More Americans rely on second jobs as debt rises Debt is increasingly shaping career choices for Americans, with 38% taking second jobs and 37% accepting less desirable positions to manage debt, according to a Zety report. Experts suggest that while taking on additional jobs is a short-term solution, seeking raises or higher-paying roles is a more sustainable long-term strategy. Full Story: CNBC (6/28)
Empathetic, effective leadership starts with self-awareness Leaders may be tempted to judge others harshly in stressful situations, but true leadership requires assuming positive intent and practicing empathy even when it's difficult, management consultant Marc Cugnon writes. Leaders who view colleagues as adversaries can undermine morale and collaboration, while those who support rather than blame can help colleagues feel valued and trusted, leading to better personal and productivity outcomes, Cugnon notes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/27)
Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea of mastery taking 10,000 hours, but Chris Schembra, the chief question asker at 7:47, sees emotional and personal development as a matter of "1,000 conversations," prizing intentional and deep human connection as the catalyst for true growth and mastery of emotional intelligence. "Conversations are not merely exchanges; they are pivotal turning points, fundamentally shifting perspectives, deepening relationships and redefining trajectories," Schembra writes. Full Story: Rolling Stone (6/26)
Making the Connection
McKinsey: What the labor market looks like right now The current labor market is marked by significant uncertainty as multiple factors -- political shifts, post-pandemic effects, demographic changes, and rapid AI advancements -- collide. "There are some really interesting things, particularly in the tighter market, that you can look at," says Svenja Gudell, Indeed's chief economist. "A lot of different tools that an employer has in their toolbox can help in a tight market -- beyond just paying more money." Full Story: McKinsey (6/25)
The Landscape
Demand remains high for senior specialists in tech Despite widespread layoffs and shrinking opportunities for junior and mid-level roles in the tech industry, demand for senior specialists remains robust. Companies increasingly seek senior professionals with not only technical mastery but also cross-functional expertise -- those who can contribute to development, testing, analytics or even business requirements translation. Full Story: Tech Times (7/1)
Smith attending a CEO business summit. (Najlah Feanny/Getty Images)
FedEx founder Fred Smith's leadership was defined by a bold vision for the future and an unwavering focus on disciplined execution. Rather than relying solely on instinct, Smith, who passed away on June 21, achieved ambitious growth through strategic planning, operational rigor and a commitment to learning from history. Full Story: Chief Executive (6/27)
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From sister publication Kiplinger: The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by in January, brought major changes for public workers who previously saw their Social Security benefits reduced or eliminated, including teachers, police officers and firefighters, as well as certain federal and international workers. As a result of the SSFA, more than 3 million Americans are now eligible for retroactive Social Security payments for 2024 and will see an increase in their ongoing monthly benefits.
Space debris is accumulating, driven by the destruction of large, uninsured satellites like Intelsat-33e and the proliferation of cheaper, short-lived satellites. With around 14,000 tonnes of junk now in orbit and nearly half of all satellites inactive, the risk of collisions is rising sharply. Experts warn of the slow onset of Kessler syndrome, where a cascade of collisions could render low Earth orbit unusable. Full Story: Space (6/29)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
General Motors' debut of the Chevy Corvette in 1953 wasn't a rousing success, selling how many of the 300 built?
