Latest news with #collaboration
Forbes
13 minutes ago
- General
- Forbes
The Role Of Empathy In Effective Leadership
As workplaces become even more diverse and inclusive, empathy has emerged as a critical skill for leaders seeking to foster collaboration, innovation, and trust. Depending on where you look, the world seems more divided than ever before. In many ways, society's love of individualism has isolated us. Combined with the hyper-tailored tech algorithms, this has created more siloed conversations and polarizing viewpoints. With such a system to navigate, it's no surprise that empathy for your fellow man isn't often prioritized. But the truth is that a mass turn to empathy is necessary at this juncture. Nothing will come of dehumanizing others. Now more than ever, we must harness the power of human connection to guide meaningful change, and those in leadership positions can lead the way with their actions. I'd like to share my views on the power of empathy in leadership. As workplaces become even more diverse and inclusive, empathy has emerged as a critical skill for leaders seeking to foster collaboration, innovation, and trust. Let's explore this concept and a few ways you can be a more empathetic and effective leader. Recognize that you set the tone. To maintain good working relationships with others, you must be willing to understand their experiences and perspectives. As we all know, everyone sees the world through a different lens. Even if you don't fully align with others' worldviews, as a leader, you must create an environment where individuals feel heard and respected. Your actions can open the door to more harmonious and collaborative teams. An empathic leader will often be seen doing the following: Still unsure if you're creating an understanding environment for your team? Ask them! This can be the first step in fostering honest, open discussions geared towards supporting and understanding one another better. Operate with perspective and cultivate inclusive practices. In a way, empathy is being able to see through the eyes of others. Many of the unspoken rules of the corporate world are based on the experience of white males in the workforce. Considering the countless other demographics in the modern workforce, most of these nuances or patterns are outdated, exclusionary, counterproductive, and even harmful to some people. Can you identify any unspoken rules you enforce or adhere to within your career? Sometimes, they are hard to spot right away. In my research as a DEI professional, I've encountered many unspoken cultural rules that don't consider the perspective of diverse groups. Here are three examples, although many others could be identified: By trying to understand the nuances of diverse groups, leaders can eliminate problematic trends like this and tailor their leadership styles to be more inclusive. Encourage others to ask questions. The absence of curiosity or push-back helps maintain the status quo, which keeps us stuck. To make real change, you must allow everyone to provide insight into what needs improvement in the first place. If someone has an idea about how things could be done better or differently, encourage them to use their voice and talk to others about their ideas. This kind of collaborative approach fosters more employee engagement, innovation, and stronger teams. While it may result in some uncomfortable conversations, my experience shows me that those are the discussions we need to have the most often. Meaningful and lasting change can only happen if those with vision are empowered to use their voices. Empathetic leaders create more harmonious workplaces and inspire their teams to perform better. Creating an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding sets the stage for healthier dynamics. In questioning the status quo, you root out any counterproductive trends in company culture that need addressing. Amplifying diverse voices promotes innovation and paves the way for a more welcoming workplace for all.
Fast Company
42 minutes ago
- Business
- Fast Company
From digitization to agentic AI: Unpacking the three phases of AI productivity
I have long been fascinated by the intersection of technology and productivity. In every generation, technology reshapes the workplace. Over the last few decades, I've observed three distinct phases of workplace productivity, each unlocking new potential for organizations and their people. Today, we are entering the most transformative phase yet, where AI doesn't just support productivity but becomes a collaborator. Let me explain. PHASE 1: DIGITIZATION – TRANSITIONING WORK TO SCREENS The first major shift in knowledge work came with digitization. Word processors replaced typewriters. Spreadsheets outpaced ledger books. We moved from physical tools to digital ones, and it was a game-changer. Suddenly, things got faster and easier. No more correction fluid or retyping entire pages—everything was streamlined. Digitization was all about efficiency. We began documenting, communicating, and calculating faster and more accurately than ever. It was like flipping a switch that propelled us into a realm of speed and accessibility. In this phase, the shape of our work didn't change much, but being able to move faster laid a strong foundation for future productivity. PHASE 2: COLLABORATION—MOVING TO THE CLOUD AND BREAKING DOWN SILOS In the next phase, we added 'people' to our tools. We went from working alone to working with teams 'in the cloud.' Collaboration tools—Google Docs, Slack, Zoom, etc.—emerged and shifted our work to the cloud. There were many benefits of being in the cloud (remember how clunky it was to send documents back and forth via email?), but the real benefit was allowing us to work with other team members directly. These tools were easy to spot: they represented people as avatars and had prominent 'share' buttons. This phase flipped the idea of work on its head. Information became democratized, and the barriers between departments and geographies softened. But even here, the core unit of work—documents, spreadsheets, and meetings—still largely mirrored the old models. Nonetheless, when we moved toward a multiplayer approach to productivity, new ideas flourished, and cross-functional creativity soared. Now, we're entering a fundamentally different phase. If Phase 2 was about bringing people into your work, Phase 3 is about bringing agents into your work. With the rise of AI—especially agentic, proactive, and context-aware AI systems—productivity tools aren't just environments for work; they are participants in work. Imagine being in a scenario where, along with your amazing coworkers, you've got a slew of virtual assistants ready to help you tackle tasks and streamline your workflows. That's the future we're looking at! This isn't automation for automation's sake. It's adaptive intelligence that works with you. AI doesn't just follow rules—it understands your goals. It learns how you and your team operate and shapes workflows accordingly, amplifying what you can achieve together. I think of agents as contributing three things to your work: knowledge, skills, and assignments. 1. Knowledge: Agents provide access to a vast range of information. Take something like my company's product, Grammarly: It knows the ins and outs of English grammar and can help you communicate better. Now, imagine expanding that knowledge to cover everything from customer insights to project details. Agents can sit alongside you, pull data, and provide real-time context for your work. 2. Skills: Beyond just having data, agents will be able to perform specific tasks. They can send emails, set reminders, or even generate reports—all aimed at freeing you up to focus on your work's more strategic or creative aspects. The more skills agents have, the more they can lighten your load. 3. Assignments: Agents can take on assignments based on what you give them. It could be as simple as 'Help me draft this memo' or as complex as 'Reach out to all clients up for renewal who have not engaged with us in 60 days with a personalized email about our next event.' This flexibility opens up infinite possibilities for reallocating our time to create impactful work. WHY AI AGENTS ARE TRANSFORMING WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY The potential of AI agents to supercharge our work is incredible. Instead of fearing AI, we should embrace it as an opportunity to access a variety of beneficial colleagues we might not normally have. This isn't about replacing people; it's about enhancing our capabilities and making us more effective. Of course, this comes with a challenge: How do we manage all these agents? How do we train them? How do we evaluate their performance? We need to answer these fundamental questions as we welcome this technology into our work lives. I think this challenge is also a thrilling opportunity. In this new phase, knowledge workers are becoming workflow designers and insight curators. Leaders are becoming orchestrators of people and intelligent systems. The organizations that thrive will see AI not as a tool to monitor people but as a way to unlock their best work. HOW TO EMBRACE THE NEXT ERA OF PRODUCTIVITY Embracing this phase of AI-driven productivity doesn't require a full transformation overnight. It starts with a few intentional shifts that open the door to exponential impact. 1. Spot agent-ready tasks: Identify repeatable, time-consuming tasks in your workflow, like drafting emails, gathering insights, or setting reminders, that an agent could handle. 2. Start small and experiment: Pick a low-stakes use case and test how an AI agent can assist. Treat it like onboarding a new team member: Start simple, learn fast. 3. Think like a workflow designer: Shift from doing work to designing how works get done. Set clear inputs, define outcomes, and guide your agents to operate effectively. 4. Bring your team along: Share learnings, exchange prompts, and build a culture of experimentation. The more your team learns together, the faster you'll evolve. This new phase of productivity isn't about doing what you've always done, just faster. It's about reimagining how we all work together and fundamentally altering our notion of what we can accomplish.
UAE Moments
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♈ Aries Daily Horoscope for July 16, 2025
Big Aries energy today — but don't burn all your fuel before lunch. July 16 has you moving fast and thinking faster, Aries. You're chasing goals like they're going out of style, but remember: not every battle is worth charging into headfirst. Today is all about channeling that fiery drive in a direction that actually serves you — not just your ego. Career: You're ready to take on the world — or at least your inbox. Just don't bulldoze your way through tasks. A coworker might need your support, and slowing down to help could spark a collaboration that benefits you both. Love: Single Aries, flirtatious banter could turn into something deeper today — if you let it. Coupled Aries, don't let mood swings start unnecessary arguments. A little patience (yes, we said the 'P' word) goes a long way. Body: Your energy is high, but so is your chance of overdoing it. Get moving — take a walk, hit the gym, stretch it out — but listen to your body's limits. You're not a machine, even if you act like one. Mental Health: Feeling restless? That's your cue to do something creative or spontaneous. Structure can be grounding, but today, your soul craves freedom and play. Break routine — mindfully.
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Polly Pocket™ Steps into High Fashion with GCDS in Special Edition Mattel Creations™ Collaboration
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 16, 2025-- Today, Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Italian fashion line GCDS announced a special collaboration that reconsiders the Polly Pocket brand through a luxury fashion lens for Mattel Creations, Mattel's design-driven platform celebrating the intersection of pop culture, fandom, and play . This partnership introduces a new chapter in the brand's legacy, combining imaginative storytelling with elevated design, all inspired by the heart of Milan. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Polly Pocket™ Steps into High Fashion with GCDS in Special Edition Mattel Creations™ Collaboration GCDS and Polly Pocket began their story in 2018 with a collection debuting on GCDS' Milan Fashion Week SS19 runway and expanded the partnership with a special edition of the Heart Bag debuting during GCDS' Fall/Winter 2024 runway show, 'Toys for Adults.' The bag's transparent shell opened just like the beloved Polly Pocket compacts of the past, with a charming lineup of miniature Polly Pocket figures inside, ready to add a dose of nostalgia and whimsy to any day. Back again for a playful blend of fashion and nostalgia, Polly Pocket has partnered with GCDS to showcase a highly curated capsule collection and collectible compact that reflects both brands' shared appreciation for creativity, individuality, and cultural expression. Designed by GCDS Creative Director Giuliano Calza, the collection draws deeply from cultural roots, infusing the Polly universe with a distinctly modern Italian perspective. At the center of the collaboration is a compact inspired by classic Polly Pocket playsets and brought to life with details inspired by Italian lifestyle and urban charm. From Milanese street scenes to gelato, the reimagined compact celebrates the power of play in a contemporary design. 'Polly Pocket has always used its tiny worlds to inspire big imagination,' said Chris Down, Chief Design Officer, Mattel. 'With GCDS, that sense of wonder takes on a bold new form—where fashion, nostalgia, and creative freedom converge. Giuliano's vision transforms a beloved icon into something unexpected and delightfully expressive.' 'Redesigning Polly Pocket marks a personal milestone,' said Giuliano Calza, Creative Director, GCDS. 'Ever since I was a kid, the moment I thought of something beautiful, those pastel cases would appear in my mind like a reflex. These tiny toys were magical representations of a bigger world—small enough to hold in your palm, but powerful enough to unlock entire scenarios and fantasies. That feeling shaped me. I've built my creative universe on the idea that 'cute' isn't superficial—it's a bold, emotional language of contemporary culture.' 'With this launch, I didn't just redesign a toy—I encapsulated my world into a new pocketworld,' said Calza. 'And I hope it resonates with the GCDS community and Polly lovers around the globe with the same emotional intensity it holds for me. Because when nostalgia meets design, it becomes desire.' In Milan on July 16th to commemorate the launch, Polly Pocket and GCDS will welcome fans into a fully immersive experience inspired by Polly's miniature universe, complete with interactive installations and the chance to purchase the Polly Pocket X GCDS Compact, merchandising, and selected items from the capsule collection. For the ones who will buy on site, there will be the chance to taste Polly Pocket themed food. The capsule collection and limited quantities of the Polly Pocket X GCDS Compact will be available starting July 16th exclusively on and then available on Mattel Creations, Mattel's design-driven platform celebrating the intersection of pop culture, fandom, and play, starting July 18 th. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at About GCDS Giuliano Calza Design Studio is a Milan-based fashion house established in 2015 by brothers Giuliano and Giordano Calza who lead the brand as Creative Director and CEO. Renowned for its vibrant aesthetic and streetwear sensibility, GCDS merges Italian craftsmanship with bold pop culture references to cultivate a distinctive and inclusive fashion identity. Recognized for its playful visual language, and imaginative capsule collections, GCDS has emerged as a global emblem of the new wave of Made in Italy. From pioneering metaverse fashion shows to high-profile collaborations with industry icons such as Carine Roitfeld, GCDS has drawn a large pop community of international celebrities and icons that identify with its free and inclusive universe. With a well-established presence in Italy and Asia, and an ambitious growth strategy across Europe and the United States, GCDS continues to shape the future of contemporary fashion through originality, inclusivity, and uncompromising creativity. View source version on CONTACT: For press inquiries, contact: Devin Duff [email protected] Greene [email protected] KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA EUROPE UNITED STATES ITALY NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FASHION FAMILY TOYS ONLINE RETAIL RETAIL CONSUMER SOURCE: Mattel, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/16/2025 12:00 AM/DISC: 07/16/2025 12:00 AM
Fox News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Kylie Jenner sets pulses racing in polka-dot bikini photos ahead of summer swimsuit launch
Kylie Jenner is turning heads while teasing her latest collaboration. The 27-year-old "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star posed for photos in a few different bikinis, as she teased her upcoming collaboration with the swimwear company, Frankies Bikinis, on Instagram. In the series of photos, the mother of two can be seen staring into the camera while taking a selfie in a black and white polka-dot string bikini. Another snap shows her sitting outside in the same swimsuit, while another shows her wearing a white bikini, although her head is cropped out of the photo. "TOMORROW ☁️ frankies bikinis x @khy launches at 9am pt or shop it an hour early by signing up at the link in bio," she wrote in the caption. Her collaboration with the swimwear brand comes nearly two years after she launched her clothing line, Khy, in November 2023. Fans in the comments section flooded the comments section with excitement about the upcoming collaboration, with one writing "Literally can't wait!!😍😍" and another adding, "see you tm!!!!" Jenner has also been teasing her collaboration with the swimwear company on her personal Instagram, posting photos of herself in a number of bikinis while on vacation in Greece. One of the posts features Jenner enjoying her vacation on a yacht, while dressed in a yellow string bikini which also features black designs. She can be seen in the same bikini while rinsing off, as well as taking a dip in a creek on shore in a nude bikini, in addition to many other snaps of her in swimwear. The reality star recently fought back against claims she used Ozempic to lose weight, telling British Vogue in August 2024 "people didn't give me, or give women in general, enough empathy" after having children. "I see pictures [online] and people are accusing me of being on drugs or something," she continued. "I'm back at my weight I was before I had my daughter and son and people are putting side by sides of me three months postpartum. I'm like: 'Does everyone forget that I had two children and I gained 60 pounds both pregnancies?'" She explained that soon after losing her baby weight after having her daughter Stormi, 6, she got pregnant with her son Aire, 2, both of whom she shares with her ex, rapper Travis Scott. Aside from getting her body back, Jenner detailed suffering from extensive postpartum depression following both her pregnancies, noting later that she wouldn't change her circumstances. "No matter what I'm going through or what I look like or what the internet writes about me that day," she started, "I come home and my kids just love me unconditionally. They're just obsessed with me and that's taught me to walk through life a little easier. I'm like, 'OK, well I have these little humans at home that need me and love me and think I'm the most perfect person in the world, so I don't really need validation from outside sources.'"
