Unnat Bak

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It’s often the small, everyday habits that cause the biggest frustrations at work. While technical skills and polished communication matter, it’s self-awareness that often sets people apart as strong teammates and effective leaders. Still, plenty of professionals fall into patterns—like talking over others, missing details, or failing to follow through—that make collaboration harder than it needs to be. These habits might seem harmless in the moment, but over time, they can lead to confusion, slow progress, and strained working relationships. To that end, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share the business protocol pet peeves they wish more people would recognize (and overcome) to create a more respectful, productive workplace.

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While inspiration and influence are both powerful tools, they don’t always mean the same thing or lead to the same results. At their core, both inspiration and influence aim to move people—but how they do so, and what follows, can vary dramatically. For leaders, choosing between (or balancing) the two can shape not only how others respond, but also how trust, motivation and lasting impact are built. Some see inspiration as the deeper force, igniting internal purpose, while others view influence as the practical key to decision-making and action. Below, 20 members of Fast Company Executive Board share how they view the distinction between inspiration and influence, and which they believe carries more weight in effective leadership.

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AI can supercharge your marketing, but without human guidance, it won’t resonate. These strategies help your business keep both. Artificial intelligence has helped many businesses move faster, work smarter, and reach broader audiences with their marketing and publicity efforts. But as use of this technology grows, so does the risk of losing the very thing that makes your brand stand out: the human connection. Luckily, you don't have to choose between AI and humanity; in fact, the most successful leaders and businesses are finding ways to blend both. To help, 11 members of Fast Company Executive Board discuss how you can use AI to amplify your reach without sacrificing authenticity.

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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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UTM tags are crucial for marketing success. Here's how to set them up to leverage the valuable data they provide in your analytics reports.

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Implement these innovations to give yourself back the time you deserve. In business, the saying goes: "Why reinvent the wheel when you don't have to?" As the digital revolution continues to rise, there are so many new technologies available at our fingertips to make work and home life more efficient.  Here, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members discuss one innovation that has influenced and improved the way they balance professional and personal responsibilities each day.