Latest news with #ImpactCouncil
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Mary Alice Stephenson Named to Fast Company's Impact Council
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mary Alice Stephenson, Founder & CEO GLAM4GOOD, has joined Fast Company's exclusive Impact Council. Mary Alice Stephenson, Founder & CEO of GLAM4GOOD Named to Fast Company's Impact Council The Fast Company Impact Council is a collective of the most innovative leaders in business. Members meet several times a year for invitation-only live events, roundtable discussions, and virtual sessions on some of the most promising opportunities and most pressing challenges of our time. These gatherings focus on the role companies and council members can play in shaping the future. Fast Company amplifies members' impact by publishing their thought-leadership and tapping their expertise to inform the publication's coverage of innovation across the business world. "I'm thrilled to join the Fast Company Impact Council and stand alongside such an inspiring group of changemakers. At GLAM4GOOD, we believe in the power of innovation with purpose, and I'm honored to contribute to conversations that shape a more inclusive and impactful future. This council is a powerful platform to amplify ideas, drive action, and collaborate on solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time." — Mary Alice Stephenson, Founder & CEO, GLAM4GOOD Mary Alice Stephenson is an award-winning philanthropist and recognized leader in social impact. Her work has earned her numerous honors, including Deepak Chopra's Visionary Award, the Voice of Hope Honor from Birch Family Services, the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from Make-A-Wish, FounderMade's Future of Beauty Award, the Help Hero Award from Help USA, and the Most Innovative People Award from the United Nations' World Summit on Innovation. A trusted voice in purpose-driven work, Mary Alice has had the honor of partnering with former First Lady Michelle Obama for the White House Fashion Education Workshop and with MIT's Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship. 'The Impact Council represents the ideal version of Fast Company's readers,' says editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. 'These are some of the more creative, mission-driven people in business, with some of the most original ideas about how to solve big problems and build the future. It is our great pleasure and privilege to bring this community together.' ABOUT GLAM4GOOD GLAM4GOOD IS A LEADING NONPROFIT THAT REPURPOSES UNUSED MERCHANDISE TO ADDRESS CLOTHING AND SELF-CARE INSECURITY IN AMERICA. THE ORGANIZATION BOLSTERS SELF-ESTEEM AND EMPOWERS DIGNITY WHILE DIVERTING INDUSTRY EXCESS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE IN NEED. Founded in 2016 by Mary Alice Stephenson, GLAM4GOOD has been a pioneering force in addressing clothing and self-care insecurity and fashion sustainability across the US. The organization repurposes unused merchandise from top fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands to help those facing hardship. As an event-driven foundation that provides life-changing experiences, free clothing and beauty giveaways, and confidence-bolstering initiatives to enhance the lives of everyday heroes and people in need, GLAM4GOOD has impacted more than 170,000 people in 32 states, delivering over $75 million in essential goods to individuals and families in need across the country. ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at
Fast Company
12-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The age of answers: Why dashboards are no longer enough
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Data is everywhere, but insights are rare. I know this firsthand from years working agency-side in digital marketing and analytics for global brands—optimizing billions in media spend, tracking behaviors across platforms, and measuring every available data point across the customer journey. We operated inside complex martech platforms, developed and owned by big tech companies, designed to automate and optimize a massive online ecosystem of messaging and signals. Managing these systems required deep expertise and continual training. Entire agency teams were dedicated to client accounts, structured by campaign and channel. Being 'data-driven' was tablestakes. We continually optimized ad copy, inventory sources, channel mix, tactics, spend rates—you name it. We endlessly reviewed ad exposure reports and conversion models, aiming to give clients a clear view of campaign performance. Yet, year after year, many media plans looked remarkably similar, and many of the dashboards and reports we built went largely unused. It wasn't for lack of effort or interest—it was because the sheer volume of information (and competing priorities) made it difficult to extract clear, actionable insights. Clients didn't need more information; they needed more direction. Here's the truth: Most dashboards are dense, nuanced, and missing the context or causality needed to drive strategic change. Clients aren't looking for more charts. They're looking for clear answers. Our brains are wired for clarity, not clutter A recent Caltech study found that while our sensory systems can intake up to 1 billion bits of information per second, our conscious minds can process only about 10 to 60 bits per second. This staggering gap highlights the brain's limited capacity to consciously manage the flood of incoming data. Our sensory systems—optimized for speed and pattern recognition—operate largely automatically and unconsciously. In contrast, higher-order cognitive functions like decision making and reasoning, managed by the prefrontal cortex, are slow, effortful, and resource-intensive. Dashboards often overload our fast, automatic brain systems without effectively supporting the slower, more deliberate systems we rely on to make meaningful decisions. The real competitive edge: Turning data into insight Over the past few years, I've combined my background in architectural design, marketing, and cloud technology to create solutions that bring new visibility into built environments. Brands today are seeking tools to power and measure their in-person spaces and many existing platforms fall short. They often fail to integrate critical variables like behavioral patterns, emotional sentiment, geography, time of day, affect heuristics, and even weather. By weaving deeper, real-time context into physical spaces, brands can create more responsive, more personalized, and ultimately more valuable experiences. We're entering a new phase where platforms must go beyond tracking—they must deliver strategic, insight-rich functionality. They must act like trusted confidants: capable of processing vast amounts of data behind the scenes and surfacing simple, powerful next steps. In this new era, decision making should feel more intuitive and more informed at the same time. W elcome to the age of answers The online dashboard era is ending. We're entering what I call 'the age of answers'—where the next generation of tools, especially in the real world, will surface context, causality, and clear actions. These tools will make us feel smarter, faster—unlocking new forms of value, new competitive edges, and a better relationship with the flood of data surrounding us.
Fast Company
12-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The $100 trillion power shift
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. The world is at an inflection point unlike any before. AI isn't just a tool—it's a tidal wave, rewriting the rules of power, wealth, and survival. The corporate dream is in flux. The systems we were taught to trust—college degrees, career ladders, the safe path to success—are morphing in real time. AI is detonating industries, stripping white collar jobs down to algorithms, while the value of human labor is being rewritten before our eyes. The workers we once ignored—the welders, the electricians, the builders—are skyrocketing in demand. This is not a prediction. It's happening now. The AI arms race: The new Manhattan Project AI is both an unprecedented tool of creation and a force of destruction, reshaping economies, governments, and labor forces at breakneck speed. According to Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, 'AI is the defining technology of our era—an essential utility that will reshape economies and societies, much like electricity did in the past.' AI is recalibrating industries at an unimaginable pace. Meanwhile, the jobs AI can't touch—construction workers, electricians, welders, mechanics—are becoming more valuable than ever. The AI wrecking ball: Skip Wharton? In 2019, an MBA from an elite school was the equivalent of winning the professional lottery. Today? AI-powered algorithms run finance, operations, and consulting—faster, cheaper, and without a 401(k). Companies like OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic have unleashed AI models that make traditional knowledge workers obsolete. Banks are automating the work of employees. At the Cisco AI Summit in Palo Alto this year, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon noted that AI could draft 95% of an S1 document for IPO filing. A recent report states that 23% of 2024 Harvard Business School grads were still unemployed 3 months after graduation. Over 4 million members of Gen Z in the U.S. are currently not employed nor matriculated in school, joining the 'NEET' movement instead: not in education, employment, or training—and prioritizing self-actualized careers outside of traditional degrees. Meanwhile, something unexpected is happening on the other side of the labor market… The jobs AI can't kill (yet) AI can't repair a busted water main, install solar panels, or build a skyscraper. Industry-defining laborers don't disappear—they evolve. In the 19th century, steam engine workers shaped economies. In the 20th century, oil refinery workers fueled the modern world. In the 21st century, AI maintenance workers, robotics technicians, and skilled tradespeople will be the ones keeping automation in check. Skilled labor jobs—once dismissed as 'fallback careers'—are now in high demand. The average salary for an electrician in major U.S. cities now outpaces some college-degree salaries. An achievable salary for an elevator technician or power plant operator? Over $100,000. In an age where AI strips knowledge jobs down to data points, the ability to physically build and repair may become the new currency of success. Geopolitics, immigration, and the 2025 labor crisis There's another wrench in the system—immigration crackdowns and labor shortages. The U.S. has escalated mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. The fallout? Potentially, abandoned construction sites, rotting crops, and shuttered restaurants. The solution? More automation. Chick-fil-A introduced lemon-squeezing robots, cutting 10,000 hours of labor. But here's the twist: Robots break down. Robots need maintenance. AI can't currently fix AI. The labor shortage is fueling demand for highly paid, hands-on workers who keep machines—and society—running. AI: The new arms race The world is racing to control AI, much like the atomic race of the last century. But this war isn't fought with bombs—it's fought with data, computing power, and intelligent automation. Nations, tech giants, and corporate behemoths are pouring trillions into agentic AI—a new breed of AI that autonomously executes tasks. Yet even with AI agents taking over workflows, humans will still be essential. AI still needs oversight. AI still needs repair. AI still needs direction. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, says it best: 'No AI can replace 100% of a job, but many can replace 80% of what we do. We are literally at the beginning of a new Industrial Revolution.' Social media and the collapse of the corporate dream Some Gen Z and Millennials are rejecting corporate jobs. Social media has reshaped the perception of work. Why grind in a cubicle when you can make a living flipping houses on YouTube? Why get an MBA when you can have a lucrative career teaching people how to weld on TikTok? Why work a 9-to-5 when Kylie Jenner built a billion-dollar empire from Instagram? At the same time, these generations are about to inherit an unprecedented $100 trillion from baby boomers—the wealthiest generation in history. But this isn't just a transfer of capital; it's a transfer of knowledge, control, and priorities. The new elite aren't climbing the corporate ladder—they're building their own empires. As MrBeast puts it: 'The creator economy is only going to get bigger.' The new workforce hierarchy: Who wins and who loses? AI isn't eliminating labor—it's creating a new elite class of skilled workers required to manage and maintain automation. While AI wipes out jobs, the long-term trajectory is clear: New industries will emerge. Humans will train AI-powered agents and tools. AI maintenance, robotics, and automation oversight will become critical fields. History proves that every disruptive technology creates new opportunities. Wages for some technical jobs are soaring past white collar salaries. The real winners of the AI revolution won't be consultants in boardrooms—they'll be the workers keeping the machines running. Elon Musk once said: 'AI will make jobs kind of pointless.'
Fast Company
12-05-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
Healthcare innovation could be at risk
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. Imagine someone with Parkinson's sipping their morning coffee with a steady hand. A person with chronic pain or overactive bladder enjoying simple pleasures like going to the movies, taking a road trip, and a restful sleep. A life changed and potentially saved because signs of colorectal cancer were caught and treated early. These examples represent real people whose lives were changed with healthcare technology. Medical devices and therapies that once seemed like sci-fi are now alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending lives. Artificial intelligence, data, and robotics rightfully get credit for supercharging many recent health tech breakthroughs, but innovation will always be powered by people. Behind every new product is a team of individuals who grew up tinkering, dreaming, and embracing challenges, while ultimately dedicating their careers to improving lives. Yet, as optimistic as we are about the future of health tech and the people behind it, a global talent shortage of 4.3 million tech workers by 2030 threatens innovation. Making matters more urgent, a looming shortage of 11 million health workers could disproportionately impact health outcomes in low-income regions. These aren't merely statistics. If left unaddressed, workforce shortages could stall the development of life-saving therapies and compromise the quality of care that all of us deserve. We can't allow that to happen. Could a global challenge also be a needed solution? We think so. Despite global workforce shortages, there's a generation at risk of being left behind. Currently 80% of young adults from low-income communities globally are not able to find a secure job and 65% of students in primary school today will work in jobs that don't currently exist. Many of these will be in fields where early exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is critical. This raises important questions: What if we could equip a generation with the critical skills needed to meet workforce shortages while also breaking cycles of poverty? And, what if we could change the trajectory of lives while also saving them? We believe this isn't only possible—it's essential. Here are three key things that need to happen: 1. College degrees are valuable, but can no longer be the only path to entry In health tech we see how personalization is driving better health outcomes. Now, paths and preparation for careers in our industry (and other innovation-driven fields) must follow suit. The next idea that sparks a health tech breakthrough could come from anywhere—or anyone. But here's the stark reality. There are bright students who face significant barriers to a post-graduate degree, even after they're accepted into a program. According to Jobs for the Future, only 14% of low-income students who attend a four-year college will graduate. We must open new paths to health tech jobs; skills-based training, apprenticeships, and credentialing can all be effective alternatives. At Medtronic we've already worked with InStride to shift 150+ roles from degree-based to skills-based hiring, but we know more must be done. 2. Students need hands-on STEM experiences—early and often Research from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that three-quarters of Gen Z youth are enthusiastic about STEM fields, but only 29% would rank a STEM role as their top career choice. Lack of exposure to STEM concepts, and their real-world application, could be fueling this gap. Similarly, the Smithsonian Science Education Center conducted a five-year study in North and South Carolina. They found that hands-on, innovative STEM education not only improved science achievement but also enhanced reading, math skills, and essential workforce skills like collaboration, problem solving, and creativity. These foundational skills are key to preparing students for future jobs. But students must also know jobs exist—and see themselves in them. 3. Building awareness of health tech careers must be a priority Every day, health tech innovators are harnessing groundbreaking technologies to improve lives and help close critical gaps in our global healthcare system. Yet despite its 'cool factor' most students will never hear about the health tech industry unless they or a loved one need it. To combat this, we are launching Medtronic Spark —a 10-year initiative that aims to address the growing health tech talent gap through three programs: Medtronic Spark Innovator Labs, Medtronic Spark Credentials, and the Medtronic Spark Scholarship. These programs aim to propel 1 million students from low-income households into health tech careers. We know we can't do it alone, but we're committed to sparking a conversation that we believe can help fuel the future of healthcare. Our goal isn't to merely touch young people's lives. It is to truly change the trajectory of their lives with opportunities in health tech that have potential for lasting generational impact. Because at its core, innovation isn't just about technology—it's about people. Torod Neptune is senior vice president corporate marketing and global chief communications officer at Medtronic and chairman of Medtronic Foundation. Sally Saba, MD is the president of Medtronic Foundation and global chief inclusion and diversity officer at Medtronic.
Fast Company
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The new 'Day One' playbook for progressive leaders in 2025
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. The speed and breadth of the changing political/cultural status quo in the U.S. has been breathtaking and disorienting for brand leaders across the tech/business community. Some leaders have gone all in to kiss the ring of the new status quo. Many more are wrestling with the question 'How do I continue to support the ideals my brand believes in without causing serious self-sabotage?' This article is intended as a conversation starter, not a neat solution, and is informed by decades of experience of building the most influential brands as well as a series of 2025 interviews with leading founders. It puts forward a set of three principles and concrete actions to help leaders get on the front foot again. 1. Rebrand initiatives for minimum drama, maximum impact Inspiration: The rebranding of progressive finance We can learn from the example of the progressive finance community, which is in the process of rebranding its entire category, swapping trigger words such as ESG for terms like 'energy security.' Surveying fund managers and analysts, the FT noted, 'The new world of sustainable investment will have a greater focus on energy transition, better regulation, and less virtue signaling…ESG as a synonym for sustainable investment is likely to disappear but the trend, in its revamped form, will continue.' This is a great example of reframing language to focus on the nondebatable goal of ensuring our energy suppliers' resilience, no matter what your view on the causes and speed of climate change. 2. Stick to your values, but focus on outcomes: The Flo Health approach Flo Health, a leading women's health app, successfully navigated the post-Roe v. Wade landscape by focusing on science-backed healthcare outcomes rather than political rhetoric. Instead of engaging in ideological debates, the company stayed true to its mission—improving women's health—by highlighting established medical research demonstrating the negative impact of restricted reproductive care. This wasn't just talk; it sparked tangible innovation. Flo Health introduced Anonymous Mode, a game-changing feature that allows users to track their menstrual cycles without fear of their data being misused. The move resonated deeply with users, addressing concerns about digital privacy at a time of heightened vulnerability. The results speak for themselves. By keeping the focus on action rather than controversy, Flo Health experienced a 55% surge in paid subscribers, solidifying its position as Europe's first femtech unicorn. In the U.S., the app has become an essential tool for reproductive health, with an estimated 40% of women who were trying to conceive, relying on it. Flo Health's approach underscores a key lesson: Brands can stand by their values and drive meaningful impact without performative statements, earning both community trust and business success. 3. Adopt an adaptive Day One mindset focused on current needs over historical wrongs This mindset has long been advocated by innovative CEOs, treating each day as if it's the first, willing to let go of the past with a focus on excellence and opportunity. I believe that now is the time for brand leaders to apply the same lens in a new world with a new set of rules. Reduce talk of correcting historical injustices and focus more on actions that drive the maximum benefit for the majority of people. Example: Rocket's blockbuster Super Bowl activation Rocket, a leading provider of mortgages in the U.S., returned to the Super Bowl in 2025 with a goal to unite a divided nation around the principle that everyone deserves a shot at home ownership. The campaign was intentionally crafted to find common ground from the choice of music (one of the U.S.'s most beloved country tracks) to representative, authentic casting from young families to veterans, to the topic with 94% of Americans believing that homeownership is part of the American dream. With two million people visiting within an hour and the largest brand lift of any Super Bowl advertiser, the impact illustrates the power of the approach with feedback showing that people from both sides of the political spectrum saw themselves in it. Final word Navigating this complex landscape requires courage and a commitment to acting with intention, orienting towards inclusive solutions over rallying against partisan problems. There is no one-size-fits-all formula but adopting a Day One mindset offers a way forward where values drive decisions but outcomes drive communications. A blend of purpose and pragmatism to achieve maximum impact with minimum drama. The examples above illustrate how this strategy can yield significant benefits, from strengthening community trust to driving commercial success. We're all writing the new playbook for purpose-driven performance in real time, and I remain stubbornly optimistic that this evolution will, over time, elevate the industry's ability to create lasting cultural and business impact
