Eddy Azad

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Fast Company Executive Board member Eddy Azad explains that in modern manufacturing, strategic execution matters more than speed.

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With today's tech tools at their fingertips, business leaders and their teams are learning to redefine the creative process. Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the design process in business, but how can leaders and teams incorporate AI without losing the essence of originality and human-driven creativity?  Below, 15 creative professionals from Fast Company Executive Board each highlight actionable strategies they've taken to blend the strengths of AI-assisted tools with their human expertise. This approach allows design teams to stay innovative, maintain a unique voice, and leverage technology effectively. Bringing both aspects together is the key to creating designs that resonate with authenticity while embracing the future of design.

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Ultimately, reshoring decisions require a balanced, nuanced evaluation of where and when it makes sense.

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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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Hold off on adding extra bells and whistles to the end product until you understand what customers need. There is plenty of hard work and excitement that goes into the launch of a new product before it hits the shelves. However, if the creative staff doesn't do enough research and focus on early feedback from their potential customers, it will be a disappointment if the end users don't find it functional enough to fit in with their current lifestyle. To help companies find a better approach to balancing innovation with practicality in their product designs, eight leaders from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on what creative designers must keep in mind.

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While AI may power the future, it’s still human ingenuity and creativity that will drive it forward.

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If your loyal customer base isn't enough to keep your doors open in a challenging market, here are a few strategies to change your luck. Running a business is no easy feat, especially when faced with factors outside of an owner's control—such as high rents, supply chain challenges, and stiff competition. Despite your loyal customer base and quality service, you may still struggle to keep your business afloat. For business owners facing these tough realities, Fast Company Executive Board members share practical advice and creative strategies that can offer new paths forward. Read on to find helpful tips to weather obstacles and find new ways to sustain your vision in the community.

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Here are five practical, data-backed steps to achieve more sustainable operations.

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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.

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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.

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Start with internal pilot projects and develop robust measurement systems to get the most out of AI while mitigating risks. Many companies are using AI to increase efficiency and reduce costs. However, because this technology is still evolving, it can create disruptions in your organization's culture and workflow if not used effectively. Below, members of Fast Company Executive Board share their tips for using AI to increase growth while managing the potential risks involved. With a well-planned approach that focuses on organizational goals and measurements for success, your company can leverage AI sustainably to support your team.

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Founded by Fast Company Executive Board Member Eddy Azad and supported by a well-seasoned team of employees, Parsec has grown from a system integrator into a full-fledged technology provider whose manufacturing execution system (MES), TrakSYS™, is driving the future of manufacturing.

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I founded my company 37 years ago. Here are five lessons I’ve learned that would’ve been helpful in those earliest days.