-term viability of blockchain solutions in mainstream finance. In this climate of rapid technological advancement, small businesses have an opportunity to leverage these developments for competitive advantage. The integration of stablecoins and blockchain technology into payment systems will continue to evolve, presenting a landscape rich with potential for those willing to embrace it. For more details, you can view the original press release from Visa here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Visa Expands Stablecoin Pilot to Support Nine Blockchains Amid Rapid Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old mayor of New York City, who campaigned on making the city more affordable, is facing one of the hardest tests of leadership: delivering on ambitious promises despite facing a challenging landscape. After inheriting a $12 billion gap in the budget—the largest since the Great Recession—Mamdani just released his $124.7 billion budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year. It includes important measures like funding for childcare, worker protections, and greater access to mental health care. It also includes some entirely new investments that focus on creating more affordable housing opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. In a video posted to social media, the mayor said that while critics claimed the only possible way to balance NYC’s budget would be to raise property taxes or slash city services, his team “rejected that idea” and still managed to bring the deficit down to zero. “We didn’t close the gap on the backs of working people,” Mamdani said in the video’s caption. “We closed it while funding parks, libraries, safer streets and making historic investments in public housing.” Where will the $124.7 billion budget come from? The balancing act is impressive, but how will it actually work? First, Mamdani and New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul worked together on assistance for NYC from the state. On Tuesday, they announced another $4 billion in financial assistance would be directed to NYC, increasing the amount to $8 billion over the next two years. “Today, we are fulfilling the promise to make free universal child care a reality, making significant investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure while providing the city the resources they need to continue to fund critical services for New Yorkers,”Hochul said in a statement on the increase in funds. While aid is a major piece of the puzzle, Mamdani has also been focused on reducing costs to the city. In order “to restore fiscal transparency,” the mayor ordered government agencies to appoint a Chief Savings Officer, which resulted in $1.77 billion in savings. Likewise, Mamdani is working to reduce the UBT (Unincorporated Business Tax) credit, a tax break for residents, estates, or trusts who pay the 4% UBT. That’s because the credit overwhelmingly benefits millionaires as it allows high-net-worth individuals to pay a lower tax rate than average workers. “Reducing the UBT tax credit will raise an additional $68 million,” the proposal explains. In addition to taxing the richest New Yorkers, Mamdani has also pitched major tax hikes on high-value properties. No shortage of critics While Mamdani seems to be appealing to his base by seeking to deliver on the affordability promises he campaigned on, he has no shortage of critics who say his proposals are anti-business. That tension reveals another major leadership challenge: making decisions that reinforce long-term priorities, even when they create resistance from influential groups. One of which is Citadel’s CEO Ken Griffin, who says he’s shifting expansion plans from NYC to Miami over the mayor’s “pied-à-terre” luxury tax, an annual surcharge on residential properties that are second homes (not the primary residence) and are valued at $5 million or more. Griffin says the firm is reconsidering its $6 billion development of 350 Park Avenue due to the proposed tax hike. Even Kathy Hochul weighed in on the debate recently, saying that rich New Yorkers leaving the city is not a good thing. “I need people who are high net worth to support the generous social programs that we want to have in our state,” she said at a forum in March. Still, while the mayor has received pushback on some campaign promises, specifically his plan to tax the rich at a higher rate, increasing the tax rate by two percentage points for those who earn $1 million per year or more could raise around $3 billion annually for New York City. So, while Mamdani might be ramping up his haters, he’s also doing exactly what he said he would do. Which may be a leadership lesson in itself. View the full article

Greater Manchester mayor has earned public respect by going from insider to outsider, but economic doubts could undermine his bid for Downing StreetView the full article