April 2025

Tech companies are rushing last-minute bids for TikTok as the April 5 deadline nears.

Amazon and app development company AppLovin both submitted bids for unspecified amounts to buy TikTok on Wednesday, days ahead of TikTok’s Saturday deadline to separate from its Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance.

Amazon sent an offer letter to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to buy all of TikTok, but The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump’s administration isn’t seriously considering the bid.

AppLovin, a mobile tech platform that helps developers market and monetize apps, also submitted a bid and spoke to real estate billionaire Steve Wynn about funding it, per The Wall Street Journal. The company, which is valued at around $100 billion, pitched its offer to the Trump administration as a way to create jobs and address national security issues.

Related: You Can Download TikTok Again Through U.S. App Stores

According to The Journal, President Trump was briefed on Wednesday about a proposal to keep TikTok live in the U.S. The proposal involves cloud computing giant Oracle allying with asset manager Blackstone and other potential investors to make a joint bid on TikTok to ByteDance. Beijing officials will have to sign off on the deal and have indicated that they are open to it, per The Journal.

Trump acknowledged last week that the U.S. needed China’s cooperation on any TikTok deal and said he would consider “a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done.”

TikTok has received more than just Amazon and AppLovin’s bids. Other groups have submitted formal offers to acquire the app, including billionaire and former L.A. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who teamed up with Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to submit a $20 billion bid in January. AI startup Perplexity also submitted a bid in the same month to merge its business with TikTok’s U.S. division for more than $50 billion.

Congress passed a law in April 2024 called the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Lawmakers, concerned about U.S. user data making its way to the Chinese government and TikTok spreading Chinese propaganda to the American public, gave TikTok until January 19 to separate from ByteDance and be sold to a non-Chinese company or face a ban in U.S. app stores.

After failing to find a buyer, TikTok went dark on January 18 for 170 million U.S. users. The app quickly came back online the following day when Trump pledged to save the app. He then signed an executive order on January 20, extending the app’s operations in the U.S. by 75 days and giving it more time to find a buyer.

Related: TikTok’s Wild Weekend, Explained: From a Ban to an Executive Order, Here’s What to Know.

Trump stated earlier this year in a post on Truth Social that he wants the U.S. to have a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture to own TikTok.

“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to stay up,” Trump wrote ahead of his inauguration. “Without U.S. approval, there is no TikTok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”

Investing in employee wellness can help increase productivity, profit and employee retention; however, when it comes to deciding where to spend wellness dollars, many companies simply take a shot in the dark.

My AI data analytics firm once partnered with a large hospital network that had spent millions of dollars on a subscription to a meditation app for nurses, assuming it would help reduce stress and improve retention. Their plan turned out to be a complete waste of money.

After analyzing the hospital’s workforce data, it became clear that the meditation app had no impact on nurse stress levels or turnover rates. The real issue was long, back-to-back shifts. Nurses were working excessive hours with minimal rest, leading to exhaustion and job dissatisfaction. We suggested adjusting nurse schedules to optimize rest time and align with nurse preferences. These changes led to decreased turnover and improved quality of life for nurses — and their patients.

The biggest lesson learned? A one-size-fits-all approach — such as simply providing gym memberships — may seem beneficial, but it will have minimal impact if it doesn’t tackle the root causes of workplace stress.

Make no mistake, wellness programs can be effective. The World Economic Forum found that for every dollar invested in mental health, there is a four-dollar return from improved health and productivity. These programs often lead to reduced absenteeism, and millennials and Gen Z employees are more likely to commit to companies that prioritize employee wellbeing. Harvard Business Review found that companies are 22% more profitable if employees are highly engaged.

However, a successful employee wellness program is not about offering trendy perks. It’s about addressing the real issues that affect employee well-being and making informed decisions that lead to measurable improvements. By taking an employee-centric and data-driven approach, companies can allocate wellness budgets effectively to improve employee satisfaction and create workplaces that support long-term wellbeing.

Where should you start? Before implementing any initiatives, you should first try to understand why employees are stressed in the first place.

Related: How Entrepreneurs Can Better Support Their Employees’ Mental, Physical and Financial Health

Step 1: Identify the root causes of employee dissatisfaction

Root causes often vary by industry, department, job level and individual circumstances. Some common workplace stressors include:

• Workload and scheduling: Employees working long hours, back-to-back shifts, or unpredictable schedules can experience burnout. Lack of flexibility can also create challenges for those with caregiving responsibilities.
• Job expectations and pressure: Unclear job roles, unrealistic expectations and high performance demands can lead to anxiety and decreased job satisfaction.
• Management and workplace culture: Poor leadership, lack of communication or toxic work environments can make employees feel undervalued or unsupported.
• Compensation and benefits: Financial stress from low wages or inadequate benefits can contribute to dissatisfaction and turnover.

Companies should gather direct employee feedback or analyze employee data to pinpoint the specific causes of workplace stress. A few ways to approach these topics are roundtable discussions, confidential one-on-ones with HR or anonymous surveys. For larger organizations that may not have the time to check in with employees individually, a data analytics company can analyze workforce data, including schedules, absentee rates, performance reviews, skill fit, etc., to pinpoint the main stressors by role.

Step 2: Implement tailored, employee-centered solutions

By understanding what employees actually need, companies can avoid implementing superficial wellness solutions that fail to make a difference.

Effective wellness strategies should be:

• Employee-driven – Base decisions on direct feedback rather than assumptions from management.
• Flexible – Adapt to the needs of different departments, job roles, and employee demographics.
• Practical – Provide real, actionable improvements to workplace conditions rather than surface-level perks.

As an example of this strategy in action, my company worked with a virtual tutoring nonprofit, whose volunteer tutors were often students in high school or college. Many tutors were repeatedly missing Friday afternoon sessions. Those who did show up were disengaged, leading to poor tutoring quality for underserved students.

Using data analysis, the tutoring nonprofit:

• Adjusted scheduling policies to optimize effective tutoring
• Improved tutor screening to ensure volunteers were committed
• Raised funds to pay tutors in the future
• Developed a data-driven approach to match students with tutors more effectively

Understanding workforce behavior and implementing data-backed changes can significantly improve outcomes for employees and the people they serve.

Related: Why Your Workplace Wellness Program Is Unhealthy

Step 3: Continuously track and measure effectiveness

Wellness programs should not be a “set it and forget it” initiative. Companies must continually assess whether their investments are making a real impact.

Key metrics to track include:

• Retention rates – Are employees staying at the company longer?
• Job performance – Has productivity improved since implementing wellness changes?
• Employee satisfaction – Are employees reporting higher morale and reduced stress?
• Absenteeism – Has the frequency of sick days or unplanned absences decreased?

Whether using AI-driven analytics or traditional feedback methods, tracking real-world results is essential to ensuring wellness initiatives are truly benefiting employees — and are worth the money spent.

By prioritizing employee input, targeted interventions and continuous measurement, companies can create workplace environments that genuinely support employee health, satisfaction and long-term success.

I rarely get sick. Maybe once a year, I’ll have a quick 24-hour bug, shake it off and get right back to business. But this time was different. What started as a simple head cold turned into a full-blown fever that lasted a full seven days. Seven days of feeling drained, foggy and unable to think clearly, let alone work.

I took my hat off in a Brooklyn subway station, thinking I’d be okay. Well, no, my shaved head of a few hours ago got really cold, and there it was — I got sick.

At first, I assumed I’d bounce back quickly, but as the days stretched on, I realized something unsettling: My business, my income and my financial preparedness were not as solid as I thought. This forced me to ask some hard questions about how I operate, and I want to share them with you.

To make things even worse, we’re a single-income family, and I don’t have a side-hustle business. What I do as a motivational keynote speaker and SMB brand influencer is full-time, 24/7.

Here are a few things that will help you think about changes you might need to make in your business, as I’m thinking about it too:

Related: 5 Ways You Can Become More Financially Stable

1. Can your business survive without you?

As entrepreneurs, we love to believe we’re invincible. We push through exhaustion, handle everything ourselves and convince ourselves that things will be fine. But what if we’re out of commission for a week? A month? Longer?

Ask yourself:

• Do you have systems in place that allow money to come in without you working every day?

• Can your team or assistants keep things moving if you’re unavailable?

• Do you have automated revenue streams, like courses, digital products or recurring memberships?

If the answer is no, your business might not be as secure as you think.

2. Do you have at least three months of savings?

A financial cushion isn’t just for personal emergencies — it’s also for business. Could you survive three months without income? If not, it might be time to start building that safety net.

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by setting aside a small percentage of your earnings each month. Over time, it will add up and provide peace of mind for unexpected situations, like getting sick for longer than you anticipated.

3. Who are the key people on your team?

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, your “team” might just be a virtual assistant or an offshore freelancer. But having someone who can step in, check emails, handle basic tasks and keep operations running is crucial.

• Do you have a trusted assistant who knows your business well?

• Have you trained anyone to handle urgent matters if you’re unavailable?

• Are there key contractors, partners or freelancers who can help fill the gaps?

The goal is to make sure your business doesn’t fall apart if you’re out for a few days or longer.

4. Do you have a list of warm leads?

When you return to work after being sick (or dealing with any emergency), having a warm list of leads ready to go makes a huge difference.

If your pipeline is constantly dry, it means every time you take a break, your income stops. Instead, focus on maintaining relationships and keeping a steady list of potential clients you can follow up with when you’re back in action.

Related: Learn How to Build a Business or Brand That Grows Without You

5. Do you have strong client relationships?

A transactional business is fragile. But a business built on relationships is resilient.

Think about it: If you have strong relationships with your clients, they’re more likely to:

• Be patient if you’re unavailable for a few days

• Trust you enough to wait for your return

• Continue working with you even after a brief absence

Take the time to nurture real connections with your clients — it pays off when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

6. Do you have access to emergency funds?

Even if you have savings, do you have additional ways to access money in an emergency?

Some options include:

• A line of credit for your business

• A solid relationship with your bank

• Trusted family or business connections who could offer support if needed

Having a plan in place ensures that if things get tight, you’re not scrambling for financial relief.

7. Are you living below your means?

One of the biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make is spending based on today’s success — without considering the unexpected.

Ask yourself:

• Are there any unnecessary expenses you could cut?

• Are you overspending on things that don’t truly bring value to your business?

• If income stopped for a few months, could you still afford your current lifestyle?

Simplicity and financial discipline create long-term stability, especially when business gets unpredictable.

8. Are you setting aside enough for taxes?

Let’s be real — taxes can be a financial trap if you’re not careful. I’ve personally been caught off guard multiple times by not setting aside enough.

If you’re self-employed, every dollar you make isn’t truly yours — a chunk of it belongs to the IRS. Make it a habit to:

• Set aside at least 25-30% of your earnings for taxes

• Pay quarterly estimates to avoid big surprises

• Work with an accountant to stay ahead of tax liabilities

This is one of the easiest ways to avoid financial stress, yet so many entrepreneurs (myself included) overlook it until it’s too late.

Related: 5 Tips for Running a Business While You Are on the Mend

Being sick for seven days was a wake-up call. It reminded me that my business needs to be stronger than just me.

We never know when life will throw us a curveball — whether it’s a health issue, a family emergency or something else unexpected. The best thing we can do is prepare now, before it’s too late.

Take a moment to assess your situation:

• Is your business set up to run without you?

• Do you have savings and financial backups?

• Are you keeping strong relationships with clients?

• Are you managing your expenses wisely?

If any of these are a weak point, now is the time to fix them. Because at some point, life will test your business — and you want to be ready when it does.

What’s your plan for income preparedness?

Sleep is important to thrive in life, but it is often disregarded as a vital component of any success journey. The energy you gain from a full night’s sleep can help you make sound decisions, manage stress and maintain emotional stability.

As a leader, this energy is your powerhouse, which is closely linked to the quality of your sleep and the effective stress release by your nervous system. Having a sound sleep isn’t only health advice; it’s tactical entrepreneurial advice, as you are more likely to make logical instead of impulsive decisions if you have had a good night’s sleep.

What is REM sleep, and how can it help?

REM sleep is important in developing emotional regulation and mental clarity. REM stands for rapid eye movement. During this stage of sleep, your eyes move rapidly as you dream. Increased blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and brain activity are its defining characteristics.

The brain processes unresolved emotions and trauma during this stage, so leaders who concentrate on getting enough REM sleep are more likely to remain composed and grounded, particularly under pressure. Additionally, this stage fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, enabling leaders to respond to obstacles rather than just react to them.

Leaders who don’t get enough REM sleep may be more likely to have emotional outbursts or make fast decisions, which can have a detrimental effect on team morale and decision-making. Getting enough REM sleep enhances brain clarity and emotional resilience, two qualities that are essential for good leadership.

Related: The No-Excuse Approach to Sleep and Work Performance for Entrepreneurs

What is deep sleep, and how can it help?

Deep sleep is a curative stage of sleep where the body goes through physical repair and recovery. This stage helps rebuild the muscles, strengthen the immune system and boost energy levels. Deep sleep may prove to be an anti-aging serum for the leaders, which can promote endurance and well-being. It makes them wake up refreshed and energized. They feel a boost in their stamina and focus needed to lead effectively for the whole day.

Solutions for better sleep

If you want to recharge your “leadership battery” by improving your sleep, especially REM and deep sleep, try developing these habits:

1. Maintain regular sleep schedules

A proper sleep-wake schedule can help regulate your circadian rhythm, hence ensuring REM and deep sleep. You have enhanced emotional regulation and sound decision-making power if you follow the same routine of going to bed and waking up in the morning, including on the weekends.

2. Exercise regularly (but time it right)

You can improve your sleep quality and increase your REM time with regular exercise or any other physical activity. However, it is important to avoid rigorous workouts near bedtime as they can delay sleep.

3. Create a comforting night routine

Setting up a relaxing, consistent pre-sleep routine will assist your brain in recognizing when it’s time to relax. At least half an hour before going to bed, stop engaging in stimulating activities like watching TV or using your phone. Rather, engage in mental relaxation techniques like journaling, reading a soothing book or meditation.

4. Improve your sleep environment

A soothing and comfortable sleep environment can improve your sleep quality. You can make use of blackout curtains, white noise machines or earplugs to create a cool, dark and quiet environment in your bedroom.

5. Practice stress reduction techniques

Anxiety and stress can be a great hindrance to REM and deep sleep. Stress-reduction techniques like breath work, meditation and gentle yoga before bedtime can help alleviate your nervous system and ensure a smooth transition to restorative sleep.

6. Journal to release mental clutter

Writing down your ideas or unresolved problems before bed helps you declutter your mind, which facilitates relaxation and sleep. Leaders can especially benefit from this technique, which helps them decompress from the day and prepare for a better night’s sleep.

Related: 8 Reasons Sleep Is Crucial for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

Find what works for you

Although the given strategies are supported by research, it is an important factor to consider that everyone has different sleep requirements. These suggestions can be a starting point toward sound sleep. You need to be your own scientist by experimenting with what works best for you. Everyone’s body and nervous system respond differently. Observe the impact of different habits on you and improvise them as per your body’s needs intended to enhance your focus, energy and emotional balance for effective leadership.

Conclusion

The quality of your sleep has an impact on your energy levels, emotional stability and cognitive performance, all of which are critical for effective leadership. Keeping an eye on your sleeping patterns and making necessary adjustments will position you for success as a leader. These habits will improve your health and your capacity to react intelligently and effectively at work, from maximizing the amount of time you spend sleeping to developing nightly routines that promote the vital stages of sleep (REM and deep sleep).

In January, Bank of America analysts noted that self-care services like salons and gyms were notable economic standouts that have been “solid” for the past two years. Boomers led beauty spending, while Gen Z and millennials aimed for more self-care and gyms, including wellness trends like red light therapy and cold plunges.

Now, Business Insider reports that analysts are noting that the “generational shift” in spending towards “healthy habits is driving growth in wellness-related stocks,” according to a Bank of America note on Tuesday.

Gen Z and millennials are prioritizing movement and fun, spending their money on leisure activities like pickleball and wellness-focused discretionary spending like anti-aging treatments.

Related: The Majority of Gen Z Is Streaming Movies and TV Shows at Work, According to a New Survey

Investing.com notes that credit and debit card data from the bank showed a year-over-year increase in fitness spending of 7% in February, which they said was the biggest growth in a year and a half.

“We believe there is an ongoing generational shift toward healthy habits, which is supportive of wellness stocks,” Bank of America wrote.

The bank wrote that younger generations are also shunning the bar and instead opting for the gym.

“Millennials and Gen Z are allocating a higher percent of their budget to fitness [that’s] surpassing bars/pubs,” Bank of America noted.

Related: The ‘Lipstick Effect’ Exposes a Surprising Truth About Our Priorities in a Recession. Here’s How Businesses Can Cash In.

In November 2024, a report from the Global Wellness Institute found that the industry reached a record-high worth of $6.32 trillion in 2023 — bigger than the pharmaceutical and sports categories.

All of this data could lead to what Business Insider is calling a “recession-resistant corner of the market.”

Still, spending on beauty, or what is known as the “lipstick effect,” is not unheard of in times of economic strife.

During the Great Recession in 2008-2009, cosmetics expenditures increased among women ages 18 to 40 (though they gravitated towards lower-cost brands), per the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics.

Thinking of asking for a raise? Shark Tank investor and multimillionaire Barbara Corcoran says the key to getting ahead is being prepared and being specific.

Corcoran, 76, posted an Instagram video explaining the elements to keep in mind when approaching a boss about a salary raise. The “Shak Tank” star and entrepreneur, who founded real estate brokerage, The Corcoran Group, and sold it in 2001 for an estimated $70 million, has experience overseeing a staff of up to 700 brokers.

Corcoran advised viewers to prepare by making a list of every responsibility they were hired to do. Then, they should write a separate list of everything they are really doing in their current roles. That way, the manager can clearly see where they are fulfilling their responsibilities and where they are going above and beyond — and they can communicate that to their boss.

Related: ‘Do You Know What a First Class Ticket Costs?’ Why Barbara Corcoran Flies Coach

The second tip Corcoran gave was to name a percentage or a specific monetary value for the raise. Instead of saying “I want a raise,” Corcoran said bosses would respond better to, “I want a 10% raise.”

“You’re in a much better negotiation position to maybe get 8%,” Corcoran said. “Name the number.”

Corcoran prides herself on being a good boss, stating last month in a separate Instagram post that her perspective is grounded in what she can do for her employees and how she can serve them.

Her professional efforts have been fruitful: Corcoran earns around $4.5 million a year from investments, factoring in profits from over 650 deals she’s made on “Shark Tank” as an original cast member for 16 years.

Related: Barbara Corcoran Needed to Make Job Cuts. Here’s Why She Fired Her Mom First.

No matter how good the pitch, raises can be rare or a common yearly occurrence, depending on the company.

According to Payscale’s 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, engineering and science firms intend to offer 4.6% raises this year, while nonprofits and educational institutions are only planning on a median 3% pay increase for 2025. Some companies going through a difficult financial year may be unable to offer raises and are not legally obligated to, per Indeed.

Nonprofit think tank The Conference Board surveyed 300 compensation leaders across 11 industries and found that the average annual raise for U.S. employees is around 4%.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics backs up this figure, showing that salaries for civilian employees increased by an average of 3.8% for the 12-month time frame ending December 2024.

SEO has long been a moving target. Back in the early days, “success” looked like stuffing keywords into web pages and trying to game the algorithm with backlinks. Then came the era of “Content is King,” user intent and semantic search — ultimately shifting the balance from tricks to value … black hat to white hat.

However, today, a new force is looking to reshape that search landscape: generative AI search.

Tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), as well as my favorite one, Perplexity, are changing how search engines understand, rank and present content.

All of a sudden, traditional SEO tactics aren’t enough. Content isn’t just competing with other websites — rather, it’s up against AI-generated summaries, direct answers and dynamic search results. And really, it’s transforming SEO.

If you’re a marketer, content creator, SEO expert or business owner, you’ve got to understand these changes. It’s the only way you’re going to stay competitive in this brand-new world of search.

Related: How AI Is Transforming the SEO Playbook — and What Businesses Must Do to Ensure Long-Term Relevance and Visibility

SEO before generative AI: The old-school playbook

Before we entered the era of the bots, SEO was all about mastering the basics — and then some. Here’s what it used to look like:

Traditional SEO practices:

• Keyword research and optimization: You focused on exact-match terms and strategically placed them throughout content.

• Backlink building: You would build a network of links to boost domain authority and improve rankings in the SERPs.

• On-page and technical SEO: You placed emphasis on making sure your pages had meta tags, header tags and site structure — all in the name of better indexability.

But despite the structured approach, there were major growing pains. SEO was not always efficient — nor was it scalable.

The challenges:

• Manual content creation: In order to craft high-quality content that ticked all of the SEO boxes, you needed to invest time and resources.

• Scaling personalized content: It’s hard to create content tailored to different audience segments — and impractical when having to do this to scale.

• Data-heavy strategy development: There is little room for flexibility when you also have to analyze data, monitor trends and refine tactics — all slow and cumbersome processes.

But generative AI has flipped the script here, and there are new solutions to old SEO headaches. Let’s take a look at how the times have changed.

Related: 5 Ways to Change SEO Strategies in an AI Search Engine World

AI’s disruptive influence on SEO: From content to search behavior

Generative AI has ushered in a revolution in SEO. According to a survey conducted by Statista in 2023, 13 million people “used generative AI as their primary search tool for online searches.” That figure is only set to skyrocket to 90+ million by 2027 (for the record, that’s a mere two years away).

It’s changing everything from content creation to how search engines rank results. Here’s a breakdown:

Content creation and optimization

• Automated content generation: AI tools have the ability to generate high-quality, SEO-optimized content at scale — adding ease and efficiency.

• Real-time content updates: The bots can adjust content in real time based on user behavior and search trends. This ensures your site stays relevant and up-to-date.

Search engine algorithms adaptation

• Context and intent: AI has the ability to read intuitively, like a human. So, the content behind queries and user intent is more important than matching keywords alone.

• E-E-A-T principles: Search engines are now placing more weight on the Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness of content. And this is an area where AI reigns supreme.

User behavior and search patterns

• AI-driven search assistants: As voice and chat-based AI assistants have become increasingly prevalent, search must adopt a conversational approach — and this influences how content is optimized.

• Personalized search results: Users demand personalized, human-like interactions with search engines. AI, ultimately, can offer targeted results based on the preferences and behaviors of the person.

And statistics are highlighting this shift, too. According to a 2024 report by SEMRush, 65% of businesses report better SEO results due to AI integration, 67% observe boosted content quality through AI, and 68% realize higher content marketing ROI via AI.

At the end of the day, this isn’t some flash-in-the-pan trend. This is an evolution of how SEO works. AI can make processes faster, smarter and savvier than ever before.

There is a double-edged sword

For as groundbreaking as AI has been in the past few years, it’s not all smooth sailing.

One of the biggest hurdles lies in maintaining content authenticity and quality. Sure, AI can churn out content faster than you can say “writer’s block,” but there’s a huge risk of AI-generated “fake news” slipping through the cracks.

That’s why it’s key to make sure a human with a working cerebral cortex is manning the content creation process. Someone has to take the wheel to keep things grounded in relevance and truth.

To make matters murkier, we also have to address the issue of dependence on AI tools. Yes, automation feels easy, but the risk of becoming addicted is real. You must strike a balance between the efficiency of AI and the creativity that only has a home in your head. Don’t be tempted by over-reliance on AI, but it’s like allowing your Tesla to drive you home after a night out because you want to take a nap.

Sometimes, you’ve got to trust your gut and use your brain.

Related: How to Use AI for SEO Wins in 2025

The road ahead

Looking into our crystal ball, let’s state the obvious: Generative AI isn’t going anywhere. And it’s only going to get more powerful.

SEO strategies need to evolve alongside it. The best marketers will be those who become friends with the bots — using the technology to improve content, refine user experiences and stay ahead of the search engines. And know that human creativity will remain at the heart of content. Only a person can bring that unique spark.

For SEO professionals and digital marketers, the future means transitioning from the manual to the automatic, from human strategy executions to human strategies but AI execution. Take advantage of the power and efficiency of AI tools and trends.

As an entrepreneur, the journey to becoming a top performer is paved with goals to achieve, obstacles to overcome and endless areas to master. Through years of trial and error, success and failure and learning from coaches, experts and some of the most successful entrepreneurs, I noticed that there are five essential pillars you must embody to break through barriers and lead in your industry. These pillars aren’t just abstract concepts — they’re actionable, foundational habits that will empower you to elevate every aspect of your business and life.

1. Energy: Your foundation for success

Your physical and mental energy is non-negotiable. It deserves the protection to the equivalent of the highest security clearance.

You can be the most disciplined person on earth, have state-of-the-art systems and processes and the most brilliant and innovative product, but if you’re running on low sleep, poor nutrition and artificial energy, your body will soon give you the finger.

Prioritize quality sleep, balanced nutrition and movement, and recognize that every moment of vitality is an investment in your capacity to perform. Remember, your biology will always win. Nurturing it is the first step to peak performance.

Related: 8 Self-Care Tips From Wildly Successful Entrepreneurs

2. Clarity: Prioritize your time and money

True clarity starts with a crystal-clear vision for your life and business, along with well-defined goals. On a daily level, it means aligning your two most valuable resources — your time and money — with that vision.

In fact, the quickest way to get to know someone is to look at how they spend their time and money.

When you’re deliberate about how you invest these assets, you stay focused, steadily build momentum and move closer to achieving the life and business you desire.

And, continual reflection and refinement also keep you heading in the right direction. It’s one thing to know your vision and another thing to reflect and assess how you’re heading to that destination.

3. Structure and speed: Build routines and act decisively

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, having a solid structure combined with the agility to act quickly is needed for success. The world’s most disciplined man, Craig Ballantyne ends all of his emails with “Success Loves Speed.” Firstly, because it’s true. And secondly, because he wants to always keep that quote top of mind.

Success starts with designing an optimal daily system in your calendar that maximizes your energy and productivity levels.

When designing a schedule, start with your foundations; sleep, nutrition and movement. From there, build on focused work blocks where you can be distraction-free from interruptions so you can consistently advance on your priorities.

Can some of us multi-task? Yes! Is multitasking optimal for productivity? No. Research has found that multitasking actually impairs executive function and slows you down. Putting your priorities into your schedule will allow you to say no to projects, meetings and collaborations outside of your vision and act decisively where it counts.

4. Mindset: Resilience and reflection

Your mindset is the engine that drives every decision and every breakthrough. High-performing entrepreneurs harness a positive, resilient attitude even in the face of setbacks.

There is always an opportunity to learn and grow from any experience. It starts with embracing challenges with a spirit of gratitude and determination, knowing that every obstacle is a chance to grow. A relentless, positive attitude not only propels you forward but also inspires your team and peers to reach greater heights.

Related: Resilience Is One of the Most Essential Entrepreneurial Traits. Practicing This Can Help You Build It.

5. Accountability and resourcefulness

No entrepreneur reaches the pinnacle of success on their own. Surrounding yourself with mentors and accountability partners is essential. Consider the greatest athletes — the G.O.A.T.s — who consistently rely on coaches to challenge them, hold them accountable and celebrate their victories while turning setbacks into opportunities. Seek out mentors who have already navigated the hurdles you face; their experience can help you sidestep common pitfalls and accelerate your journey to excellence.

Success as an entrepreneur isn’t a mysterious alchemy — it’s a disciplined practice of nurturing your energy, honing your clarity, building robust systems with the agility to act fast, fostering an indomitable attitude and leveraging the wisdom of mentors and accountability partners. Embrace these five pillars, and you’ll not only overcome obstacles and reach your goals — you’ll redefine what it means to be a top performer in your field.

Running a business is by no means an easy career path. From managing resources to keeping staff happy and delivering a consistently high-quality product or service, it’s a constant effort that breeds many highs and lows.

No matter how well you finish one year and start the next, it’s vitally important to examine your business performance over the past 12 months. By celebrating the wins and critically assessing the shortcomings, you can develop a robust plan not just to survive but thrive.

Make a list of what is and isn’t working

Taking a good, hard look at your business strategy and deciphering what is and isn’t working is the best way to eliminate the unnecessary and make way for the bigger and better. There will always be ups and downs, but how you manage them is what makes the difference.

Reviewing your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from the previous year, including financial, operational, sales, marketing and customer service goals, is a great way to identify your strengths and weaknesses and learn from them.

Data is key during this analysis process. Seeing where there is room for improvement is the surest way to learn from mistakes and set your business up to grow from them in the year ahead.

Related: How to Determine Your Franchise’s KPIs and Achieve Profitability

Set big, audacious goals

Setting a business goal that might seem almost impossible is a huge motivator for business leaders and staff alike. A big, audacious goal is the kind of goal that is brave, bold, and compelling enough to empower your team to strive toward achieving it.

This could be to hit one million followers on your social media platform, increase revenue by 50%, become the number one product in your industry market or reach capacity on client intake.

A big, audacious goal looks different for every business, so there is no one set of rules for how it should exist or manifest throughout the year. The best way to create your ideal goal is to know what is realistic for your business, but still scary enough to push you and your people to make it a reality.

Talk to your team members

Without your staff, your business won’t survive. Checking in with your team members is a great way to gain insight into their working experience, build mutually beneficial relationships, improve workplace culture and nurture the well-being of the business as a whole.

Unhappy employees create poor business outcomes. Any good leader knows that taking care of your staff, listening to their needs and understanding their expectations plays a big role in a business’s success.

Whether through one-on-one reviews, company-wide surveys, workshops, or anonymous feedback, allowing your team to have their voice heard is crucial to fostering a healthy workplace environment.

Setting goals for your business is one thing, but recognizing that employees have their own goals and creating a space for that to happen is a game-changer. The bottom line is this: if you look after your staff, they will look after your business.

Related: Building a Resilient Workplace — 5 Strategies for Fostering a ‘Got Your Back’ Culture

Fill up your calendar

Getting through the working year can be tedious and stressful, especially if you feel as though you’re just trying to manage each day as it comes. Putting things on your calendar is a practical way to break up the year, have things to look forward to, and stay on track to achieving your goals.

Marking the dates on your calendar isn’t just about reminding yourself when the next meeting is. It’s about creating a plan that excites you and your team and inspires a desire to make the most of every day.

From staff get-togethers to networking events, company milestones and industry conferences, there is a whole year to pack everything into, so why not make your schedule count? It goes without saying that adding a bit of fun to the mix is a must.

Related: Why Having ‘Big Hairy Audacious Goals’ is Key to Inspiring People and Nurturing a Growth Mentality

Redirect your company to success

With a little bit of planning, a lot of analysis and some honest conversations, you can right the wrongs of the previous year or make your company an even bigger success. How you will feel in 12 months’ time is entirely dependent on how willing you are to embrace change and put in the work to reap the rewards.

Amazon is reinstating a pre-pandemic policy bringing back metal detector screenings for its 750,000 U.S.-based hourly warehouse employees, per a new Bloomberg report. The retail giant will also require workers to register their phones so security personnel know they haven’t stolen the devices.

Amazon reportedly began telling workers in select test locations about the phone registration and metal detector screenings on Monday. The company is planning to gradually roll out the anti-theft measures, starting first with test warehouses and then expanding to all of its U.S. facilities, per Bloomberg.

Under the new policy, employees will have to walk through a metal detector to leave Amazon warehouses to ensure that they haven’t taken anything with them. Phone registration entails sharing the last six digits of the phone’s serial number in exchange for an identifying sticker.

Related: ‘Difficult Decision’: Amazon Announces a New Round of Layoffs. Here Are the Roles Affected.

“We’re always working to make our facilities more safe and secure for our employees and for all companies of all sizes that put their trust in us to store their inventory,” an Amazon spokesperson told Bloomberg in an emailed statement.

Metal detector screenings aren’t new at Amazon warehouses — they were the norm before the pandemic. But they were controversial, and workers filed lawsuits over the screenings in 2014, seeking more than $100 million in back wages for time spent in line waiting to be screened. They alleged that they stood in line for up to 25 minutes at a time to comply.

^{Inside an Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

That same year, the U.S. Supreme Court had the final say on the matter and ruled that workers weren’t entitled to back pay for time lost after a shift to metal detector screenings.

Amazon also stopped employees from accessing their phones before the pandemic, mandating that they leave personal devices in cars or lockers. The retail giant relaxed this policy during the pandemic as workers sought to be connected to real-time medical information, per Bloomberg.

Related: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Says the ‘Way to Get Ahead’ at Amazon Isn’t By Overseeing a ‘Giant Team and Fiefdom’

According to Business Insider, Amazon operates 110 warehouses in the U.S. with some as large as a million square feet.

Statista estimates that Amazon is the second-largest company in the world after Walmart, with 1.5 million global employees as of 2023.