Author: Sponsored Content

03.14.25

How to Make Them Stay: Funk Roberts Cracks the Code of Customer Retention with Latest Podcast “Tribe Membership Show”

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

For nearly two decades, fitness entrepreneur, best-selling author, and business coach, Funk Roberts has been studying what makes membership-based businesses truly last. Now, he’s sharing his lessons and insights with his latest podcast, Tribe Membership Show, dedicated to cracking the code of customer retention. Following the success of 27 Tribe Secrets, this new venture takes business owners beyond sign-ups and into the heart of what keeps members engaged long-term.

What is The Tribe Membership Show About?

The Tribe Membership Show is a deep dive into one of the biggest challenges in the membership and subscription world: keeping customers loyal to the brand. It dissects the psychology, strategies, and structures that keeps people committed to a company’s membership long after they’ve joined, even after they have completed the initial benefits that drew them in. Each episode unpacks the mechanics of retention, engagement, and revenue growth in the membership world. Funk shares his own lessons from the trenches — of both failures and successes — from his journey of building multi-million dollar businesses, as well as other real-world case studies and expert interviews. His 27 Tribe Secrets, developed over years of testingand refining engagement strategies, serve as a foundation for discussions on the podcast on what makes people stay, why they leave, and how to create a culture of belonging which, according to Funk, is at the core of member retention.

The Road to the Tribe Membership Show

Funk Roberts knows well the terrible struggles of building a business from the ground up. Before having one of the most popular online fitness communities for men over 40, the former professional athlete turned fitness entrepreneur had already launched — and lost — a membership site. However, it wasn’t for lack of quality content or benefits offered. The problem was that even the customers that were happy with the services weren’t staying. Yet, he refused to let that setback break him. Instead, he went down a path of discovery that would change his entire approach to online businesses. He found out that membership sites don’t thrive on content alone; they thrive on connection. They thrive when members feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves.

“When you join a strong community, you don’t just consume content,” Funk explains in an early episode. “You become part of something. You see yourself in others. You don’t want to leave because leaving feels like losing a piece of yourself.”

Eventually, he teamed up with community-psychology experts Rick and Mike Tillman and developed the book and later coaching program, 27 Tribe Secrets, a framework designed to transform one-time customers into lifelong members.

The Tribe Membership Show is a direct extension of this journey. With each episode, Funk is bringing listeners deep into the mechanics of successful membership programs, offering data- backed methods tested in multiple industries, along with expert perspectives and actionable guidance that go beyond the surface-level advice.

“I’ve seen so many membership site owners struggle the way I did — working too hard to attract members, only to watch them leave. I started this podcast to help those stuck in that cycle figure out what’s really going wrong and fix it”, he says.

Who Is This Podcast For?

If you run a membership/subscription-based business, or any brand that relies on customer loyalty, this podcast should be at the top of your list. It’s for the business owners exhausted from constantly chasing new customers, for the fitness professionals trying to turn one-time buyers into long-term clients, and for the creators who want to build a real movement instead of a transactional audience.

What’s Next for the Tribe Membership Show?

Funk isn’t just stopping at podcast episodes. He has plans to turn the Tribe Membership Show into an entire learning ecosystem. Future episodes will feature in-depth interviews with industry leaders, more detailed case studies on thriving membership sites, and behind-the-scenes breakdowns of what’s working (and not working) in the membership world. He also plans for live Q&A with listeners and other membership growth experts, and even an exclusive masterclass where entrepreneurs can get personalized retention strategies for their businesses.

The Big Picture

The world is shifting. The days of high-burn, churn-heavy businesses are fading. Investors are no longer impressed by rapid growth if it comes with unsustainable customer loss. Instead, businesses with strong retention, engaged communities, and predictable recurring revenue are becoming the real success stories.

That’s exactly what Funk Roberts is bringing to light with Tribe Membership Show. This podcast isn’t just about building a membership; it’s about understanding the psychology of why people stay, how to create belonging, and why retention is the single most powerful growth strategy that entrepreneurs are overlooking.

If you’re ready to shift your focus from customer acquisition to long-term retention, start listening. The first few episodes are already live on the major platforms like Spotify, Apple podcast, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket, Cast, Cast box, and are soon to be available on YouTube; with new content dropping every Thursday. For those serious about turning memberships into successful enterprises, this is the podcast to watch in 2025.

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03.10.25

Information Technology to Support a Sustainable Business Competitive Advantage

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

1.Information Technology: A Fad or a Competitive Advantage

Businesses are often captivated by the latest information technology (IT) trends in the marketplace. Over the last 40 years, IT has developed remarkable tools that have enabled businesses to differentiate themselves and achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

Companies like Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb exemplify how IT can drive transformative competitive advantages. These businesses operate in traditional industries but have redefined them through strategic use of technology:

– Amazon operates in the retail industry, an established sector. Founded in 1994, Amazonhas disrupted retail to such an extent that traditional giants like Walmart and Macy’s are still striving to catch up 30 years later.

– Uber, founded in 2010, revolutionized the taxi services industry, which dates back to 1605. By introducing a technology-driven model, Uber added immense value for taxi owners and users alike. Despite resistance from governments and taxi associations, the efficiencies of Uber’s model have proven pervasive, signaling the eventual demise of traditional manual systems.

– Airbnb, founded in 2007, transformed the lodging industry, which can be traced back to Ancient Greece. Airbnb’s business model democratized tourism and lodging, enabling millions of property owners to generate income while making leisure travel more accessible. Although hotel associations and local governments have resisted its growth, Airbnb continues to thrive, delivering significant value to users worldwide.

Common Traits of Successful Technology-Driven Businesses

1.Strategic Use of Technology: These businesses leveraged new technologies to redefine their industries, making it difficult for competitors to challenge their dominance.

2.Born Digital: As new businesses, they had no “sunk costs“ tied to outdated business models, allowing them to fully integrate new technologies.

3.Value Creation: Their business models unlocked extraordinary value, transforming industries and forcing traditional players to adapt or risk obsolescence. Often, their dominance has made them “natural monopolies.”

For most companies, however, starting anew with every technological advancement is unrealistic. Instead, businesses must develop robust Technology Portfolio Management (TPM) capabilities. Effective TPM allows organizations to experiment with new technologies strategically, assessing their transformational potential while minimizing disruption and costs.

2. Navigating Technology Trends vs. Fads

Technology companies often create significant hype around emerging technologies, making it challenging for businesses to differentiate between a technology trend and a technology fad.

– Technology Trends: These represent long-term shifts that businesses should incorporate into their products, services, and models to gain competitive advantages.

– Technology Fads: These are short-lived phenomena that can lead to substantial losses if adopted indiscriminately. They often distract organizations from their core activities and create unnecessary disruption.

3. Investment Criteria: Differentiation and Value Creation

New technologies should only be adopted if they help the organization:

1.Differentiate its products, services, or business models.

2 Create Value for customers and the business.

Adopting technologies that fail to deliver value is counterproductive, consuming financial and human resources while diverting attention from critical daily operations. Technology adoption is inherently resource-intensive; if it fails to yield value, it leaves the organization in a costly and dysfunctional state.

4. Cloud Computing and Applications as a Service

Cloud Computing

Cloud solutions were designed to reduce costs, increase scalability, and enable rapid organizational transformation. However, many organizations have adopted cloud technologies without considering their impact on differentiation and value creation. As a result:

– Products and services may become commoditized.

– Differentiation may erode, leaving the organization in a weaker competitive position despite higher costs and increased complexity.

Applications as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS platforms aim to simplify adoption, support, maintenance, and upgrades. However, organizations often adopt SaaS solutions without aligning them with differentiation and value creation. This approach risks commoditizing the organization and undermining its strategic position.

Additionally, many applications provide little strategic value. These horizontal platforms are essential for day-to-day operations but should be managed cost-effectively to avoid unnecessary resource allocation. Misguided investments in these areas can lead to significant financial and operational inefficiencies.

5. Enterprise Outsourcing Solutions

Enterprise Outsourcing has been a pioneer in helping clients adopt technology trends that align with their business strategies. For 25 years, we have consistently:

– Avoided Fads: Ensuring that technology investments are aligned with long-term value creation.

– Maximized Value: Helping clients identify technologies that enhance service, reduce costs, and streamline supply chains.

– Strategically Positioned Clients: Assisting businesses in integrating transformative technologies to protect and strengthen their competitive positions.

Our expertise ensures that our clients’ business interests are safeguarded, enabling them to leverage IT effectively for sustainable competitive advantages.

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03.05.25

Cathy Hackl: The Ultimate Authority on What’s Next in Tech

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

Bridging the Gap Between Today and the Future of Frontier Tech

The future doesn’t just happen—it’s shaped by builders and visionaries who can decode its signals, chart the course ahead, and build solutions. Cathy Hackl, an internationally recognized tech futurist and one of the world’s most sought after tech and innovation speakers, stands at the forefront of that transformation. As a globally sought after AI and emerging tech strategist, executive and a pioneering voice in spatial computing and on device AI, she has redefined how businesses and industries prepare for the next wave of disruption for a decade and continues to do so.

Hackl isn’t just talking about the future; she’s actively building it—advising the world’s leading companies, speaking on the biggest stages, actively building solutions in the deep tech trenches and breaking down the complexities of emerging technology to help leaders at Fortune 100 companies and governments make informed, future-ready decisions.

She’s not only one of the top technology voices on LinkedIn since 2018, media companies have also called her one best predictors of future tech and tech habits in the world, while executives have dubbed her as the Godmother of the future, she’s undoubtedly becoming one of the ultimate authorities on what’s next in tech. Her current work focus on frontier tech, which include on-device AI, spatial computing and spatial web, multimodal interfaces, gaming, new commerce models including virtual commerce and space commerce and the next evolution of computing, has made her an indispensable resource for enterprises navigating this rapidly shifting landscape who need a trusted advisor to navigate the tech convergence of today with a vision toward the future.

Defining the Next Era of Technology

As an external advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world’s top management consulting companies, Hackl plays a pivotal role in shaping emerging technology strategy, helping C-suite executives and policymakers navigate AI-driven innovation, the rise of intelligent agents, and the transformative shift toward spatial computing, XR, web3, and multinodality.

Her insights are sought after by the world’s most influential media outlets—including The Wall Street Journak, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. Major news networks such as CNN, CNBC, and the BBC rely on her to provide clear, compelling analysis on how AI, spatial computing, and new digital paradigms are reshaping everything from work to play to human interaction.

But Hackl’s work extends far beyond media commentary. She is the author of 5 business books and the CEO of Future Dynamics, a foresight and innovation lab dedicated to helping companies, governments, and global organizations anticipate the next computing revolution—and act on it. She also hosts one of Adweek’s most popular podcasts, TechMagic with Cathy Hackl.

Building the Future with Industry Leaders

With a career spanning collaborations with top-tier brands like Nike, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Ralph Lauren, Hackl has cemented her reputation as the go-to expert for organizations looking to harness the power of exponential technologies.

Her work is centered on tech convergence, the seamless blending of AI, spatial computing, gaming, and next-generation interfaces that will redefine business, communication, and digital interaction. “The future isn’t siloed,” Hackl explains. “We’re seeing a complete shift in how we work and engage with technology—it’s multimodal, multi-agent, hyper-personalized, and deeply immersive.”

She’s actively helping businesses not just react to change but actively shape it. Whether it’s preparing Fortune 500 companies for the coming wave of AI agents or advising luxury brands on the future of gaming commerce and or enterprise optimizations in the era of spatial

computing, Hackl is constantly bridging the gap between visionary ideas and real-world application. She speaks not only from theory, but from actual real world experience.

A Speaker Who Makes the Future Tangible And Accessible

As one of the world’s most sought-after keynote speakers, Hackl has spoken at Saudi Ararbias LEAP, Singularity University Summit, CES, SXSW, ComicCon, MWC, the World Economic Forum, and other global stages, captivating audiences with her unique ability to translate deep-tech advancements into compelling, actionable strategies.

Her signature approach? Making the future tangible. Instead of abstract theorizing, Hackl grounds her insights in real-world applications—showing businesses how on-device AI, multimodal interfaces, and new computing paradigms will directly impact their industries. She speaks from experience and not just theory, as she has worked in the trenches creating and developing solutions for the enterprise, government and retailers.

Shaping the Next Chapter of Innovation

For Cathy Hackl, the future isn’t just something to predict—it’s something to architect and something you need to actively build.

Through her work in AI, spatial computing, and frontier tech, she is not only defining where technology is headed but ensuring that companies, industries, and society are ready for what comes next. She’s also focusing some of her time on better understanding next gen consumers in the generation alpha and generation beta cohorts, space commerce opportunities, and how human relationships will change in the age of AI and immersive technologies.

As we enter a new era hypercharged by AI and new forms of computing, and powered by demographic and geopolitical shifts, one thing is certain: Cathy Hackl will be helping to actively lead the way and building it, while helping thousands of professionals across the globe get a better understanding of what the future might hold for them. For her the future belongs to those who approach it curiosity and then take an active role in building the best version of future they envision.

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02.27.25

Loft of Shared Dreams Redefines Success in Davos

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2025 in January, as global business leaders gathered in the Swiss Alps, a unique platform emerged that shifted the conversation to a future-focused dialogue on entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability. The Loft of Shared Dreams, founded by visionary leaders Marina Cvetkovic, Annina Mueller, and LaszloUjpal became the epicenter for inspiring discussions that are helping to shape the future.

A Visionary Gathering

The Loft of Shared Dreams provided the perfect setting for these conversations, offering a refreshing space for optimism and forward-thinking solutions. In partnership with Annina Müller and László Ujpál, the platform was created to give speakers a unique opportunity to share bold ideas without the formal pressures of the WEF’s typical setting.

With a name that embodies its mission, Loft of Shared Dreams, the space became a forum where visionary leaders could inspire one another and collaborate on ideas for global change.

At last year’s WEF, Cvetkovic envisioned a platform where thought leaders from diverse industries could discuss solutions for a better future.

Driven by determination, she turned that dream into reality, attracting over 30 distinguished speakers, partners, and over 300 guests. This dynamic gathering became a hub for exchanging ideas and creating meaningful, actionable strategies to address global challenges.

A New Definition of Success

At Loft of Shared Dreams, the focus was to redefine success in a world where sustainability, equity, and long-term impact have become key priorities. The panel on “Redefining Success: Shaping a Legacy for Future Generations” was one of many thought-provoking conversations that day, offering insights on how the definition of success is evolving.

Success, as the panelists discussed, is no longer measured solely by financial wealth but by creating a legacy that balances prosperity with purpose. In the past, success was often synonymous with economic growth and personal achievement. However, today is about building lasting, positive change for individuals and the planet.

Key takeaways from the Loft of Shared Dreams panel on redefining success include:

Purpose Over Profit

The rising generation of leaders prioritizes social good and environmental

responsibility over short-term financial gain. As more and more entrepreneurs align their business goals with a greater sense of purpose, success is now defined not just by wealth accumulation but by the positive impact one can make on society and the environment. As one panelist shared, businesses must ask themselves: “How can we create value beyond just profits?“

Well-being Over Excess

Success is increasingly defined as a holistic health, balance, and community pursuit. The panelists stressed that it lies in promoting well-being for all individuals, teams, and societies. The emphasis is shifting from accumulating wealth and material goods to fostering a life of balance, mental health, and social connections.

Collective Progress Over Individual Gain

Rather than focusing solely on personal achievement, today’s leaders look at success through collective progress. The idea of “win-win” scenarios is gaining momentum as more and more leaders are aligning their values with global challenges like climate change, social justice, and economic equity. Panelists agreed that real accomplishment is about making a difference that transcends personal or corporate gain and contribute to a world that works for everyone.

Call for Collective Action

The panel on redefining success was just one of many impactful discussions at the Loft of Shared Dreams. The broader event was a vibrant exchange of ideas, with experts from across industries sharing their visions on everything from AI and sustainability to entrepreneurship and finance.

The conversation featured key insights from prominent industry leaders, including Elisabetta Bartoloni of Heidrick & Struggles, Magali Deloof from Simon-Kucher, and Mara Vergani of Light Up! Concept, financial literacy advocate Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey, Caroline Bauer from Stonehage Fleming, and Jennifer Wines, JD, CPWA® of Invisible Wealth Consulting. These thought leaders shared a common perspective that true success comes from leveraging one’s platform and influence to create meaningful, long-lasting impact.

Shaping a Legacy of Action

As the conversation at the Loft of Shared Dreams continued, the vision of the future became clear. Success will be defined by those who can align financial growth with social stewardship, innovation with sustainability, and individual ambition with collective progress.

The event served as a call to action for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to revisit what it means to be truly successful.

The Loft of Shared Dreams challenges people to examine how they can contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

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02.24.25

Mastery Made Easy: HIKMICRO’s FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 Enhance Every Hunting Experience

BY Sponsored Content 2 MINUTE READ

In hunting, ease of use is absolutely essential. Whether it’s a split-second opportunity to take a shot or navigating tricky terrain, the right gear can make all the difference. HIKMICRO has embraced this challenge with the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 thermal monoculars, reimagining hunting equipment with a focus on user-friendly design and practical innovation.

Long hunting trips demand gear that’s comfortable enough to handle for hours. The CONDOR LRF 2.0 stands out with a contoured grip that fits naturally in the hand, reducing fatigue and allowing for sustained use during extended hunts. Meanwhile, the FALCON 2.0 offers a straightforward cylindrical design, striking a balance between traditional aesthetics and modern functionality. Both models are built with the needs of hunters in mind, making them versatile options for various preferences and skill levels.

Single-Hand Operation That Changes the Game

Multitasking is a constant in hunting, and equipment that requires two hands can quickly become a hindrance. That’s why HIKMICRO engineered both the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 for one-handed operation. Key features like the rear focus wheel and inline button layout allow users to make quick adjustments on the fly. This frees the other hand for essential tasks, whether it’s steadying a rifle, managing gear, or navigating tough terrain.

This intuitive design shines during high-stakes moments when speed and precision are critical. By enabling hunters to stay focused and react without distraction, these devices can directly contribute to success in the field.

Combining Durability with Modern Design

Beyond their practical benefits, the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 bring a sleek, compact form factor that doesn’t sacrifice durability. Built to withstand the challenges of harsh environments, these devices are rugged enough to handle rough conditions while remaining lightweight and easy to carry.

HIKMICRO hasn’t overlooked aesthetics, either. The modern, streamlined appearance reflects a blend of style and performance, ensuring that these tools don’t just work well but look the part, too.

A New Standard for Hunting Equipment

With the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0, HIKMICRO is redefining what hunters can expect from their gear. These devices go beyond being simple tools—they enhance the hunting experience by prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and practicality.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, the intuitive controls and ergonomic design make these monoculars a natural fit for anyone looking to improve their performance.

By focusing on what matters most to hunters, HIKMICRO is setting a new bar for functionality and innovation in hunting technology.

By Sam Lawrence

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02.19.25

What is MP5? Unpacking Blings’ Groundbreaking Technology

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

Delivering personalized and interactive experiences is paramount, especially in the evolving landscape of digital content. While traditional video formats are effective, they often lack the flexibility needed to adapt to an audience that increasingly craves personalization and interactivity.

As brands and content creators strive to engage viewers in more meaningful ways, innovative solutions are emerging to redefine video content as we know it. One of the most groundbreaking advancements in this domain is MP5 technology, developed by Blings.

Unlike static videos, which present the same content to every viewer, MP5 technology enables real-time personalization. This allows users to experience a video tailored to their preferences, behaviours, and data inputs. This game-changing innovation combines lightweight architecture, real-time data integration, and interactivity, setting a new standard for digital engagement.

Understanding MP5 Technology

Unlike conventional video formats such as MP4, MP5 treats video as a code, enabling real-time rendering and personalization directly on the user’s device. This revolutionary approach, called “Video as a Code” (VaaC), allows videos to be as adaptable and dynamic as modern web applications.

Key Features of MP5 Technology

– Edge Computing: Videos in MP5 format are rendered directly on the user’s device rather than being pre-processed and streamed from a central server.

– HTML-Based Structure: An HTML-based framework lets MP5 videos operate similarly to web applications. Developers can seamlessly integrate real-time updates, animations, and interactive elements. Since MP5 is code-based, users can unlock HTML’s full potential.

– Real-Time Personalization: MP5 videos dynamically pull user data, ensuring that every viewing experience is unique. This means videos can adjust based on customer information, preferences, and engagement history, instantly reflecting any database changes.

– Lightweight Design: Unlike traditional video formats, MP5 files are only 60KB in size, making them incredibly fast to load and minimizing storage concerns. This efficiency is a game-changer for brands focused on high-performance digital experiences.

How MP5 Technology Works

When a user plays an MP5 video, the browser activates an SDK (Software Development Kit) that calls an empty video template or one without data. This template pulls real-time data from the user’s database to render a fully personalized video on-the-fly, generating the actual video on the end user’s device. This approach eliminates the need for multiple pre-rendered video variations, making MP5 an ideal solution for brands looking to scale personalized content efficiently.

Blings’ Utilization of MP5 for Personalized Interactive Videos

Blings has harnessed MP5 technology to create interactive and personalized video experiences. Here’s how:

1.Dynamic Personalization: By integrating with CRM systems and customer data platforms, Blings generates videos with elements unique to each viewer, such as name, purchase history, and browsing behaviour.

2.Interactive Elements: MP5 supports clickable buttons, story branching options, and chatbot integrations, transforming passive viewers into active participants. Users can also add editable forms. This feature is particularly useful for e-commerce, lead generation, and customer support videos.

3.Real-Time Data Integration: Businesses can integrate real-time metrics, sales updates, and live statistics into videos, ensuring the content remains relevant and timely.

4.Scalability and Efficiency: MP5’s lightweight nature allows brands to scale their video-marketing efforts without significant storage or bandwidth constraints, making it ideal for mass personalization campaigns.

Impact and Effectiveness of MP5 Technology

The adoption of MP5 technology has shown impressive results in boosting user engagement and conversion rates. A recent campaign using personalized MP5 videos saw a 63.4% open rate and a 19.5% click rate, significantly outperforming traditional video formats. These numbers underscore the power of MP5 in capturing audience attention and driving interaction.

The Future of Video is Here

MP5 technology is not just an innovation—it’s a shift in video content creation and delivery. By treating videos as code, Blings has unlocked possibilities where videos are no longer static but are instead adaptable, interactive, and deeply personalized.

As businesses embrace data-driven marketing, the ability to create real-time, customized video experiences will become a critical competitive advantage. For brands looking to stand out in a crowded digital space, adopting MP5 technology might just be the key to success.

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02.13.25

Binance highlights the power of Cross-Border payments this Valentine’s Day

BY Sponsored Content 2 MINUTE READ

 

Love knows no borders, and neither does cryptocurrency. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and digital asset exchange, is celebrating the role of crypto in fostering seamless cross-border connections, ensuring that distance is no longer a barrier to sharing meaningful moments.

“Blockchain technology is revolutionising the way we connect, breaking down financial barriers and enabling instant, secure transactions across the globe,” says Yande Nomvete, South African Operations Manager at Binance. “Whether you’re sending a gift, planning a virtual date, or supporting loved ones abroad, cryptocurrency offers a fast, cost-effective, and inclusive solution.”

In an era where digital love stories are more common than ever, Binance’s suite of crypto payment solutions, including Binance Pay, empowers users to send digital assets effortlessly, eliminating costly transfer fees and long processing times.

How crypto makes Cross-Border gifting effortless:

* Instant transactions – No waiting periods and delays. Send love in seconds.

* Low fees – Avoid costly remittance charges when sending funds internationally.

* Borderless access – Crypto is accessible from anywhere, making it easier to connect with loved ones.

* A growing crypto economy – More businesses are accepting crypto, allowing for unique and modern gift options.

With an increasing number of merchants and platforms integrating crypto payments, users can now purchase Valentine’s Day gifts, from digital gift cards to luxury items, using their preferred digital currency. Binance Pay facilitates these transactions with ease, allowing users to spread love without financial constraints.

“Crypto isn’t just about transactions, it’s about financial empowerment and inclusion,” adds Nomvete. “This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate how blockchain technology helps people stay connected, no matter the distance.”

For those looking to make a romantic gesture powered by crypto, Binance offers a seamless way to send and receive funds while embracing the future of finance. Whether it’s a token of love or an investment in shared financial growth, cryptocurrency is proving to be the ultimate modern-day cupid.

About Binance

Binance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a comprehensive suite of financial products. Trusted by millions worldwide, Binance is committed to advancing the freedom of money through its various products, including the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume.

Visit www.binance.com for more information.

Trade smarter, not harder. Start your crypto journey with Binance. Sign up today

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01.23.25

Samsung Galaxy S25 series sets the standardof AI phone as a true AI companion

BY Sponsored Content 6 MINUTE READ

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25, setting a new standard as a true AI companion with our most natural and context-aware mobile experiences ever created. Introducing multimodal AI agents, the Galaxy S25 series is the first step in Samsung’s vision to change the way users interact with their phone – and with their world. A first-of-its-kind customised Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset delivers greater on-device processing power for Galaxy AI and superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual Engine.

“The greatest innovations are a reflection of their users, which is why we evolved Galaxy AI to help everyone interact with their devices more naturally and effortlessly while trusting that their privacy is secured,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Galaxy S25 series opens the door to an AI-integrated OS that fundamentally shifts how we use technology and how we live our lives.”

Our Most Intuitive and Effortless Mobile Interactions Yet

With One UI 7, the Galaxy S25 series is a true AI companion that understands the context of your needs and preferences and provides personalised AI experiences with privacy assured at every turn. It’s the starting point of a shared vision with Google to imagine Android with AI at the core, bringing together developers and partners from around the world.

AI agents with multimodal capabilities enable Galaxy S25 to interpret text, speech, images and videos for interactions that feel natural. Upgrades to Google’s Circle to Search make searching your phone screen more helpful, fast and contextual. Circle to Search now quickly recognises phone numbers, email and URLs on your screen, letting you call, email or visit a website with a single tap.

With Galaxy S25 series, you can also perform actionable searches with context-aware suggestions for next steps. Plus, Galaxy S25 makes it frictionless to switch between apps for quick follow-up actions, like sharing a GIF or saving event details.

Galaxy S25 also represents a breakthrough in natural language understanding, making everyday interactions easier. Simply ask and intuitively find a specific photo in Samsung Gallery or adjust the size of display fonts in Settings.

Just press and hold the side button to activate Gemini and perform seamless interaction across Samsung and Google apps, plus third-party apps such as Spotify. For example, find your favourite sports team’s season schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar – with a single command.

These intuitive interactions are elevated by expansions to Galaxy AI’s popular tools for communication, productivity and creativity. Galaxy S25 keeps calls organised with Call Transcript and summary. Writing Assist features such as summarising content or automatically formatting notes can be enabled where texts can be selected, without needing to switch between applications. Drawing Assist unlocks fresh ways to bring ideas to life through combinations of sketches, text or image prompts.

Hyper-personalised Experiences with Privacy Secured

In the era of AI, personalisation goes hand-in-hand with privacy. On Galaxy S25, the Personal Data Engine powers personalised AI features by safely analysing your data on-device to deliver highly tailored experiences that reflect your preferences and usage patterns. These insights enable tailored experiences such as searching for an old photo in the Gallery using natural language, or being guided through the day with Now Brief, which proactively offers suggestions accessible via Now Bar on the lock screen. All personalised data is kept private and secured by Knox Vault. Combined with enhanced on-device processing capabilities, this creates a powerful, protected AI experience that is unique to Galaxy.

Galaxy S25 also introduces post-quantum cryptography, safeguarding personal data against emerging threats that could increase as quantum computing evolves.

Because there is no privacy without holistic security, One UI 7 laid the groundwork for these innovations by introducing an extra, fortified layer of device safety designed for the age of AI and hyperconnectivity. Additional updates include added Maximum Restrictions settings, enhanced Theft Protection, and a new Knox Matrix dashboard to monitor the security status across a connected device ecosystem.

Galaxy’s Most Powerful Performance Ever

The Galaxy S25 series is powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy. With unique customisations by Galaxy, this is the most powerful processor ever on Galaxy S series, delivering a performance boost of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU and 30% in GPU compared to previous generation. This power fuels the Galaxy S25 series’ ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise, including previously cloud-based AI tasks such as Generative Edit.

Samsung and Qualcomm Technologies worked together to customise the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy. The Galaxy S25 series features advanced, efficient AI image processing with ProScaler to achieve a 40% improvement in display image scaling quality, while incorporating custom technology with Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) embedded within the processor using Galaxy IP to enable greater display power efficiency.

Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy is also equipped with Vulkan Engine and improved Ray Tracing, which makes for smoother and more realistic mobile gaming.

All intense device usage and AI processing run smoothly thanks to changed heat dissipation structure with 40% larger vapor chamber and a tailored thermal interface material (TIM) that delivers extra improvement in thermal efficiency.

Unleashing Truly Pro Creation

The Galaxy S25 series delivers ultra-detailed shots at every range with high resolution sensors and ProVisual Engine, setting a new standard for mobile photography. With a new 50MP ultrawide camera sensor upgraded from the previous 12MP, Galaxy S25 Ultra provides exceptional clarity and vibrancy.

10-bit HDR recording is now applied by default, offering four times richer colour expression compared to 8-bit. Galaxy S25 can thus capture details in any lighting conditions. Plus, low-light videos have never been clearer than with Galaxy S25. Based on powerful processor, Galaxy S25 analyses movement and time to reduce noise more effectively. This integration allowsdetecting both moving and static objects with greater precision, ensuring sharper, cleaner footage in any scenario.

Galaxy S25 also introduces a range of tools once limited to specialised software, making advanced editing accessible for all.

Now anyone can be a pro at editing photos and videos. Audio Eraser simplifies the removal of unwanted noise in videos. By isolating categories of sounds – including voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise – you can control what to tone down or eliminate entirely.

For a DSLR-like experience on mobile, Galaxy S25 introduces depth-of-field control with Virtual Aperture, integrated into the popular Expert RAW. Galaxy S25 also elevates cinematic creativity with Galaxy Log, enabling precise colour grading options for more professional video production.

Portrait Studio has also been enhanced, allowing users to create personalised avatars with more true-to-life facial expressions. Filters introduces new analog-style filters, delivering film-like aesthetic for their photos and videos.

Durable Design Embracing a More Circular Approach

The Galaxy S25 series builds upon Galaxy’s ‘Essential Design’ grounded in ‘Simple, Impactful and Emotive’ elements. Galaxy S25 Ultra refines this essence into the slimmest, lightest and most durable Galaxy S series yet, with a rounded edge for a comfortable grip that complements the series’ aesthetic identity.

Galaxy S25 Ultra features durable titanium and the new Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, a first-of-its-kind material that is more durable than glass. It combines Corning’s glass-ceramic with a proprietary anti-reflective surface treatment, helping to ensure advanced drop protection alongside anti-reflection surface treatment and scratch resistance.

Every external component of Galaxy S25+ and S25 now includes at least one recycled material, as their metal frame incorporates recycled armor aluminum for the first time.

In addition, while every Galaxy S25 series device uses a minimum of 50% recycled cobalt for its battery, Galaxy S25 will be the first Galaxy smartphone to feature batteries made with recycled cobalt sourced from previous Galaxy devices or the batteries discarded during the manufacturing process. Samsung goes through multiple stages with its like-minded partners, from extracting cobalt from used batteries to re-using the recycled cobalt for the batteries of Galaxy S25.

Combined with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, the Galaxy S25 series ensures a reliable and optimised performance over a longer lifespan.

For greater peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs, and replacements, ensuring peace of mind for Galaxy users. Plus, Samsung is introducing the New Galaxy Club. For users who love having the latest technology, this flexible subscription model is designed to make owning and upgrading Galaxy devices more convenient than ever. Regional details and availability will be announced at a later date.

The Galaxy S25 series will be available for order from 23 January 2025. Galaxy S25 Ultra will be available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will be available in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.

For more information about the Galaxy S25 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, SamsungMobilePress.com or Samsung.com.

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01.14.25

Thriving in B2B Lead Generation Amid Remote Work

BY Sponsored Content 4 MINUTE READ

 

By: Georgette Virgo

Marketing and sales staff working for business-to-business (B2B) employers want to work from home. According to WFH Research and the Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home now, while 28.2% have adopted a hybrid work model. And based on Buffer’s State of Remote Work report, 98% of workers want to work remotely for at least some time.

The problem is that employers are worried about productivity and other business objectives like sales leads and revenue growth during remote setup. On the other hand, employees want trust and the freedom to work in a way that improves their quality of life.

The new book “Imposters on the Zoom!” by B2B marketing agency founders John Buie and Jason Hagerman lays out simple templates, checklists, and accountability programs that most B2B leaders can implement today to relieve the tension around critical business outcomes and employee satisfaction. This way, marketing and sales employees can do remote work from anywhere, and the business can generate more leads and revenue without heavy-handed in-office policies.

Why Leaders Are Worried About B2B Marketing and Sales Teams Working Remotely

A Harvard Business Review study found that 23% of managers believed remote workers were less reliable and had lower accountability levels than their in-office counterparts. And they do not hide it well, as data from Blind Workplace Insights says 61% of employees felt their managers doubted their productivity while working remotely.

The same Harvard Business Review study found that 40% of managers had difficulty assessing the work quality of remote employees. Another study by MIT Sloan found that 36% of executives were concerned that remote work could hinder creative processes and teamwork​.

“B2B employers might or might not be right to feel this way,” Buie mentions. “I had the same worries early in my career. But in time, I found a lot of those worries were more closely related to a lack of systems in my business. This lack created accountability and made it easy for my staff, my leadership team, and everybody in the organization to stay on the same page about critical outcomes like sales leads, business revenue, and marketing activities that kept those north stars centered for us.”

A System for Trust, Accountability, and Successful B2B Lead Generation

According to data from FlexJobs, 57% of workers would look for a new job if their current company did not allow remote work.

Buie says, “Rather than resisting what most marketing and sales employees want, leaders should look for ways to adapt and set clear boundaries or expectations around out-of-officework.”

Hagerman says that most of the growth in sales leads they generate for their customers comes from consistently and comprehensively applying the B2B content marketing services discussed in “Imposters on the Zoom!”

“Most sales leads don’t come to manufacturers or distributors through off-the-cuff strokes of genius around the office,” he says. “They come from following clear steps that put consistent, compelling messaging in front of prospects at the right times, in the right places, and bringing them down the sales funnel in greater numbers every month. This system can also be accomplished in this work-from-home economy by implementing systems that outline exactly what needs to be done, by whom, and when.”

The book, “Imposters on the Zoon!” documents and explains every step in the template Buie and Hagerman use to generate sales leads with remote and in-office teams. Businesses can use the book as their standard operating procedure (SOP) so team members working remotely know exactly what is expected of them, and leaders can easily evaluate their performance based on their SOP.

“B2B leaders need to see marketing and sales teams deploying tactics that generate leads and revenue,” Buie says. “As long as processes for accountability are in place, that can beaccomplished by a team working in the next room or on the next continent.”

B2B Marketing Assets That Drive Revenue Regardless of Office Settings

According to data from McKinsey, prospects consume three to seven pieces of content before engaging with a sales rep.

Buie states, “With a repeatable system full of checkpoints where leaders can easily see what’s been done and what has to be done, B2B marketing and sales teams can produce quality content at scale that nourishes prospects’ needs for information.”

“These contents can be merchandized across the business’ digital footprint just by following the steps in our book. By doing that, the business does three things: it attracts new leads that never would have found the business before; it encourages prospects who are familiar with the business but haven’t directly worked with them to identify themselves and engage as a sales lead; and it gets existing customers to spend budget more often with the business. So the remote team’s work by following the template results in more leads and more revenue.”

Buie explains these new leads are important as 20-40% of a B2B’s annual revenue should come from new customers. He mentions, “An actionable step most businesses can take today is to look at that revenue ratio. If it doesn’t align with the 20-40%, look for a new lead generation approach and implement it as quickly as possible.”

The shift toward remote work and hybrid work models presents challenges and opportunities for B2B lead generation. The book “Imposters on the Zoom!“ by John Buie and Jason

Hagerman offers a practical framework for addressing these challenges by providing clear systems and templates that enhance trust and accountability. With these strategies, B2B companies can effectively generate leads and drive revenue, regardless of whether their teams do remote work or in the office.

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12.24.24

Olga Petean Wins Prestigious 2024 Global Recognition Award for Excellence in Accounting

BY Sponsored Content 3 MINUTE READ

Olga Petean, founder of Rhodium Compliance & Accounting LLC, won a 2024 Global Recognition Award. The award recognizes Petean’s exceptional leadership, service, and international impact in the accounting industry. She has changed complex financial operations for companies worldwide.

A Legacy of Success: 100+ Projects and Counting

Petean has built an unprecedented track record of success, completing over 100 high-stakes projects that have redefined financial compliance and reporting standards. Her expertise spans crucial areas, including generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) compliance, software capitalization under ASC 350-40, and complex international accounting frameworks.

“From Dec 2017 until today, I have helped over 100+ individual Companies achieve monthly GAAP compliant accounting records and financial reports,” Petean states. “They passed external audits performed by Big 4 and Big 20 firms and succeeded in accounting due diligence in equity raises and M&A transactions valued at $25mil+.”

Mastering Global Financial Challenges

Petean’s expertise in managing multinational corporations distinguishes her in the industry. She skillfully handles cross-border financial operations, including complex transfer pricing agreements and multi-currency transactions. Her work in international division coordination includes implementing advanced revenue recognition standards and lease accounting compliance measures. Notably, she excels in coordinating intercompany transactions among over 20 related parties, ensuring clarity and compliance.

“I have worked with companies with multiple international divisions, foreign currencies, foreign languages, and complex transfer pricing agreements,” Petean explains. “My approach focuses on creating sustainable systems that ensure long-term compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.”

Managing Scale with Precision

Petean excels in managing large-scale financial operations, particularly in high-volume transaction environments. She has successfully handled millions of direct-to-consumer transactions precisely and implemented systems for multi-year financial record maintenance. By developing advanced automated solutions for complex data management, she has created scalable compliance frameworks that set industry standards.

“I have dealt with the volume of several million transactions on a single project, especially in the cases of direct-to-consumer sales, and some projects covered a timespan of more than five years of accounting records,” Petean reveals. “Success at this scale demands not just attention to detail, but also the creation of robust, scalable systems that can maintain accuracy across millions of data points.”

Building Strong Teams

Petean’s leadership philosophy extends beyond technical excellence to encompass comprehensive team development and organizational transformation. Her innovative team-building approach has changed how accounting departments operate within larger organizations. She has created high-performance teams that consistently exceed client expectations by establishing sophisticated communication protocols and building cross-departmental collaboration.

“These projects required collaboration with many different departments, Petean elaborates. “The key to lasting success lies in creating integrated systems where accounting teams can access critical information independently while maintaining seamless collaboration with other departments.“

Expertise Across Multiple Industries

Petean brings unique insights from numerous industries that few accountants possess. Her wide-ranging knowledge helps her solve diverse accounting challenges. Her versatile experience also helps her adapt quickly to different business models and industry-specific requirements.

“I have experience in nearly every industry, which further proves my accomplishments,” Petean states. “Most individuals work for a maximum of 10 employers in their life-long career. I have completed projects equivalent to 10+ lifetimes.” She applies best practices from various sectors to each new project.

Top Industry Honors

The Los Angeles Business Journal has named Petean to their “Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s” list, and Marquis Who’s Who has added her to their biographical registry. These recognitions highlight her outstanding contributions to the accounting profession.

Clients consistently praise Petean’s work. On her company website, Rhodium Compliance & Accounting, CEOs and controllers highlight her expertise and dedication. They describe how she turns complex financial situations into manageable, compliant systems. Her client testimonials demonstrate her tangible impact on businesses’ financial operations.

Advancing Professional Knowledge

Through her dedication to professional growth, Petean continues to expand her knowledge base, take on new challenges in accounting and finance, and stay ahead of industry developments and emerging financial trends.

“I will help more companies that need my growing knowledge and experience in my remaining professional career years,” Petean affirms. “The accounting field constantly evolves, and I remain committed to learning and applying new methods.“

Global Excellence in Accounting

A 2024 Global Recognition Award recognizes Petean’s substantial contributions to accounting. She demonstrates high achievement through her technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to service. Her work will influence future accounting professionals, and her career will set a standard for excellence.

Petean demonstrates what dedication and expertise can accomplish. The accounting community is interested in her future achievements. Through her commitment to excellence, she continues to raise standards in the accounting profession.

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