Caitlin MacGregor

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A successful product launch doesn't happen overnight. Take the time to get it right. In today's fast-moving world, it takes a spark of creativity to develop a unique product or service that will have a profound impact in the marketplace. But without a clear vision and structured path to take an idea from inception to execution, it won't make it across the finish line. However, breaking down the innovation process into manageable stages can help companies systematically develop solutions that address real-world pain points and create true value for every stakeholder involved. Here, 15 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each list the common mistakes some companies make when trying to innovate, and why these practices should be avoided.

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Want to build stronger, more enduring client and customer relationships? Start by leading with the values that make people want to work with you—not just buy from you. Strong client and customer relationships are critical to business growth, retention and reputation—but they don’t happen by chance. They’re built over time through consistent leadership, clear communication and a deep commitment to the partnership. For leaders, that means modeling the behaviors and principles that earn trust and foster long-term connections. To help you foster strong, lasting relationships with your clients and customers, the members of Fast Company Executive Board discuss the leadership principles that guide each and every interaction.

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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.

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AI is a powerful tool—one requiring strong guardrails to ensure responsible use. CISOs play a key role in making this happen. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily operations, the need for strong governance grows alongside it. For many companies, that responsibility increasingly falls to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). But effective AI governance isn’t just about risk mitigation—it’s about building systems that are transparent, secure, and aligned with business and regulatory expectations from the start. Below, the members of Fast Company Executive Board share how CISOs can help shape compliant, ethical AI adoption without stifling business innovation.

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Building bridges behind your screen is easier than you think. Introverted leaders often thrive in quiet, reflective environments, but the challenge of leading remote teams may sometimes feel cumbersome. In a fully virtual company where in-person interactions are limited, creating a sense of community and connection is essential, but engagement is still incredibly difficult for those who prefer to keep their head down, letting their work speak for itself. However, when introverted leaders need to step out of their comfort zones, there are strategies they can apply to foster a stronger, interactive virtual team. If you consider yourself an introvert and are trying to establish better points of contact with your virtual team, the leaders of Fast Company Executive Board each share their best practices for building a stronger digital community, creating more deliberate, thoughtful, and personal connections on the job.

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17 lessons on a mind shift in strategy and the future of innovation The implementation of artificial intelligence is here to stay. For most companies, it is redefining their leadership approach to engaging in business and uncovering innovative solutions to assist customers with their pain points like never before. However, business leaders still agree that human insight alongside AI usage is still a key factor in maintaining the proper balance of ethical practices in handling data analysis and compliance updates. Below, 17 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each share how the rapid advancement of AI has reshaped their company's business model and what other leaders can learn from it.

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Here's why you should sack "quality of hire" and focus on retention instead.

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Despite DEI rollbacks, some company leaders remain rooted in their initial choice to prioritize inclusivity for their customers and staff. Amid recent pushback on DEI policies across the federal government, private company executives are also rolling back on their organizations’ earlier commitments to invest in DEI program initiatives for employees and the communities they serve.  However, other brand leaders are determined to remain connected with a broader, stronger, and more diverse audience base to fuel company growth. And whether it relates to team functionality or delivering high-value products and services, these 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board know just how important it is to build personalized, user-friendly products and processes that benefit all. Below,  featured members each share one way for companies to embed DEI into business design for more inclusive products and work environments.

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Learn how to leverage your unique strengths and community connections to unlock personal and professional growth. Leaders often succeed by building on their unique strengths and tapping into the power of their communities. Whether through strategic collaborations, mentoring others, or applying specialized skills in new ways, leveraging these resources can accelerate personal growth and professional advancement. However, identifying the best ways to harness your talents and network effectively can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. To help, Fast Company Executive Board members offer practical strategies for using your unique skill sets and community connections to create meaningful growth opportunities.

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10 key factors to nurture and develop a tech-savvy team in the digital workplace. As the world of technology continues to reinvent itself, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a fundamental component for any thriving business in the competitive marketplace. While automated software solutions are lightening employees' daily workloads, most professionals agree on the importance of finding a balance between human touch and technology.  However, oftentimes, there is resistance to change if staff members are uncomfortable or nervous about navigating a new system. To help leaders better equip their teams for what's to come in the future, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on the essential skills or training every employee should have under their belt to work effectively with AI technology in 2025.

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Feeling overwhelmed by all of your options for professional development? Here's how to select the most impactful business events, conferences, and training programs. Staying ahead in any industry requires continuous networking and education, but with countless options available, making the right choices can be challenging. It's important for you to focus on the events and programs that will provide the most value for your time and investment.  To help you navigate this decision-making process effectively, Fast Company Executive Board members share insights into determining the best bang for your buck when it comes to staying ahead. These tips can help you evaluate and select the best business events, conferences, and training programs to ensure you’re investing wisely in your professional development.

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Even though there will be help from mentors and employers along the way, investing in yourself is the most crucial and rewarding path to take.

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In today's competitive economy, a little marketplace disruption may be just the formula a company needs to stand out among its competitors and make some noise. Over the years, some of the best innovators were able to create their own categories in the marketplace. If you think about how some of the most popular brands have achieved as household names, it takes more than just hiring a creative marketing team to come up with great ideas. From a mobile app on the latest smartphone that tracks your steps on a daily walk, to a digital shopping cart at the grocery store designed to cut your time in half, launching an item that lands right with potential customers also requires the company to identify the "it" factor that solves to a consumer's biggest concerns.  At the end of the day, it's essential to establish how to make work and home lifestyles easier for their target consumers. Ten leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each offer their tips to build a loyal customer base that will strengthen your business. 

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Listen to your people and learn how to foster employee engagement every day. Hiring the right people is the key to success at any company, but to keep them growing and willing to stay on board, the leadership team must learn to understand what gets their employees out of bed in the morning to show up and do the hard work. Creating a work environment that makes everyone feel welcomed and heard is essential to help staff members continue to develop as they support each other and the company's progress in business. Below, 16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each describe one measure that company leaders can adopt to foster a diverse workforce culture that drives innovation and employee satisfaction.

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The right talent acquisition strategies can help ensure your company’s long-term success. Every successful company needs a strong talent acquisition strategy. Whether you're focused on building a robust pipeline, streamlining your onboarding process, or leveraging analytics to predict future needs, the right approach can drive sustainable growth and keep your organization competitive.  Below, Fast Company Executive Board members share how their talent acquisition strategies are shaping the future of their organizations. Here's what they've found to work well and how you can apply these insights to your own talent acquisition efforts.

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Here's what it takes to ace your next press interview, according to experts. When preparing for an interview on a live or on-demand platform, it's important to focus on both content and delivery. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers careful planning or an extrovert who feeds off energy, preparing yourself for an upcoming interview can ensure that you're represented accurately and positively.  From refining your key messages to honing your body language, there are a few things you can do to get yourself interview-ready. To that end, Fast Company Executive Board members share tried-and-true tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time in the spotlight.

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Online platforms like LinkedIn provide opportunities for career professionals to gain a foothold while transitioning to new industries. Many professional skills translate well from one industry to another. For job seekers who are looking to change industries, it's important to be specific about how their professional experiences will help them be successful in their new chosen field. One way to do this is to leverage online platforms to showcase your expertise and transferrable skills. To help, 20 members of Fast Company Executive Board share strategies for translating existing skills into new career paths to stand out to potential employers. Follow their advice to build your professional network, showcase past projects, and provide thoughtful commentary on relevant topics to establish yourself in a new industry.

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Here's how technology can help identify short listers and improve time-to-hire.

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It can be difficult to stand out from your competition when trying to hire top talent; with a strong company culture, it's easier. When it comes to standing out in a competitive job market, your company's culture can be a crucial influence in attracting and retaining top talent. A workplace that is vibrant, inclusive, and supportive not only sets an organization apart from its competitors but lends itself to employee satisfaction and productivity. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members discuss how companies can use their culture as a key differentiator from their competition. With these strategies in mind, you can cultivate a work environment that attracts the top candidates in your industry.

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Consider these next steps to achieve a smooth job transformation in a new industry of choice. When it comes to making a drastic career transition in life, it's something that can be obtained in time, no matter how difficult it may seem at first. Learning to communicate your professional goals clearly and authentically is one of the first steps to gaining the trust and credibility that will turn your career aspirations into reality. To help steer business professionals in the right direction and contemplate their next moves, below, 12 Fast Company Executive Board members each discuss their strategy for translating existing job skills to new industry standards and leverage digital platforms for job hunting, ensuring that candidates stand out in a competitive employment landscape.

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Gap closers are overlooked as potential leaders—seen for being too in the weeds rather than thinking about the big picture. But that's also where breakthroughs happen.