Barry Lowenthal

expert panel

Here's how to show your customers appreciation without breaking the bank. Showing genuine appreciation can go a long way in building lasting relationships with customers and clients. Small but thoughtful gestures can make a big impact for companies on a limited budget and keep customers feeling valued year-round. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members share what you can offer to show how much you value their loyalty while being mindful of your budget. From personalized messages to exclusive access and special perks, there are many ways businesses can express gratitude and strengthen connections without a large expense.

expert panel

In today's workplace, practicing the importance of self-awareness starts from the top down. The strength of a successful business relies upon the people who are responsible for its daily operations. But building a power team starts from the top down. Therefore, leaders must set higher standards for themselves first if they expect others to follow in their footsteps to meet the expectations and mission of their business.  Self-awareness will also play a key factor in every leader's journey because if they are unaware of the negative energy they are spreading across their workforce, it may drive top talent away. Here, 15 Fast Company Executive Board members each discuss one seemingly harmless habit an executive may have that could be harming their business, and why it can make such a difference in the team's perspective of who they truly represent.

expert panel

Through consistency, authenticity, and valuable content, executives can effectively differentiate themselves and strengthen their influence in the digital space. Showcasing a strong personal brand online can set you apart from other executives and foster valuable connections across industries. But how can you best convey your unique perspective and expertise in a way that resonates with your audience? To help you do this, the members of Fast Company Executive Board share their tried-and-true strategies for building a strong, relatable, and memorable personal brand. From sharing your authentic experiences to engaging in thoughtful conversations, here's how you can stand out from the crowd and strengthen your online influence.

expert panel

It's lonely at the top if you don't have the right support network to lean on regularly.  According to a Harvard Business blog, approximately 70% of CEOs have reported feelings of loneliness. But the good news is, they don't have to go it alone if they begin to lean on their peers with similar career circumstances and are willing to collaborate and learn from each other. Keeping an open-door policy at work and staying connected with staff members across departments is important for strengthening work relationships and a sense of togetherness. However, it's also necessary to maintain a work-life balance to enjoy meaningful activities with family and friends that will reinvigorate your purpose for pursuing your livelihood each day. The following experts from Fast Company Executive Board have all had their moments. Here, they each offer their suggestions on how to find the right support and build community to create success in any role.

expert panel

It's your delivery that truly counts. Implement these tips if you want prospective customers to take action regarding your brand. Whether you are marketing a product to build on the momentum of your latest campaign, or delivering a well-thought-out pitch to a venture capitalist for additional funding, storytelling is an essential part of the process that will elevate your company's growth potential and credibility in the marketplace. Below, 19 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer their best tip for developing a storyline that will make a strong impact and get people excited about your business enough to take a significant call to action that will reflect on quarterly growth.

expert panel

When the going gets tough, these leading experts have had the tenacity to keep it moving through each struggle. Taking on a leadership role in the workplace may seem like a daunting task if you don't have the right mindset. You'll need to address just as many challenges as the wins you celebrate—so it's not a position designed for the faint of heart. If you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or underappreciated, it's essential to prioritize what matters most, take a step back, and consider the bigger picture. There is usually a silver lining in most situations. Whether you decide to stay in the game for the long haul and find the best solution, or you're ready to take a risk and consider your next career move, the experts from Fast Company Executive Board describe how they've maintained their own positivity during a difficult time in their career. Below are 20 best practices to help other professionals do the same.

expert panel

Here's how to introduce Innovation and team creativity alongside company standards. Oftentimes, in the business world, employees may be afraid to get creative or express themselves freely because they are certain their ideas will get shot down, especially if it's outside of traditional regulations. However, in the digital landscape that continues to evolve, company leaders must keep an open mind about potential ideas that may sound risky but could be exactly what is needed for the company to thrive in the long run at a rapid rate. Below, 11 members from Fast Company Executive Board each discuss one way employers can balance innovation with regulation to avoid stifling team creativity while ensuring safety and ethical standards.

expert panel

With the right structure, sharing business knowledge in the classroom can benefit seasoned working professionals and their students. Here's how to stay organized and energized while mentoring the next generation. If you are a business leader who is extremely passionate about your 9 to 5 duties, you may want to consider using your positive influence to encourage future professionals through an adjunct professorship role.  One of the biggest challenges—whether teaching in person or online—is how to avoid burnout from working all day and teaching after hours. But when it comes to managing work responsibilities and personal lifestyle, the experts from Fast Company Executive Board have got you covered and know how to strike the right balance. Here are 16 tips to make the experience less stressful and more rewarding.  

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Here's why sharing your expertise as an adjunct professor with the next generation of leaders can be rewarding but challenging. Taking on an adjunct professor role offers leaders a special opportunity to share hard-earned insights with the next generation. This role can be incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to shape future leaders while leaving a lasting professional legacy. However, translating industry experience into an academic setting comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in adapting to different learning styles and expectations.  Below, Fast Company Executive Board members share their thoughts on the benefits and hurdles of stepping into this educational role.

expert panel

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.

expert panel

Your brand may be selling itself short by remaining socially distant. Here's how to reconnect with customers and maintain their loyalty. As the virtual e-commerce system continues to evolve, brand leaders can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines if they want to see their companies thrive. That is why it is so important to actively engage with current and potential customers in the digital spaces they rely on to keep them informed about how your business can make a difference in their lives and meet their needs. If you're beginning to feel a disconnect between your audience and want to reestablish a stronger bond by elevating your efforts in brand awareness, here are 14 strategies from Fast Company Executive Board members to help start you off. You may need to catch up in some areas, but by applying these tips of the trade, you'll learn to be better engaged in the digital community and drive business impact to its highest capacity.

expert panel

Although ChatGPT is helpful, overreliance on AI tools in the workplace can stifle professional growth. ChatGPT and other generative AI (GenAI) tools have become integral aspects of many business operations, from sales and marketing to corporate communications. While GenAI offers efficiency and valuable insights, leaning too heavily on this technology can ultimately stifle creativity and innovation.  Leaders and teams that use these tools need to strike a balance between technology and human ingenuity. To help, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members discuss how organizations can avoid overreliance on ChatGPT and similar AI tools. Here's how to find a middle ground and encourage efficiency with a healthy dose of critical thinking and original ideas.

expert panel

Consider these factors to engage your clients and grow your business. In a digital business economy, serving today's current and prospective customers who have short attention spans is becoming increasingly important but also a bit of a challenge. Whether a brand decides to post more meaningful content value on its YourTube channel or TikTok platform, the time is now for video engagement.  Otherwise, the company may be missing out significantly on elevating in a consistent and effective manner. Here, nine experts from Fast Company Executive Board share how business owners are leveraging video marketing to promote their brands' products and services, and how this strategy has been beneficial to their establishment's success. 

expert panel

Creativity is the backbone of new ideas and ways of thinking. Here's how to prioritize and encourage creative health in your organization. Creating a culture that nurtures your employees' creativity can help your organization become more dynamic and adaptable, as well as improve overall job satisfaction. Conversely, a workplace that lacks a focus on creative health may struggle with innovation, problem-solving, and employee engagement. Below, Fast Company Executive Board members share 20 ways leaders can cultivate and support a creative environment. With these strategies, you can encourage creative thinking and encourage a more innovative workplace.

expert panel

Charisma can't always be taught, but leaders can still make a big impact without it. Not every impactful leader is a naturally charismatic "people-person." At its core, leadership is about connecting with and inspiring others, and this can be done through various approaches. Here, Fast Company Executive Board members explore how leaders can make a positive impact without forced charisma. If you’re a more reserved or introverted person, these helpful strategies can help you make a meaningful and positive impact on your team just by being yourself.

expert panel

Revitalize your cold outreach strategy for more successful sales outcomes. In any industry, reaching out to a cold contact can be intimidating. The unfamiliarity can create anxiety and stress; however, with the right approach, it can lead to valuable opportunities. Below, Fast Company Executive Board members share their effective strategies for initiating contact with potential partners or clients. Follow their recommended methods to make a compelling first impression that can lead to a successful business relationship.

expert panel

Apply these strategies to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are striving to expand your personal or professional network, it's essential to create and nurture relationships that are not transactional. This is because, nine times out of ten, the majority of people will typically engage with people they feel confident around, can trust, and truly relate to in and outside of the marketplace. Here, 13 Fast Company Executive Board members each share their strategy to help industry professionals utilize networking to drive their business or individual career objectives forward, tactfully and authentically.

expert panel

It takes team effort and accountability to cross the finish line together. Setting quarterly goals is necessary to get your company over the finish line year after year, but what's the point of setting goals if you lose track of those objectives? Developing a strategy and check-in process that holds everyone accountable is essential to keep your team on the same page and ensure they have the resources they need to perform their specific responsibilities. To help managers and their employees forge a better path for moving the business ahead, 14 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer a strategy that has helped them obtain the results they were looking for and why it can work for your team as well. 

article

In the AI-driven world we're creating, the key to thriving is unleashing your own "pure imagination."

expert panel

9 best practices for business leaders looking to implement transformational software. Developing a company culture that is focused on bridging the communication gap between your employees who work on-site, remotely, or choose a hybrid solution that is flexible with their lifestyle is a smart move in today's business environment. However, if you're reviewing the latest software that could be a game changer in terms of high-performance levels, don't make any major department or company updates until you've got the right data in hand to make your case.  Gathering some practical feedback about your team members' workflow needs is another good place to start before introducing a new software program that may or may not be a good fit for your establishment. Here, nine experts from Fast Company Executive Board each provide one way for company leaders to design a better workplace experience through the current worktech products and services available on the market.  

expert panel

Sharing relevant content can build stronger business-client connections. Becoming a better storyteller for your intended audience members will not boost your business’s profit margins overnight, but learning to regularly share relatable content with live audiences or through digital communications is one step in the right direction. Here, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on why storytelling through brand marketing ads and consistent outreach has the potential to increase your bottom line in the long run.

article

Here’s how MMM can help your campaign in a post-cookie world.