Latest news with #opportunities
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Why are young people leaving Channel Islands?
Jersey's chief minister has said the number of young people leaving the Channel Islands to live and work elsewhere was one of the "greatest challenges" facing to the Government of Jersey, the population of people aged 20-29 has been decreasing over the past five years, down from 12,080 in 2017 to 10,990 in census data showed there were 7,212 people aged 20-29 in the island in March 2023, down on the 7,590 recorded in Roberts, 22, has fond memories of growing up in Jersey but opportunities off the island beckoned for her and so she moved away. "Jersey is very focused on the financial sector and this was something I didn't see myself going into," said said. "I'm very creative and I love design, so I thought there were a lot more opportunities for what I wanted to do in London."It is young adults like Ms Roberts the governments of Jersey and Guernsey are hoping to lure back to help reverse a declining population of 20 to Roberts started a London-based restaurant recommendation app called Scran with her boyfriend after leaving said many of her friends who still living in Jersey were working in the finance sector."In terms of other things, like if you want to start your own business, or if you want to go into the creative industry, I feel like more personally more work could be done in that area to try and keep people within," she said. For others, the desire to fly the nest is a major accountant Beth Rainbow, 28, said simply wanting to "experience life in a different city" drew her to the UK capital about three years ago."It came out of the choice of wanting to grow and seeing what is outside of Jersey and experience life in a different place," she said."It was just the natural next step for me." Asked whether she would return to the island, she said: "In my mind I would love to come back home."But I think it's the expense thing."Jersey is obviously very expensive to buy a property to stay [and] the cost of living compared to some places in the UK."I can see why so many people are moving away." Speaking in the States, Jersey's chief minister Lyndon Farnham acknowledged housing affordability was one of the biggest problems and it was vital "young people not only see a future for themselves in Jersey but can afford to build that future here".He said: "We are continuing to increase the supply of affordable family homes, releasing more land for development and redevelopment, and expanding schemes that help young islanders take their first step on the property ladder." Eleanor Wallis, 25, who moved from Guernsey at 18 for university, said she came to enjoy the variety of opportunities in London."As someone who is interested in travel and other cultures, I decided that the next best place would be London, as a multicultural city with opportunities in international companies, where I could perhaps travel or move in the future," she said."Whilst I still like visiting Guernsey, I've come to enjoy the options afforded by a large city and many of my friends are now also living in or around London." Chloe Price, 25, who moved to the UK from Guernsey, said cheaper rents off the island were a "huge benefit".Ultimately, however, she said she was drawn back by her family."We moved back home because we missed seeing our family so often and the cost of flying back to see them was a big expense," she said."In Guernsey, everything is within closer proximity - it's much easier to achieve a work/life balance here." Jersey deputy Karen Wilson said it was important young people had the chance to "get off the island to explore other cultures and to have different experiences".However, she added it was equally important the island "help people value what we have here". Miss Roberts said the quieter life offered in Jersey ultimately might be what helps draw her back."I love being by water and when I'm in London, I do really miss looking out to the sea," she said."I think it's good to explore the opportunities, but maybe in the future."It's obviously a great place to come back to and raise a family."
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Don't be arrogant': Zahid hits back at critics of his NZ working visit, says Malaysia must be ready to learn from others
WELLINGTON, July 18 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed regret over the actions of certain quarters who belittled his working visit to New Zealand. He said such criticisms were inappropriate and served only to undermine his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for Malaysia. 'In every working visit, my primary objective is to acquire knowledge, exchange experiences, and identify strategic areas that can benefit the country and the people,' he said. 'Politics will always be a subject of discussion among politicians, be it ministers, deputy prime ministers, or even prime ministers who are abroad, but such cynicism should not be entertained. 'What is important in working visits, or official visits, are valuable opportunities to gain insights and discover areas not yet developed in Malaysia, which can then be explored,' he told Malaysian journalists at the end of a five-day working visit to New Zealand here today. Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and John K Samuel, the Undersecretary of the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that sincerity and openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn from other countries should be prioritised-rather than being caught in a cycle of unconstructive criticism. 'If it's good, ask your friends. If it's not good, ask your enemies. Enemies are those who dislike we do will never be good enough for them. But don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant. Don't be arrogant,' he emphasised. He also expressed disappointment that some of the cynicism came from individuals with religious backgrounds who, he said, voiced their opinions without prudence, ultimately undermining the spirit of cooperation and national development. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said his five-day working visit to New Zealand had opened a new chapter in strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and the Oceanian nation. The visit covered various sectors, including education, the halal industry, disaster management, trade, agriculture, and the empowerment of the Orang Asli community through engagements with the Maori community. During the five-day working visit, Ahmad Zahid held bilateral meetings with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Minister for Maori Development Tama Potaka, Minister for Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti. The working visit is part of Malaysia's efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations with strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, the value of Malaysia-New Zealand trade amounted to RM10.72 billion, making Malaysia the second-largest trading partner among ASEAN countries for New Zealand. — Bernama
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
5 Questions I Ask Before Saying Yes to Something New
A simple five-question filter to help entrepreneurs decide which opportunities to pursue by staying true to their mission, strengths and vision for sustainable, meaningful growth. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When I first started out, I said yes to everything. That's what most entrepreneurs do. You're in build mode, and you don't want to miss an opportunity, so you keep stacking your calendar and pushing forward. But at some point, all that saying yes becomes a liability. For me, it showed up in the form of distractions. I was spending time on things that didn't align with our strengths, didn't serve our customers, and, if I'm honest, didn't energize me or my team. I knew I needed a filter to evaluate the flood of opportunities that came our way. So I built one. Today, before we say yes to anything new, whether it's a product, a partnership or a big initiative, we run it through five simple but powerful questions. These questions keep us focused on what we do best, what we care about, and where we're going next. If you're growing fast or feeling stretched thin, this filter might help you, too. Related: The 6 Questions I Ask Before I Say 'Yes' to Anything 1. What impact does this have on our growth? This is where I start. Growth has to be part of the outcome, but not just revenue growth. It could mean increasing market share, expanding into a strategic niche, building our portfolio or even improving our internal skillset. But it has to move the business forward in a meaningful way. I've learned to look beyond the obvious. Sometimes, a new opportunity creates a door into a customer segment that wasn't accessible before. That initial entry point might not be your biggest revenue driver, but it can position you to offer more impactful solutions down the line. That's what I call high-leverage growth: something that generates momentum, not just motion. 2. Does it align with our unique ability? Our team has a specific strength: bringing farmer-invented, field-tested products to market using a distinctive blend of marketing and sales strategy. We don't just distribute tools — we tell their story, build trust and get them in front of the right people. When we stay in that lane, we win. But I've stepped outside that lane before. I once took on a project simply because I liked the person behind it. Their product wasn't all that different from what was already on the market, and it didn't play to our strengths. We eventually had to walk away from it, and in hindsight, we never should have said yes. Every founder needs to know what they're really, really good at. And once you've defined it, you've got to guard it. Related: Answer These 7 Questions Before Starting Your Side Business 3. Does it reflect our mission and values? At Thunderstruck, our mission is clear: we connect farmers with innovative products that solve real-world problems. That word, innovative, is a dealbreaker. If a product isn't different or better, if it doesn't solve something in a smarter way, it's not a fit for us. We don't need a checklist to sniff out misalignment. We know our values, things like integrity, respect and long-term thinking. If we're evaluating a potential partner or opportunity and something feels off, we trust that instinct. As a founder, the minute you start making decisions that don't line up with who you are or why you started, the whole foundation starts to crack. You lose clarity. Your team feels it. And eventually, so does your customer. 4. Does success mean more freedom or less? A lot of entrepreneurs chase growth at all costs, only to realize later that they've built themselves a cage. Years ago, I found myself in that spot. I was pouring time, energy and resources into a technically successful venture, but it left me with zero flexibility. I was running two businesses at once and had no space to breathe. That experience taught me a critical truth: if an opportunity doesn't create more freedom, it's not real growth. These days, I only say yes to things that give our team more room to move, not more weight to carry. Related: Every Successful Business Has Bad Reviews — Even Mine. Here's How I Tackle Negative Feedback. 5. Is it going to be fun? Most entrepreneurs don't think about fun when they're evaluating a new opportunity. They think about growth, scale and execution. But if the work doesn't energize you or your team, that momentum won't last. Fun doesn't mean it has to be easy. It means the challenge feels worth it. It means your people are leaning in, not checking out. You can feel the difference when something clicks. The team is engaged. Ideas are flowing. There's energy in the room. And you can feel it when that spark isn't there. The room is quiet. Progress slows. Nobody's excited to pick it up again. I've been on both sides. When we take on something that excites us, we perform better. Sales get sharper. Marketing gets more creative. The whole company runs stronger. Founders often overlook joy because it doesn't show up on a spreadsheet. But if you plan to grow something meaningful, it has to be sustainable. Joy is what keeps the engine running. Ignore it, and everything slows down. Prioritize it, and everything moves faster. At the end of the day, opportunity isn't the hard part. The world's full of shiny pitches, good ideas and people who want your time. The hard part is knowing what's yours to chase and what's just noise. That's what this filter does. It clears the static. It keeps your team focused, your values intact and your growth sustainable. Because in the end, it's not about how much you can take on. It's about becoming the kind of leader who knows what truly deserves your time.
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
How to build a personal brand that fast-tracks your career
What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word 'personal branding?' Does it make your mind brim with possibility—or make you roll your eyes? We've been conditioned to think of personal branding as the domain of influencers, LinkedIn gurus, or people who refer to themselves in the third person. But what if your personal brand wasn't an online gimmick? What if it's something deeper, an insight into what makes you valuable and engaging? Brands, especially personal ones, are built on trust and positive association. Think about celebrities. Since the dawn of marketing, companies have used them to sell products. Whether it's athletes launching shoe lines or musicians turning into moguls, it's not the endorsement itself that holds power: it's the intangible trust they've cultivated over time. The same dynamic is available to you, too. When done well, a personal brand transcends your current role or business. It shapes how people describe you when you're not in the room. It opens doors you didn't know existed. It creates compounding returns in credibility, connections, and opportunities. And in today's AI -driven age, where digital presence speaks before you do, it's important to get it right. According to LinkedIn's annual global talent trends report, about eight in ten executives plan to hire this year. Their top priority? Soft skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, and team leadership. Where do you think decision-makers look for evidence of these? Online, in your ideas, interactions, and network. So, here are my top three ways to start cultivating your secret growth lever—your personal brand. Treat Your Online Presence as your 24/7 Résumé If someone Googled you right now, would they find something that makes them say, 'We need that person?' This isn't about chasing likes or follower counts. It's about being credible and memorable. Whether it's LinkedIn, Substack, or your website, people are forming impressions of you based on what they find—or don't. Engagement isn't the only metric. In my own career, I once went for a job interview, heard nothing back, and four years later was invited to coffee by the same person. It turns out they had silently followed my work the whole time. You never know who's watching. Your digital footprint is your passive nudge to the world: 'I'm here, I'm an expert at this, and I care.' Have a Memorable Answer to 'What Do You Do?' Most people dread this question. Don't default to something bland like 'I'm a strategist.' That's a missed opportunity. Instead, start with your strengths, link them to what you do, and finish with what you care about. For example, here's how I pitch myself: 'Let me start with what I am good at, what I do, and why. I build trust quickly across all groups. I also have a commercial mind that grows companies, but understands how human behavior gets in the way. With my skills, I build great places to work which are aligned and profitable, with a high-performing culture. Smart companies hire the best over bias, and that decision creates a ripple effect, reducing inequality and domestic violence.' See how I am bidding for connection, then a transaction, but also outlining my expertise? I care about their profit, and I share why I do. Now that's more interesting than 'I'm a strategist,' right? Build Beyond Your Usual Network Once upon a time, I believed that if I worked hard, my workplace would see my brilliance. But people are busy. Exhausted, even. If you're only known inside your current bubble, you're invisible elsewhere. This is where 'weak ties' become powerful. Sociologist Mark Granovetter's well-known paper explains how opportunities often come from acquaintances, rather than your inner circle. Why? Because they connect you to different networks. When I pivoted into the technology sector, I knew no one. But I started showing up eager to learn, at events, online, in conversations. I carried a standout briefcase that sparked curiosity. Eventually, I was invited to speak, something I'd never done before. If I'd stayed in my old circles, those doors would never have opened. Yes, it can be awkward. But over time, you'll see how generous and wonderful people can be. You don't need to do all these things perfectly. Just start. Trust builds over time. And consistency is your compound interest. Ask yourself this: if someone else with a stronger personal brand, but half your capability, gets the opportunity you wanted, how will you feel? It happens all the time. We've all seen average products with better marketing outperform the good stuff. So, if you're job hunting, pitching, or looking to grow, remember: you're the product. And your brand? It's the story that sells.
UAE Moments
14-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Your Daily Career Tarot Card Reading for July 15th, 2025
15.7.25 The Wheel of Fortune: What you thought was a sure thing may turn out to be not so. That job, client, or business deal that seemed so certain could show signs of wavering - and might soon disappear from your life or change irreparably. Bearing this is mind, it helps to prepare for the future by looking out for new opportunities. One of them might even be better than the original.
