Richard

I have spent 37 years as a founder, CEO, investor, advisor, board member and leader, and I’ve seen my share of soaring successes and crushing failures. My entrepreneurial journey has been punctuated by significant challenges, including the Great Recession, where I lost everything. These experiences have taught me the importance of antifragile optimism, a mindset that allows us to survive adversity and thrive in it.

Strategic foresight and authentic leadership are essential, but they must be complemented by a willingness to engage with the darker, less understood parts of ourselves — what Carl Jung famously termed the “shadow.”

Related: How to Empower Yourself to Unlock Your Full Potential

The shadow concept

Carl Jung introduced the concept of the “shadow,” which represents the unconscious and often repressed aspects of our personality — those traits, behaviors and emotions that we push into the background because they don’t align with our self-image. Jung described the shadow as an unconscious snag, an unseen force that can hold us back or weigh us down.

As Jung once said, “A man who is possessed by his shadow is always standing in his own light and falling into his own traps.”

These hidden parts of ourselves can subtly influence our decision-making, leadership style and overall business success. Left unchecked, the shadow can be a formidable barrier to growth, but when confronted and integrated, it can become a powerful ally.

Personal discovery of the shadow

My journey into understanding the shadow began during a recent leadership course led by John Wineland. The concept of shadow work was new to me, but I realized that my shadow had been unconsciously influencing many of my decisions, limiting my potential as a leader and entrepreneur.

This was a revelation — recognizing that the very fears and insecurities I had long buried were impacting my ability to lead effectively. One particular manifestation of this shadow was the fear of financial instability — a fear that reared its head during the current IPO slowdown over the past two years.

For many entrepreneurs, financial concerns are a constant companion. Studies from Harvard Business School indicate that 25% of entrepreneurs face significant financial loss multiple times throughout their careers. This fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if it’s not addressed head-on, affecting our decision-making processes in ways we might not even be aware of.

The entrepreneur’s shadow: A double-edged sword

Entrepreneurs are often driven by a mix of confidence, ambition and vision. However, these strengths can also have a dark side — a shadow that, if not acknowledged, can lead to significant challenges.

Overconfidence, for example, can be both a strength and a weakness. Confidence in one’s ideas and abilities is crucial for any entrepreneur; it drives us to take risks and push boundaries. However, overconfidence can lead to underestimating risks and overextending resources, often resulting in strategic missteps that could have been avoided with a more measured approach.

Similarly, fear of failure can lead to caution and careful planning, which are essential in business. However, an overwhelming fear of failure can prevent us from taking necessary risks or exploring new opportunities. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), serial entrepreneurs often face multiple failures before they achieve lasting success, underscoring the importance of resilience and risk-taking.

Another common shadow is poor work-life balance. A strong work ethic and dedication are vital to building a successful business, yet neglecting personal well-being and relationships can lead to burnout and diminished effectiveness, both personally and professionally.

Related: Why Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness Are Vital Skills for Any Entrepreneur

Harnessing the shadow for business growth

The shadow is not something to be feared or ignored but rather a part of ourselves that can be harnessed for growth. The first step is becoming aware of our shadow, which requires honest self-reflection and asking tough questions: “What am I avoiding? What am I overcompensating for?”

This process requires vulnerability, something many leaders shy away from, but which is crucial for personal growth. Seeking feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors or coaches is also essential. They can offer insights into our blind spots — those aspects of ourselves we might not see clearly but that others do.

Once we identify our shadow traits, we can begin to work with them. This might involve setting boundaries, taking calculated risks or delegating tasks more effectively. Shadow integration is an ongoing process, requiring patience and consistent effort.

By bringing the shadow into the light, we can use it as a source of innovation and new ideas. Embracing vulnerability, for example, can help build trust and authenticity within a team. Understanding and managing overconfidence can lead to more measured decision-making, balancing ambition with a realistic assessment of risks.

Recognizing the importance of personal well-being allows us to create a more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship — one that includes personal happiness and health as integral parts of our success.

Antifragile mindset and recovery

An antifragile mindset may be the most critical trait in successful entrepreneurship.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that many entrepreneurs start new ventures even after facing significant failures. This cycle of failure and recovery is a common thread in most entrepreneurs’ lives.

Financial setbacks are not only common; they often happen multiple times in an entrepreneur’s career. The key is to learn from these failures, adapt to new circumstances and continue pushing forward. My journey after the Great Recession is a testament to this process — by doing the work on myself and integrating my shadow, I’ve emerged healthier and more effective as a CEO. This transformation has enhanced not only my performance in business but also in all areas of my life.

Related: Embracing Antifragility — How to Leverage Uncertainty, Volatility and Stress for Unprecedented Growth and Innovation

The shadow is a powerful framework for achieving both business success and personal fulfillment. Confronting and integrating our shadows unlocks hidden strengths and deepens our leadership capabilities.

As an integrated CEO, I believe that bringing the best version of ourselves to our business and stakeholders is not just beneficial — it’s essential. Identifying and facing my shadows has deepened me as a man and as a leader.

By treating the shadow as an ally, I’ve been able to utilize it in ways that enhance my effectiveness as both a CEO and an entrepreneur. I encourage all entrepreneurs to embrace their shadows as allies in their pursuit of greatness. The shadow plays a crucial role in both personal and professional development, contributing to a more resilient, innovative and ultimately successful business approach.

McDonald’s is extending its $5 Meal Deal promotion, launched last summer, to cater to budget-conscious customers. Originally billed as a limited-time response to provide relief to inflation-strapped consumers, the promotion has gained traction with consumers demanding value from fast-food brands. The $5 Meal Deal includes a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small drink.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

The move aligns with a broader trend in the industry, where major fast-food chains have battled for customers with affordable meal deals since McDonald’s launched its promotion in June. Competitors, including Burger King, Taco Bell and Wendy’s, have also introduced value-based promotions to retain customer loyalty amid rising food costs, inflation concerns — and even customer outcry.

In an open letter to customers last May, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, addressed widespread reports — primarily spread via social media — that menu prices had increased more than 100% in the past five years. The letter also rebuked claims that the chain raised prices above standard inflationary rates.

Related: Don’t Have Time to Start a Business? This Doctor, Lawyer and Now Part-Time Franchisee Would Disagree.

“Inflationary pressures have affected all sectors of the economy, including ours,” Erlinger wrote. “That’s why prices for many of our menu items have risen less than the rate of inflation — and remain well within the range of other quick service restaurants.”

While these deals will bring some form of relief to inflation-strapped consumers, FinanceBuzz, a financial news and information website, recently analyzed value meals at major fast-food restaurants to determine how much consumers can save by buying value meals versus purchasing the items individually, finding that McDonald’s was among the top in value.

Related: The Critical First 100 Days of Onboarding — What You’re Likely Overlooking That Could Make or Break Your New Hire

With inflation still a stubborn reality for many consumers, McDonald’s aims to continue attracting price-sensitive customers while keeping its menu appealing and accessible. The $5 Meal Deal promotional extension could further boost traffic to its locations and help drive sales during an economically uncertain time.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New ‘Hall of Fame’

Read More: CNBC

Reuters reported Friday that genetics testing company 23andMe has agreed to pay a $30 million settlement after a hack exposed 6.9 million customers’ personal information to the dark web. The company will also pay for three years of security monitoring for affected customers.

The class action lawsuit alleged that 23andMe failed to alert customers with Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese ancestry that their personal data was posted for sale and that they may have been specially targeted in the April 2023 breach.

Related: 23andMe Hackers Selling Stolen User Data, Including DNA Profiles of ‘Celebrities,’ on Dark Web

23andMe said the settlement was “fair, adequate, and reasonable” in a court filing, per Reuters.

In a Dec. 2023 blog post addressing the hack, the company said the attack started in April 2023 and lasted about five months. At the time, 23andMe had around 14.1 million customers in its system. The company said the hack affected at least half of the database.

Who is eligible to claim money?

According to court documents, affected users can claim anywhere from $100 up to $10,000 for the most “extraordinary” cases. If the settlement gets final approval, instructions will be provided on how to file for reimbursement.

Customers in Alaska, California, Illinois, and Oregon are subject to “genetic privacy laws with statutory damages provisions” and can only claim $100, per PCMag.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made a case — and a mandate — for in-office work on Monday.

In a publicly available message, Jassy said that Amazon’s 1.5 million-plus employees must return to the office five days per week starting January 2. Amazon is also bringing back desk assignments to the offices that had that structure pre-pandemic.

Jassy positioned the move as a better way to work and a return to life before Covid.

“We’ve observed that it’s easier for our teammates to learn, model, practice, and strengthen our culture; collaborating, brainstorming, and inventing are simpler and more effective; teaching and learning from one another are more seamless; and, teams tend to be better connected to one another,” Jassy stated.

^{Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images}

Jassy also said that situations that require remote work like sickness, an emergency, or being on the road are still acceptable.

However, these examples of remote work are the exception to the new rule, not the norm.

Related: Here’s How Much Money U.S. Employees Will Sacrifice to Avoid Returning to the Office, According to a New Study

Amazon employees have been back in the office at least three days per week as of February 2023. A July report from Bamboo HR showed that one in four executives secretly hoped employees would quit over stricter return-to-office policies.

“Strengthening our culture remains a top priority for the s-team [senior leadership team] and me. And, I think about it all the time,” he wrote. “We want to operate like the world’s largest startup.”

Under the new policy, working from home two days per week is no more. The office culture is returning to how it was before the pandemic, to strengthen work culture and drive better results, Jassy explained.

Related: Dell Reportedly Told Remote Employees to Come Back to the Office or Forgo the Chance to Be Promoted

Amazon joins companies like Salesforce and Walmart that have implemented stricter return-to-work policies.

As prices rise and membership fees go up at other clubs, smart entrepreneurs know where to find the best value—Sam’s Club. Right now, you can secure a one-year membership with auto-renew for just $15 (regularly $50) and enjoy exclusive perks, savings, and discounts all year when you purchase through September 27.

Whether you’re stocking up on office supplies, keeping your home business running smoothly, or looking to slash your grocery bill, Sam’s Club members can access bulk buying power and a wide variety of products at unbeatable prices. From groceries to electronics, household essentials to office equipment, this membership is designed to help you maximize savings and minimize overhead costs.

With inflation squeezing budgets, making savvy financial decisions is more important than ever. That’s where Sam’s Club shines, especially for entrepreneurs and small business owners. By taking advantage of bulk pricing and members-only offers, you can significantly cut down on monthly expenses.

On average, Sam’s Club members save up to 25% on grocery bills compared to regular supermarkets. For entrepreneurs running home-based businesses or managing office supplies, that’s a game-changer for your bottom line.

And it’s not just about groceries. Tack on fuel savings at Sam’s Club gas stations, curbside pickup for a small added fee, and more, and you’ll see how it offers constant support for your business and home needs.

Plus, Instant Savings and Bonus Offers give you even more opportunities to grab limited-time discounts on the products you need most. These rotating deals make it easy to maximize your savings on top of already low prices.

While other memberships are raising fees, you can join Sam’s Club for less.

Don’t miss this chance to get a one-year membership with auto-renew for just $15 (regularly $50) when you purchase through September 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As business owners and leaders, we often encounter a variety of problems in our organizations, but not all problems are created equal.

I’ve found that most issues fall into one of three layers, each requiring a different approach to solve. Below, I’ll break down the three layers so you can tailor your business’s solutions to the right problem type.

Related: 2 Steps to Determine the Best Possible Solution to Any Problem

Layer 1: Simple mistakes

For Layer 1 problems, a process is in place, and the person involved knows exactly what they should be doing. The issue here is that they simply made a mistake. It happens to the best of us — sometimes, we just slip up.

When a Layer 1 problem pops up, your first move should be to remind the person of the correct process. A quick, gentle nudge is often all that’s needed to get things back on track. These are the kinds of problems that can be fixed with a brief conversation or a simple reminder.

If this kind of mistake starts happening regularly, it’s time to dig a little deeper. There may be something else going on — stress, disengagement or even burnout. In these cases, it’s important to address the root cause rather than just the symptom. Consistent Layer 1 problems could signal that the employee needs support, whether that’s through better time management, more frequent breaks or addressing any personal issues that might be affecting their work.

No matter what the specifics entail, it’s best to address a Layer 1 problem quickly, ideally providing feedback within 24 hours. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to course-correct and prevent the mistake from becoming a recurring issue.

Layer 2: Lack of understanding

The second layer of problems is a bit more complex. For Layer 2 problems, a process is in place, but the person doesn’t fully understand it. This could happen for several reasons — maybe they’re new and still learning, or maybe their training wasn’t as thorough as it should have been. Either way, the root of the problem is a lack of understanding, not just a simple mistake.

The solution for a Layer 2 problem is straightforward: training. Whether that involves a refresher course or sitting down one-on-one to go over the process again, the goal is to ensure the person fully understands what’s expected of them. Training helps close the knowledge gap and equips the employee with the tools they need to succeed.

If a Layer 2 problem keeps happening, it’s a sign that your training materials — or your training methods — might need an update. Take a look at what you’re teaching compared to the outcomes you’re seeing. Are there gaps in the training? Are there certain parts of the process that employees consistently struggle with? If so, it might be time to update your training to better meet the needs of your team.

When you’re addressing a Level 2 problem, aim to share feedback within a week. This gives you enough time to reassess and retrain while keeping the issue fresh in the employee’s mind. Also, consider including others who might also benefit from the refresher. This proactive approach can help prevent similar problems from arising with other team members.

Related: 5 Steps to Creatively Solving Business Problems

Layer 3: Lack of process

Finally, we have the third layer of problems, which occurs when there’s no process in place at all. If there’s no process, you can’t expect your team to know what to do. Layer 3 problems often happen when your business has grown or changed, and you’re facing new challenges that existing processes just don’t cover. They’re a great sign that it’s time to create or overhaul some new processes.

Layer 3 problems are the most complex because they require you to build something from scratch. The first step is to assess the situation and define what needs to be done. Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin creating a process that addresses the issue. This might involve mapping out the steps, assigning responsibilities and ensuring that the process aligns with the overall goals of the organization.

Once the process is in place, it’s also essential to train your team so they know how to execute it. You may need to hold workshops, provide ongoing support and be available to answer any questions as they arise.

If a Layer 3 problem keeps happening, it could mean that the process you created isn’t quite right for the team’s needs. In this case, you may need to tweak or update the process or create supplemental processes to cover other parts of the business.

Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks to properly assess a Layer 3 problem, define and document the solution and then train (and retrain) the relevant teams. This might seem like a long time, but it’s worth it to ensure that the process is solid and that your team is prepared to follow it long-term.

Why it matters

Understanding the three layers of problems is crucial for effective problem-solving in any organization. You don’t want your managers to overthink or waste too much time solving Layer 1 problems — these should be quick fixes. On the other hand, you don’t want them to rush through solving Layer 3 problems, as these require more careful planning and execution.

It’s also important to look for trends. For example, if you have a lot of Layer 2 problems, it might be a sign that your training methods need improvement. If you’re seeing a lot of Layer 1 problems, it could be time to review your hiring practices or provide more support to your team.

Related: Facing a Tough Problem? Try These Hacks to Find the Solution You Need

By identifying the layer of the problem, you can set the right expectations around the amount of time and effort needed to find a solution. Next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: Which layer does this problem belong to? Approaching it with this framework will save you time, effort and maybe even a few headaches along the way.

Successful entrepreneurs realize the value of clear communication and efficient workflows. They also know that when a price is as right as this, you jump on it. With Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional, you can create professional flowcharts, org charts, and floor plans that bring clarity to complex processes. And for just $19.97, this lifetime license delivers all the tools you need to visualize success without recurring fees.

Whether you’re launching a startup or managing a growing company, Visio 2021 helps you map out strategies, workflows, and project timelines with precision. For example, if you’re an IT professional, network diagrams make it easy to visualize infrastructure. For project managers, Gantt charts and timelines ensure your team stays on track, and org charts are ideal for scaling your business.

Need to collaborate with multiple users on a project? Visio’s collaboration tools allow you to work in real time with team members, share feedback, and make updates on the fly. This feature is perfect for remote teams or businesses with multiple stakeholders. Plus, with data linking, you can pull live data into your diagrams to make data-driven decisions faster.

In fast-paced business environments, clarity is everything. Visio 2021 helps business leaders and entrepreneurs visualize complex data and transform it into actionable insights. Whether you’re creating a floor plan for a new office space or a flowchart for an upcoming project, Visio’s extensive library of templates and shapes makes it simple to create professional visuals that communicate your ideas clearly.

This one-time purchase is a budget-friendly alternative to recurring fees, making it a smart choice for businesses that need professional-level tools without ongoing costs.

For only $19.97 (through September 29), Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional is a fantastic solution for entrepreneurs looking to boost productivity, improve communication, and visualize success.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Average growth in information technology (IT) is much higher than that of other industries, and the median wage is reported to be more than double the standard, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says. If you’re looking for a new or more lucrative career path, it may be smart to consider becoming an IT professional.

While many roles may require a formal degree, roles like support specialists, administrators, and project managers don’t all necessarily demand a degree. Many professionals can earn CompTIA certifications by passing rigorous testing. You can study and prepare for those tests with this 15-course CompTIA training bundle, which is on sale for only $49.97 (reg. $585) for life.

These courses were developed by IDUNOVA, an official CompTIA partner with mor than 20 years spent providing IT education.While these courses can help you prepare for the CompTIA certification exams, it may be helpful to gain relevant experience or a formal degree to land certain positions.

Study CompTIA for a new, exciting career in IT

There’s plenty of variety in the IT industry, meaning there are nearly endless positions to consider if you’re joining this field. Learn to become a debugging expert like Grace Hopper or a cloud-based engineer to join companies like Google or Salesforce.

There are 15 certification prep courses in this bundle, so it might be challenging to figure out where to begin. If you have minimal or no prior IT experience, you might want to start with CompTIA Fundamentals+ and A+, industry standards that also build a foundation for more advanced training.

Other introductory-level courses and certification preparation that might help you land your dream job in IT are Fundamentals+ and Core 1 and Core 2. These could help you get a new job as a desk technician or entry-level cybersecurity position.

From there, you could delve into ethical hacking, a highly in-demand career for many companies. Check out courses like CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA PenTest+ to develop skills to penetrate systems and check their vulnerability.

Ready to work in IT? Grab lifetime access to this 15-course CompTIA training bundle for $49.99 (reg. $585). No coupon is needed to secure this deal.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

More than one million companies worldwide use Microsoft 365, according to Statista. While this is the most well-known suite, that doesn’t mean it’s the best option—or the most cost-effective for your business. Microsoft 365 has a yearly subscription fee and workflow limitations, and organizations typically pay $144 per user annually for access.

If you’d like to keep your business expenses down, you might want to switch to a productivity suite that doesn’t require a recurring fee. Ready to try an alternative? OfficeSuite has Documents, Sheets, Slides, Mail, and PDF, and now, lifetime access is available at the lowest price across the web, only $29.99 (reg. $119.97) for one user.

Similar to your Microsoft apps, but better

Once you equip yourself or your employees with OfficeSuite, you’ll never have to pay a subscription fee again. These apps are available for life, and the platform is committed to ongoing improvements, offering regular updates with fixes and enhanced features for increased productivity.

OfficeSuite is like a hybrid of Microsoft and Google Suite. Each app has a layout and features similar to programs you’re already familiar with:

• Documents: the Word or Google Docs substitute.
• Sheets: like Excel or Google Sheets.
• Slides: like PowerPoint or Google Slides.
• Mail: like Outlook or Gmail. This app also includes a calendar.
• PDF reader and converter that you won’t find with Microsoft or Google Suite.

Each app is fully compatible with Microsoft, Google Suite, iWork, and other major file formats so that you can convert any existing documents into OfficeSuite. Your OfficeSuite lifetime license also includes 50GB of built-in cloud storage. Save files and projects, use auto-save mode to back up your work, and have your progress synced when working across devices.

Productivity apps for up to three devices

OfficeSuite allows each user to work across devices, and this plan allows use on up to three devices, including Android, PC, and iOS. Use this license for yourself, or share it with two other colleagues.

Improve your business’s productivity without subscription fees when you grab a lifetime license for OfficeSuite, now available for $29.99 (reg. $119.97). That’s the best price you’ll find online.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In today’s digital world, businesses are realizing the limitations of their old data systems. With AI and advanced analytics, businesses are forced to rethink data management. Modern data architectures enable scalability, better accessibility, real-time insights and efficient resource optimization.

Modern data architecture is a no-brainer for new businesses. It is revolutionary in scaling and maintaining adaptability in your organization’s data needs. Integration and accessibility for your data are at an all-time high while providing insights in real-time.

Data is protected in new ways, is more secure, and is more cost-efficient. Modern data architecture revolutionizes automation and creates highly diverse and quality data. Therefore, there are numerous benefits to modernizing your data architecture.

What is modern data architecture?

Modern data architecture is how data is structured and stored in organizations. It involves all major data processes: collection, storage, access, usage, management and protection. Past versions of data architecture were primarily focused on getting through the day-to-day work. Today, data architecture is modernized and more about deriving insights and getting more out of our data. Modern data architecture is cloud-based and focused on analytics.

Modern data architecture is flexible but ensures that the data is still manageable. Organizations can seamlessly scale their data volumes following their growth and progress. Automation of high-quality data is at the forefront of modern data architecture, with security and flexibility embedded throughout.

This leads to the top seven reasons for adopting modern data architecture.

1. Scalability and flexibility

Modern data architecture is designed for new and revolutionary business needs. It encompasses cloud computing, AI and big data and thus needs to be able to store, process and analyze data at large scales. This scalability means that larger amounts of data need to be handled in the same way that smaller amounts are handled currently.

With a large influx of data, horizontal and vertical scaling are necessary. Horizontal scaling allows data to be spread across multiple additional servers, while vertical scaling involves upgrading the existing servers. Data partitioning can help organize this data, while sharding can help distribute the data across numerous servers. With such large scaling, data replication can help maintain data integrity in the event of failure.

Related: 3 Reasons Why You Need Data To Scale Your Company

2. Enhanced data integration and accessibility

At this point, data needs to be integrated across multiple platforms and sources. Big data do not drive decision-making, meaning data integration is changing. Some of the major methods include extract, transform, load (ETL), extract, load, transform (ELT), change data capture (CDC), application programming interface (API), federated data mesh and event-driven architecture.

These are used for extracting data from several different sources, and transforming it and then loading it into a database or loading it and then transforming it. CDC is for real-time data changes, while APIs are for data communication between an endpoint and source. Federated data meshes create customized data products, while event-driven architecture notices events within data for real-time response. These all give greater accuracy to the data and, beyond that, greater accessibility.

Related: Why Vertical Integration Allows Leaders to Actually Control Their Data

3. Real-time analytics and insights

Data is not only centered around daily use now, it needs to be analyzed and tracked in real-time. Insights can be drawn more perceptively on real-time data. This gives businesses the ability to make better-informed decisions and allows them to operate on higher efficiencies.

This is revolutionary as modern data architecture can ingest data from tens of thousands of sources simultaneously. It can validate, clean up, normalize, transform and enrich this data to provide driven, guided and insightful responses. This is remarkable and gives businesses a serious edge in the modern age.

4. Improved data governance and security

Just as the need for data has evolved exponentially, so has the governance and security behind it. Everyone is involved in this process. Decentralized control is imperative for widespread data spreading while fostering accountability across all stakeholders.

Data lineage helps to keep track of all processes and procedures in a timely look-through. This shared responsibility and sharing of the data itself also help foster accountability since everyone is important and involved. The zero trust model helps protect private and public applications and extends past traffic verification, where traditional network architecture stops.

Related: Your Data Is Useless If You Don’t Have a Management Strategy

5. Cost efficiency and resource optimization

Since all data in modern data architecture is primarily stored in the cloud, there are large capabilities for cost savings and operational efficiency. It does not even need to be entirely cloud-based for it to classify as modern, it can be multi-cloud or hybrid as well.

Choosing data solutions will allow you to obtain new data in a much less painful and quicker, cost-effective way. In modern data architectures, you typically only pay for what you use as well as all your data processing is significantly streamlined, offloading a lot of computational costs. Decoupled resources are particularly useful for helping scalability and allows for several queries at once on data.

6. Automation

With high data usage requirements, automation is important. It can help reduce errors and draw insights and feedback from all users and sources to maintain oversight over the entire data structure. This creates a more trustable model and can also allow for automated updates, which will help to release security patches efficiently.

Orchestration and metadata can make automation possible and faster, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used for data discovery, processing and enrichment, consumption, auto-scaling and validation.

7. Diverse and quality data

Current times require structured and unstructured data, which allows for transformative use. This is pivotal because it yields higher-quality and more usable data. The users of data are also more diverse, which calls for diversification of the data. Everyone is analyzing, collaborating and innovating. Modern data architecture optimizes tools for data cleaning, enrichment and governance to yield high-quality data. To achieve diverse data, it utilizes collection, storage, analysis and utilization techniques.