Latest news with #agency
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- Climate
- Al Arabiya
Magnitude 5.8 earthquake hits off Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara, agency says
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit off Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on Thursday, with a 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) depth and no tsunami potential, the country's geophysics agency said. There were no immediate reports of damage. Developing
CBC
7 days ago
- CBC
Fake QR codes are popping up on metres — don't scan them, says Montreal parking agency
The agency in charge of parking in the city hung signs on metres to encourage people to download their new parking app, Mobicité. Some of the signs were vandalized with fake QR codes, which might direct people to a fraudulent website.
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Building Competitive Advantage Through Universal And Ecosystem Growth
Damien Howard is the CEO & Founder of Grant Wagner, a global talent agency. Over the years, I've had the privilege of learning from many leaders, some of whom have taught me the importance of leading through complexity—not from the center of comfort, but from the edges of change. I've also learned that real leadership isn't about control; it's about construction. There is a clarion call today for sound, competent and human-focused leadership. Here are some actionable points I've learned from a business partner and mentor that I've adopted and applied to my own leadership style: Leading From The Edge Of Change Leadership in the next economy won't be defined by how much power you wield, but by the ecosystems you build, the inclusion you engineer and the future you leave behind. In an era of polycrisis—economic shocks, social upheaval, climate threats and AI disruption—leadership must incrementally but fundamentally. Within my business, I've seen how leadership has had to shift from 'command-and-control' to 'connect-and-co-create.' This led to three overarching items for my company in practice: • Moving from rigid hierarchies to agile networks that pull expertise from the edge. This meant transitioning to more nimble, connected teams, leading to faster innovation and drawing insights and talent not just from executives or the corporate office, but from frontline employees closest to customers and their challenges. • Measuring success by profit, of course, but also measuring community resilience, trust capital, etc. • Replacing the mindset of being the smartest person in the room with being the architect who curates the room, resources the work and then empowers various voices to solve problems in real time. The Case For Reimagining Leadership Most leadership models were designed for command-and-control hierarchies and, frankly, for homogeneity. But the world has evolved significantly. Stakeholders have changed, and the people we lead, serve and invest in are demanding something different and better. What I call "universal leadership" is no longer aspirational; it is a mission-critical infrastructure for innovation, trust and explosive sustainable growth. Universal leadership means designing systems where every relevant voice can influence outcomes and backing that promise with power, budget and accountability. At my organization, we: • Require a tactical but broad mix of talent on every candidate slate. • Leverage equitable governance (implementing decision-making processes that are systematic, fair, inclusive and, most of all, effective). • Share salary bands and promotion criteria transparently. • Pair each new hire with a mentor/sponsor who can advocate for their growth. Leadership As Ecosystem Design Great leaders no longer just manage teams; they architect ecosystems. This means cultivating cross-sector alliances that transcend politics, fostering innovation hubs in under-invested neighborhoods and shaping policies that align private capital with public good. Real impact happens at the intersection of systems—housing, workforce, government, infrastructure and business. Leaders must be cartographers of complexity, mapping connections where others see silos. Economic Opportunity As A Growth Strategy Let's retire the notion that universal practices are a side initiative or a project. We can no longer hope for balanced and explosive business outcomes and practices. We have to be extremely intentional and apply a laser focus throughout the entire process. When universal practices are woven into product design, procurement and market expansion, it becomes the engine of revenue, not a philanthropic footnote or point of contention. When done right, it is a force multiplier for innovation and market expansion. The research confirms it: Balanced teams outperform others significantly and innovate more, and organizations with universal leaders are 70% more likely to capture new markets. Data-Driven Impact (Business And Social Impact) The best leaders pair metrics with meaning. They know how to read dashboards and the room. Today's leadership requires emotional intelligence sharpened by data—tracking disaggregated outcomes, surfacing hidden disparities and designing interventions that are human-centered and evidence-informed. We monitor various candidate and employee touchpoints, looking at items like hire, promotion, retention and pay—by role, demographic and tenure. Quarterly business reviews elevate gaps, like where people are getting stalled in their careers. The numbers tell us where to look and listening sessions tell us why. Resilience Through Representation Resilient systems aren't built in boardrooms; they're co-created with the people closest to the challenge. We've watched communities recover from trauma, reinvent themselves and build better futures when leaders make space at the table—and sometimes step back entirely. That's why who is in leadership matters as much as how they lead. From the South Bronx to Little Haiti, leadership that mirrors the communities it serves builds trust faster, acts with greater legitimacy and makes smarter, more sustainable decisions. For instance, picture a fintech company launching a micro-lending hub in the South Bronx. Instead of parachuting in individuals not from the community, the firm elevates a Bronx-born/based product manager to co-lead, partners with local CUNY campuses for talent, hosts design sprints in community centers and sources catering and print vendors from neighborhood businesses. By mirroring the community in leadership and supply chain, they cut skepticism, boost adoption and co-create features that others would have potentially missed. Legacy As A Living System Too often, we think of legacy as the accolades we collect or the buildings that bear our name. In reality, true legacies are the systems we seed. It's the entrepreneurs we empower, the civic trust we restore and the young people who believe they belong in the economy we're building. As leaders, our task is not just to succeed but to make success more available, accessible and enduring. The Leadership We Need Now We are no longer in an era of 'standard best practices.' We are in an era that demands next practices and bold leaders to pioneer them. Leadership in the next economy will be: • Systemic, not siloed • Universal, not performative • Resilient, not reactive • Data-informed and values-driven This is the kind of leadership required to navigate today's complexity and secure long-term value. It's not just about meeting the moment; it's about building resilient organizations, trusted brands and universal economies that unlock growth for all stakeholders. The leaders who embrace this shift will define the future and drive a sustained advantage in it. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Entrepreneur
11-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Want a Reputation People Trust? Start With These 4 Simple Habits
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Your business reputation is more than a feel-good factor — it's a strategic asset that can propel or derail your growth. One misstep, like a scathing review or a breach of trust, can erode customer confidence, weaken your search engine rankings and stifle referrals. Conversely, a reputation rooted in integrity can attract loyal clients, inspire your team and fuel organic expansion. As a business owner, actively shaping a trustworthy reputation isn't just wise — it's essential for long term success. Here's how to build a reputation that opens doors and creates opportunities. Related: The One Mistake Is Putting Your Brand Reputation at Risk — and Most Startups Still Make It Anchor your business with core values A strong reputation starts with values that guide every decision. At my digital marketing agency, our commitment to integrity shapes how we operate, even when it demands tough choices. For instance, we once ended a contract with a high-paying client who consistently disrespected our team, violating our principle of fostering a positive workplace. The financial hit was significant, but the decision strengthened team trust and reinforced our culture. By defining clear values — such as respect, honesty or excellence — and consistently upholding them, you signal to clients and employees that your business stands for something enduring, laying the foundation for a respected reputation. Rise above challenges with integrity Encounters with dishonesty, like a client dodging payment or a partner undermining your business, test your commitment to integrity. Early in my career, I connected a client with a contact who later took their business without acknowledgment. Instead of reacting with anger, I chose to move forward, trusting that new opportunities would emerge. This approach, rooted in an abundance mindset, preserves your professionalism and safeguards your reputation. When faced with betrayal or conflict, prioritize your values over short-term wins. By taking the high road, you earn respect from peers and clients, enhancing your standing as a principled leader. Related: How to Better Manage Your Brand's Reputation in the Digital Age Harness the power of referrals Referrals are a powerful driver of reputation, turning satisfied clients into advocates who bring in new business. Delivering exceptional service to every client maximizes the chance they'll recommend you to others. Equally important is referring prospects to trusted colleagues when their needs don't align with your expertise. For example, directing a client to a better-suited provider may forgo immediate revenue, but it builds goodwill and often leads to reciprocal referrals. Cultivate a network of reliable partners to create a mutually beneficial referral system. This approach not only strengthens your reputation as an honest business but also fosters a cycle of trust that fuels growth. Elevate your reputation with reviews Online reviews shape how customers and search engines perceive your business, directly impacting your SEO and credibility. Proactively encourage satisfied clients to leave detailed Google reviews, aiming for at least two per month to maintain a robust online presence. Providing a direct link simplifies the process, and asking clients to describe their experience incorporates keywords that boost search visibility. Respond to every review — express gratitude for positive feedback and address negative ones with a sincere apology and a commitment to make things right. This engagement demonstrates your dedication to customer satisfaction, reinforcing a reputation for responsiveness and care. Commit to consistent integrity A stellar reputation isn't built overnight — it's the result of consistent, value-driven actions across all facets of your business. From treating clients with respect to fostering a supportive team environment, every interaction contributes to how others perceive you. Upholding integrity, even when it requires sacrifices like turning away a lucrative but toxic client, creates a ripple effect of trust. This trust translates into loyal customers, motivated employees and a stronger online presence, all of which drive opportunities. To start, choose one actionable step — requesting a client review, refining your referral process or clarifying your values with your team — and implement it this week. Take action to build your legacy Your reputation is a living asset that grows with every principled decision. Begin by integrating these strategies into your daily operations: define your values, handle conflicts with grace, nurture referrals and prioritize reviews. These steps don't require a massive overhaul, but their impact compounds over time, positioning your business as a trusted leader. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.
Travel Weekly
06-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Ins and outs of incentive travel contracts
Mark Pestronk Q: Our corporate agency has a chance to arrange a large incentive trip for employees of a major corporation and their families. The corporation has asked us for a proposed contract that they can evaluate. While we handle a lot of business travel for the corporation, we don't have much experience with incentive travel. From an attorney's point of view, what are some key terms that we should have in the contract to protect ourselves? A: Here are the five most important clauses that will protect your agency: 1) Make sure that your agency will not be stuck with paying suppliers out of its own pocket and not getting reimbursed by the corporation. Ideally, the corporation should advance payments to you well before you have to pay suppliers. If that is not acceptable, then be sure to specify that the corporation must pay the suppliers directly and that you have no responsibility for such payment. 2) Specify exactly how you'll be compensated for your work. There are three possibilities: First, a client can pay you fixed fees or fees per hour for the work of your staff; second, you can mark up the supplier costs like you would if you were operating a tour; and third, the suppliers can pay you a commission. You can also get compensated by any combination of the three methods. For example, the corporation could pay you on an hourly basis for your staff's work; you could also mark up the supplier costs; and you could get paid a commission by suppliers. No law requires that a travel agency must reveal its markup or commission amounts. A question that often arises is this: If the corporation is going to be the party signing supplier contracts, and if the contract contains net prices that you will mark up, then doesn't it follow that you will be revealing the amount of your markup? The answer is yes, but if you do not want to reveal the amount of your markup (or even the fact that you have a markup), you could get the corporation's consent (in the contract) to sign supplier contracts "as agent for" the corporation. 3) Provide that the corporation is responsible for getting all participants to sign your disclaimer, such as the one at stating that you are not responsible for supplier problems, acts of God or anything else. Further, provide that the corporation will indemnify you against claims of participants who didn't sign if they suffer injuries or losses. 4) Specify clear deadlines by which the corporation must pay you. Most commonly, the agency performs a post-trip reconciliation of client advances versus the trip's actual expenses, and the client must pay the difference, if any, within X days after you email your final invoice. If there is a force majeure clause in the contract, make sure that it doesn't excuse the corporation from paying you. 5) Provide that, if you have to sue the corporation for nonpayment, the court will award you attorneys fees if you win the case.
