Gianluca Ferruggia

expert panel

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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How can you build credible social proof—and do it authentically? 

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Learn how business leaders are doubling down on proven tactics—from customer-driven content to smarter data use—to stand out in a crowded market. As advertising channels grow more saturated and consumer attention spans shrink, brands must be more intentional than ever about how they earn exposure. The strategies gaining traction now are those that build credibility over time—through honest storytelling, smart targeting, and meaningful customer engagement. From strategic partnerships and digital storytelling to data-driven outreach and customer-powered campaigns, today’s top leaders are rethinking how to connect with their audiences. Below, Fast Company Executive Board members share the time-tested advertising approaches they believe will have the biggest impact in the year ahead.

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A successful business-focused self-help book starts with a clear message and a real understanding of your audience. The self-help genre is full of big promises, but when writing for business professionals, inspiration alone won’t cut it. These readers are often looking for practical insights they can apply quickly, with little patience for fluff or vague advice. That means authors need to bring clarity, credibility, and purpose to every page. To help aspiring writers approach the process with intention, Fast Company Executive Board members share what to consider before diving in. Follow their recommendations to craft a book that truly helps readers help themselves.

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To build brand loyalty and engagement on Substack, create unique content that your audience can't find anywhere else. In today's fickle social media climate, many business leaders and media influencers are turning to Substack as a more stable and direct way to connect with their audience. But standing out in someone’s crowded inbox requires more than just repackaging what you already post elsewhere. If you want to earn subscribers and keep them coming back, you'll need to offer something distinct, valuable, and personal—think unfiltered stories, actionable expertise, and exclusive insights. To help you start and grow your Substack base, 12 members of Fast Company Executive Board discuss how to create content that draws readers in and builds long-term engagement.

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The right financial advisor can help leaders of a growing business make smarter decisions and stay resilient in the face of change. As a business evolves, there often comes a point when leaders need expert guidance to manage complex finances, plan for growth, and protect what they’ve built. While a professional's qualifications are important, there are many other factors to weigh when choosing a professional in the finance world that you can trust. It's crucial to find someone whose approach, ethics, and understanding of your business truly align—and when you do, it can have a positive impact on your company's long-term success. To help you make this important decision, Fast Company Executive Board members share 13 key questions to think about before inviting a financial advisor into your inner circle.