Latest news with #Shopify
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Chhaava' director Laxman Utekar says he was selling eggs, opened a 'wada pav' stall at Shivaji Park during his struggling days
Laxman Utekar's journey from selling eggs and washing cars to directing the Rs 800 crore blockbuster 'Chhaava' is truly inspiring. Starting as a studio sweeper, he persevered through odd jobs and eventually became a successful filmmaker with hits like 'Luka Chuppi' and 'Mimi'. Although 'Chhaava' received mixed feedback from critics, it went on to smash box office records by earning over Rs 800 crore at the worldwide box office. Director Laxman Utekar , who has directed only six films so far, struck gold with this blockbuster. However, his journey to success began humbly—he once earned a mere Rs 2 working during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and used to wash cars before he could afford to drive one. In a recent interview, Utekar opened up about his inspiring rise from modest beginnings to major success. Early Life and Struggles in Mumbai Laxman 's journey began in a small village in Maharashtra's Raigad district before moving to Mumbai with his uncle at a young age. On the Mama's Couch podcast, he recounted how he took on every possible job to survive in the bustling city. Reflecting on his entry into the film industry, Utekar said, 'I came into the industry by chance, and I had no backing. I was maybe 4 when my uncle brought me to Mumbai. I started selling boiled eggs outside a bar when I was 6 years old, and later I opened a vadapao stand in Shivaji Park, but that got seized by BMC. ' He also shared a unique way he earned money during the Ganapati festival, explaining how many wealthy people preferred not to leave their cars to immerse their idols. To help, Utekar and a friend offered to carry and immerse the idols for a fee of Rs 5, which they split. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Best website creation site | Build your store in minutes Shopify Shop Now Undo He humorously noted that he would even chase after cars of affluent devotees to offer this service. First Break in the Film Industry He revealed that his initial break into the film industry came after he applied to a job advertisement in the newspaper and was hired as a sweeper at a studio. Reflecting on those early days, he said, 'I started working as a sweeper for them, and I didn't really understand what work they were doing. I would clean the floors and the washrooms, after which I would get tea for the people working in the sound and editing studio. I looked at their work and realised that whatever work they were doing was very interesting, and I wouldn't leave for several days sometimes; I was never bored.' He added, 'Since that day, I have never left the industry or looked back.' Utekar also spoke about his dedication to every task, mentioning that he washed cars with complete sincerity and was even praised by his boss for his thorough toilet cleaning. To make ends meet, he took on various odd jobs such as selling popcorn and newspapers. Persistence and Opportunity Utekar shared that upon learning about Sahara's plan to establish a studio in the city, he made it a point to visit the location daily, patiently waiting by the gate. After three months of this routine, a man finally stopped his car and asked why he was lingering there. 'I was waiting for someone to get of their car and ask me this question,' Utekar recalled. When he requested to begin work the following day, the man surprised him by saying, 'Can you start today?' Career Growth and Directorial Success Laxman launched his career assisting acclaimed cinematographer Binod Pradhan , working on notable films like 'Dear Zindagi', 'Hindi Medium', and '102 Not Out'. He made his directorial debut with the Marathi film 'Taapal' in 2014 and has since directed successful Bollywood movies including 'Luka Chuppi', 'Mimi', and 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DHL inks Shopify partnership for easier seller access
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. DHL is now a pre-integrated partner in Shopify's shipping platform, giving Shopify sellers easier access to the logistics giant's network and delivery services, according to a May 26 announcement. The integration with Shopify Shipping, which offers merchants discounted shipping rates and other services, is live in the U.S. and Germany. By 2026, DHL shipping options on Shopify will also be available in other major markets in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. 'Sellers on Shopify will no longer need to onboard a logistics provider independently, so that they can streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens,' the announcement said. 'Also, the DHL integration helps sellers manage complex customs, legal, and administrative tasks.' DHL is among several logistics providers that have secured shipping partnerships with e-commerce platforms. FedEx rolled out rate discounts in Pitney Bowes' ShipAccel and Auctane's product suite last year, while UPS and the U.S. Postal Service have their own arrangements with major platforms. DHL, UPS and the Postal Service are carriers with U.S. coverage that sellers can access on Shopify Shipping with discounted rates. For DHL Express, Shopify's website touts savings of up to 80% on international shipping. For carriers, these partnerships can be appealing by giving them the opportunity to serve a larger pool of customers, particularly in the lucrative small- and medium-sized business segment. For sellers, the arrangements often provide lower shipping rates than what they could secure through individual contract negotiations. DHL and Shopify's new partnership in particular aims to offer millions of e-commerce merchants a quicker and more efficient way to leverage domestic and cross-border logistics services. One perk for U.S. merchants tapping into the collaboration is Delivered Duty Paid shipping, removing the risk of shoppers facing unplanned fees. 'This service protects consumers from unexpected additional fees such as customs charges or import sales tax, as DDP shipping ensures that the merchant has taken care of all costs and formalities,' the announcement said. Recommended Reading Flexport, Shopify strengthen logistics ties with merchant perks
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 Steps To Corporate AI Adoption
Flat illustration of business people carry AI processing chip embracing artificial intelligence for ... More work success Last week, Shopify CEO, Tobi Lütke sent an email to all staff ordering them to prove they "cannot get what they want done using AI" before asking for extra hires. The email, extolling the virtues of AI adoption, came on top of reported layoffs of 14% in 2022, a further 20% in 2023, and 2.5% in December 2024. It set out a clear "AI first" manifesto requiring that staff train and use LLMs (Large Learning Models like Chat GPT) in their daily work, put AI at the heart of software development, and have AI usage and competence included in performance reviews. No doubt, Tobi's intention was to set a new reality for the firm, encouraging people to embrace AI. But put yourself in the shoes of the average Shopify employee—how inspired and enthusiastic might you feel reading this email? When people have been thinking and doing things in a particular way over and over for years, organizational practices, cultural norms, processes, methods, and structures become deeply ingrained in their brains as part of their "mental model of the world." Neural pathways form and a sort of tribal addiction ensues. Brains crave safety and consistency because learning new ways is metabolically expensive, and the brain has plenty to do without managing yet another new challenge. So when the brain is confronted by dramatic change, its first reaction is to say "no" and try to avoid the change—because it's much easier to keep doing things the way they've always been done. Right now, most brains that read the press, engage with social media, or watch TV have been given the impression that AI is a worrisome technology that might even take their jobs away. So the brain's reaction is to reject and resist. I suspect the brains at Shopify will now be in total resistance mode because Tobi's email will have created an existential threat in the minds of company employees, making his laudable ambition much harder to achieve. In my article Corporate AI Adoption May Fail If Education Doesn't Keep Up, I suggested that AI isn't a technology challenge—it's a culture and behavioral challenge. In this article, I've set out 10 people-centric steps for achieving mass adoption of AI across an organization safely, securely, efficiently, and quickly. These steps help every brain come to terms with a new reality while generating enthusiasm and support. They're based on 40 years of managing changes in workplace behavior and a recent study I directed involving leading companies from various sectors that examined AI's impact on jobs and organizational structures. Miss out on any one of these steps, and the journey to maturity gets longer and trickier. Here they are: Get top leaders must come together to align on what AI is and what it means for the organization. They must define whether AI is primarily for competitive advantage, operational efficiency, customer experience, or workforce augmentation, and create a compelling vision for AI. Address fundamental questions about cultural fit, risk tolerance, and organizational values. This shared vision becomes the North Star that guides all subsequent decisions and communications. Make a credible leader responsible for AI transformation at the C-suite level. Develop a powerful steering group and provide a program management office with the skills and influence to build and manage a cross-disciplinary change program that addresses skills, attitudes, behaviors, education, processes, legal issues, risks, and security. Evaluate whether your culture supports the transparency, experimentation, and iterative learning that AI requires. Identify cultural and skills barriers that could undermine AI adoption and plan how to address them. This includes understanding existing skills, power structures, decision-making processes, and how change has been received historically. Assess current roles, organizational structures, and capabilities alongside potential AI applications. Identify which positions will be eliminated, transformed, or enhanced. Create honest, transparent and consistent messaging about AI's role in your organization's future. Address fears directly rather than avoiding them. Explain the "what," "why," "how," "when," and "who" of AI adoption and what it means for individual employees. Ensure all leaders undergo AI training and can communicate the same message to prevent confusion and mistrust. Develop a list of "tricky questions" with associated answers to address the awkward questions people will ask. Consistency, honesty, and fairness are key. Develop an engagement and change program that is the cornerstone of your change program not a bolt on PR campaign. Find employees across all levels of the organization who have the skills and enthusiasm to become AI advocates within their teams—then train and nurture them. These champions bridge the gap between leadership vision and ground-level reality. They're the people who will get asked the questions their colleagues don't dare ask those in power. Invest in their development, maintain them as a special community, and give them platforms to share experiences and address concerns from their peers. For those with a technical bent, give them deeper "prompt engineering" skills and knowledge so they can become "super users" who train colleagues and new recruits and develop local apps to address micro-process challenges. Computer, black woman and manager training intern or coaching employee and helping with project, ... More work or collaboration. Mentor, corporate and talking about a question, error or pc learning in Nigeria McKinseys "Generative AI and the future of work in America" report suggests that by 2030 as many as 30% of the hours worked by US workers will be replaced by AI. It's critical therefore that training and support is provided to upskill every employee so they understand what AI is (and isn't) and feel confident and competent using core AI tools like LLMs (Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.). By doing this, you remove some of the fear as people become familiar and skilled. New roles in IT, HR, and Legal will need to be defined, and new career development routes will need to be considered in an AI-enhanced organizational model. Use champion networks and teams to identify "use cases"—situations where AI can be applied to deliver immediate improvements in effectiveness. Start with AI applications that clearly augment rather than replace human capabilities. Choose initial projects that solve real problems employees face and make their work more interesting or valuable. Success here builds acceptance and enthusiasm for more advanced implementations. Create policies that ensure AI systems remain transparent, ethical, and under human control. Include diverse perspectives in governance decisions, especially from employees who will work directly with AI systems. This framework must address both technical and cultural concerns about AI decision-making and bias. Launch carefully selected pilot projects that demonstrate AI value while building organizational capability. Combine technical implementation with intensive change management support, putting people at the heart of the program. Create feedback mechanisms that capture both technical performance and human experience. Make sure you document these with diaries and videos, and create video testimonials based on outcomes. Expand AI implementation based on lessons learned. Continue investing in workforce development and cultural adaptation. Regularly reassess and adjust your approach based on organizational learning and evolving AI capabilities. Remember that unlike other change programs you may have been involved in, this one doesn't have an end because AI is constantly evolving. New developments will come quickly that may make your existing implementations redundant faster than you'd imagine. Perpetual change management is the new name of the game. By adopting these 10 steps, you'll have a greater chance of harnessing the energies and enthusiasm of your people, removing misunderstandings, and working with the brain's natural resistance to change. While AI adoption is underpinned by deep technology, the rewards will only be reaped by treating it as an organizational and behavioral change program.
CNBC
a day ago
- Business
- CNBC
Tech companies are requiring employees to learn and use AI at work—here's the best way to do that, experts say
Using artificial intelligence on the job is becoming increasingly common across the U.S. Some bosses — particularly at tech companies — even require it, for either some or all of their employees. E-commerce giant Shopify, for example, is in the "all" camp, co-founder and CEO Tobias Lütke wrote in a company-wide memo, which he posted to social media network X on April 7. "Using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify. It's a tool of all trades today, and will only grow in importance," Lütke wrote. "Frankly, I don't think it's feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest, I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow." Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufmann similarly told employees and freelancers to "study, research and master the latest AI solutions in your field," in an internal email he posted to X on April 8. "AI is coming for your jobs," he wrote. "Heck, it's coming for my job, too. This is a wake-up call."Duolingo co-founder and CEO Luis von Ahn joined in, too. "Duolingo is going to be AI-first," von Ahn wrote in an email posted to Duolingo's LinkedIn page on April 28. "We'll gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle. ... Headcount will only be given if a team cannot automate more of their work." Plans to foster an AI-empowered workforce could be timely: Tech luminaries like Bill Gates and Mark Cuban say that AI will greatly change the way many people live and work, potentially as soon as within the next 10 years. But encouraging AI at work — in a way that's actually helpful — may not be quite as easy as simply requiring that people start using it. Here's what good bosses can do to get their employees interested in using AI, according to leadership experts. The most important lesson for any leader, says Rohan Verma: If you mandate or heavily encourage AI, you need to teach employees how to use it in ways that'll specifically benefit your business. Verma, who runs San Francisco-based executive coaching firm Arbor Advisory, says he worked with Microsoft-owned GitHub to help implement the parent company's Copilot AI tool across the organization. "[Microsoft] rolled out a pretty formal coaching program, specific resources and proper onboarding. They didn't just say 'Use the tool.' They gave a set of options on how to thrive with it," he says. If you want to get more people around you to use AI, start by gauging how much they already know about the technology, recommends Kalifa Oliver, an author, executive advisor and global director for employee experience at Ford. Then, if you have the budget, "invest in the infrastructure" to help train your colleagues on AI tools that are new to them, or advanced ways of using familiar systems, says Oliver. This could include access to online courses and learning platforms, mentorship programs or assessments to gauge what employees already know about using AI and what they need to be more efficient, she adds. Don't use AI primarily as a cost-cutting method, automating tasks best done by humans or even replacing human headcount, warns Oliver. Even the most advanced AI models make factual errors, and if the wrong human is out of the office, those mistakes could go unnoticed and create problems, she notes. "I think CEOs will start taking an all-in stance because it sounds good, unfortunately. Do I think that it's a stance that CEOs should take? That's a different story," Oliver says. ,
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
Watchdog issues urgent warning over ads for fake weight-loss drugs
The medicines watchdog has issued an urgent warning about a deluge of social media advertisements for counterfeit weight-loss drugs which 'pose a health risk' to the public. The advertisements flogging fake versions of drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide – the active ingredients in weight-loss wonder jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro – falsely claim they have been endorsed by health authorities and manufactured in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) said it has identified a 'significant increase' in the number of ads for the drugs, which are exploiting the watchdog's logo. Some of the bogus ads for the drugs which show fake endorsements from the HPRA and others. The HPRA said the 'unacceptable use' of its logo and name in this way is clearly designed to deceive and mislead consumers. The regulator has urged the public not to purchase from 'untrustworthy suppliers both engaged in illegal advertising and offering fake or unauthorised products that could pose a health risk'. Other regulatory bodies internationally are being targeted in a similar way as the demand for the wonder drugs continues to rise. As an independent regulator, the HPRA said it will never endorse or promote any specific health product or brand. Some of the bogus ads for the drugs which show fake endorsements from the HPRA and others. HPRA director of compliance, Gráinne Power, said: 'We know that a lot of people are being duped into purchasing fake and illegal products via these sites. Working with Revenue's Customs Service, we have detained a significant number of products at point of entry to the country. A number of these purport to be genuine prescription medicines when in fact the products as presented do not exist as an authorised product in any market. 'One notable example are transdermal delivery microneedle patches which it is claimed contain semaglutide or tirzepatide and, featuring the Irish flag, are supposedly made in Ireland. 'In addition to references to the HPRA, there are also claims these products are endorsed nationally by charities, hospitals and individual healthcare professionals. All these claims are untrue. Microneedle patches containing semaglutide, tirzepatide or any GLP-1 type medicine are not available as approved medical treatments.' This month alone, the HPRA said it had observed a major surge in misleading advertisements on social media platforms. The websites, which are hosted outside of Ireland by the e-commerce platform Shopify, are being promoted to consumers via fake Facebook profiles and ads. To date, 155 Shopify product listings, 124 Facebook profiles and 414 Facebook adverts have been identified making false claims with many also fraudulently stating that the product is endorsed by the HPRA. The medicines watchdog has issued an urgent warning about a deluge of social media advertisements for counterfeit weight-loss drugs. Pic: Getty Images The body has advised Shopify and Meta of this fraudulent activity and of the public health risks associated with illegal prescription medicines and other unregulated health products sold online. It has requested Shopify and Meta remove product listings, fake profiles and adverts from their platforms. Ms Power urged Irish consumers not to be taken in by the scam and only to source medical products from authorised places. She added: 'The key message we are highlighting today is that the HPRA never endorses individual brands, nor do we allow our logo to be used in the promotion of health products. 'Our advice to consumers is that if online sources feature a HPRA logo or suggest a HPRA endorsement, then this is actually a clear sign you are engaging with a dubious site and seller. 'At best you are wasting your money with these online scams but at worst you could be seriously endangering your health. The HPRA said it has observed a major surge in misleading advertisements on social media platforms. Pic: Getty Images 'We are advising that when it comes to prescription medicines, ensure that the product is prescribed by a healthcare professional and sourced from a local pharmacy. All medicines, medical devices and cosmetics should be purchased through trustworthy, reliable and recognised sources.' The HPRA continually monitors websites and social media channels for fake and illegal health product promotion. In 2024, 2,553 websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages were amended or shut down. It regularly warns the public of the dangers of purchasing prescription only medicines online. It is illegal to sell prescription medicines online and there is no guarantee of the quality, safety or effectiveness of the medicines purchased from unauthorised sources. A spokesperson for Meta, the owners of Facebook, said: 'We don't allow fraudulent activity on our platforms and have removed the ads that were reported to us by the HPRA. Scammers are relentless and constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection, which is why we continue to invest in technology to improve our detection and enforcement. If someone believes they have spotted content or an account they believe to be fake, they can report it using our in-app tools.' Last year, revealed that weight-loss drugs were being widely sold on the black market in Ireland. Drugs such as Ozempic, which has become the weight loss drug of choice for celebrities, are being peddled on social media and on clandestine websites as their popularity has soared. Leading scientists now believe that the benefits of the drug extend far beyond weight loss, with trials ongoing into treatment for illnesses such as Parkinson's and kidney disease. also exposed the unethical and illegal sale of Ozempic which was being sold through beauty salons and health clinics for up to €800 per month. ascertained that some beauty clinics as well as private sellers are charging up to €200 every week for people to take the prescription-only injection. The care packages being offered to members of the public include a guaranteed injection every week, as well as what is being described as 'aftercare' with some unqualified people instructing patients on the best way to lose weight whilst on the drug. The practice has been roundly condemned by medics. While the illegal sale and supply of the drug continues, scientists are continuing to discover unexpected side – effects of the injections. The jabs could become 'statins for cancers' after they were found to slash the risk of contracting the disease, medics said earlier this month. Scientists said the drugs, also known as GLP-1s, may be up to 41% more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer than weight loss alone, and could also help prevent other types of cancer. British researchers are planning a major trial to see if the drugs can provide a new 'weapon' in the fight against soaring cancer rates. They could potentially be prescribed long before any cancer symptoms in the same manner as statins are taken to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
