Latest news with #Talk
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Words of wit, wisdom and such: Commencement season arrives
BALTIMORE — Leadership comes down to five things. Or maybe three. This day is all about you, unless it's really about the family and friends who got you here. Live globally, but embrace the home and the hearth. It's commencement season, and this month, speakers sent the graduates of Maryland's colleges and universities off to the rest of their lives with these and other necessarily pithy words of wisdom, many of them blessedly brief. As at least two speakers noted, they were the only thing standing between the graduates and their hard-earned diplomas — and maybe an adult beverage. 'We always joke commencement speakers should think of themselves as the body at an Irish wake, you have to be there, but no one expects you to do much,' said Paul Orzulak, a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. The co-founder of the communications firm, West Wing Writers, Orzulak has written more than 100 commencement speeches, a task he enjoys for how it allows the newly graduated in the seats to see themselves in the accomplished person at the podium. But, he said, it's also a challenge in these TED Talk- and social media-pervasive times. 'People narrate their lives so much now,' he said. 'There's a sharper expectation for wit and humor.' This year's commencement speakers face a unique set of circumstances along with the usual pomp, with colleges targeted by the Trump administration on a range of issues, from cuts to federal funding to allegations of antisemitism linked to the pro-Palestinian protests that flared after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. 'If [the University of Maryland] is a guide, going in a more light-hearted direction is one answer to the complicated year colleges and universities have experienced,' Shawn J. Parry-Giles, professor and chair of the department of communication at the University of Maryland, College Park, said in an email. 'I anticipate some will try to avoid politicizing commencement this year,' she said. 'Right now, campuses are more likely hoping that graduation ceremonies can be a respite from such political controversies by placing the focus on providing a joyous space for families and friends to gather to celebrate their graduates.' UMD had the beloved and ever upbeat Muppet, Kermit the Frog, as its commencement speaker. While other colleges didn't go quite that cuddly a route, most speakers tended to lead with positive messages, even if they referred to the political backdrop of the times. The exception — as might be expected given the speaker and the setting — was Vice President JD Vance, who strongly criticized previous administrations while promoting the message of the current one at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation in Annapolis. Steven D. Cohen, a professor of business communications at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, said 'now more than ever' commencement speakers should use their platform to inspire, 'whether you're a frog or a celebrity or a politician.' READER POLL: Who gave the best commencement speech? Kermit the Frog, Dawn Moore, Wes Moore or JD Vance? Cohen, who also works as a communication coach and trainer, said the best speakers offer their audience a glimpse of themselves beyond the success that warranted them the commencement gig. 'When you open up, and show a piece of yourself, the failures you've had, the challenges,' he said, 'there's an authenticity there that you don't always see at that level.' Here are excerpts from some of the commencement speeches given by speakers in Maryland this month. At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore commencement on May 16, Moore spoke about how what matters is not what you plan to do but what you actually did. 'As young Black men and women, you will often be told your achievement alone will be enough. Being the first Black partner in the history of the firm will be enough… Being the first Black governor will be enough,' he said at the historically Black university. 'But those are all answers to what you will do and actually say very little about what you did do.' 'I don't want the answer to what I did in life being: 'He made history,'' the governor said. 'I want the answer to be: 'He made child poverty history.' I want the answer to be: 'He made food and housing insecurity history.' I want the answer to be: 'He made inequitable pay between men and women history.' 'That is the difference between a mindset of 'I will' and a mindset of 'I did.' And as governor, I've tried to act accordingly.' Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of financial services organization TIAA, spoke at Morgan State University in Baltimore on May 17. The third Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company, Brown Duckett noted her mother attended segregated school, as she offered lessons in leadership criteria, including what she said might be the most important: optimism. 'I know the world feels heavy right now, and many of our problems might seem insurmountable. But I assure you, friends, we live in a country that on its worst day still has innovation and renewal in its DNA,' she told attendees. Befitting her role as head of the trillion-dollar retirement services company, she also offered practical, financial advice: Contribute to your 401(k), especially if your employer matches contributions. 'If you don't remember one word that I have said today, I want all of you to remember the word compounding… A dollar saved today is worth more than a dollar saved tomorrow,' she said. '[Matching contributions,] that's free money. Don't leave coins on the table. Trust me. Your future self will say thank you.' Jonathan Karl, ABC News White House correspondent, spoke in Chestertown to Washington College graduates on May 18. He described keeping a photo of the young protester facing down a line of tanks in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989 as a reminder of how the media must bear witness to events that governments may try to erase or revise. 'There are people in positions of power and authority who pretend that Jan. 6 was peaceful, that we didn't witness a violent attempt to overturn a presidential election… There are people who would like to cover-up that truth just like the Chinese covered up the truth of Tiananmen Square… It's true that the students of Tiananmen Square tried to stand up for their own freedom and their country's freedom… It's true the Capitol came under attack again on Jan. 6… Don't believe those who tell you there is no real truth. That's a lie.' Maryland's first lady told graduates and guests at the University of Baltimore commencement on May 21 that she's learned 'big lessons about solving big problems:' Division is a barrier, collaboration is the path to success, and strengthening community elevates the work. 'That work is more important now than ever before. As a society, we have become increasingly divided — and I don't just mean politically — I mean physically. We send an email rather than meeting in person. We send a text rather than talking on the phone. … 'The greatest ideas in the world were developed in person,' she said. 'The greatest businesses in the world were built with people creating together. Community is our lifeblood. It's the only hope we have as a state to secure our future.' Sonja Santelises, the outgoing CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, looked to the future at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 'What in the world do I do now? Asking that question today feels even more consequential in light of the current state of the world — and this is coming from an urban school superintendent, so you know when I say it's a little turbulent, it's really rocky,' she said. 'Many of us believe this is also a unique time for a different type of leader to emerge… Right now, you are the engine for that type of new leader… True leadership is not a position, but it is a way of moving in the world that seeks to solve problems on behalf of others and motivating others to do the same. 'Don't just lead in your field, lead in life… You actually don't have to give up on the fullness of life. I never wanted to only have one aspect of myself, and you should not settle for that either… Make sure you take care of your relationships. Make sure you take care of these pieces that are you. Love hard, love deeply and make sure [you know]... that if you are going to raise children and have a family, you are doing one of the most important things in our world that we could have done. Sal Kahn, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, the free online educational platform, spoke at Johns Hopkins University about AI and how rapidly it was changing life compared to previous advances. 'Whether you find this thrilling or terrifying or both, your feelings are valid. But make no mistake, this is the most epic of backdrops to your story. AI and other transformative technologies are neither good nor evil. They amplify human intent. Fire can warm or destroy. A knife can harm or create. Likewise, AI can amplify the negative intent of criminals and autocrats or the positive intent of artists, researchers, policymakers and educators. Whether the singularity leads us to dystopia or utopia is not a coin doss. It depends on what you people with creativity, intellect, integrity and positive intent choose to do with it.' Kermit 'spoke' at the University of Maryland, College Park. A snippet: 'Life is not a solo act. It's a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece… It's important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends and most important of all, stay close to your dreams, no matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem. The truth is, dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there.' At Bowie State University's commencement, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks harkened back to the bravery and endurace of the activist turned South African president, Nelson Mandela, whose fight for justice kept him going through 27 years in prison. 'Mandela's story endures throughout history because he endured,' she said. 'He never let the conditions of the world around him determine what he believed in. 'Now, you might look around at the current state of the world and wonder if I know what I'm talking about,' Alsobrooks said. ' My response to that is to just live a little longer. Hold on for a little while. The callous and self-centered personalities may seem popular now. But not forever. 'Even in his letters to his adversaries detailing his unwavering demands for justice, Mandela remained dignified,' she said. 'The fire in him burned, but it didn't turn him bitter or spiteful… And that's your charge — to stand on principle, and resist letting the circumstances of the moment push you off your game.' Krish Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, the refugee resettlement agency, spoke at Goucher College of her own family leaving Sri Lanka to escape civil war and immigrating to the U.S., where her father found work in the city school system. 'You see, back then, American leadership meant offering refuge and opportunity to families like mine. Sadly, that promise is being tested these days — and I often wonder, had my family tried to come today, would we be welcomed?' Noting Goucher was the first college to require every student to study abroad, she lauded their 'global spirit.' 'You come from 43 states and 47 different nations — a living mosaic of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. And in an age where some voices try to stoke fear of difference or draw lines between 'us' and 'them,' you offer a powerful counterexample. Your value lies in your curiosity, your empathy, your courage to challenge the status quo, and your willingness to build bridges where others would build walls. And that global perspective has never been more urgently needed.' 'The Trump administration has reversed course, no more undefined missions, no more open-ended conflicts,' Vice President J.D. Vance said at the Naval Academy. 'We're returning to a strategy grounded in realism and protecting our core national interests. Now this doesn't mean that we ignore threats, but it means that we approach them with discipline, and that when we send you to war, we do it with a very specific set of goals in mind… That's how military power should be used, decisively with a clear objective. We ought to be cautious in deciding to throw a punch, but when we throw a punch, we throw a punch hard, and we do it decisively, and that's exactly what we may ask you to do.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'We get Rs 7 LPA but asked to perform like Google techies': Indian IT worker expresses frustration of dealing with US clients
Amid rising conversations on work life balance , a user on Reddit went viral for talking about American clients who expect world-class performance from Indian workers while offering low salaries. A viral Reddit post titled "To my American friends who outsource to India, please chill" urges empathy from those profiting off India's booming IT sector, highlighting how the workers behind the scenes are often overlooked or undervalued. Check full text of statement here: Hey folks, If you're outsourcing work to India and feel like breathing down our necks every minute take a breath. Please. Here's the ground reality: The average new IT grad here makes ₹7 LPA (~$8,000/year). Yet we're expected to perform at Google-level output, on that salary. Time zones, endless meetings, last-minute deadlines... we're dealing with it all too. We're not machines. We care about the work. But mutual respect and realistic expectations matter. Timelines are important for both sides. So instead of constant pressure, let's build partnerships. We're doing our best, and we know you want the best let's meet in the middle with some empathy. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Semua yang Perlu Anda Ketahui Tentang Limfoma Limfoma Pelajari Undo Edit : The problem lies with the Indian manager. How did people react? "More than Americans what I think is Indians living in America should understand this more," said one Reddit user in response to the post. Live Events "Bro, Americans, Europeans will ask you if you'll be able to check the mail by the end of the week. An Indian manager will ask you at 11 pm if we will be ready by tomorrow 9 am meeting," said another user "Average salary of a fresher is less than 7 LPA. You must have graduated from a pretty decent college to get that amount. And American clients and managers and VERY chill compared to Indian clients and managers. You may be working with bad clients but don't judge until you work with Indian ones," said another user.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
"Money & Wealth" with John Hope Bryant hits Top 100 Business and Top 40 Podcast Rankings on the Nation's Largest Streaming Platforms
Bryant's digital footprint continues to expand, with social media video views surpassing 800M ATLANTA, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The groundbreaking podcast Money & Wealth with John Hope Bryant continues to resonate with audiences nationwide, offering practical, empowering insights into financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Hosted by renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Operation HOPE founder, chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant, the show finished April ranked in the top 100 business and top 40 entrepreneurship podcasts on Apple and iHeart. Bryant's social media reach also continues to grow, now totaling 3.2 million followers. In the past two years, his platforms have registered more than 800 million total video views, while averaging more than 20 million views per month. Bryant's "Straight Talk" video series, dispensing insights around financial literacy, wealth building and topical issues, can be viewed daily on his Facebook and Instagram pages by following @johnhopebryant. Since its debut, the Money & Wealth podcast has become a vital resource for individuals seeking to enhance their financial well-being and economic understanding. In addition to top ranking, Money & Wealth has garnered widespread acclaim, boasting a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Apple Podcasts. Bryant's signature "straight talk" approach demystifies complex financial concepts, making them accessible and actionable for listeners from all walks of life. Episodes delve into topics such as financial literacy, credit scores, debt management, entrepreneurship and the economic implications of historical events, providing listeners with the tools to navigate and thrive in today's financial landscape. A hallmark of the podcast is its inclusion of esteemed guests who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Notable episodes feature conversations with industry leaders like Michael Milken, Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez, Will Packer, Don Peebles and Van Jones, offering listeners a multifaceted understanding of wealth, how to build it, and its societal impacts. "I created Money & Wealth because I wanted to bring financial knowledge straight to the people—anyone, anywhere, anytime," said John Hope Bryant. "I believe that when people have access to the right information, they make better choices for themselves and their families. My podcast is about meeting listeners where they are, and giving them the tools to build wealth, dignity and hope." Bryant's commitment to financial empowerment extends beyond the podcast. He is an accomplished entrepreneur who, in 1992, founded Operation HOPE, now the largest, on-the-ground financial literacy organization in the country. He has spearheaded initiatives that have brought financial literacy programs to over 300 communities through an on-the-ground network of 1,500 offices across the United States. His efforts underscore the belief that financial literacy is a fundamental extension of civil rights, called "silver rights," which he supports as an essential element for all Americans to achieve economic equality and opportunity. Listeners can access Money & Wealth with John Hope Bryant on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other major platforms. For more information and to tune into the latest episodes, visit Bryant can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and TikTok, @johnhopebryant. About Operation HOPE, 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Contacts: Kevin Boucher, Operation Lalohni Campbell, Per/Se Media Groupla@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hoglund certain he belongs with Athletics after second strong start
Dubs Talk: Can Warriors steal Game 5 on road to avoid elimination? Bonta Hill and Monte Poole break down what the Warriors must do to steal Game 5 in Minnesota on Wednesday and avoid Talk: Can Warriors steal Game 5 on road to avoid elimination? originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area 2:08 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
New European
14-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
Jonathan Gullis finally gets a job
Gullis was the MP for Stoke-on-Trent North and short-lived junior education minister (50 days under Liz Truss) who lost his seat in last year's general election and had subsequently complained about being unable to procure gainful employment. Rejoice, rejoice! Open the windows and bang your crockery! For we bring glad tidings: former Conservative minister Jonathan Gullis has got a job! In October last year the former teacher told the BBC how he hadn't had a single job interview in the three months since losing his seat, putting the refusal to accept his applications down to his political views rather than, say, the fact anyone googling him would find hours of footage of him in the House of Commons hurling personal abuse at his opponents in the manner of somebody stumbling out of a Burslem pub at kicking-out time. 'I think that in some schools, with some teachers, my views won't be something that is popular,' he moaned. Fortunately he was able to keep the wolf from the door with some presenting shifts for Rupert Murdoch's little-watched online TV channel Talk. Now, however, Gullis is back – joining the Centre for Social Justice, the right wing think tank founded by Iain Duncan Smith, as a senior fellow. Gullis will be 'leading the think tank's research into connecting the education system with the world of work'. 'There's much to do – and I'm excited to get started,' he cheered. 'My aim is to develop practical, impactful policy proposals that can attract cross-party support, helping more young people into meaningful work, tackling the skills gap, and supporting the government's mission to grow the economy.' Unfortunately for the former MP, many of his fans on Facebook were less excited about their man's move into the world of wonkery than disappointed he wasn't joining their new favourite party. 'Absolute shame you didn't join Reform, you'd still be an MP,' says one, while another said: 'I still hope you'll join Reform UK though' . A third said 'Goodluck Jonathan but would still love you to join reform bud lol' (presumably not a reference to Goodluck Jonathan the former president of Nigeria). And one wrote: 'We kneed [sic] you here has [sic] a mp hope u jump ship and help us to get rid off [sic] the clown that's there now's [sic]'. Lots to do in the world of education, then!
