Chongwei Chen

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The path to a successful online business starts with understanding what your customers need and building every decision around that insight. Launching an online business means making bold decisions from day one—what to sell, who to target, and how to stand out in a crowded market. The most successful founders don’t wait for perfect conditions; they validate demand early, build trust fast, and solve real problems better than anyone else. Every move is intentional, and momentum matters more than perfection. To help you cut through the noise and gain traction, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members share hard-won strategies for building online businesses that last.

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Some executives are energized while others are cautious, but all agree that adapting to rapid innovation is essential to thriving in today's marketplace. The world is moving faster than ever, and technological innovation is at the center of it all. From generative AI to data-driven automation, change is happening at lightning speed—and business leaders are faced with a choice: embrace it, resist it, or try to strike a balance. Below, 18 Fast Company Executive Board members share how they really feel about the current pace of tech change, and what it means for their industries, their teams, and their leadership mindset.

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To thrive through disruption, leaders must develop cultures grounded in trust, communication, and purpose. Uncertainty is inevitable in today’s business landscape, thanks to economic volatility, leadership changes, and global disruptions. But while instability can rattle even the strongest organizations, resilient cultures rise above the noise. The foundation for resilience is laid long before a crisis hits through clear values, transparent leadership, and strong interpersonal trust. To understand how today’s executives create adaptable, cohesive, and confident teams in unpredictable times, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their top strategies for cultivating resilience across their organizations.

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In unpredictable conditions, these leaders have found reliable ways to stay focused, energized, and clear-headed. The demands of leadership don’t pause when the ground shifts. For those guiding teams through uncertainty, staying present and motivated is vital to making sound decisions, maintaining team morale, and sustaining long-term momentum.  In volatile environments, personal clarity can be hard for leaders to hold onto. To understand how experienced leaders maintain focus, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share what keeps them steady and inspired. Their answers highlight the habits, values, and real-world reminders that help them lead through disruption without losing direction.

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Business leaders across industries are leveraging AI to boost efficiency, improve decision-making, and provide deeper value to their clients. AI is rapidly changing how businesses operate, and the companies seeing the most value are the ones using it strategically. From streamlining internal processes to improving decision-making, AI has the potential to boost efficiency and your bottom line. But realizing those benefits takes more than plugging in a new tool; it requires clear goals, quality data, and strong human judgment. If you're seeking inspiration on business use cases for AI, the members of the Fast Company Executive Board share specific ways this technology has improved their operations.

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When it comes to social media engagement, what matters most is creating the kind of connection people want to respond to. As social media platforms evolve, brands aren’t just posting to be seen; they also want to connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Engagement now hinges less on polish and more on presence, personality, and participation. Rather than pushing one-sided content, the most effective strategies invite people in, spark conversation, and create space for genuine interaction. To that end, 17 Fast Company Executive Board members share creative ways to drive social media engagement and why these approaches are so effective.

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Ransomware attacks may not necessarily be disastrous. Here's what you need to know.

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Your first big interview with the press can feel intimidating, but the right preparation can turn it into a defining moment for you as a brand leader. Whether it’s a podcast, panel, or live social media event, stepping into the spotlight for the first time as a brand leader can feel like walking into a conversation where everyone else already knows the script. But with the right preparation, these moments can become powerful opportunities to share your story, connect with your audience, and elevate your company’s message. From refining your talking points to embracing authenticity and learning to handle tough questions, small adjustments can make a big impact. To help you feel confident and prepared, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their best advice for first-time brand leaders getting ready for a media interview or public appearance.

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Balancing global strategy with local nuance isn’t easy, but it’s essential for leading across cultures effectively. For managers overseeing teams across multiple countries, striking the right balance between global consistency and local autonomy can determine whether your team feels aligned or alienated. It requires clarity on what must remain uniform—brand values, strategy, success metrics—as well as the flexibility to adapt delivery, communication, and leadership styles to local norms. Leaders who master this balance can minimize friction while creating environments where innovation, trust, and performance thrive across borders. To that end, 17 members of Fast Company Executive Board share their top strategies for navigating this complex but critical dynamic.

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When your CEO shares your mission, you can focus on growth knowing the company is in good hands. Hiring the right CEO means finding someone who’s not just capable but deeply aligned with what your company stands for. You’re handing over the reins to someone who needs to lead, and lead like you would—with full conviction in the company’s mission and the clarity to drive it forward. It’s a high-stakes decision that can either strengthen or unravel your foundation. To help you make the right call, nine Fast Company Executive Board members share how they’ve identified and retained CEOs who are mission-driven, reliable, and ready to take the reins. Below, they offer practical ways for finding a leader who can build on your vision while giving you the freedom to focus on what’s next.

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If you're looking to build a successful loyalty program, these practical tips can help you make it worth your customers’ while—and yours. For businesses, loyalty programs are a great way to encourage repeat purchases and strengthen customer relationships. Yet, launching a successful one takes more than offering discounts or points. The best programs are designed with the customer in mind—what they value, how they interact with your brand and what makes them feel genuinely appreciated. To help, 15 members of Fast Company Executive Board discuss what it takes to build a loyalty program that drives not only sales, but genuine customer engagement.

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Here are 10 key strategies for brand rebuilding that will elevate the company's credibility and regain consumer trust. Going through a difficult experience like bankruptcy can damage a company's public profile initially, but acknowledging its shortcomings and creating a transparent action plan to turn the situation around also provides the business a unique opportunity to reinvent itself during the downtime. Forward-thinking leaders spend time reassessing their product offerings, customer service strategies, and market positioning to better align with current consumer expectations.  Taking a proactive approach to get back into the public's good graces ensures past and prospective stakeholders that the company is not only recovering from a bad season of missteps, productively, but it's also evolving for future success. Below, 10 Fast Company Executive Board members each share an action step company leaders can take to restore confidence among former stakeholders and supporters after their recovery and reflection period.

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Here's how to master daily leadership responsibilities without burning out. What does an effective leader look like? Oftentimes, what comes to mind is an individual who can successfully balance daily workflow, foster positive team relations, and handle an unforeseen crisis calmly and collectively. But strong leaders have another secret ingredient up their sleeves. They realize how important it is to manage their most valuable resources: time and energy. As a leader, being intentional about where to invest your focus can significantly enhance your productivity.  Below, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their insights on other tried and true habits every successful executive should practice regularly.