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Hearing-Impaired Woman Goes to Chick-fil-A - And the Employee Does Something That Goes Viral
Uplifting News

Hearing-Impaired Woman Goes to Chick-fil-A - And the Employee Does Something That Goes Viral

Communication is essential to daily life. It’s how we express ourselves, tell others what we need, and make social connections and bonds. So imagine living in a world where so few people speak your language, and how isolating that might feel.It’s a feeling one woman grew up with as a result of her hearing impairment. But that changed one special day when an employee at a local fast food joint signed back.Extra Special Chicken NuggetsTwenty-year-old Cynthia Walker and her mother, Terri Buelman, had heard there was a cashier at their local Chik-fil-A in Fayetteville, North Carolina, who knew ASL. So they went to the chicken joint in hopes of meeting her.Sure enough, when Walker approached high school senior Taylor Anez and signed her order, Anez signed right back. It was all caught on video, which Buelman posted to Chick-fil-A’s social media, where it went viral.The woman’s order was simple — chicken nuggets — but it was also a huge milestone. Unbeknownst to Anez, it was the first time Walker had ever been able to order for herself at a restaurant.“She has never been able to make her own order for fast food. I started signing with her, and she talked to me,” Anez told The Fayetteville Observer. “She was so happy. She smiled the whole time. It made me feel good about myself, being able to talk with her.”A Handy SkillAnez told the publication that she learned ASL growing up because of hearing-impaired family members. Her best friend is also hearing impaired, and it’s a skill she has used a lot in her life.When Chick-fil-A hired Anez, her managers had no idea she had the skill, however. Then, the video of her and Walker went viral. The restaurant has had a steady stream of hearing-impaired customers ever since.Store manager Jessica Rivera says people have called, sent messages via social media, and even connected with Anez to see when she would be working again. Many of them were calling on behalf of family members or friends who are hearing impaired.“They want them to experience normalcy,” Rivera told the publication. “Just being able to order food by themselves. That's what you want.”“It's something positive,” Buelman added of the viral reaction. “It gives hope to our future. We see so many things posted about teenagers and young people turning to crime. We do have kids in this generation that care and are making something of themselves. It's a wonderful thing.”Opening Up to New ExperiencesThis story highlights how important it is for any workplace to strive for inclusivity and to take skills like ASL or additional spoken languages into consideration when staffing up. People want to feel seen and heard, and being able to communicate in a common language is essential in making that happen.If we don’t manage employees, we too can try to up our own communication skills to help those around us. Consider learning ASL or another language. It won’t just help you to potentially communicate with those around you and make you more employable, but research indicates it’s also good for your brain.And if you don’t speak another language and come across someone who can’t speak yours, remember to lead with grace and patience. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and connecting is a universal experience.More from Goalcast:11-Year-Old Girl Who Sings in 8 Different Languages Becomes Youngest Opera Singer in the WorldAnxious Deaf Couple Tries a Popular Restaurant – Realizes the Chef Has Learnt Sign Language Just for ThemTeen Signs Into 64-Year-Old Blind and Deaf Passenger’s Hands to Make Him More Comfortable on Plane

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Ariana Grande, Including Keeping Her Ego in Check

You know her from her super-high ponytail and impressive vocals — but there’s definitely more to Ariana Grande than you realize. At the age of only 25, she’s considered one of the world’s top recording artists, with many of her hits topping the Billboard 200. What’s even more impressive is the fact she can do everything from pop to trap, and her fan base stays dedicated. Grande’s won Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, alongside a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards and three American Music Awards. She also uses her voice for activism — speaking boldly and brazenly about women’s and LGBT rights. All of this superpower — on and off the stage — has landed her on Time’s most influential people in the world lists in 2016 and 2019. Billboard also recognized her as "Woman of the Year" in 2018. Did we mention as of February 2019, she’s the most followed woman on Instagram with 155 million followers? Her net worth of $50 million continues to grow. Here’s how Ariana Grande balances all of the magic:She manifests her dreamsAsk any new life guru, astrologer, or life coach and they’ll shout from the rooftops just how important it is to adopt a manifestation practice. As the name suggests, this is when you visualize (and, more importantly, believe and trust) that those things you want are on their way to you. Most of the planet’s most successful business leaders, athletes, and performers have perfected this way of thinking, and well-- the ducks seem to line up in a row for them. Grande is no different — in fact, she’s been a fan of this idea since she was a kiddo. “When I was 6 years old, I just kind of decided that’s what I’m going to do with my life, period,” says Grande, who grew up in Boca Raton, Fla. “I manifested it. I knew I would. There was never really a doubt in my mind,” she told Billboard. If you want to test it yourself, create a vision board by cutting out words and images from magazines that you inspire you. These should be different aspects you think are missing from your life — like a relationship, the career you want, traveling opportunities — that you can look at every single day, and manifest them. She stands her ground, when necessaryThere’s a difference between being someone everyone likes to work with — and being an egomaniac. Though women are often given a bad rep for standing up for themselves or taking authority, men aren’t given the same character label for doing the same. Grande, a feminist, doesn’t let anyone or anything stand in her way — but she does it professionally. As she told Billboard, it’s often a shock to those she works with, and it gives her the respect she’s earned and deserves. “I’ve politely walked out of sessions before. It has happened. I’m a small girl. People tend to underestimate that. And then I sit down and comp my own vocals and can produce my own session, and they’re like ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could do that.’ I’m like, ‘Believe it or not, there are plenty of tiny women that can do this.’” Perhaps Grande says it best when she urges other people to be who they are, and not what’s expected from them: “you can be adorable and brilliant. You can be friendly and silly, and yet strong and indestructible. You can be professional and present and also sexual and fun.”She ignores the norms — and does her own thingWhen you’re rising through the ranks of whatever industry you choose, there are certain steps that everyone has gone through. You start here, you move up there, you do this then, and then you do that. But just because there is a historical record of how things were that doesn’t mean they have to keep on being that way. Grande is the shining example of that: her dream was to be a singer but to put music out the way a rapper does. “I feel like there are certain standards that pop women are held to that men aren't. We have to do the teaser before the single, then do the single, and wait to do the preorder, and radio has to impact before the video, and we have to do the discount on this day, and all this shit. It’s just like, ‘Bruh, I just want to fucking talk to my fans and sing and write music and drop it the way these boys do. Why do they get to make records like that and I don’t?’ So I do and I did and I am, and I will continue to,” she shared in an interview with Billboard. She keeps her ego in checkConsidering she’s worth $50 million (and counting), it’d be easy for Grande to let money get the best of her. But while she’s confident, she also wants to ensure her ego never gets out of control. This keeps her humble, focused — and ready for every new stage of her career. To do this, she practices gut and mental checks to remain aligned. As she told KIIS 1065: “If things are upsetting you, make sure your intention is correct like “why is this bothering me? Am I giving into my ego? Or is this a real problem? It’s very stressful going from a person who loves to sing, dance, perform, and make music to a person who is literally material for people to write blogs and dissect you. If I were to worry about that, that would be me giving into my ego. I try to not see it.” She does what’s good for her mental healthIf her hit song "thank u, next" doesn’t illustrate her feelings toward dating, then consider this about Grande: she protects her mental space. This doesn’t just mean in relationships, but in every aspect of her life. Especially as a creative, naysayers can have a major impact on your sense of self and creativity. That’s why she thinks carefully about who is in her life — and who shouldn’t be. It’s the advice she gives her millions of Instagram followers, too: "I just wanted to say hi and remind you guys to protect your peace and your energy and to not forget to take care of yourselves and protect your space. I just want to make sure that you don't run yourself to the ground, exhaust yourself and remember to protect your energy and do things that are good for you."For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate MiddletonDaily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Richard Branson, Including Accepting Failure

You know him as Richard Branson, the iconic leader behind Virgin Airlines but his technical title? Well, it’s a mouthful: Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson. Nope, he’s not a royal — but pretty much as close as it gets. As one of the most well-known business powerhouses who takes a revolutionary approach to everything he touches, he’s earned his recognition. Believe it or not, his conglomerate — The Virgin Group — owns more than 400 companies, with his latest venture attempting to bring space travel to the masses. Branson's been an entrepreneur all of his life, initially launching a magazine at the age of 16, and then a mail-order record business post-college. His career took off when he opened a chain of record stores called Virgin Records in the '70s. By the '80s, he developed his airline and eventually, his music label.Buckingham Palace knighted the English-born Branson in the year 2000 for his "services to entrepreneurship," and in 2007, he was named one of Time’s most influential people in the world. With a net worth of $4.1 billion — he’s among the richest self-made billionaires on the planet. Here, a few of Richard Branson's habits, rituals, and values he abides by, day-in and day-out:He writes.In a blog for Virgin Airlines, Branson got nitty-gritty about his day. Though he definitely subscribes to some of the same regimes that the top leaders adopt, like getting up early and a structured day, he also lets his creativity flow freely. When he’s not responding to emails or taking calls, he catches up on the news, which inevitably inspires him to write blogs: “I find myself speaking out more and more about the things I cannot accept — like the failed war on drugs, mistreatment of refugees, prejudice against the LGBT community, or the fact that the death penalty still exists despite being proven to not deter crime. But my blog is not always filled with calls to action. No two days are the same: one day I’ll be writing about conservation, the next I’ll sharing family photos from Necker Island, and then the following day I’ll be offering business tips to help young entrepreneurs find their stride.”Even if you’re not leading a mega company — or a tiny one — getting your thoughts out helps you to understand your own mind. And it will lower your stress levels, improve your focus and give you power over worries or anxieties. He takes notes for everything -- on paper!If you ever showed up to a meeting early in your career without a pen-and-paper in hand, you may have been sent back to your desk by a manager. Sure, most work has gone digital these days, but there is still something effective — and satisfying — about physically writing notes. In fact, many leaders (including Sheryl Sandberg) are known for this ritual. Branson is one of ‘em. “Regardless of where I am or what I’m doing – perhaps with the exception of kitesurfing or swimming – I always have a notebook on hand. My secret ‘life hack’ has also been to write it down! I can’t tell you where I’d be if I hadn’t had a pen on hand to write down my ideas as soon as they came to me,” he wrote.He listens to everyone about everything.In an interview Branson's daughter Holly did with CNBC, she shared how her father is an expert listener. In fact, it’s something he taught her to value in her own career. He doesn’t just take notes from the wealthiest or the most successful — but literally anyone and everyone, even strangers. “Listen as much as you speak, or listen more than you speak. There are a lot of great things my dad has found by listening to everyone,” she continued. “If he is sitting on Virgin Atlantic he will sit and chat with the customers and ask, ‘Do you have any advice for me? Do you have any tips? Is there anything you don’t like today? What can I change?’” Branson's desire to reap feedback is tied to his ultimate goal: make the planet — and its people — better, happier, and healthier. As he wrote on Virgin’s blog: “I feel that fulfillment and purpose are very closely linked. Most people feel the most fulfilled and happiest when they are having a positive impact on those around them. Business should be a driving force in creating a better world, so if you can combine your entrepreneurial skills with a social purpose, you can have a great effect on the world.”He focuses on living.To build an empire, create products and tools that make life easier for millions, and to always be photographed with a big ‘ole smile on your face, you have to love life. And that’s exactly what Branson tries to focus on: living each day. When you’re a billionaire, it definitely seems a bit easier to enjoy the ride, but more responsibilities add more pressure, and learning the fine juggling act of it all has proved instrumental for Branson’s psyche. “I don’t really separate work and play — it’s all living. This doesn’t mean I’m always working, it means I’ve learned the art of balance,” he wrote. “It’s so important to carve a little time for yourself to breathe. I find the best way to do this is to make a cup of tea and take ten minutes to reflect. Often this time sparks new ideas as your mind wanders, or helps you find solutions to problems that have been bugging you. I find that taking a break helps me rest rather than give up. If you burn yourself out, you’re no good to anyone.”He believes mistakes are a part of the game.You may or may not remember 1994, but here’s a refresher on one of Virgin’s biggest failures: Virgin Cola. Doesn’t ring a bell? That’s because it was a major flop. As Branson wrote on Virgin’s blog, they drove a tank through the streets of New York, smashing through a wall of Coca-Cola cans, making for some headlines. They thought they could drive sales far past Pepsi and Coke — but they bombed. In fact, he said it was one of the biggest mistakes in the company’s history. Does Branson let it get him down? Nope, he takes it as a learning opportunity — and smashes forward. And he hopes to pave the way for others to do the same. "Perhaps the biggest positive to come from Virgin Cola, however indirectly, was the launch of Innocent Drinks. Co-founder Richard Reed, a former employee at Virgin Cola, was inspired by his experience, and later started selling his own smoothies with a couple of friends. He now heads one of the biggest, most purposeful drinks brands in Britain. And it’s very satisfying to know that he got his start at one of our Virgin businesses,” he wrote.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Bradley Cooper, Including Going With His Gut

Noted for his versatile and captivating performances, dedication to cancer-research, and his dreamy blue eyes, Bradley Cooper is one of the most beloved American actors and filmmakers. Recently, his acting, directing, and singing in A Star is Born has made him a household favorite — but he’s been blowing away audiences for decades. His films have grossed an impressive $7.8 billion worldwide with many iconic hits including Wet Hot American Summer, Limitless, The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper. He takes a break from dramas from time-to-time to take the lead in comedic favorites like Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. To date, he’s been nominated for four Academy Awards in three years — becoming only the tenth actor to ever do so. With an estimated $100 million net worth and a long career ahead of himself, there’s no doubting this star is, well, just being born. Here, some of Bradley Cooper's daily habits to consider for your own lifestyle:He takes his work personallyCooper is often praised for his believability as his characters by completing encompassing and emobiding their quirks, ticks and dynamics. To act convincingly and with ease, he tries to get as close as he can to the character. As he told the New York Times — it’s personal. “Once you get that fire inside you to tell the story, everything’s personal. So, you have to bring up everything. Whenever you create a character, at least for me, you have to find anything you can to tell the truth, right? So, yeah, you’re always working off of yourself.” One way he makes sure he’s fully investing is imagining his role as if it were real. This makes it easier to connect and to commit to the lines, the scenes and the experience. When asked his trick for success by 60 Minutes, Cooper explained: “By believing I’m him. That’s how I do it. If I’m acting like I’m him or I don’t quite make that leap of faith, there’s no way you’re going to believe it.” What’s the lesson for professionals who aren’t on camera? Go against the traditional advice — and make your job personal. Find what makes you passionate and connected, and make it your investment. He shows others what he’s capable of — not the other way aroundWhen you’re hired for a new job, you know your job description. This includes what’s expected of you on paper, but doesn’t really illustrate who you are or how you’ll perform. When Cooper is selected for a role, he knows the character, the pay, and so on — but he makes a point to do it his way. As he sees it, no one tells him who to be — that’s his choice. And frankly, every professional’s. “People don’t really know how to look at a person. “Because you’re like, ‘I have these big dreams, and I feel these things.’ Is that all wrong? Like, shame on anybody that’s going to tell you who you are. That angers me. It’s like, someone’s going to tell you who you are, what you’re capable of. Like, what?” he told The New York Times.He betters himself so he can be better at workCooper has been outspoken about his struggles with drugs and alcohol — and has been sober since 2004. The breaking point was at a party when he bashed his head in, not once, but twice. After spending the night at the hospital, he realized how much he needed to recover and change his life — and he’s never looked back. He makes every effort to become a better person every single day, thanks to his sobriety. "In the way that if— the one thing that I've learned in life is the best thing I can do is embrace who I am and then do that to the fullest extent, and then whatever happens, happens. The more steps I do to not do that, the farther I am away from fulfilling any potential I would have,” he told GQ.He goes with his gutBlame it on growing up, going through difficult periods, or frankly, growing tired of keeping up with the Joneses, but everyone reaches a point where they listen to that little voice inside of them. For Cooper, it’s his gut — and it’s something that he never ignores. “... just go with your gut... The loudest voice that's a contrarian is usually me, and all these little moments of confirmation, that voice should just shut up, allows you to just do what you're supposed to do while you're here,” he told Fandango.He invests in the future while remaining presentFor many professionals, staying in the moment feels impossible. After all, those who chase after success try to think one step ahead so they’ll get there faster than everyone else. For Cooper, though, being able to remain in the present with a forward-thinking attitude has served him well. In fact, investing in longer-term projects have been more fulfilling. As he shared with NPR, he spent four years on his hit movie with Lady Gaga. “And the one thing that I know in the future is: It's worth all the time to dedicate, even if one piece of art comes out of it in a half a decade, that would still be incredible as long as I can feel like it's the movie I wanted to make, which is this movie. So I guess having a child, and having a family of my own — which is a miracle and something I've always dreamt of — has opened me up even more, I guess, to the day, and to be present.” For more Daily Habits:Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu ReevesDaily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr.Daily Habits to Steal From Kate Middleton

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Keanu Reeves, Including How Tragedy Motivates Him

There’s something about Keanu Reeves, don’t you think? Lovable on camera, no matter what role he’s portraying, he’s been beloved by men and women since the 1990s. This actor, director, producer, and musician is best known for his work in The Matrix series, as well as the Bill and Ted franchise and the John Wick series, and thrillers like Point Break, Speed, and The Devil’s Advocate. He’s frequently praised for his versatility and his believability across many genres and sectors. Surprisingly, this household name has never received a nomination from the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards — but he continues to produce, act and create art in many mediums. With a networth of $360 million, he’s definitely doing something right — and has some habits to match his genius that you can steal:He gives in returnWhen you reach a certain level of wealth, like Reeves, there are a few ways you can go about finances. While some invest in their future or in the generations behind them to come, others try and give strangers or charity a helping hand. Reeves chooses the latter, spreading his wealth whenever possible — even at a hotel, according to an interview with Rolling Stone. The humble star is frequently seen riding the subway in New York and is known to make his charitable donations through a private charity so as not to call attention to himself. In April 2019, Reeves made headlines for assisting fellow passengers during a grounded flight.Reeves also made headlines for his approach to his payment for The Matrix sequels: he renegotiated his contract so that crews got a share of his fee — costing him tens of millions. When he performed in The Devil’s Advocate, he took a pay cut so producers could hire Al Pacino. While having an influx of dough makes it easier to give back, it’s a smart lesson in understanding how much you actually need versus what is killing your joy. He owns his quietnessReeves has a reputation of being quiet on set — something many actors have talked about after working with him. Not only is he extremely dedicated, but he tends to keep to himself, improving his craft without the input of others. Constantine director Francis Lawrence shared with Time his experience working with Reeves: “Do I really know Keanu after working with him? No. I know things about him: he's hardworking, he's generous, he's a sweet, sweet guy. But it's all just sort of on the surface." Even his manager, Erwin Stoff, who has been managing his career since Reeves was 13 years old, describes him as a shy person. He has a way of keeping himself away from other people. You may be like Reeves — more of an introvert, rather than an extrovert. Or you could be the opposite. Whatever the case, the lesson here is indulging in the quiet and learning how to spend time in your craft by yourself. You never know what wonders you’ll find there.He’s self-determinedIt’s pretty much a given that to be successful, you have to be able to hold yourself accountable. Reeves is a testament to this truth, considering he’s often labeled as persistent and of course, stubborn. The Matrix stuntman and John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski clearly likes working with Reeves. Stahelski says his level of dedication is incredibly rare. “It has nothing to do with being lazy or work-shy. It's a choice. It's about what level of commitment an actor or an actress is willing to make for a project. Keanu's all or nothing. He's willing to give up six months of his time to train for a role. Some people would try and get another film in, or work two. When I first met him he'd had surgery and he was doing kung-fu in this big, cold warehouse with a neck brace on. I knew he was a serious guy. That set the standard for the rest of our relationship. That YouTube footage is four months' worth of three-gun training. In a non-movie way, what Keanu is doing in that video is competitively impressive. Real guns, real bullets, hitting real targets. If you told him to go learn how to crochet, he'd go and be an expert in that. That's just what he's like,” he told Esquire.He lets death — yep, death — motivate himIt might sound a bit morbid but the truth is, we’re all going to pass one day. And for Reeves, that is reason enough to live big right now. As he put it in an interview with Men’s Journal: “You’re gonna die — make stuff.” Reeves has seen more than his fair share of personal loss in his life, including his girlfriend and their baby two decades ago. It took Reeves a while to understand that like everyone else, he’s aging — and if he wants to "keep on, keepin’ on," he has to push forward, no matter what. “I'm all of the clichés, and it's embarrassing. It's all of them. It's just, 'Oh my God. OK. Where did the time go? How come things are changing? How much time do I have left? What didn't I do?’” he told Esquire. He always fights for his careerOne of the most important career lessons to remember is the importance of being your own biggest fan. Since ultimately, you’re responsible for yourself, this is a powerful mantra to have — and one that Reeves embodies. He’s had plenty of disappointments, but he stands up for what he knows he deserves. "You're always fighting for a career," Reeves told Esquire. "I mean, there's a few people who [don't have to worry]…No: you're always fighting for a career."

The 6 Most Valuable Career Skills of 2019 -- And How to Develop Them
Skills

The 6 Most Valuable Career Skills of 2019 -- And How to Develop Them

Though you likely haven’t thought about those New Year's resolutions in a while, 2019 is nearly half-way over. With another lap around the sun charging fiercely ahead, it’s a good time to do a gut check on how you’re doing. What were those goals you set for yourself? Or more specifically: your career? Even if you haven’t been promoted or quit your not-so-great gig (yet) — there are ways you can evolve as a professional by investing in your skill set. This forever-evolving aspect your productivity and purpose in the office includes both technical and interpersonal proficiencies, and is something to revisit at least once a year. As career expert Wendi Weiner explains, “These can be a mix of soft and hard skills that lead into one's personality as well as core skills that a professional learns on the job such as business development, sales execution, or relationship management. Career skills are industry specific but also broad in nature as skills are often transferable from one role or one industry to the next.”As the calendar pages continue to turn, here, leading career experts provide their best recommendations for the most valuable career skills to invest in for 2019.1. Versatility and IntegrityIf there’s one certainty you can depend on, no matter what date it is, it’s change. As millennials make up more and more of the workforce, they’re challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a new definition of upward mobility. That’s why Weiner says, more than anything, companies are looking for employees who are versatile and can roll with the punches, so to speak. “Companies are always evolving due to a changing economy. This is extremely important for technology-based companies or startups,” she explains. With this dynamic workforce, more and more are working remotely — whether from a WeWork or a beach in Thailand somewhere — which puts a new onus on self-motivation. Because of this, Weiner says versatility must come with an aptitude for teamwork and integrity. “There is a need for employees to be collaborative and have a strong sense of integrity when it comes to working afar and being honest about the work being done,” she adds.2. Relationship-buildingSay what you want about the trite advice about the immense importance of building your relationships, but they’re on point.As career expert for Monster.com Vicki Salemi explains, this soft skill impacts every aspect of your career and your ability progress. Consider how you interact with your boss, your colleagues, your employees, your clients and even virtual assistants, if they’re part of your gig. Salemi challenges professionals to consider how well they not only nurture and build, but repair in-office dynamics. No matter if you want to move up in your current company or switch to a new one, how you create and foster relationships with others will make or break you. After all, it’s simple: people want to work with — and hire — those they like. 3. CreativityChief brand and engagement officer at EHE Health, Joy Altimare reminds professionals that creativity is part of everyone’s job description — not just writers, producers, and art directors. As she puts it, this soft skill is rooted in your ability to think through multiple lenses when creating, building, and innovating. “It is an inspiring concept that requires one to look beyond the fundamentals of one’s job. Don't just think about the utility of your job, think about the contribution you’re making to the team and your organization,” she adds.4. Running effective meetingsLately, there’s been plenty of talk on the importance of meetings: how many are necessary to meeting goals and client expectations -- and how many waste everyone’s already-limited time. Especially for those at a manager level, exercising your best judgment rather than accepting every invite -- and encouraging your employees to do the same -- is a special skill for 2019, according to career expert Elizabeth Whittaker-Walker. More to the point, you should be rethinking how you approach and strategize for the meetings you do need to have. “When meetings are absolutely necessary, it’s critical to know how long to spend on each agenda item, which things to bring up at what time, and how to effectively budget time to align on next steps, and so on,” she continues. “Part of planning an effective agenda is being clear about the goal and desired outcome, which helps you to know if a meeting even needs to happen. Could the matter get resolved via e-mail, a quick phone call or even a text message, instead?”5. Tech Aptitude No matter where you live or what you do, the likelihood that you’ll use a computer is pretty much a guarantee. With few exceptions, every level -- from entry to executive -- is expected to know their around a digital landscape. “Employees need to have the additional training and aptitude for workforce productivity and success. This means understanding data privacy, tech, and digital marketing,” Weiner continues. “Companies are interfacing with clients online and virtually, so the ability to build strong relationships through relationship management in a virtual network is also a key skill.”6. OrganizationBallpark: how many emails did you send and receive today? What about meeting invites? Phone calls? Have you thought about those notes you took a day ago — or typed ‘em up yet? Most professionals feel pulled in many different directions with deliverables here and follow-ups there. Your ability to stay on top of — and better yet, ahead — of the many demands of your gig will set you apart, according to Salemi. “It’s important to be able to prioritize work efficiently, and part of that means sorting through an influx of information,” she continues. “Productivity and time management also fall in this bucket — to succeed in 2019, know what to focus on and accomplish, especially as deadlines approach.”

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?
Career Growth

Can This MasterClass Turn You Into a Business Genius?

The internet has been a boon for distributed learning. First came opportunities for self-directed research, like Wikipedia and Investopedia. Soon enough, actual higher learning institutions opened up online shops, allowing students to enroll from across the globe. The latest iteration of online learning focuses on personalized instruction in specific fields, offered via outlets like MasterClass.Though the site offers classes from dozens of experts across multiple subjects, entrepreneurs will likely be most interested in former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership.What’s A MasterClass?MasterClass is a website that offers anyone access to lessons from some of the best minds in their fields. The instructors tend to be extremely high-profile: Think cooking lessons from chef Gordon Ramsay, acting lessons from Natalie Portman, or music production tips from Timbaland.MasterClass offers multiple access plans. For $180 per year, you can stream their entire catalog of classes, which as of now boasts 50+ celebrity instructors. Some (but not all) classes are offered a la carte, though that usually comes at a steep markup. In all cases, the classes are streamed in short-ish, easily digestible video segments.Who Is Howard Schultz?Howard Schultz is a world-renowned businessman, best known for his role as the CEO of Starbucks, which he held from 1986 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2017. He’s also a former owner of the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, and was heavily involved in the team’s sale and eventual move to Oklahoma City.Most of the modern touches you associate with Starbucks -- the rewards program, the mobile payments, the innovative coffee drinks -- were Schultz’s brainchildren. His second stint as CEO came at a time when the company was experiencing rapid growth, but only because they were opening so many stores; same-store sales were flagging. By closing weak stores, calling for technological upgrades, and retraining the entire company, Schultz got the company back on the path to organic growth.What Will I Learn In The Howard Schultz MasterClass?The Howard Schultz MasterClass focuses on business leadership from what feels like a high-level perspective. Here’s the course listing:Jump InValues and Profits Are Not EnemiesBe CuriousDon’t Pioneer. Disrupt.Focus and Get in the MudFind the Right InvestorsCoffee BreakOverinvest in CultureHire a Values-Based TeamDon’t Manage. Lead.Cannibalize YourselfReal Leadership: What Do You Do in Crisis?OnwardAs you can see, it’s pretty pie-in-the sky stuff, more a collection of guiding principles than specific business advice. The course is structured in such a way that entrepreneurs will find the A-Z nature useful, but people in current managerial roles should still find plenty to get out of it.All told, the 13 videos span 90 minutes. (It should be noted that chapter 7, “Coffee Break,” is literally Howard Schultz showing you how he makes his favorite French press coffee.)Howard Schultz MasterClass Pros And ConsShould you sign up for Howard Schultz’s MasterClass in business leadership? Consider the following to decide for yourself.ProsHoward Schultz is world-renowned as a successful business executiveThe course takes a holistic, high-level approach that could apply to any businessHoward provides insights at all phases of a business’s lifecycle, making it useful for both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned managers.ConsIt’s extremely high-level, not technical. If you don’t have a formal business education, a 90-minute course won’t teach you the basics of finance, accounting, and managementHoward Schultz only has one perspective. If you’re truly looking to become a business leader, you’ll probably have to supplement this course with classes and books from other business icons like Jack Welch and Carl Icahn.It’s expensive. Right now, the Howard Schultz MasterClass is only available as part of the all-access package. If his MasterClass is all that interests you, $180 is a lot of money for 90 minutes of Howard Schultz talking (and making) coffee. But if the rest of the catalog interests you, it could be a great value.If you decide it’s for you, you can sign up for the class here.

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr., Including How to Learn the Hard Way
Skills

5 Daily Habits to Steal From Robert Downey Jr., Including How to Learn the Hard Way

As a digital nomad and journalist, I travel the world while logging around 70 articles a month. To effectively manage a country-hopping lifestyle while also building my bylines and clients, I turn to the advice of seasoned movers-and-shakers who have developed habits and strategies for success. Each week, I’ll highlight the daily routine of influential professionals, making for the right kind of fodder while you down your coffee.Robert Downey Jr. is one of the highest-earning actors of all time — and his career is still buzzing. Especially now, with the release of Avengers: Endgame, Robert Downey Jr., is back in the spotlight, bringing crowds back to the theater, yet again. He’s been on stage and on camera since he was five years old, starting with a film produced by his father. In the '80s and '90s, he started to gain popularity with his performances in Weird Science, Less Than Zero, Chaplin, Ally McBeal, and countless others. However, as his fame grew, so did his addiction, ultimately landing him in the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in 2000. Though he had two more bouts with the law, he’s been sober since 2001. His clear-head paved the road for success, as he landed roles in many iconic films, from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Zodiac to Tropic Thunder and Sherlock Holmes. These days, he’s mostly known for his superhero acting skills, portraying the role of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe across many films — most of which grossed $500 million at the box office. He’s won Golden Globes and been nominated for Academy Awards, all helping him to arrive at an astounding $300 million net worth. To stay on the right side of the law (and health), as well as supercharge his career, Downey subscribes to a few habits. Here, ones you can adapt for your day-to-day:He plays to win.Another way to put it: you can't accomplish anything if you aren’t willing to risk anything. In an interview with Esquire, Downey shares his approach to growing older in Hollywood — which is historically preoccupied with everlasting youth. His long-standing tenure is proof that putting yourself out there can reap rewards. “…but you've got to play to win. Not play with winning in mind, but if you're not playing, then what are you complaining about? In the information age, it seems that everything just appears, and just suddenly are, even though they weren't. But there is a vapour trail behind that moment. It's about suiting up, showing up and playing." He accepts that money isn’t the be-all, end-all.Sure, you’re probably rolling your eyes considering he’s one of the highest-paid actors in history — but for Downey, realism always kicks in. Though his wealth can last him (and his family) a lifetime, he knows it could all change tomorrow. It’s also not what drives him to perform. In an interview with Esquire he discussed his Forbes ranking and what it meant to him: "It means, 'This too shall pass.' Would I like that Forbes thing to read the same stats next year? Sure. I'd like to get it two years after I'm gone. There's an old therapeutic saying, 'The only thing I ever let go of had claw marks in it.' You ever heard of a welterweight interim champ just say, 'Anyone want this thing?' It's like, 'No, who's next? Come and take it off me.'”Instead of being known for his riches, he’d rather be renowned for his work. As he told GQ, “First of all, could you imagine back in, let's call it the golden era, you know, my dad's age, Pacino's and De Niro's—do you think they would ever have allowed such a paltry discussion, reducing them to a monetary figure? I have had and I have created some of the worst luck in the history of anybody in the public eye. And then there was five minutes there where I was batting a thousand.”He gave up trying to “be a hero.” Considering he played one on the big screen for 10 years, it makes sense that Esquire would ask Downey if he aims to be a hero to his own son. His answer may surprise you since it was a big ole ‘nope.’ “I would like to be a very real human being. That's hard enough. Every dad casts a shadow, you know? And that shadow is you're disappointed, you're resentful, or you feel so supported and loved you don't understand why life is so hard anyway — or, you know, it's so long and so dark that you can never step out of it, so you might as well not even try. Right? So. So hero to me is not applicable to the human experience. I think that we all do heroic things, but hero is not a noun, it's a verb.” He learned the hard way — and doesn’t regret it. Sometimes you need someone to play hardball with you — and that’s just what Downey’s dad did, according to a story he shared with Esquire. When he was down on his luck, he called his dad from a phone booth and told him he was hungry, didn’t have a bus ticket, and all of his friends were avoiding his calls. Instead of rushing to help him — his father told him to get a job. “I couldn't believe it. He just completely stiffed me. I thought I had this guy by some sort of guilt hook still. I thought I could at least get five bucks or something. He said, ‘Call your friends.’ I said, ‘I called them.’ He said, ‘Get a job.’ I said, ‘Dad, where am I going to get a job in enough time to get a paycheck and eat a slice of pizza?’ He said, ‘Enough.’ And you know what, I made do,” he explained. “The next phone call was to some Irish chick whose dad was out of town, and I wound up over at her place. And pretty soon I had a job. I wouldn't wish that lesson on an enemy. But, you know, sometimes you just gotta be drop-kicked out of the nest.” He knows you can rise even when you’re knocked down. Sometimes, we are all our own worst critics — and Downey is proof of that. We all strive to a level of success and we become frustrated when we don’t reach it. And some of us even stumble and fall more often than we rise. If you are worried it’s too late or you’re not good enough, remember this pep talk that Downey gave to BBC Breakfast TV: “It’s easy to believe that things are gathering momentum and going into a negative place. Human nature can tend to be a little bit critical of itself and of its society. Rather than quantifying good times or bad times, or highs or lows, I think it’s just about we’re kind-of evolved apes. We think we’re a lot smarter than we are. But if we survive whatever life throws at us, you tend to get off your feet.”

How Richard Branson Channeled This Negative Emotion Into a Billion-Dollar Empire
Skills

How Richard Branson Channeled This Negative Emotion Into a Billion-Dollar Empire

People often credit ambition or confidence when starting a new business, but that’s not the only trait that can make the difference. It can go beyond passion and inspiration too.According to Sir Richard Branson, founder of the multinational conglomerate Virgin Group, best known for Virgin Airlines and Virgin Records, the feeling that made all the difference for him is frustration."You often spot opportunities from personal frustration," Branson told the audience at the Qualtrics X4 Experience Management Summit last week. The origin of Virgin Atlantic was tied into this negative emotion, which was channeled in a positive way by Branson"I was 28, in Puerto Rico, trying to get to the Virgin Islands, and the pilot announced we had to wait until the next day," the businessman with an estimated networth of $5 billion dollars recalled. This delay wasn't anything unusual: because the flight didn't have enough passengers, it was canceled.Branson was frustrated, but it also gave him the seed of an idea. “I had a beautiful lady waiting for me, and I was damned if I would wait till the next day," he recalled.Rather than waiting, Branson hired chartered plane. This was back before Branson was a billionaire, and a chartered plane wasn’t really in his price range at the time. However, he didn’t care. He did it anyway."One of my favorite phrases is, 'Screw it, let's do it!'" With this mantra in mind, Branson booked the the plane, borrowed a blackboard, wrote "Virgin Airlines, one-way Virgin Islands $39" on it, and went around to the other passengers of his canceled flight. "And I filled my first plane," he said.That was the moment he started the company that changed everything.Branson's next step was to buy an airplane -- secondhand, of course. He called a Boeing executive and said, "I'm Richard Branson, will you sell me a 747?" "He said, 'Who are you?'" Branson recalled."I said, 'I have Virgin Records and the SexPistols.'""He said, 'As long as you don't call it Virgin, becausepeople will assume your airline won't go the whole way.'"We all know the way this frustrating story ended: with Virgin Group and massive success.So, there you have it. If something's frustrating you, channel your frustration into finding a solution, and turn that negative emotion into something amazing. You may end up as the next Richard Branson, or -- more importantly-- the first you!

This Simple Trick Will Help You Remember Anything You've Read
Skills

This Simple Trick Will Help You Remember Anything You've Read

Whether you’re studying for an exam or just to learn more and develop your personal or professional skills, you have to wrestle with a simple fact:You won’t remember much of what you’ve read.It’s a bit of a frustrating fact, isn’t it? To know that you’re reading to learn, but you can only absorb a certain portion of what you’re reading? That you’re doomed to forget much of the useful information between the covers of that incredible book you’re blazing through? Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.Marcus Tullius CiceroThere are all kinds of tricks out there to help you read faster, but what about helping you remember more of what you read, so you can absorb more of the knowledge you’re feeding your brain? Using something learning expert Scott H. Young calls the “Question Book Method” you can do exactly that -- measurably increasing your ability to recall anything you’ve read.Recognition vs. Recall: What’s the difference? Before diving in, it’s important to understand that there are two types of memory:RecognitionRecallRecognition is used to identify things. It’s what you use when you see something you know (“cup”, “key”, “computer”, “words”). It helps us navigate our daily life, without which we’d be utterly lost and confused. Recall is what we use when we need to know the answer to something. It’s more about filling in blank -- I need to take my computer to the guy Jen suggested... what was their name? or Where did I leave my keys? It’s more about storing important information so that we can pull it back up later when we need it. This is important to understand because memory isn’t a single process but actually a collection of different processes that work very different from one another to accomplish one goal. By understanding how each works you can utilize each to maximize your ability to retain more of the information you read. But while recognition is what you’re using most often when you read a text -- recognizing the words themselves or the concepts the writer has included in the story or discussion– it’s recall that will help you most of all in an effort to remember more of what you read.That’s where this simple trick comes in.A simple trick to remember anything you've readRemember how recall helps you bring up information when you need it, often to answer a question or fill in some information you need to perform a task? That’s the very key to this trick. The trick is deceptively simple but incredibly effective:Write down notes. Not basic “X works like this” but notes based on a question which the text answers. Here’s an example:If you’re reading a book on finances and they tell you to save 10% of your income while saving an additional 50% every raise you receive thereafter, frame the note like this:How much is the average person recommended to save?10% of their income.How much is the average person recommended to save from future raises?50% of that raise. Go back and quiz yourselfOnce you’ve finished a text and written down all relevant questions for it, go back and quiz yourself on those questions to further cement that information in your recallable memory. This is easy if you make sure to leave a post-it note or something similar in the pages where you’ve taken down notes and mark the post-it with the question so you can quickly come back to it later. By framing the information you’d like to take from the book as questions, no matter what the text is about, and then quizzing yourself on that information, you’ll be far more likely to “download” that information where you can recall it in the future. Clearly, you can’t go using this for every bit of information in a book. However, it’s highly useful for the most important notes. Typically, I end up with about a page of notes on the average non-fiction book I read, which is a reasonable amount of information to do this exercise with. However, you can always do more if you’re using it for a school textbook or something similar, potentially doing a page for each chapter as you move through the book.