Latest news with #lifelonglearning
Associated Press
19-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
'Retired But Ready' Debuts as the Go-To Digital Space for Retirees Seeking Purpose, Connection, and Growth
Retired But Ready (RBR) is an online network where retirees connect, share expertise, find jobs, join groups, and earn RetCoins for active engagement. 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.'— C. S. Lewis HONG KONG, July 19, 2025 / / -- Retired But Ready (RBR), a pioneering online community, announces its official launch, offering a vibrant digital space exclusively for platform is designed to empower individuals who have concluded their primary careers but remain eager to stay socially connected, share knowledge, and pursue continued personal and professional growth. By focusing solely on retirees' unique needs and aspirations, RBR offers a supportive ecosystem that fosters engagement, learning, and meaningful interaction. A New Era for Retirees RBR distinguishes itself from mainstream social platforms by focusing solely on the needs and aspirations of retirees. Through personalized profiles, global networking, and specialized groups, RBR creates a supportive ecosystem tailored to those who have concluded their primary careers but remain eager to engage, learn, and contribute. Mission Highlights: - Facilitating the sharing of life experiences and professional insights. - Fostering networking among retirees worldwide. - Promoting lifelong learning and skill development. - Providing access to curated part-time and full-time job opportunities. - Hosting webinars and workshops on a wide range of topics. - Rewarding engagement through a unique digital currency called RetCoins, which members can redeem in an exclusive online marketplace, Membership is free, ensuring accessibility for retirees everywhere who wish to remain socially connected and intellectually active. Key Features and Benefits 1. Exclusive Networking for Retirees RBR offers a unique space for 'RetPros'—retired professionals from fields such as engineering, medicine, law, aviation, business, and more. The platform's intelligent algorithm recommends connections and groups based on users' backgrounds and interests, fostering meaningful interactions and combating social isolation, a common challenge among seniors. 2. Knowledge Sharing Groups Members can join diverse knowledge-sharing communities focused on topics like finance, health, arts, and technology. These forums facilitate the exchange of ideas, mentoring, and collaborative learning, allowing retirees to both impart and gain valuable knowledge. 3. Tailored Job Opportunities Understanding that many retirees wish to remain professionally active or supplement their income, RBR features job listings curated specifically for RetPros. These include consulting roles, part-time jobs, and flexible full-time positions, with companies able to post directly to the platform. 4. Webinars and Skill Development RBR will soon launch online webinars and workshops covering a broad spectrum of interests—banking, law, yoga, meditation, and more. These initiatives provide continuous learning opportunities, helping retirees stay mentally sharp and engaged. 5. RetCoins: A Digital Currency To reward participation and foster community engagement, RBR introduces RetCoins. Members earn RetCoins through platform activities and can use them to shop for exclusive products on creating a dynamic internal economy that incentivizes active involvement. 6. Integration with JunPro RBR is developing JunPro, a sister platform for individuals aged 25 to 50. This extension will enable intergenerational collaboration, knowledge exchange, and job opportunities, broadening the ecosystem's impact. Addressing Critical Needs in Today's World Combating Social Isolation Loneliness among seniors is a growing concern, often linked to adverse health outcomes. RBR addresses this by fostering genuine social connections, enabling members to form friendships, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community. Leveraging Decades of Expertise RetPros possess invaluable experience. RBR facilitates the transfer of this expertise to younger generations and peers through mentoring, discussions, and job opportunities, benefiting individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Promoting Lifelong Learning and Economic Empowerment RBR encourages continuous learning through its educational offerings, supporting cognitive health and personal fulfillment. By connecting retirees with job opportunities and enabling them to monetize their skills, RBR also promotes financial independence and security. To join the RBR community: Create a Profile: Register at highlighting your interests and background. Join Groups: Explore and participate in knowledge-sharing groups. Connect Globally: Network with RetPros worldwide. Explore Jobs: Find roles that fit your skills and lifestyle. Participate in Webinars: Engage in upcoming skill development sessions. Earn & Use RetCoins: Shop in the platform's marketplace with earned RetCoins. Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future RBR envisions expanding its offerings with more online courses, enhanced job creation through partnerships, a robust RetCoins economy, and stronger intergenerational bridges via collaborative projects and mentorship. This forward-thinking approach positions RBR as a global leader in empowering retirees to live purposeful, connected, and impactful lives. For more information or to become a member, visit Pardeshi Gaurav A Adesiflava Pvt Ltd. +852 9543 3660 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Headway Inc Launches New Era of Lifelong Learning Backed by Bullhound Capital
LONDON, July 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Headway Inc, a full-scale consumer tech platform revolutionising lifelong learning, raised investment from Bullhound Capital, a leading global technology investment firm. This strategic investment enables Headway Inc to accelerate product development, expand internationally, and strengthen its knowledge-driven ecosystem. Since its founding in 2019, Headway Inc has grown into one of the most recognised names in consumer EdTech, reaching 150 million downloads across 170+ countries. With 100% year-over-year growth, the company has achieved profitability while scaling its global impact. Its flagship apps — Headway, Impulse, and Nibble — consistently rank among the top on global app stores, reflecting strong demand for habit-forming learning solutions. The platform delivers personalised learning experiences, including book summaries, brain-training games, and social skills development, empowering users to learn and grow seamlessly. "Headway Inc is a prime example of how personalized and gamified experiences are reshaping consumer engagement at scale. Their vision is closely aligned with Bullhound Capital's mission to disrupt outdated systems and champion the use of AI tools to solve real-world problems. We are delighted to invest in this round, providing both financial backing and strategic guidance to help Headway Inc expand its presence in new markets," said Per Roman, Founder and Managing Partner at Bullhound Capital. With new investment, Headway Inc is launching a European hub in Madrid to grow its brand and speed up product innovation and regional expansion. This milestone also coincides with another major achievement: being named a Top 4 company on TIME's 2025 World's Top EdTech Companies list, underscoring its global leadership in educational technology. "At Headway Inc, we are on a mission to help people grow by making lifelong learning not only accessible but truly engaging and impactful. This investment allows us to scale our technology, expand into new markets, and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of modern learners. We are excited to welcome Per Roman, Founder and Managing Partner of Bullhound Capital, to our Board, strengthening our governance and strategic direction," said Anton Pavlovsky, Founder & CEO of Headway Inc. In response to the demands of the ever-evolving world, the partnership empowers Headway Inc to further unroll a new era of lifelong learning, tailored to digital-first generations who are too often written off as distracted. Rather than competing for attention, Headway Inc aims to complement the rhythm of modern life, supporting ongoing growth through personalised and focused learning sessions. "This partnership represents a significant milestone in Headway Inc's journey, bringing strategic validation to our vision of transforming the lifelong learning market. The investment is a natural evolution of our long-standing relationship with Bullhound Capital, built on their deep expertise in consumer subscription software," said Oleksandr Yaroshenko, Chief of Staff at Headway Inc. Bullhound Capital made this investment through its Fund VI, which also supports late-stage ventures such as Q-CTRL, LeoLabs, EcoVadis, CoverManager, Mentimeter, Sanity, and Sesame HR. This is Series A funding for Headway Inc. It also represents the largest investment through Bullhound Capital's Fund VI to date. About Headway Inc Headway Inc is a global consumer tech company that revolutionizes lifelong learning. The company develops digital educational products that make knowledge more accessible, personalized, and impactful for over 150 million users worldwide. Previously known as Headway, the company officially evolved into Headway Inc in April 2025. Headway Inc is the creator of Headway, the world's most downloaded book summary app, Impulse, a top-ranked brain training app, Nibble, an all-around knowledge app, and other innovative learning solutions. Recognized by TIME, Global Silicon Valley, and HolonIQ, Headway Inc continues to transform the way people learn. For more information, visit: About Bullhound Capital Bullhound Capital is the investment management arm of GP Bullhound, building with founders creating category-leading technology companies. With over €1 billion under management and 25 years of performance, it has invested in global leaders like Spotify, Slack, Klarna, Unity, and EcoVadis. Operating from 13 offices worldwide, its platform delivers hands-on, founder-focused support across strategy, growth, and execution. From quantum to entertainment, Bullhound Capital backs global leaders applying Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world problems. For more information, visit: View source version on Contacts For inquiries, please contact: Olha RodeGlobal PR Manager at Headway Incpress@ 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
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Leadership Traits That Matter More Than Ever In An AI-Driven Economy
leadership traits that matter even more in an AI-driven economy Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace. As AI takes over routine tasks and processes data faster than humans ever could, a counterintuitive truth has emerged: the most timeless leadership qualities aren't becoming obsolete — they're becoming indispensable. Many executives assume AI will replace human leadership. In reality, the opposite is happening. As technology takes center stage, distinctly human skills are more valuable than ever. The rapid rise of AI is increasing — not diminishing — the premium on emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. The World Economic Forum identifies several key traits as critical for future-ready leadership, including analytical and creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, social influence, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Self-management, collaboration, empathy, integrity, and the ability to motivate teams also rank high — all qualities no machine can replicate. Here are five leadership traits growing in importance as AI reshapes the economy — and why they matter more now than ever. Emotional Intelligence: Your AI-Proof Competitive Advantage Seventy-one percent of hiring managers in a CareerBuilder survey said they value emotional intelligence in an employee more than IQ. This statistic predates the AI boom—imagine how much more crucial emotional intelligence becomes when machines can augment technical skills. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies in understanding where AI excels and where human skills must lead. For example, when AI flags a drop in team sentiment but leaders fail to engage with empathy or curiosity, the issue may deepen rather than resolve. Consider this example: AI can analyze thousands of employee communications to detect declining morale. But only a leader with emotional intelligence can have the difficult conversation with a struggling team member, read between the lines of what they're saying, and provide genuine support that rebuilds trust. Adaptability: Leading Teams Through AI-Driven Change AI doesn't just bring change—it accelerates the pace of change across every industry. Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming how organizations operate, but this transformation extends far beyond technical implementation. Leaders who thrived in predictable environments now face constant upheaval. The half-life of specific skills shrinks while the need for leaders who can navigate uncertainty grows. This isn't about learning new AI software—it's about maintaining composure and direction when the rules change on a monthly basis. Consider this example: A retail chain's AI system suddenly recommends drastically different inventory patterns based on new consumer behavior data. An adaptable leader doesn't panic or reject the recommendation outright; instead, they contemplate it. Instead, they quickly assemble cross-functional teams to validate the insights, pilot test the changes in select locations, and adjust their supply chain strategy all while keeping employees informed and engaged throughout the transition. Decision-Making: Human Judgment in an AI-Data World AI provides more data than leaders have ever had access to. Paradoxically, this doesn't make decisions easier—it makes human judgment more critical. While AI can provide insights and analyses, it lacks the intrinsic human ability to understand emotion, culture, and nuance. Data tells you what happened; wisdom tells you what to do about it. When AI recommends laying off 20% of your workforce based on efficiency metrics, a leader must weigh factors no algorithm can process: company culture, employee morale, long-term reputation, and ethical implications. Consider this example: An automated system might analyze productivity data and recommend letting go of employees who log fewer hours. But a wise leader knows that traditional metrics often miss the creative and strategic contributions those employees bring. The most effective leaders in an AI-driven economy won't be the ones who follow algorithms unquestioningly. They'll be the ones who pair machine insights with human judgment — making decisions that drive results while respecting the people behind the numbers. Communication: Building Trust in an AI-Mediated Workplace As work becomes more digital and shaped by AI, transparent and authentic communication is more critical than ever. Sure, AI can write emails and put together slide decks — but it can't earn trust in a crisis or rally a team through tough changes. When layoffs are on the table or big decisions shake people's sense of stability, no one wants to hear from a bot. They want a leader who speaks honestly, acknowledges the human cost, and helps them see a path forward. Consider this example: A company implements AI-powered customer service, leading to employee fears about job security. Instead of hiding behind a generic memo about 'efficiency improvements,' a good leader speaks to their team directly. They acknowledge people's concerns, explain how roles will actually be affected, and share clear opportunities for retraining. This kind of honest, human-centered communication builds trust in a way no automated message ever could. Resilience: Thriving Through Continuous AI Disruption Previous generations of leaders dealt with periodic disruptions followed by stable periods. AI creates continuous disruption. Globally, more than 10% of workers hired today have job titles that didn't exist in 2000 (in the US, the figure is closer to 20%). Leaders today need resilience — not just to handle the occasional setback, but to navigate the constant uncertainty that comes with rapid AI advances. The pressure of nonstop change takes a toll on everyone, from top executives to frontline teams. Those who can stay optimistic, focused, and clear-headed in the face of it all are becoming more valuable than ever. Consider this example: A manufacturing company faces its third significant AI-driven process change in two years. Employees are experiencing fatigue and resistance to change. A resilient leader doesn't push harder or ignore the pushback; instead, they respond effectively. They acknowledge the difficulty, celebrate small wins from previous changes, and create "stability anchors"—consistent practices and values that remain unchanged—while guiding the team through the latest transition. The Human Leadership Premium in an AI World The irony of the AI revolution is that it has the potential to make us more human, not less. As machines handle routine cognitive tasks, the uniquely human aspects of leadership—such as empathy, wisdom, inspiration, and moral judgment—become the primary sources of competitive advantage. The leaders who will thrive in an AI economy aren't those who compete with machines, but those who excel at the things machines cannot do: understanding human motivation, building trust, creating meaning, and making ethical decisions under pressure. Rather than replacing these timeless leadership qualities, AI amplifies their importance. Human-centered leadership isn't a relic of the past—it's the key to thriving in an AI-driven future.
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Lifelong learning for economic justice by building knowledge hubs in low-income areas — Ahmad Ibrahim
JULY 9 — We live in a competitive world. Nations, businesses, and individuals compete. Nations compete to sustain the economy. Businesses compete to sustain profits. Individuals compete to secure the best jobs and live well. In a world driven by knowledge and innovation, those with the most knowledge benefit the most. The only way to acquire knowledge is through learning. That is why education is so strategic. It is not enough being educated only up to the tertiary higher education level. Learning is a life-long affair. This is because knowledge is never static. Old knowledge becomes obsolete fast as new knowledge emerges through research. Keeping up with the latest knowledge can be a struggle. Unless one embraces lifelong learning. A significant contributor to the non-equitable world is the differences in knowledge power. The rich are able to accumulate more knowledge than the poor. This inevitably leads to much economic injustice. The rich poor gap continues to widen. We see such phenomenon in literally all countries, especially those which practise capitalism. Many believe lifelong learning can contribute to economic justice. The Merdeka 118 Tower, also known as Menara 118, is a skyscraper located in Kuala Lumpur. According to the author, lifelong learning is a powerful tool for economic justice, but systemic inequities must be addressed to ensure it benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. — Unsplash pic This refers to the fair access to resources, opportunities, and wealth distribution, enabling individuals to thrive regardless of their socioeconomic background. Lifelong learning, the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one's life, plays a crucial role in advancing economic justice. Automation and AI are now seen displacing traditional jobs. Lifelong learning helps workers adapt, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving labor markets. Digital literacy programmes enable marginalised groups to access remote work, freelancing, and tech-driven industries. Education and training provide pathways for low-income individuals to secure higher-paying jobs. Business training and financial literacy empower people to start their own enterprises, fostering wealth creation. Online courses such as MOOCs, micro-credentials, and community-based programmes make education more affordable and accessible. Validating skills gained through work experience helps non-traditional learners compete fairly. Programmes for formerly incarcerated individuals, refugees, and school dropouts help reintegrate them into the economy. Older workers stay employable longer, reducing age-based discrimination. Governments and corporations investing in free or subsidised training reduce education disparities. Unions and advocacy groups use lifelong learning to prepare workers for green jobs and fair wage negotiations. Despite its benefits, systemic barriers prevent lifelong learning from fully advancing economic justice. Many cannot afford tuition, certification fees, or even internet access for online learning. Low-wage workers may lack time or resources to study while working multiple jobs. Even with new skills, marginalised groups face discrimination in the job markets. Poor-quality schools in disadvantaged areas limit foundational learning. Rural and low-income communities may not have reliable internet or devices for e-learning. AI-driven hiring and upskilling platforms may reinforce biases. Training programmes sometimes do not align with employer demands. Employers may undervalue self-taught or informal skills. Juggling work, family, and education can be overwhelming. Older adults or low-skilled workers may feel discouraged from re-entering education. Need to work to remove such stigma. To maximise lifelong learning's role in economic justice, solutions include subsidised and free learning through government-funded programmes, employer-sponsored upskilling where tax incentives are given for companies investing in worker training, and community learning hubs in the form of local libraries and NGOs offering free courses. We need policy reforms which include stronger labour protections, universal broadband, and anti-discrimination laws. Lifelong learning is a powerful tool for economic justice, but systemic inequities must be addressed to ensure it benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. A combination of policy reforms, corporate responsibility, and grassroots education initiatives can help bridge the gap. When everyone has the chance to continuously learn, it stimulates broader economic participation. This means more people contributing productively to the economy, more diversity in entrepreneurship and innovation, a wider tax base and reduced dependency on welfare systems. This benefits not just individuals, but entire communities and national economies. Parents who engage in lifelong learning tend to value and encourage education in their children, creating a culture of self-improvement and upward mobility. Over time, this reduces poverty traps and enhances social equity. In volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments, continuous learning prepares people to handle crises, whether economic downturns, technological disruptions, or pandemics. Communities that value learning can adapt faster, recover quicker, and innovate new livelihoods. Lifelong learning is not a luxury, it's a social justice tool. By investing in accessible, inclusive, and relevant education for all ages, societies can promote economic justice, enabling fair chances for everyone to prosper in a rapidly changing world. *The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Alternative education rule change would change lives
Former alternative education student Hayley-Jane with her former teachers Rose McIlhone and Nathaniel Hakeagaiki. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen Tutors and teachers at last-chance education programmes say allowing them to keep struggling secondary students beyond the age of 16 would have a life-changing impact. Alternative education programmes enrol about 2000 teenagers a year who are at risk of disengaging from school, or already have disengaged. At a recent seminar in Wellington, their staff told RNZ they had seen a big increase in enrolments by girls and young teens in recent years. They also warned warn that intermediate-age school children increasingly needed their services too. The programmes provided small-group tutoring, but staff said most students were not ready to learn until they had worked through social and mental issues, a process that could take months. Philo Heka is the manager of Koraunui in Stokes Valley, one of just two marae-based alt ed providers in the country. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen Former alternative education student Hayley-Jane said it had a huge impact on her life and on many of the other students she was with. But she had to leave when she turned 16. One of her former teachers Rose McIlhone - now an English teacher at Te Whare Taiohi, the alt ed programme run by the BGI boys and girls institute in Wellington - said the schemes would make an even bigger difference if they could keep students beyond the age of 16. "I think it would be huge. I think we need a year to build those relationships and then following that a year to do some real learning and help them connect to what comes next," she said. She said students arrived with complex needs and they increasingly seemed to have disengaged with learning earlier in their schooling. "Sometimes they come with mental health concerns, lots of trauma, but perhaps now there's bigger gaps in their learning and they may be disengaged from school at a younger age, so it starts happening at intermediate," she said. Jo Maunder is the head teacher at RLC alternative education in Wainuiomata. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen RLC alternative education in Wainuiomata head teacher Jo Maunder said when she started in the field 25 years ago, 90 percent of the students were boys. "But now we have almost half-and-half boys and girls, so there's been a lot more girls coming in to alternative ed in the last, I would say, 10 years. Big change in the mental health needs of our students, huge change in that, and also quite a big change in the amount of letters after their names. We've got ADH, ADD, ODD," she said. Maunder said she was also seeing more students in the younger age groups. "The students are getting younger and younger. We're actually only funded for three years from when the turn 13 to when they turn 16 but obviously when you end up in high school you're 12 so yeah, we are getting 12-year-olds," she said. Maunder said every alternative education provider should be funded to employ a registered teacher. "We are the last stop for students for formal education in New Zealand and our funding is so low that we can't even afford to hire teachers," she said. Philo Heka - the manager of Koraunui in Stokes Valley, one of just two marae-based alt ed providers in the country - said students should be able to choose to enrol in alternative education instead "It should be open to all young people who need that time out from school. I think if kids have a bit of time out, re-set, re-focus, things might be a little bit easier for them," she said. Lloyd Martin says three-quarters of the students engaging in alternative education did not return to regular secondary school. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen Lloyd Martin had been involved with alternative education for many years and recently completed doctoral research on it. He said the biggest change the sector needed was agreement on its purpose. "To get there, you have to fail in the school system. Perhaps a better pathway would be to recognise who needs to be there," he said. "There's 1800 places funded I think from memory. There's a lot more than 1800 kids who are missing school and need a better environment and why should you have to fail to get there." Martin said alternative education was officially regarded as something that fixed kids so they could return to regular secondary school, but three-quarters of its students did not return to school. "There is a group of kids often because of adversity and the stuff that's happened in their lives who just need a different environment to learn in. If they were from wealthy families, their parents would put them in a Steiner school or something like that," he said. Martin said schools now recognised the effects of neurodiversity on students, but they had not yet recognised the effects of trauma and adversity. "If we asked what do these kids need we would end up with a different model of funding," he said. Martin said more spending on alternative education would be a good investment for society. "It's probably a lot cheaper doing something when they're 14 than when they're 21 and in the justice system or stuck in the welfare system," he said. "If we could break some of those trajectories, shift some of them, we could save money in the longer term and be more humane in the process." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
