The RBL Group Concludes Human Capability Exchange 2025, Uniting Global Leaders Around the Power of Human Capability
The RBL Group successfully hosted the virtual Human Capability Exchange 2025, drawing over 800 leaders from 45 countries to explore human capability.
'Unlike traditional conferences, we start with the value your external stakeholders feel and work backward to the capabilities that create it'— Norm Smallwood
PROVO, UT, UNITED STATES, May 7, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- The RBL Group, a global leader in elevating human capability to deliver business results, today announced the successful completion of Human Capability Exchange 2025, a two-day virtual summit that convened more than 800 senior leaders and HR professionals from 45 countries.
Across 12 interactive sessions, executives from organizations such as Global Partners, Savage, the Singapore Public Service, Sonova, and Coca-Cola Hellenic shared evidence-based practices for turning human capability into measurable value.
'HR is at an inflection point,' said Dave Ulrich, Co-Founder of The RBL Group. 'When the context around us changes, we must change with it—so that people, organizations, and society all win.'
Key Highlights
Organization: Eric Slifka (President & CEO) and Catie Kerns (CS&TO), Global Partners – How a capability-first roadmap is transforming a legacy fuel distributor into a diversified energy company.
Leadership: Kirk Aubry, retired CEO of Savage – Building a culture playbook that aligns 3,000 team members behind one leadership narrative.
Talent: Ioanna Vasilakopoulou, Coca-Cola Hellenic – Scaling a pan-regional talent engine across 29 markets.
Human Resources: Peck Kem Low, Singapore Public Service – Using predictive analytics and AI to cut hiring cycle time by 40 percent while deepening diversity.
'Use AI responsibly—if the machines end up interviewing each other, where does the human come in? Our HR job will never go out of fashion.' – Peck Kem Low
'Unlike traditional conferences, we start with the value your external stakeholders feel and work backward to the capabilities that create it,' added Norm Smallwood, Co-Founder of The RBL Group. 'Participants leave with tools they can apply Monday morning—no theory without action.'
On-Demand Access
Full session replays, slide decks, and resource kits are now available at https://www.rbl.net/human-capability-exchange-2025-session-replays.
About The RBL Group
The RBL Group elevates human capability to accelerate stakeholder value. Through decades of research, data analytics, and hands-on collaboration, RBL helps leaders, HR teams, and organizations build the capabilities that drive measurable business impact. Learn more at www.rbl.net.
Julio Zelaya
The RBL Group
[email protected]
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNET
29 minutes ago
- CNET
Want a 5% Mortgage Rate? These 7 Moves Could Get You There
Tharon Green/CNET Over the last several years, record-high home prices and high mortgage rates have made homeownership unaffordable. As 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain flat near 7%, homebuyers have been finding creative ways to score rates below what lenders advertise. Last year, nearly half of buyers purchased a home at a rate below 5%, according to Zillow. "With borrowing costs elevated, buyers can take steps to reduce their housing expenses by securing a lower mortgage rate," said Hannah Jones, senior research analyst at The market forces that influence mortgage rates are out of your control. Yet proven strategies like optimizing your credit score, making a larger down payment, shopping around and negotiating with multiple lenders can save you up to 1.5% on your personalized rate. Mortgage rates aren't expected to drop below 6% in 2025. Snagging even a 1% reduction in your rate can translate to about 10% savings on your monthly mortgage payment and tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the course of your loan. Here's how homebuyers can get lower interest rates in today's housing market. 1. Increase your credit score If your credit needs work, consider taking steps to raise your credit score before applying for a mortgage. Lenders look at your credit score to decide whether you qualify for a home loan and what interest rate you receive. FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best score possible. Higher credit scores show you've managed debt responsibly in the past, so it lowers your risk to a lender. This can help you secure a lower interest rate and save big. "The best mortgage rates and products are typically reserved for those with a credit score of 740 or better," said Sarah DeFlorio, vice president of mortgage banking at William Raveis Mortgage. According to a 2024 Lending Tree study, when borrowers moved from the "fair" credit score range (580 to 669) to the "very good" range (740 to 799), they shaved 0.22% percentage points off their interest rate. That rate difference helped borrowers save $16,677 over the lifetime of a home loan. 2. Make a bigger down payment Your down payment is the amount of money you contribute to your home purchase upfront. Each type of home loan comes with a minimum down payment, usually ranging from zero to 5%, but a higher down payment means a cheaper interest rate. That's because the lender takes on less risk when you contribute more toward the loan. Because a down payment lowers your mortgage rate and builds your home equity, home loan experts often recommend making a large down payment of at least 20%. 3. Take out an adjustable-rate mortgage An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan with a fixed rate for a set introductory period, such as five years. Once that period ends, the interest rate can go up or down in regular intervals for the remaining term. The big appeal of ARMs is that the introductory interest rate is often lower than the rate on traditional mortgages. In general, the average 5/1 ARM rate is about 0.5% lower for the first several years than the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. 4. Negotiate your mortgage rate When you're applying for mortgage loans, you don't have to go with the company that did your preapproval. In fact, research shows that getting rate quotes from multiple lenders and comparing offers can result in significant savings. If you want to use this strategy, start by submitting a mortgage application with lenders that fit your criteria. Once you have a few loan estimates in hand, use the best one to negotiate with the lender you want to work with. The loan officer may lower your rate, help you save on closing costs or offer other incentives to get you onboard. In a 2023 LendingTree survey, 39% of homebuyers negotiated the interest rate on their most recent home purchase. Out of that pool of buyers, 80% were able to get a better deal. 5. Choose a shorter home loan term Nearly 90% of homebuyers choose a 30-year fixed mortgage term because it offers the most flexibility and monthly payment affordability. Payments are lower because they're stretched over a longer timeline, but you can always put more toward the principal here and there. But when you take out a longer-term home loan, "you're holding up the lender's money, and there's an opportunity cost for the funds to be invested elsewhere," said Nicole Rueth, SVP of the Rueth Team Powered by Movement Mortgage. Shorter loan terms, such as 10-year and 15-year mortgages and ARMs, have lower interest rates, so you can reduce your rate now. Choosing a shorter repayment term could help you save money because you'll be paying less in interest over the long term. But don't make the homebuying mistake of choosing a shorter loan term just for the lower rate. Shorter loan terms mean you'll have less time to repay the money you borrow, resulting in higher monthly payments, so it's important to ensure they fit within your budget. 6. Buy mortgage points A mortgage point, also known as a mortgage discount point, is an upfront fee you can pay the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate on your home loan. Each point costs 1% of the purchase price of a home and usually knocks the rate down by 0.25%. On a $400,000 home, you'd pay $4,000 for one discount point. The lender may even allow you to buy four mortgage points to lower the rate from 7% to 6%, although you'd have to shell out $16,000 to get there. To check whether this strategy is worthwhile, take the total cost of the points and compare it to the overall monthly savings. In this case, when you pay $16,000 to buy four points and save $210 per month, it would take you more than six years to reach your break-even point. Some experts encourage putting any extra money you have toward a down payment instead of buying points. That's because if you sell the home or refinance before reaching your break-even point, you lose money. But the amount you spent on your down payment becomes part of your equity. 7. Get a temporary mortgage rate buydown A temporary mortgage rate buydown involves paying a fee at closing to lower your interest rate for the first few years of your loan term. Because of the considerable upfront cost, this strategy only makes financial sense when someone else pays that fee. Home builders, sellers and even some lenders may offer to cover this type of buydown to boost sales, especially when market rates are elevated. For example, a lender may offer a "3-2-1" buydown, where the interest rate is slashed by 3 percentage points in the first year, 2 percentage points in the second year and 1 percentage point in the third. Starting in the fourth year, you pay the full rate for the rest of the loan term. Buyers often choose a temporary buydown and plan to refinance later. Your buydown funds are refundable, and you can use them toward closing costs when you refinance (if rates do drop). What is a 'good' mortgage rate? The majority of US adults would consider purchasing a home if rates were to drop to 4% or below. Yet most mortgage forecasts don't project average rates falling drastically short of a major economic downturn or global catastrophe. In a historical sense, a good mortgage rate is generally at or below the national average. Since 1971, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has averaged 7.72%, according to Freddie Mac. In the last year, average mortgage rates have mostly fluctuated between 6% and 7%. Affordability is relative to your overall financial situation. And because mortgage rates can change daily and even hourly, the definition of a "good" rate can change quickly. "What matters is the rate you can get today," said Colin Robertson, founder of The Truth About Mortgage. According to Robertson, the only way to know if you're getting a good deal is to speak with a few different lenders and brokers and then compare their quotes against the daily or weekly averages. Buying a home is a personal decision, so it should feel right for your situation and budget. As you shop for a home, consider multiple strategies to lower your rate. A mortgage calculator can help you estimate what you'd pay each month. Read more: Still Chasing 2% Mortgage Rates? Here's Why It's Time to Let Them Go Watch this: 6 Ways to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate by 1% or More 02:31


Geek Girl Authority
29 minutes ago
- Geek Girl Authority
Creative Side Hustles for Women Who Love Design and Art
Creativity and individuality are values consistently on the rise, and women who love design and art are in a unique position to potentially turn their passions into side hustles with worthwhile income possibilities in sight. If you're one of the following: a full-time professional, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, there are countless ways to channel your artistic talents into profits – without compromising your love for creating. Here, we explore some of the most rewarding and flexible creative side hustles for women who live and breathe design and art. From hands-on crafts to digital design, there's something here for almost every inventive spirit. 1. Freelance Graphic Design Suppose you have a flair for visual storytelling and experience with tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop. In that case, freelance graphic design is one of the most accessible and in-demand side hustles. Businesses, bloggers, influencers, and startups are constantly looking for help with logos, social media graphics, flyers, packaging, and more. Getting started: Create a small portfolio with 5-10 strong pieces that showcase your style and versatility. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs or by reaching out to local businesses and online creators. Pro tip: Niching down (like offering branding specifically for women-owned businesses or social media graphics for coaches) can help you stand out and attract your ideal clients. 2. Sell Printable Art or Templates on Etsy Etsy is a goldmine for women who love creating beautiful things – and one of the most passive forms of creative income is selling digital products. From printable wall art to wedding invitation templates, calendars, planners, or social media kits, you can create once and sell indefinitely. Why it works: You don't need inventory or shipping logistics. All you need is your creative design, a few mockups, and a platform to sell on. Tools to use: Canva Pro is great for beginners, while Adobe Creative Suite offers more flexibility for advanced users. Use a tool like Creative Market to find assets, and mockup generators like Placeit to showcase your work professionally. 3. Start a Custom Stationery or Illustration Shop If hand-drawing or watercolor painting is your thing, you can build a unique brand around custom illustrations or stationery. People love personalized artwork – especially for weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, and holiday gifts. Ideas include: Custom pet portraits Illustrated family portraits Personalized greeting cards or thank-you notes Wedding invitation sets with a hand-painted touch Selling options: Create a shop on Etsy or Shopify, or promote your work on Instagram and TikTok. You can also offer downloadable versions or take commissions on request. 4. Surface Pattern Design Surface pattern design involves creating patterns that can be printed on everything from fabric to phone cases, mugs, wallpaper, and home decor. It's a fantastic creative niche for artists who love playing with colors, textures, and patterns. Where to sell: Upload your patterns to platforms like Spoonflower, Redbubble, or Society6. These print-on-demand services handle production and shipping while you earn a commission on each sale. Skillset needed: You'll want to be comfortable with seamless pattern creation with tools on platforms like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate. Many artists also license their designs to fabric companies or brands. 5. Web Design or UX/UI Design If you have a creative eye and some tech-savvy abilities, web design could be a lucrative side hustle that blends artistry with function. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle with creating beautiful, user-friendly websites and are happy to pay for a designer who understands their aesthetic. Platforms like: Squarespace WordPress Showit Webflow …make it easier than ever to design without advanced coding knowledge. How to get started: Offer to redesign a few websites or create templates for practice. Build a mini portfolio and start networking in online communities, especially women-led entrepreneur groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. 6. Teach What You Know (Online or Locally) If you've mastered a creative skill – like watercolor painting, calligraphy, or even DIY home decor – you can monetize that knowledge by teaching others. Women love learning from other women, especially in a creative, supportive environment. How to teach: Host online classes through platforms like Skillshare, Teachable, or Gumroad Offer live Zoom workshops Partner with local art studios or community centers Start a Patreon or private membership for exclusive tutorials Bonus: Teaching builds your credibility and personal brand and is great if you want to grow into a larger creative business down the road. 7. Creative Content Creation Design-loving women with a knack for styling and photography can create content for brands, especially within something personally appealing – this could include the lifestyle, home, fashion, or wellness niches. You don't have to be a full-time influencer to do this; you can work behind the scenes to style flat lays, shoot product photos, or design Instagram feeds. What you can offer: Styled photography for Etsy shops Instagram reels with a design focus Blog headers or Pinterest graphics Branded templates and Canva kits You can pitch these services directly to small brands or join influencer/content platforms like Aspire, Cohley, or Trend. Final Thoughts Side hustles don't have to be stressful or disconnected from your passion. As a creative woman, you already have the tools to build something beautiful and income-generating. Whether you're doodling in your sketchbook, styling your home, or experimenting with color palettes, there's a way to turn your talent into a side hustle that aligns with your lifestyle and values. The key is to start where you are, use your existing tools, and grow one step at a time. The world needs more beauty – and your art might be someone's favorite new find. DOCTOR WHO: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 4, 'Lucky Day'
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Templeton breaks ground on first multi-family housing in 25 years: Where is it?
On June 10, MPZ Development LLC and Capstone Communities LLC celebrated the official groundbreaking of Baldwinville School Apartments redevelopment project in Templeton. The Baldwinville School Apartments project is set to bring much-needed affordable housing to Templeton, according to a community announcement. The redevelopment of the historic Baldwinville Elementary School will create 54 rental units, with 49 designated as affordable for households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income. The project is the first multi-family housing initiative in Templeton in over 25 years. The development, designed by ICON Architecture, will include a new Enterprise Green Communities-certified, Passive House addition. The apartments will offer various layouts, including lofts, studios, and one to three-bedroom units, many of which will be rehabilitated from the original school structure. Future residents will have access to several on-site amenities, such as an outdoor courtyard, community green space, children's playground, fitness center, electric-vehicle charging stations, in-building laundry, and a community walking trail leading to an overlook of the Otter River. The project was made possible through financing from several sources, including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MassHousing, Rockland Trust, National Equity Fund, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and The Life Initiative. The Templeton Community Preservation Committee also contributed $1.924 million, and the project received $750,000 from the Underutilized Properties Program via the Community One Stop for Growth awards, administered by MassDevelopment. 'Capstone Communities and MPZ Development are thrilled to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Baldwinville School Apartments in Templeton today,' Jason Korb, principal of Capstone Communities, and Mathieu P. Zahler, principal of MPZ, said in the announcement. 'We're proud to breathe new life to this historic school building and bring deeply needed affordable housing to Templeton. Baldwinville School Apartments are a reflection of what's possible through collaboration, both locally and throughout the commonwealth. We hope that this project will support Templeton through thoughtful and purposeful redevelopment.' The project has garnered support from various state and local officials. 'The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to bringing down housing costs for all residents and creating more housing across the state for families at all income levels,' Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, said in the announcement. 'We are proud to contribute funding in support of these new mixed-income units that will allow families to live affordably in Templeton.' 'This long-awaited housing project is a fantastic example of a public, private partnership and the Healey-Driscoll administration's commitment to uplifting rural communities,' Anne Gobi, director of Rural Affairs, said in the announcement. 'I look forward to seeing the historic school occupied again and I know the new residents will enjoy all Templeton and the region has to offer.' State Sen. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, and State Rep. Jonathan D. Zlotnik, 2nd Worcester District, also expressed their support for the project. 'Today is a day of new beginnings for this site and it's my pleasure to be here to see the ceremonial shovels going into the ground to kick off this project,' Durant said in the announcement. 'Templeton has recognized its need for additional affordable housing and the Baldwinville School Apartments will fill that need. The design plans look amazing, and I am looking forward to the day when we see the finished project.' The project has been in the works since early 2020, according to Holly Young, Templeton's interim town administrator. 'It has taken a lot of work and joint efforts from the Town of Templeton departments working with Matt Zahler of MPZ Development and Jason Korb of Capstone Communities to see this project come to fruition,' Young said in the announcement. 'I look forward to seeing the building take shape and the project completed as it will enhance the entire neighborhood.' More information on the project can be found at This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Gardner News: This historic school in Templeton is getting a major new purpose