Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean that the skin is a clean slate when a new month rolls around. Depending upon our age, hormones and stress levels, dead cells can have a little party on our face that gets out of hand, causing wrinkles and sagging under our eyes.

For others, the breakout police get called after a rowdy group of bacteria gets trapped on the skin’s surface, which is one cause of acne.

Arleen Lamba, M.D.’s skin care exploration

Sometimes skin issues can sneak up on you, and Arleen Lamba, M.D. knows the feeling all too well. When she began suffering through a litany of breakouts at the end of college and throughout medical school, Lamba says she found herself on a wild goose chase, trying everything she could to track down answers.

“This was the era where skin care was second and makeup was first,” she recalls, adding that she “went and did the Nordstrom and Macy’s [route], and then the estheticians and dermatologists. I did the whole thing because I was lost, and I wasn’t finding a solution.”

She refused to be a physician who couldn’t figure out what was happening to her own skin, so she became committed to finding a solution herself.

Finding a solution

“That’s when I really understood the skin cycle every 30 days, what certain ingredients can do to your skin, what types of treatments you need [and] how you need to treat your skin every 30 days,” she says. “And slowly and surely, I started seeing an improvement because I started picking up solutions through my studying and research and me being… the guinea pig. My skin got tremendously better. And then I realized that there was this hole in the market.”

The gap, she discovered, was a layered one. First, there’s biology: Some people’s skin may be flawless but prone to monthly breakouts. Other people’s skin may be impacted by the environment, stress, their diet, a lack of sleep or allergens.

Creating simple and accessible skin care

Then there’s accessibility. Lamba remembers that, with her busy schedule as a physician, she could only do treatments on weekends or after work, but many offices weren’t open during those times. Plus, she wasn’t able to make appointments online or via text. Finally, there was the cost. As a resident, she didn’t have the budget for expensive treatments or overpriced products she didn’t need.

“I wanted to create a really simple program where we could do skin care every 30 days and come in and commit to our skin and commit to ourselves,” she says. “And that’s where GLO30 really came out of.”

Her first skin care studio

When she opened her first studio in 2012, Lamba was pregnant with her first child and working full time as an anesthesiologist. She would take an early morning anesthesiology shift, then go straight to her skin care studio for evening appointments.

When her son was 2, a friend prompted her to rethink what she most wanted to devote her time and energy to. “[They said,] ‘You’re going to have to jump off that cliff without a parachute,’” she recalls.

For her, the parachute was her job in anesthesia, which gave her the funds to open her skin care studio. But she knew that no matter how scary it might be to give that up in favor of the unknown, she wanted to see where she landed when she invested her whole self into the process.

Fast forward to 2024 and you have a surprise entrepreneurial success story that came from solving a personal challenge. Lamba currently has five GLO30 stores throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia; dozens more in-development franchise-owned stores in markets including Dallas, Orlando, Austin and St. Louis; and a goal to open 1,000 GLO30 locations in the next decade.

Facing the future of skin care by utilizing AI

Because of her research and dedication to healing the skin, Lamba has developed a variety of tools that have created true results for her customers. One of the most unexpected ones comes from a talking box on the wall: GLO30’s AI skin tool assistant, GLOria.

Before their appointment, a client walks up to GLOria and scans a QR code or inputs their email address, and a polite voice greets them while noting the current temperature and pollution level. After scanning their face, GLOria offers advice for treatment options that are based on real-time assessments of the state of their skin—including everything from the amount of pigments to hydration levels, line formation and pore size.

The person performing the facial gets the information, which informs the treatment for that month, and customers can access their information any time to track changes and progress. Lamba says it’s crucial for GLO30 to be technology-forward because “if you can’t measure it, you can’t change it.”

This belief stems from the fact that one of the biggest issues she saw during her own skin treatment journey was that recommendations were most often based on who was providing the assessment.

“There’s a lot of, unfortunately, biases to that,” she says. “We are a multicultural nation with so many undertones in our skin, so if they didn’t understand your undertones, they couldn’t really give you the advice you needed… Some would say I have oily skin; [others] would say I have dry skin… Everybody’s opinion was so drastically different, and so it made me really doubt the process.”

Health is wealth

Lamba feels strongly that we don’t have to become doctors to understand that health is wealth. Her customers understand that concept well. Developing a commitment to offering “skin care for the rest of us” has served Lamba well as an unexpected entrepreneur, but she credits much of her business acumen to her medical training.

Given the ethos that guides her business, her clients are in a strong position to get what they need as well.

“The beauty industry, for a long time, has said, ‘Something is wrong with you, but our product will fix it,’” she says. “And that is something that I am completely against. Everything is right with you. We’ll help you see it.”

This article appears in the September/October 2024 issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo courtesy of Yaroslav Astakhov/Shutterstock.

The post Arleen Lamba, M.D. Turned Her Skin Care Struggles Into a Solution for a Market Gap appeared first on SUCCESS.

By developing a deeper understanding of the diverse contributions within your team and establishing employee recognition initiatives, you can create a more inclusive and motivating workplace environment for all employees.

1. Broaden your observations

You might think you know who your top performers are, but do some contributions go unnoticed? Recent findings by Gallup highlight a troubling trend, with U.S. employee engagement reaching an 11-year low. This decline in engagement signals a disconnect between employees’ work and their recognition within the organization. When employees feel unrecognized, their motivation and overall engagement in their work diminish. This lack of engagement can lead to increased turnover, lower productivity and a decline in overall workplace morale.

Effective employee recognition strategies are critical in reversing this trend. By acknowledging both the visible and behind-the-scenes efforts of all team members, organizations can significantly boost employee morale and engagement. Recognition acts as a positive reinforcement that makes employees feel valued for their contributions, which, in turn, motivates them to maintain or increase their level of effort.

Employee recognition is not just about giving a pat on the back for a job well done, but also about making each employee feel seen and appreciated, fostering a sense of belonging and alignment with the company’s goals. This feeling of inclusion can enhance employees’ connection to the organization’s mission and purpose, further anchoring their engagement and loyalty.

Related: This is How to Keep Your Employees Happy

2. Spotlight employees in internal communications and at recognition events

Are all your stars getting the visibility they deserve? Utilize internal newsletters or intranets to feature stories about employee achievements that may not be as visible. Dedicate a section in your company’s newsletter for profiling different employees each month, focusing on those who have made significant behind-the-scenes contributions. This strategy has been effectively employed by organizations that have won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, significantly increasing visibility for quiet stars and educating the entire workforce on diverse forms of contribution.

But don’t stop there. Celebrate all achievements on a regular basis. Host monthly or quarterly employee recognition events to highlight achievements across different teams. From formal awards ceremonies to casual team meetings, these workplace events should celebrate various contributions and explain why they are important to the company’s goals. This not only inspires and motivates employees, it also reinforces the types of contributions that align with company values. 

3. Develop peer recognition programs

Can your employees celebrate each other? Encourage a culture of peer-to-peer recognition where employees can acknowledge each other’s contributions. Implementing a digital platform that integrates seamlessly with existing communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams or a custom intranet can significantly enhance this process. This platform should enable employees to easily give shoutouts, thank you notes or other forms of public recognition using straightforward features like a “thumbs-up” button or quick posting options.

Such immediate positive reinforcement helps make employee recognition an integral part of daily interactions. Leadership should actively promote the regular use of the recognition program by setting an example and by incorporating reminders in meetings and emails. Making recognition a habitual part of workplace culture also aligns employee actions with the company’s core values and goals.

To keep the employee recognition program relevant and effective, establish guidelines on the types of actions that should be recognized and periodically showcase these recognitions in company communications. Regularly soliciting feedback from employees helps continuously refine and improve the program. This proactive approach ensures that the program remains a pivotal part of the workplace, enhancing engagement and fostering a supportive community where every contribution is noticed and valued.

4. Integrate employee recognition training for managers

Do your managers know how to recognize effectively? Research shows that manager recognition is a powerful motivator, with 80% of employees reporting that they are motivated to work harder when their efforts are acknowledged by their superiors. And 37% of employees consider recognition essential for their success. 

To make sure your managers are actively looking for and rewarding outstanding work and behavior from their reports, provide training sessions for managers on how to effectively recognize and motivate their teams. These workshops should teach various employee recognition techniques, focusing on appreciating both extroverted and introverted employees. Training should include how to give effective feedback and tailor recognition to suit individual employee needs and personalities. Effective management, as demonstrated by Gallup’s research, is crucial and can account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores.

Related: Soft Skills Those in Leadership Roles Need to Develop to be Better Leaders

5. Link employee recognition to professional development opportunities

Link employee recognition to career growth by using it as a stepping stone for further professional development. When employees are recognized in the workplace, pair the recognition with opportunities for professional growth, such as attending a conference, leading a project or engaging in a one-on-one mentoring session.

This approach not only rewards the employee, but also supports their career advancement and personal growth within the company. This strategic integration of recognition and development fosters a culture where achievements are directly linked to professional opportunities, enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational loyalty.

6. Transform your employee recognition culture

Ready to change how you recognize your team? Embrace these employee recognition strategies, and you’ll enhance team productivity and unity. A truly inclusive recognition system sees and celebrates every contribution, big or small—whether it’s a public acknowledgment at a company meeting or glass trophies for exceptional achievements. Are you ready to transform your recognition culture?

Related: 5 Products and Services to Boost Company Morale

Photo courtesy of Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

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From the U.S. Naval Academy to luxury travel concierge

Growing up near the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Shelby Dziwulski frequently visited on weekends with her family. She knew she wanted to be a Navy pilot and regularly watched the movie Top Gun.

When it was time to go to college, Dziwulski accepted the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship at the University of Maryland. Then, she enrolled in flight school. “I got my wings in 2015,” Dziwulski says. Even though her military career as a Navy search and rescue pilot was challenging, she found it to be a “very positive experience.”

Photo courtesy of Carl James

While stationed at different ports, she often found interesting places to stay—like a renovated Airstream beachfront property in Australia. “My squadron mates started noticing and said, ‘How do you find this stuff?’” This was the impetus behind her company, Authenteco Travel, which helps other people find unique accommodations while traveling.

At first, she mostly worked with military members who needed help navigating the rules and regulations related to military travel. Eventually, she expanded her clients to other types of travelers with specific needs, such as those with medical issues or disabilities. Dziwulski’s business now has clients who have a broad range of backgrounds and requests.

She credits her military training for her grit, which has helped her be a successful business owner. As an entrepreneur, she worked 16- to 18-hour days for three years straight, including weekends. Her Navy training helped her persevere through challenging times. “If I didn’t have my military experience, I would not have been able to do what I did with Authenteco,” she says.

When carving your own path, Dziwulski says mentors can be helpful, but they can’t solve every problem you’ll come across. Dziwulski says that’s when it’s important to trust that you have the answers. “No one’s advice is as powerful as your own intuition,” she says.

From the U.S. Army to a media and entertainment powerhouse

Stemming from a military family, Raquel Riley Thomas wanted to “keep the tradition going” by joining the U.S. Army. Her initial plan was to get some experience and then go to college. “But I liked it so much that I ended up staying in,” Thomas says. She eventually went to Hampton University on an ROTC scholarship and then was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 2002 as an ordnance officer, reaching the rank of captain.

However, in 2009, her 3-year-old daughter asked her a question that changed her life: “How come there aren’t any princesses [who] look like me?” She was referring to being a person of color. After that, Riley Thomas decided to enter a beauty pageant to change the narrative and act as a role model for her daughter. She remembers thinking, “I’m going to win this pageant. And I’m going to give the crown to my daughter because I want her to feel like there is a princess [who] looks like her.”

Photo courtesy of Roy Cox Photography

Riley Thomas did end up winning the Mrs. Maryland America pageant, advancing to the national level. “I became the first African American to win first runner-up in the 40-plus year history of that pageant,” she says. After she competed, she became the second Black judge in the history of that pageant. “I was making some history here, not even realizing that was [what had] happened,” she says. “I loved the camaraderie, and it kind of reminded me of being in the military.”

She purchased the Mrs. America franchise in Washington, D.C., and later bought the ones located in Pennsylvania and Delaware, which eventually prompted her to launch An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC. “We started as a production company with a division of public relations, and it became a talent management [firm],” she says.

Her military background helped her organize and remain focused on her business. “It makes you focus on what is happening in front of you,” she says. In the military, they also maximize your expertise; Riley Thomas uses this same strategy with her business. “I have experts from all sorts of all backgrounds, and by doing that, [it] builds the great team that we have,” she says.

If you are starting a business, Riley Thomas suggests having a budget and researching the industry you plan to enter. “Learn from those who’ve come before you,” she says.

From U.S. Navy helicopter pilot to hospitality

Photo courtesy of Mike Diedoardo

Aubrey Carlson grew up on a farm in Illinois and wanted to attend college. However, her parents were unable to afford tuition, so she opted for a full-cost ROTC scholarship at the University of Maryland. After college, the ROTC scholarship requires that you serve in the military.

When it was time for her to select a military specialty, she was unsure which one to choose. “I knew nothing about the military,” she says. Growing up in her small town, she never saw women working in anything but “regular jobs.”

“I didn’t even know women could be pilots,” she says. “I just never even saw that.” When she realized that was an option for her military service, she thought, “That looks really cool. And so, then, I was really inspired.”

When Carlson began flight school she soon learned, “You couldn’t have fear; you had to trust in your instructors and yourself,” she says. Even though Carlson knew little about the military or aviation, the adrenaline of flying became addicting to her, propelling her to success. Luckily, it was a skill that came “pretty natural” to her—while also being the most challenging thing she’s ever done, she says. 

Reflecting on her career, Carlson loved serving as a Navy helicopter pilot, traveling the world and making lifelong friendships. “The biggest gift my 10-year Naval aviator career gave me was confidence,” she says. Despite her positive experience, when her commitment was ending, she decided she wanted to try a new career path. She was unsure about her next step but positive about one thing: “I’m never going to write a resume,” she says. This meant she wanted to be a business owner.

After owning some different businesses in the food sector, she ended up in real estate and renovated a run-down home with her fiancé. “It really sparked our interest, and we did a real estate course through another military veteran,” she says. They grew their business by purchasing and renovating homes and then renting them out as short-term vacation rentals. Other people were so impressed with her design style in their rentals that they asked, “Can you design mine?” So, in addition to renting the properties, she now offers a design service through her business, Salt and Sky Lodging Co., which she co-owns with her fiancé, Brad Hylton.

If you are unhappy with the business you own and it doesn’t work out, Carlson says it’s OK; you can try another one. She and her fiancé owned multiple businesses before they co-owned their current one, where they discovered a gap in the market of short-term vacation rentals. Her focus is on designing with eco-friendly materials, including kitchen utensils, toilet paper and recycled products. “I’m going to do it the way I live my life, which is environmentally responsible,” she says.

Carlson’s military experience helped her be a successful entrepreneur. “The first rental property we bought—it went horribly wrong,” she says. “If we stopped there, we wouldn’t have this business.” During her service, she learned that you need to keep moving through failure, which helped her cope with challenges. She says the grit and adaptability that she learned from the military have helped her to be successful in her business. 

This article originally appeared in the September/October issue of SUCCESS Magazine. Featured photo courtesy of Mike Diedoardo.

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I quickly realized that there are not very many jobs for AI ethicists with a terminal master’s degree. But there were lots of organizations looking for marketing executives with AI expertise. I found myself a nice, flexible position as a vice president of marketing at a consulting firm and continued to write for magazines on the side.

I first learned how to write for consumers instead of thesis committees (too long; didn’t read). Then, I began to notice other writing. I realized that to deliver a better marketing product, we needed to avoid the buzzwords that plague most ad copy. I began coaching my intern to do just that.

Here are some tips for avoiding marketing copywriting clichés:

1. Avoid the usual marketing copywriting culprits

If you’ve recently been advertised to, you’ve likely noticed that companies have a tendency to use words that offer very big promises.

I recently logged into Zoom and was immediately confronted by a dialogue box inviting me to “elevate” my communications. On websites I have worked on, I have seen promises to “streamline” everything from recycling processes to meeting cadences. Then, there are the offers to “propel,” ”accelerate” or “skyrocket your business to the next level” and “maximize your profits.”

When reading ads, take note of the words that you see the most frequently. Do these ads stand out to you? Are there more meaningful marketing copywriting strategies you can use? If there are, you may be able to craft a campaign that audiences are more likely to remember—and get a higher return on investment for your marketing and efforts.

2. Don’t rely on journalese to get your message across

My friend and I were lamenting our hastily thought up business names the other day. Hers contains the word “elevate,” and my DBA contains the word “innovative.” We have all fallen back on tired tropes, whether intentional or not.

However, the overuse of clichés in marketing copywriting may not be as ineffective as writers say. Research at Princeton discovered that peoples’ pupils dilate when they read clichés, an indication of engagement. But engagement doesn’t necessarily indicate success.

In On Writing Well, which was originally published in 1976 and has been reprinted in several editions since, William Zinsser puts it like this: “There is a kind of writing that might be called journalese, and it’s the death of freshness in anybody’s style. It’s the common currency of newspapers and magazines like People—a mixture of cheap words, made-up words and clichés that have become so pervasive that a writer can hardly help using them.”

Although Zinsser’s disdain is directed at journalists, the same sentiment is found in articles about marketing. An article published by marketing training company MarketingProfs argues that “clichés are grammatical abuse of the worst kind because they’re worthless. Worthless in advertising. Worthless in business memos. And they’re worthless because they carry no weight. And since they’re insubstantial, they can’t punch through the skin.”

3. Be authentic in your marketing copywriting

Market research suggests that millennials and Gen Z deem brands inauthentic when they hide behind tired buzzwords. These generations have seen it all and heard it all, and they can see right through it right away. They were raised with technology, so brands have to stand out to catch their attention through the noise.

A survey conducted by Roundel, the media arm of Target, found that Gen Z consumers want authentic and transparent marketing. A VistaPrint survey of its millennial workforce also listed using clichés as its number one “don’t” in marketing to millennials.

4. Make sure you are marketing better than AI

Visit ChatGPT and feed it this prompt: “You are a digital marketer for a company in [your industry]. Write five emails for a drip campaign promoting [product].”

Count how many times it spits out words like “elevate,” “maximize,” “innovative” or any of the other words I named in this article.

As technology improves, we must distinguish our expertise and create work that machines can’t replicate. There will always be jobs for expert copywriters, but there might not be many left for mediocre writers.

My prediction? Brands that hire expert writers instead of leaning into machine-generated writing that is riddled with cheap buzzwords will see a higher return on investment for their commitment to being memorable and real.

Photo courtesy of ADAB Creativity/Shutterstock

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Regardless of political opinion, Biden’s resignation prompted Americans to take on a discussion both old as time yet as difficult to navigate as always: when to call it off, call it quits or step down. Across industries, both leaders and employees have to do this throughout their careers (not just at retirement), as they navigate their own personal abilities, limitations and best interests alongside their companies’ overall missions.

But it’s far from easy. “In Western culture, we tend to adopt our professional role as part of our personal identity, which can make our relationship with our place of employment feel more important than it actually is. The stakes can feel really high,” says Sarah Auda, a professional executive coach at Three Beats Consulting in Los Angeles.

When Biden announced he’d be dropping out of the race, he had to contend with a sense of identity loss, especially as the president. “I draw strength and find joy in working for the American people. But this sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me, it’s about you. Your families, your futures,” he shared in his July 24 Oval Office address.

“So I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation… I know there was a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices. And that time and place is now.”

Whether you dislike Biden or felt devastated when he dropped out, there are, as always, lessons in the chaos and change.

Recognize the signs of when to step away

Not all of us will be on such a public stage, where op-eds from major newspapers call for our retirement from politics and voters scrutinize our every look and movement. But all the same, there will be signs that it’s time for a change or break.

Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, an executive and tech career coach from the San Francisco Bay Area, says, “It may sound obvious, but if you find yourself constantly daydreaming about quitting your current job, it may be an indicator that it’s time to look for something new. While it’s totally normal to think about what it would be like to work at different companies, if you’re engrossed in other opportunities, you might want to explore what else is out there for you.”

There might also be signs that are more difficult to stomach, such as issues with your performance at work, which can be hard to admit, let alone act upon.

“Many employees, after a certain age, are no longer interested in climbing the ladder but in simply creating stability for themselves, both financially and mentally, via routine. However, if employees are receiving pressure to step away due to a documented decline in performance, it is important for those employees to consider the bigger picture of their health and well-being,” says Lindsey Paoli, MSMFT, a corporate trainer, consultant, author and executive coach in Henderson, Nevada. “Continuing to push through high-stress roles as we age and inevitably begin to feel the urge of slowing down is detrimental to our health and can cost years off our life.”

Take a pause to consider the decision

While Americans won’t likely know how long Biden had been pondering withdrawing, Paoli says that good leaders typically will have considered the necessity to step down well in advance in their career—similar to Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic ticket and taking a pause to determine his own replacement recommendation. Paoli also says that leaders not only need to plan financially but must also train a team to “run the business effectively in their inevitable absence.”  

But the answer might not always be that it’s time to go. Sometimes, it’s time to rethink your position and where you can best serve. Jesse Skaff, director and head of financial services partnerships at recruitment agency Phaidon International, says, “When employees find themselves in a position where they feel they’ve reached what they hoped to accomplish, before making the decision or feeling pressure to leave, individuals should consider if there are any opportunities for job improvement. Of course, there’s always the option to consider a new company, but if the employee is happy with the culture, values and work at their current company, employees can first find ways to optimize the role they have now.”

Auda adds that if you aren’t sure of your own personal values, it’s time to find out. Once you are, those can be your guiding light to evaluating your next stage of life. “Building that awareness within yourself will change your entire life and how you relate to everything,” she says.

Multiple surveys have revealed that some of the foremost American values include money, religion, community, patriotism and having children, Gallup reports. Together these might steer what some call your gut instinct.

“Consider developing a rubric to help you clarify and discern when it’s time to quit. This allows you to zoom out from the situation and weigh all the various factors impacting your decision,” Elliott says. “At the same time, don’t underestimate the power of intuition. After you’ve weighed your options, or perhaps even before, tune in to your gut.”

He adds that unless you are in a dire situation, give yourself plenty of time to ponder, even setting a future date by which you’ll decide. “This allows you to focus your immediate attention on identifying and weighing your potential options, rather than feeling like you must decide here and now. At the same time, this gives you a deadline so you don’t procrastinate.”

Prepare to reinvent yourself

Auda left corporate work at the height of her career after 18 years and faced dismantling her professional identity, including attachments to brands she worked with and titles she held. “The decision to go full time in my own business came when I had a newborn baby and one of my dearest friends was tragically killed. After that, I wasn’t satisfied with my work life. I wanted out of the corporate game,” she says. “But I had to reinvent my own understanding of my identity.” 

“It was a tough process to walk through and I hired a coach of my own to help me sort it out,” she says. “You, too, can reinvent at any point.”

Photo credit: Consolidated News Photos/Shutterstock.com

The post Biden’s Resignation Sparked Conversation About When to Call It Quits appeared first on SUCCESS.

Laura Gassner Otting is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author (Limitless and Wonderhell) who has spent 25 years consulting with executives from the corner office to the Oval Office, including with teams hiring C-suite leaders. She’s part of the 100 Coaches Agency, working with Fortune 100 and Fortune 250 senior executives.

“What do we do in this world where the skills and the characteristics and the traits and the experiences we need to hire for are unclear because the future is not yet manifested?” Gassner Otting asks. “Do they have transferable skills, and do they also have translatable skills—something they’ve done in one place that can be applied to others?”

In May 2022, she published results from a survey of around 5,600 respondents, finding that “workers are not failing leaders; leaders are failing workers.” Only around 36% of workers reported serving under a leader who inspires them to be their best.

The traits leaders need have changed in recent decades. Harvard Business Review reports that, from 2000 to 2017, companies valued C-suite executives who could manage financial and operational resources. Now, it’s all about strong social skills.

Gassner Otting shares the secret and not-so-secret traits companies are looking for in C-suite leaders.

Commitment to a greater cause

Veterans, former Peace Corps members and others who have served a greater cause beyond themselves are uniquely positioned for C-suite leadership, Gassner Otting says. “Country first or platoon first [is] in their bones, in their training,” she says. “They tend to de-emphasize their successes and skills in the interview process.”

Her survey concluded that veterans, compared with nonveterans, are:

• 18.3% more likely to be the best version of themselves at work
• 16% more likely to feel they effect change
• 12.5% more likely to work for a company that aligns with their personal mission

They also tend to be great at understanding the parts of the whole mission. “It’s not just me—I’m part of this team, and this team is part of a larger body,” she says of veterans, which translates to better culture building in the organization.

An athlete’s drive

Gassner Otting worked with the former CEO of Citizens Bank, Larry Fish, who “basically he said, ‘Don’t bring anybody who wasn’t a college athlete.’” Why? They do the work in the dark when nobody is watching, she says. In addition, they are able to perform in high-stakes moments, Fish thought. “I realized he wasn’t necessarily wrong,” she says.

“He wanted people who were willing to work hard until they got it right. He wanted people who would not be afraid to learn and master new skills. He wanted people who were competitive in a way that they were never quite satisfied with the status quo,” she says, referencing athletes who beat their personal record but still want to improve. “They’re always digging to the next gear…” and they get comfortable with delayed gratification.

A hunger for the mission’s success

In interviews, a key question is why the candidate wants to work there. It’s a chance for them to show their hunger, Gassner Otting explains. “What is it about this product, this company, this brand that’s interesting to them—and listening to them tell a story, [such as if] their grandfather worked for the company,” she says.

In her research, she found more than two-thirds of millennials would happily work harder and longer if what they did mattered more, and around 92% of them said they do better work when they can see how the quality of their work matters to the “big picture.” So, finding those with a hunger and passion for the company’s mission works.

Weight and seriousness

Along with hunger for the mission comes weight or a seriousness around their goals, she says. “How serious are they? Can you put them in front of your most important client?” Those personally connected to the mission might have more weight.

Gassner Otting points to comments from University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, who reinforced the importance of parental respect. “If they respect their parents, [they’ll] respect us,” Staley said in an April press conference. “If they don’t respect their parents, we don’t have a shot.”

Gassner Otting notes the significance of that thought process. “That’s weight,” she says. “That’s seriousness right there.”

Grit, speed and tenacity through the tough parts

C-suite leaders have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, Gassner Otting shares. She once worked with a leader of a maximum security prison, who she uses as an example of someone who knows how to put challenges in perspective. When she told him there was an emergency, he asked if anyone had a weapon, was on the wrong side of the wall or bleeding. She said no. “Then we don’t have an emergency; we don’t even have a ‘situation’… We probably have a problem or maybe even an annoyance.”

She explains that thinking every issue is a “10” when it’s really a “3” is essential to creating perspective as a leader. Asking, “How high-risk is this problem to our relationships?” allows executives to be more strategic.

This level of grit and being able to hang out in the “valley of suck,” as she calls it, is essential. 

Additionally, she looks to see how quickly someone is able to bounce back from failure. “[Effective leaders] recognize failure earlier so they’re not stuck in it for a long period of time before they realize that it’s not going to work. They recognize when they’re 10 degrees off before they get to 80 degrees off.”

Underlying each, she adds, is a fundamental ability to communicate and exceptional emotional intelligence—in the end, many employees could use a boss who just listens and cares. 

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo courtesy of Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

The post What Companies Really Want in a C-Suite Leader appeared first on SUCCESS.

The movement began in 2006 with the founding of B Lab, a nonprofit institution that developed the “B Impact Assessment” to evaluate an organization’s social and environmental impact. To become B Corp certified, companies must score at least 80 out of 200 points and adhere to standards across governance, employees, community, environment and customer relations.

Related: How to Make Sustainable Practices Make Sense for Your Business

B Corps must also amend their legal documents to require the board to balance profit and purpose. Since its inception, the B Corp movement has grown exponentially, with more than 8,900 certified businesses in more than 101 countries, spanning 162 industries from retail and manufacturing to finance and technology.

Recently, two well-known B Corp companies, Cotopaxi, which produces outdoor gear and apparel, and Intrepid Travel, a small-group travel company, collaborated on a trip to Ecuador to showcase how their shared missions of “gear for good” and “travel for good” can drive a new kind of brand success focused on purpose, responsible tourism and local impact. Sara King, general manager of purpose at Intrepid Travel, and Annie Agle, vice president of sustainability and impact at Cotopaxi, shared insights on what it means to be a B Corp and how this status has transformed each of their businesses and industry presence.

Why B Corps?

“Our founders were focused on a company that was going to produce sustainable outdoor gear that allowed people to travel and get outside in an experiential fashion, but wanted to ensure that the business was providing a sustainable means for alleviating global poverty,” Agle says. “And they believe that B Corp is the most meaningful, rigid, holistic certification that a business can go through that aims to prove that you are having a net positive impact on society.”

King seconds this, adding that as part of a global movement of people using business as a force for good, B Corps like Intrepid Travel guarantee their current (and future) customers a commitment to benefiting people and the planet.

“Furthermore, to stay a B Corp, you need to recertify every three years, so it is about continuously striving to improve your performance and impact numbers,” she adds.

Related: Why Arka Packaging is the Go-to Brand for Demand Based Replenishment

This is especially important as greenwashing strategies become increasingly sophisticated. Many marketplace markers and titles claim sustainability but are often purely for vanity. However, B Corp certification stands out as one of the most rigorous and respected, offering customers across industries a trustworthy standard. “Even just the impact assessment alone provides an excellent road map for holistic improvement in conscious capitalism,” says Agle.

The B Corp assessment

While the initial workup is extensive, King outlines the five areas that the B Corp assessment addresses—governance, customer, workers, community and environment. “Everything is rigorously audited: I’m talking from our CEO to office supplies and where our energy comes from,” she stresses.

• Governance is about the board of directors, policies and procedures, and the way business is executed. 
• Workers cover the wages paid, working conditions, promotion opportunities and the diversity of staff. 
• Community tackles supply chain—from raw materials to partner companies along the production process.
• Customers are people who use the products and services. 
• Environment measures the footprint of the entire business—the materials used, transportation, energy the business consumes, how far supplies need to travel, how much waste is produced and what is done with it.

Benefits of B Corps

Companies that achieve B Corp certification reap numerous benefits. “It forces you to internalize processes that consider society and the planet at every turn in a formal manner,” explains Agle. This corporate discipline enhances brand reputation and builds trust with consumers who increasingly value ethical practices.

Recent surveys, including those conducted by IBM with NRF and the Baker Retailing Center at the University of Pennsylvania, found between half to two-thirds of consumers said they will pay more for sustainable products, highlighting the importance of certification in attracting and, more importantly, retaining customers.

B Corps also often experience improved employee engagement and retention. By prioritizing social and environmental goals, they create a positive work environment that attracts mission-driven citizen employees who are looking for meaningful employment.

Related: Lia Neumann: Paving a Way for Environmental Change

Additionally, B Corps gain access to a supportive community of like-minded businesses. This network provides opportunities for leadership, collaboration, learning, growth and collective problem-solving. “And I think that gets you into a peer class with other brands who are taking topics like sustainability, inclusion and conscientious business seriously,” says Agle. For example, Intrepid leads the B Corp Climate Collective and is the lead for the Asia Pacific B-Tourism Group.

Finally, B Corps can achieve long-term financial performance and sustainability. Companies that integrate social and environmental goals into their business models are better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Agle says that they are, in turn, more attractive to potential investors who use the certification to hold portfolio companies accountable, particularly if they’re in high-risk sectors like textiles and manufacturing.

The impact of B Corps on society

B Corps have a profound impact on society by promoting sustainable and ethical business practices and prioritizing social goals. For example, Intrepid launched a decarbonization toolkit, an open-source carbon measurement guide and a carbon label guide to proactively track their impact on climate change. “We also provide active staff time and financial support to community campaigns, such as Australia’s ‘YES23’ for Indigenous parliamentary representation, Climate Change Makers’ ‘Hour of Action’ in New York and Canada’s Climate Justice March to end burning fossil fuels,” adds King.

Socially, B Corps foster inclusive and equitable workplaces, supporting fair labor practices and community development. For example, Cotopaxi currently pays 94% of its employees a living wage, which is often higher than minimum wage. “This has become important to us and started showing up in a very prominent fashion in the last update to the impact assessment—and we felt strongly that this is a topic that we need to plant our flag around because we are in support of poverty alleviation,” says Agle.

Related: How Rachel Ceruti Is Curbing Environmental Waste By Upcycling Clothes

With increasing awareness and demand for responsible business, B Corps like Intrepid Travel and Cotopaxi look to address global challenges like climate change, inequality and social injustice.

As sustainability becomes a priority, the number of B Corps is steadily growing. Legislative changes may further support this model by recognizing and incentivizing socially responsible businesses. By demonstrating that profit and purpose can coexist, B Corps are driving positive change worldwide.

Photo courtesy of Peopleimages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

The post Everything You Need to Know About B Corps and How They Can Drive Positive Change Globally appeared first on SUCCESS.

Their platform, FUEL Inc., was released to the public last month. FUEL Inc. takes the same concept of Peloton and breaks down courses on sales strategy into microlearning that can be consumed in small pieces. Participants can actively analyze their performance on a leaderboard where they can compete against other learners.

How FUEL Inc. works

When you log into the FUEL platform, you are greeted with lessons to choose from. Although the platform was originally created for salespeople, there are also lessons to help with personal development and leadership.

At the time of writing, there are 12 instructors with 12 unique courses available, including a social media course focused on video production from Josh Pitts of Shred Media and a course on empowering buyers with information called “Mastering the Buyer Consultation” from Denise Donoghue of The Mortgage Nerd Academy. Each lesson is about three minutes long and followed by a knowledge check.

“Our technology actually stops the video [to test] for the person’s knowledge, because we all know that learning is not the answer,” says Duncan. “Learning is part of the answer… knowledge is power.”

Fueling sales through self-competition

Duncan and Kutsishin saw the opportunity for a collaboration because they shared a vision of “democratizing learning.”

“Many people can’t learn because they don’t have access to learning, or can’t learn because the learning is one-size-fits-all, or can’t learn as they have to sit in a seminar. Then [there’s] the unfairness of people coming into a business… and needing a whole different kind of learning than somebody who might be a 10-year veteran or 15-year veteran that needs a reset.”

Traditional learning, according to Duncan and Kutsishin, is not designed around the unique learning needs people have or the practicalities of how business functions today. There’s not much that can be accomplished by attending a conference once a year, and technology has made it easier to spend less time on more things.

“We feel that traditional learning is broken,” says Duncan. “We feel that the micro-modality is going to give a leg up for companies to help equip their people to be the best versions of themselves.”

Having the opportunity to see and beat your own personal records—like Peloton users can—adds an element of challenge that could engage many learners.

“You can pretty much measure everything that would be important to you about learning a skill that you want to go about executing,” says Duncan. “And, all the time, you’re competing against yourself. And so, [good salespeople] are gonna get equipped, and they want to compete [with] themselves. They’re never done trying to break their own records.”

The fuel of joyful accountability

The sports metaphor is one that is often applied in business, but Kutsishin insists there is a good reason for this. 

“The sports model has perfected accountability and autonomy,” he says. “[The] professional sports autonomy and accountability model works like this… so, let’s say, you play for a professional team—sports team—whatever it is, you are accountable to the team.”

There’s no place on a professional team for people who don’t want to work with the rest of the team. Athletes who play sports have to come to practices and also understand what the whole picture looks like between knowing the plays, the coaches and the other players.

“You can’t just be like, ‘I’m really good. I’ll see you at every game, but I’m not coming to practices’… that doesn’t work in professional sports and organized sports at all. And so, the accountability is that you play for the team,” says Kutsishin.

If a company decides to buy FUEL Inc. for their salespeople, they can track whether they are completing the lessons and obtaining the knowledge and skills meant to be developed.

“I think we’ve solved a repositioning of a word that is not very fun to hear when you’re not doing well. And that’s ‘accountability,’” says Duncan. “One of the things that we said early on is we want to create between people—leaders and followers—we want to create this joyful accountability.”

The response so far 

Duncan and Kutsishin have been thrilled with the response to FUEL Inc. since they rolled it out in July. They initially envisioned it as a sales app, but have had customers say they felt the skills on the app could be useful for the whole team. And although fifteen companies have already signed up, they are also being discovered by individuals.

“We approach this as enterprise only, but people are finding it and they’re signing up,” says Kutsishin. “It’s the Netflix or the Peloton of personal and career development.”

Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

The post These Entrepreneurs Have Created the Peloton of Career Development appeared first on SUCCESS.

As the trailblazing founder of the fashion brand FUBU (For Us, By Us) and one of the top dogs on ABC’s multi-Emmy Award-winning business show Shark Tank, Daymond John was the obvious choice to grace the cover of our inaugural entrepreneur-themed issue.

For more than three decades, Daymond has opened doors for budding entrepreneurs and conceptual artists around the globe. In doing so, he has created an enviable life of his own—touting a net worth of $350 million, while changing millions of people’s lives along the way. So, when the opportunity to get a firsthand glimpse at his success playbook crossed my desk, I jumped at the chance to meet with the moneymaker himself.

Just like Daymond, I have made a living investing in others. As a seasoned journalist, I interview the brightest and most strategic minds in business, professional development, entertainment and advocacy. My job is to share pivotal messages on how to build brands that make an impact and why creating a beautiful life is more in-depth than what you have in the bank. People’s stories lead the way to success.

Daymond also empowers people to share their stories. More specifically, he teaches how to make good decisions—and advocates that having open conversations about your shortcomings will get you to the next level. After all, anyone can Google a person’s background and accolades these days; therefore, the key to getting what you want is staying curious and learning from those who have weathered the storms before you.

Living on the edge

Daymond John lives on the 37th floor of a stellar high-rise in Miami. His building hosts a plethora of A-list neighbors, coupled with an incredible view, a pool, personal spa and workout room, as well as an elevator that lifts his cars all the way up to his home in the sky, where he lives with his beautiful wife Heather and 8-year-old daughter Minka.

On the day of the shoot, our creative crew was welcomed with open arms. After a quick tour of their lovely abode, I spoke briefly with Heather, a healthy-lifestyle aficionado and wellness entrepreneur. It turns out the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this household. Heather, recognizing the potential behind the global luxury scent brand Aroma360 as it was gaining traction, believed in the product so much that she wanted to help collectively strengthen the brand. Now, it’s the top fragrance brand in its space.

Overflowing with gratitude, it’s easy to see why Daymond is at the top of his game. His impressive portfolio of transformative experiences has led him down a path of self-discovery and resilience. These imperfections in business and in life have made him who he is today—with health, family and the environment at the forefront.

Revered for his no-guff, forward-thinking business acumen, the multimillion-dollar adviser opened up about the importance of second chances. As a devoted father, husband, stage 2 cancer survivor, activist and fashion and art lover, Daymond is a treasure trove of knowledge. As he reflected on his career, I quickly put pen to paper to capture his fascinating journey.

The people’s shark

Over the years, Daymond has invested more than $8 million of his own money to help aspiring business owners build incredible fortunes. Inevitably, he says he looks beyond the person’s pitch and leans into what his gut is telling him. “The other sharks have their own methods, but I get a gut feeling that tells me who will work hard and who wants to prove to the world that they have what it takes to go the distance. I like people with vigor.”

Daymond smiles at the thought of his recent mentees. One startup that he helped catapult to stardom is Bombas, a clothing brand that sells socks, underwear, T-shirts and slippers—and donates a product to those in need for every item purchased. “I look for the long-term impact when investing,” he says. “I want to associate myself with businesses and entrepreneurs who have the guts to put the hard work in like I did in the beginning—even if there are setbacks.” To date, Bombas has donated 120 million clothing items to homeless, at-risk and in-need communities. There’s more to life than dollar bills.

Building empires

Known for helping entrepreneurs build lucrative brand empires, Daymond has a knack for spotting business visionaries a mile away. From startups to CEOs, he prides himself on working with all types and all levels. His ability to spark genuine conversations and get to the root of a person’s abilities is something that comes naturally. He says he learned it at a young age as a form of survival.

“When I was growing up, the rich and famous folk were untouchable. You heard of the Henry Fords of the world, but the reality was that you would never meet them,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until I started to grow in my own entrepreneurial space and got invited into the same rooms as such notables that I realized my idea of entrepreneurship was wrong. I was fascinated by these experts and eager to learn how they got there. Hence, my journey is based in curiosity.”

FUBU Daymond John

In the beginning, Daymond’s vision of an entrepreneur was the guy who hired and fired. So, he created the no-BS tough persona you see on Shark Tank. But, the real FUBU founder is open about his hardships. He even admits that a large part of his career was wasted on things that were insignificant.

“I remember when I was in a room with massively successful people, and yet I wasn’t vulnerable enough to say, ‘Hey, I don’t know this, but can you teach me this?’ Imagine if I had done that in my 20s? Imagine where I would be now. The people in that room were Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and various Hollywood celebrities,” he explains.

“At that time, I was in the middle of the hip-hop scene and just launched my apparel company FUBU, which broke the mold for urban culture. I had a bodyguard with me because the East Coast/West Coast battle was going on. I didn’t care about all that nonsense—I was just trying to dress everybody and get my brand out there. I never spoke to Gates or Buffett at that event, but I often think what might have happened if I did. Mark Cuban would be scraping the gum off my shoes today,” he laughs.

The moral of the story: Don’t waste opportunities to connect with the movers and shakers—especially when they’re right in front of you. Be bold.

Your health is your wealth

Daymond grew up in a poor family and learned the value of a dollar out of necessity. He prides himself on getting out of a bad situation through a diligent work ethic and perseverance. “It was either work and figure it out on my own or I wouldn’t survive,” he explains. But with every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and Daymond soon learned that wealth can also lead you down a destructive path. “Instead of turning to my family for help, I turned to alcohol to soothe my anxiety—something I’m not proud of.”

Fortunately, his wife Heather opened his eyes to self-care and leading a healthy lifestyle. So, with some serious convincing and a lot of love from his better half, he decided to take a step back from the pressures of success and implement wellness practices into his daily routine. “It sounds ironic, but this has changed my definition of wealth. After a few close calls, I came to realize that wealth is just the reciprocal of your health. In other words, the healthier you are, the more abundance you receive in your life,” Daymond adds. And he’s right: If you want to live a long and abundant life, and be there for your family, you have to make tough choices and hang around people who have the same values.

Keeping a positive mental attitude

While Daymond attributes a large part of his rags-to-riches story to old-fashioned hard work and taking calculated risks, he has adopted the notion that a positive mindset is imminent to obtain and maintain monumental success. After a recent cancer scare, he realizes the first pillar to success is your health. In other words, if you’re not healthy in your mind, body and spirit, then you’re not going to have clarity to be productive.

“My wife is my healthy-living advocate. If she didn’t get me to go to the doctor a few years back, I may not be here today. She helped me through some of the worst days in my life, and I am thankful for a second chance. This is the definition of prosperity to me,” he says. “She pushes me to watch what I eat and put into my body. I’m so fortunate to have her in my life because that’s what a partner does. When you respect each other and value your partner’s opinions, you know they’re looking out for you unconditionally—and that’s all you can ask for.”

Today, Daymond understands that health is wealth—especially when raising a young child who deserves all his attention. He is also grateful for losing the weight that was holding him down literally and figuratively. “It might sound cliché, but my mindset has evolved just as I have evolved in business. These are my youngest daughter’s developmental years, and I want to be around to walk all of my girls down the aisle one day.”

Learning to let go

Living a healthy lifestyle has not only changed Daymond’s outlook, but it’s also proven to be a positive influence on his overall success. Eight years ago, he started to incorporate an intense physical and mental health practice into his daily routine. He also began an annual emotional deep dive, which equates to eliminating toxicity out of his life.

“Every New Year’s Eve, I decide who I am going to cut out of my life. I literally write down people’s names on a piece of paper if they are toxic or create havoc and let them go,” he says. “For instance, if we’re not good friends or they’re not good for my business, there’s no reason to stay in touch. This doesn’t mean that I’m a cruel person—I have just learned through trial and error that people who judge you, diminish your efforts or turn their back on you in times of need are not worth your time.”

Walking away from toxic work environments

Daymond tells his mentees that cutting people out of your life can be difficult, but it is often necessary. “Tough conversations in the workplace are a critical part of personal and professional growth. A lot of people don’t understand that we die by paper—and paper cuts—often,” he adds. “When you walk away from toxic work environments, business partners or social circles, it opens up opportunities to bring more positive energy into your life. When you cut low-energy people out of your life, you make room for the people who deserve your love and attention. Doing this has changed my life tenfold. It becomes a way of life.”

Not surprisingly, self-love has played a critical role in Daymond’s decision to turn away from the bottle and manage stress in a more meaningful way. “When you start to see the negative impact that toxicity has on your life, you realize the only one who can pivot is you. I started to really listen and take note of how I could grow and move forward in a more positive way, which has brought so much peace to my life.”

Connecting winners

Another important entrepreneurial pillar is the act of service. Daymond’s ability to mentor those coming up the ranks, coupled with the gravity in which he inspires C-suites, has become evident everywhere he goes. Over the years, he has guided thousands if not millions of emerging entrepreneurs to success status. Today, he also works with executives who want to know where to go next.

Daymond’s exciting new business venture is CEO Access. A few times a year, he brings top-tier businesspeople, experts and entertainers together to make quality connections. “It’s like getting a sneak peek at my Rolodex,” he says. “There’s no agenda; it’s just come and meet other smart, like-minded people—and maybe get a contact or two—and leave whenever you want. It’s something new I’m trying because I believe success is about getting access to the people you want to collaborate with. I’m basically putting a bunch of powerful people in the same room and watching the magic happen. It’s organic, and it works!”

Daymond John, from Shark Tank to CEO Access

In a world where deals are often made via cyberspace, these modern mixers are transforming the way people interact. How it works: Every 15 to 20 minutes, Daymond will address the crowd and ask one person a question. Then, he lets someone ask him a question. “It’s a win-win for everyone because it’s not scripted and the energy always seems to flow. This nonthreatening vibe gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to lend their ideas to fate rather than experiencing pressure to bring someone into your circle who may not be the right fit.”

The shark is a master connector and says being vulnerable is something entrepreneurs don’t do enough. “The goal of CEO Access is to make authentic connections that might lead to business alignments or personal growth. Even TMZ picked up the one in Los Angeles,” he says. “It’s a new way to look at business relations in our cutthroat world. CEO Access has been so successful to date that I am constantly getting calls from people asking when the next one is.”

Entrepreneurship and vulnerability

When asked about misconceptions in entrepreneurship, Daymond says that success should not be defined by wealth. He also believes that the challenges faced by individuals in business are due to a lack of curiosity and willingness to start over.

As a result, Daymond’s ability to be vulnerable has become integral in his life. “I would tell my staff where I’m weak and when I didn’t have the answers. And when I started having authentic conversations, people started to really communicate with me. As a result, I found way more value in speaking to entrepreneurs and founders, and I got smarter by osmosis. And boom, I’m on Shark Tank wanting to know more stories.

“The most successful entrepreneurs I know are the ones who have started over many, many times. They are the ones who ask questions, take risks, do their homework, manage their time and who are intentional about prioritizing personal relationships,” he adds. “You also have to realize that, although entrepreneurship can provide flexibility and financial gains, people shouldn’t be misguided into thinking that entrepreneurs aren’t the ones up earlier than everyone else and up later at night. It’s a hard-core lifestyle.”

Turning over a new leaf

When it comes to business, Daymond reiterates that leaning into your failures is critical. Never give up. During his 20s, he stressed about making ends meet. Just as any parent who lives paycheck to paycheck would, Daymond did everything he could to ensure there was food on the table for his young family. However, the stress was building and impacting his mental health. “During my first marriage, I thought making fast money was the only way I could protect my first two daughters. I had the best of intentions but didn’t always make the best choices. Now, I realize that it’s not only your net worth that leaves a lasting impression; it’s how you act and show love to your family.”

With a passion for startups, middle-tier entrepreneurs and CEOs, Daymond is determined to pass along his knowledge to help others achieve their dreams. If he can do it, anyone can. “I’m told that everyone can see a little bit of themselves in me, no matter what race, color, creed or gender background,” he says. “My story is similar to the American dream, where hard work and tenacity are at the core of longevity and survival.”

Daymond is the first to admit that he’s not the most educated or sophisticated person on the planet (although he confessed that he only repeated seventh grade because he enjoyed it so much). “Everyone has a story to tell and a life lesson to pass along. Just make sure you stay on track, and if you have to take a step back, that’s all right. Take it from me, your external world can (and will) trickle into your entrepreneurial spirit if you’re not careful. Negative energy is always detrimental to your success, so remember to make wise decisions and align yourself with people who have the same values at home as they do in their business.”

Daymond John bestselling author

With five bestselling books under his belt, Daymond is also a fan of the arts community. “I want to continue to bring attention to talented artists because they bring us joy in the world. I also think it’s imperative to educate children on how to manage money and become financially independent, so they don’t have to depend on anyone when they get older. Our kids will be the ones to take innovation and creativity to the next level, so we have to give them the tools when they are young.”

Lastly, Daymond is a big supporter of female entrepreneurs. (As mentioned previously, his wife Heather saved his life.) He spoke highly about stay-at-home moms and the challenges they face, stating that they are often undervalued and don’t have a blueprint for raising their children. “Women are the ones leading the charge in the most important areas of life,” he says. “Growing up in a single-parent home, I quickly learned that the next generation will be filling our shoes, and our mothers should be praised for that.”

Alignment in business and in life

Suffice it to say, Daymond continues to lead successfully by pushing the boundaries and inspiring people to embrace the ever-changing business landscape. From identifying smart market opportunities to taking chances on people who are “all-in,” his insights serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned owners alike.

Trust me, there’s way more to the people’s shark than you see on TV. Let’s just say, I will be forever enlightened by his pearls of entrepreneurial wisdom—and inspired by his love and devotion in building supportive relationships.

Perhaps that’s because his success story aligns with his soul purpose. His personal values include financial security for his family and empowering others, but more importantly, he cherishes good energy and a healthy lifestyle so he can live long enough to see his youngest grow up. His ability to spread awareness about environmental issues through unique art projects also fills his cup.

“You can make all the money you want and work your a– off, but you can’t take anything with you. That’s why creating a world we can be proud of and where our children are safe, happy and healthy is the true definition of wealth.”

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photo by Bianca Pierre

The post Shark Tank Star and Investor Daymond John Shares Hard-Earned Business Lessons and Debunks Misconceptions Around Entrepreneurship appeared first on SUCCESS.

A Google search later, I found out the entire hospital system’s phone, internet, email and electronic health records system were down and that it was unknown when access would be restored. The next week, it was confirmed the outage was due to a cyberattack. The systems remained down for more than a month, and a ransomware group called Rhysida claimed responsibility for the attack, seeking 60 bitcoins (about $3.4 million) in compensation for the data on the dark web.

My son’s appointment was just a regular appointment. But when my son, a micro preemie, was an infant, losing access to his medical team could have had dire results.

Cybercrime is a concern for large corporations, hospitals and governments, but it also affects small businesses. In January 2024, McAfee and Dell produced a resource guide for small businesses based on a study they conducted that found 44% of small businesses had experienced a cyberattack, with the majority of these attacks occurring within the last two years.

Humans are the weakest link

When most people think of cyberattacks, they think of a hacker in a hoodie sitting in front of a computer and entering a company’s technology infrastructure using a few lines of code. But that’s not how it usually works. In most cases, people inadvertently share information through social engineering tactics like phishing links or email attachments containing malware.

“The weakest link is the human,” says Abhishek Karnik, director of threat research and response at McAfee. “The most popular mechanism where organizations get breached is still social engineering.”

Prevention: Mandatory employee training on recognizing and reporting threats should be held regularly to keep cyber hygiene top of mind.

Insider threats

Insider threats are another human menace to organizations. An insider threat is when an employee has access to company information and carries out the breach. This individual may be working on their own for financial gains or manipulated by someone outside the organization.

“Now, you take your employees and say, ‘Well, we trust that they’re not doing that,’” says Brian Abbondanza, an information security manager for the state of Florida. “We’ve had them fill out all this paperwork; we’ve run background checks. There’s this false sense of security when it comes to insiders, that they’re far less likely to affect an organization than some sort of outside attack.”

Prevention: Users should only be able to access as much information as they need. You can use privileged access management (PAM) to set policies and user permissions and generate reports on who accessed what systems.

Other cybersecurity pitfalls

After humans, your network’s vulnerabilities lie in the applications we use. Bad actors can access confidential data or infiltrate systems in several ways. You likely already know to avoid open Wi-Fi networks and establish a strong authentication method, but there are some cybersecurity pitfalls you may not be aware of.

Employees and ChatGPT

“Organizations are becoming more aware about the information that is leaving the organization because people are posting to ChatGPT,” Karnik says. “You don’t want to be posting your source code out there. You don’t want to be posting your company information out there because, at the end of the day, once it’s in there, you don’t know how it’s going to be utilized.”

AI use by bad actors

“I think AI, the tools that are available out there, have lowered the bar to entry for a lot of these attackers—so things that they were not capable of doing [before], such as writing good emails in English or the target language of your choice,” Karnik notes. “It’s very easy to find AI tools that can construct a very effective email for you in the target language.”

QR codes

“I know during COVID, we went off of physical menus and started using these QR codes on tables,” Abbondanza says. “I can easily plant a redirect on that QR code that first captures everything about you that I need to know—even scrape passwords and usernames out of your browser—and then send you quickly onto a site you don’t recognize.”

Involve the experts

The most important thing to remember is for leadership to listen to cybersecurity experts and proactively plan for issues to arrive.

“We want to get new applications out there; we want to provide new services, and security just kind of has to catch up,” Abbondanza says. “There’s a large disconnect between organization leadership and the security experts.”

Additionally, it’s important to proactively address threats through human power. “It takes eight minutes for Russia’s best attacking group to get in and cause damage,” Abbondanza notes. “It takes about 30 seconds to a minute for me to get that alert. So if I don’t have the [cybersecurity expert] team that can respond in seven minutes, we probably have a breach on our hands.”

This article originally appeared in the July issue of SUCCESS+ digital magazine. Photo courtesy Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock.com

The post Expert Tips to Protect Your Business From Cyberattacks appeared first on SUCCESS.