Maria Alonso

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Business experts share what it takes to manage a company and its people. Leading an organization to success can be a tremendous amount of pressure, but managing teams and being a positive influence on how they see the institution can be an even trickier balance to strike—whether you are new or seasoned when it comes to guiding direct reports in the workplace. Here, 16 Fast Company Executive Board members each talk about the most important thing they have learned in their current role about how to lead others in an organization or department.

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Smarter, greener solutions to expand your business and save money. Leading a business that is still thriving and relevant to its consumers in today's tight economy is no easy feat. Having the bandwidth to launch a second brick-and-mortar location to serve a different target audience in another location is even more remarkable, but there are certain details that, if implemented correctly, can help companies save on the lifecycle of projected building costs over the long term. Below, nine Fast Company Executive Board members each offer a sustainable design idea for the architectural renovation plans for the space. They also discuss some of the structural pitfalls to watch out for.

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Putting these solutions into practice can increase employee productivity, collaboration, and communication. One of the best benefits of hybrid-remote work opportunities is the flexibility given to change your workspace environment as needed. But whether employees are required to be at the office headquarters three days a week or are working remotely every day, the management team needs to keep team morale up and communication flowing to help the company succeed.  Below, 17 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each provide one creative way company leaders can redesign their physical or virtual workspace to increase team productivity and motivation.

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As markets continue to diversify, the companies that will lead are those that understand and embrace the complexity of serving a multicultural world.

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You may have a groundbreaking design 'solution,' but have you thought about the following points? Whether your creative design team has been tapped to incorporate a new outdoor green space in a public setting, or partner to develop a community recreation center where residents can gather to spend quality time with their family and friends, the first step is for business leaders and staff to understand who they serve.  In fact, reaching out to local residents from the broader community, upfront, is a better way to build bridges, gather feedback, and understand the pain points that may (or may not) need to be solved. Doing so will also help cut down on any unnecessary investments that are not a good fit for the intended audience being served. Below, eight members from Fast Company Executive Board share one thing that company leaders need to consider both socially and culturally when integrating a sustainable design solution into the marketplace.

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Investing in human capital is essential to competitive advantage in today's marketplace. One of the keys to building a successful company is hiring the right people. But, hiring the top talent will only take an organization so far if the leadership is not willing to support the education of high-performing employees who want to pursue the latest skills, invest in their personal growth, and apply their knowledge to the work they are doing every day on the job. If you want to invest in employee training and development, here are 12 strategies to consider when it comes to upskilling or reskilling your team, courtesy of Fast Company Executive Board members.

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What's your business specialty? Use this list as a starting point for growth, development, and long-term career success in design. As the current market continues to evolve and grow more complex, it's a benefit to have years of practical, on-the-job training on your resume. It's a bonus if you can also find the time to become certified in a niche industry or specialization in your specific field that will put you in the driver's seat when determining the direction you want to take in your career. Here, 12 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each suggest one certification that every aspiring design leader should consider to enhance their current and future business options in their field of choice.  

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Think outside the box to save your team time and money, so they won't have to reinvent the wheel. It's always an exciting time when upper management green-lights a team to work on a new design project that, once completed, will have a positive impact on the company's staff and clients, and improve the organization's potential for sustainable growth over time.  But when it comes to resources, whether your funds are unlimited or you can't afford to overspend, there are smarter ways to consider how to complete the project without breaking the bank. Here, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each share one tip to help design leaders and their teams repurpose existing structures or materials to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

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Don't sleep on yourself. Apply these brand strategies to remain diligent about pouring into your future no matter where you are in life or work.  Whether you own your own business or represent your current employer, the fluctuating marketplace continues to demonstrate that nothing is guaranteed. That's why business owners who are also thought leaders and career professionals and are trying to elevate their industry stakes are all the wiser for nurturing their personal and professional brands simultaneously.  It may mean taking up a course to update their skills or knowledge on a particular industry topic, or it could be as simple as becoming more intentional about connecting with like-minded industry peers and mentors. Either way, professionals who are proactive in ensuring they have the potential to grow outside of any one organization or business venture are more likely to set themselves on course to secure a stable outlook for their future no matter what conditions the economy is facing.  Below, 12 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer one best practice for aspiring and current thought leaders who want to strengthen their personal and professional brands successfully.

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Apply these strategies to ensure your company is sending the right message to gain consumer trust and loyalty. With artificial intelligence tools at their fingertips, brand leaders can better assess where the consumer market is heading and how to address the challenges of the day. Using digital results to reframe an email or marketing campaign may be an effective way to stand out as a go-to company that can find solutions, but connecting in a meaningful way will solidify a stronger business relationship. Below, 12 Fast Company Executive Board members each provide a strategy for new or established brands to improve B2C relationships and grow their business by leaps and bounds.

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14 steps to consider before making a marketing design switch that could confuse or alienate loyal customers.  It may be time to update your product in the marketplace; however, it's important to do your research and revisit how and why the brand was successful in the first place. You may not necessarily need a full overhaul to remain competitive and relevant in the current market space. It may just take a tweak here and there to highlight a timeless feature that consumers still care about. Taking this approach and reaching out to collaborate with your PR department is a smart way to put your brand over the top for continued success among competing companies in the industry. Below, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer one idea to keep in mind when preparing for a package redesign of an established product that needs a bit of modernization in these current times.

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In times of economic uncertainty or organizational restructuring, tough decisions like layoffs can be unavoidable. However, how these decisions are executed can have profound implications not only for the individuals directly affected but also for the morale, culture, and long-term success of the company. Any leader who is wrestling with a layoff decision has likely been sitting with that and preparing for months. For everyone else, on the other hand, it will be news — and a shock. This is where empathy, often regarded as a soft skill, emerges as a critical quality for business leaders to embody during such challenging times. It's important to give time for teams to understand, process and heal. To help leaders going through a reduction in workforce, I ask members of Company Culture Group, a community I lead through Fast Company Executive Board, how leaders can organize layoffs with empathy.

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Whether orchestrating campaigns for renowned brands or collaborating with local institutions, the lessons learned transcend borders and cultures.

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Business leaders teach professionals 18 smart, practical ways to speak up and get ahead. Whether they're just starting out in their industry of choice or have been at it for several years, it's natural for career-minded, ambitious individuals to keep an eye on opportunities that could give them an edge in their professional lives.  But, in order to keep their skin in the game and gain the respect of their leaders and coworkers, it's essential for employees to first build trust in their capabilities if they want like-minded colleagues to buy into the contributions they are trying to make. To help you speak up about your concerns or ideas, 18 Fast Company Executive Board members share their best practices with other workers who wish to present their ideas and become a better advocate for themselves at their current place of business.

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Apply these methods to build a successful company in today's marketplace. Launching a startup company may seem like a daunting task at the beginning, especially when you're juggling so many responsibilities all at once. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but if you work strategically to find the right balance and remain focused, the decisions you make about going into business will be worth it all in the long run. To share some encouragement, experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on the countless ways every business owner can turn their personal experiences (upbringing, hardships, or financial setbacks) into business opportunities they'll be proud to put their name on.

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Here's how to build better relationships with your community workforce, local government, and area businesses. There is much to consider when company leaders begin negotiating and collaborating with local governments to possibly open headquarters in a new or unfamiliar area. It's not only about understanding the potential target audience, but it's also about protecting, respecting, and maintaining the workforce and consumer pipeline that already occupies the community. All brands must be aware of the direct impact and responsibility that comes with settling into the cities they plan to conduct business in worldwide. Here, 16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board offer tips to help business leaders execute their grand opening plans without a hitch—and with the local community's connection and buy-in.

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Business experts weigh in on the best ways to make a real difference in underserved neighborhoods. When a well-known or promising company comes to the area, it can be a win-win for businesses and community residents, especially if the establishment is located in an underrepresented neighborhood of people who may be struggling. It's more than just gaining the ability to target an untapped market or provide job opportunities to help people feed their families and develop a clear shot at professional growth; it's also about creating connections and providing education to build loyalty and trust.  With that said, there are plenty of ways for an organization to support underserved BIPOC communities—whether it's a few blocks away or miles apart. Below, 11 experts from Fast Company Executive Board offer their best practices for company leaders who want to contribute to BIPOC communities through workforce training initiatives, financial assistance, and entrepreneurial development programs.

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Transparency paired with a consistent message on your company vision and values goes a long way in building brand awareness and trust. When it comes to building community and laying the foundation for creating long-term customer and stakeholder relationships that you can count on, it's important to let people know where you stand on current issues to maintain genuine transparency and real authenticity. Below, 15 experts of Fast Company Executive Board each share one factor for leaders to consider if they want their brand to become known for its community activism—beyond the products and services it provides.