Karen Budell

expert panel

Here are the go-to resources of leaders who are rising above their competition. For leaders, staying ahead of the competition in your industry requires more than just hard work. It calls for the right resources that provide timely insights, foster continuous learning, and help you adapt to industry shifts. Are you looking for a new go-to resource? If so, Fast Company Executive Board members share their favorites below. Whether it’s a trusted publication, an analytics tool, or a community network, it can make the difference between keeping pace and setting the pace in today's market.

expert panel

Here's how to stop the lies from spreading and keep loyal consumers updated on what's correct. When it comes to maintaining a positive image and authentic brand reputation, company leaders need to control their narrative before someone on the outside tries to spin their own tales about the brand in a non-appealing way. Here, 15 brand leaders from Fast Company Executive Board each share their most effective strategies to combat misinformation and ensure the integrity of information in an era of digital manipulation.

expert panel

Encouraging your team to be problem solvers is a better way to build trust and keep them engaged in the process. Unleashing your full potential as a leader begins with having the willingness to embrace your own humility and enable others to shine. Empowering others to find the right solutions when they are faced with business challenges is an essential part of delegating responsibilities and building stronger teams. When it comes to helping direct reports develop decision-making strategies at work,16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board agree that it is much better to "coach" people rather than "manage." This is how potential successful leaders continue to grow.

expert panel

Tracking these key measurements of customer behavior can transform your business efforts. Creating a truly customer-centric business strategy requires tracking the right metrics. Understanding specific key performance indicators related to consumer behavior can offer insights into what's working and what is not, so your company can make the appropriate adjustments. Below, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members explain which customer success metrics have provided their businesses with invaluable knowledge about their business efforts. With these measures in mind, you can make informed, strategic decisions and highlight areas that need improvement.

expert panel

13 ways to boost team morale and motivation to get the job done. When employees begin to feel burnout at work, it's not always immediately evident to others. However, employers and their leadership teams must learn how to recognize and address these symptoms sooner rather than later to prevent losing high-potential staff members.  But even if the signs were written on the wall for quite some time, it's never too late to work on increasing your employees' morale and get them enthusiastic about the company's mission and their real purpose for offering their time and service each day. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members each share one idea to motivate the cross-generational teams your company depends on every single day.

expert panel

When it comes to brand marketing, elevating your authentic story as an individual is just as important as company branding. For the past decade or longer, the term "brand marketing" has taken on a life of its own. People now realize that it's not just about a material product or service; "brand marketing" is also tied directly to the individual who is trying to launch or further themselves in the marketplace overall, and not just with any particular company affiliation. In an unstable economy with massive layoffs, it's all about the person and the next steps they want to take in life—especially as it relates to their personal passion, mission, and goals. Here, 19 Fast Company Executive Board members each share their advice with individuals who aspire to elevate their personal and professional branding to become a powerful thought leader who creates and delivers highly impactful, memorable presentations through the stories they share with others—during the workday or after hours.