Apple has decided to settle a five-year-old class action lawsuit accusing the company of using Siri to eavesdrop on conversations — and millions of iPhone users could soon qualify for a portion of the payout.

A preliminary settlement for $95 million in cash was filed on Tuesday night in California Federal court, per Reuters, and it still has to be approved by a U.S. District Judge. Apple denies all wrongdoing.

What did the lawsuit allege?

The lawsuit, Lopez v. Apple, Inc. was first filed in 2019 and alleged that Apple discreetly recorded users’ conversations without their permission or knowledge and shared recordings of the conversations with third-party advertisers.

The plaintiffs accused Apple of programming Siri to listen to conversations even when they didn’t speak the “Hey Siri” phrase to activate the voice assistant.

Related: Apple iPhone 7 Users May Be Owed a Slice of a $35 Million Settlement — Here’s How to Claim Your Share

For example, several plaintiffs said they received targeted ads for Air Jordan shoes and Olive Garden after mentioning the footwear brand and restaurant chain out loud.

Another plaintiff claimed to have received ads for a surgical treatment after discussing the procedure with his doctor in what he thought was a private conversation.

Lawyers for the case have until February 14 to review the terms of the proposed settlement.

Related: Apple Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over iCloud’s Alleged ‘Enormous Structural Advantage’

Who is eligible for a payout?

If the settlement is approved, tens of millions of iPhone users could be eligible for a slice of the pie.

Anyone who owned an iPhone or other Apple device with the “Hey, Siri” feature from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, is eligible to file a claim, though court documents seen by NPR estimate that only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers are expected to file.

Related: ‘Subject to Apple’s All-Seeing Eye’: An Apple Manager Is Accusing the Tech Giant of Spying on Employees, According to a New Lawsuit

Users could receive $20 for up to five Siri-enabled devices owned during the period. The more devices, the higher the possible payout.

More details will emerge on how to claim part of the settlement if the judge approves it.

According to Statista, there were over 150 million active iPhones in the United States in 2023.

Related: The U.S. Justice Department Is Suing Apple in a Groundbreaking iPhone Monopoly Lawsuit — Here’s Why

ChatGPT might have finally met its match. While everyone—likely including yourself—flocked to the chatbot when it was first released, many are leaving it for this new AI tool. They’re saying it’s easier to use, has more features, and it’s less expensive. So, what is it?

You probably haven’t heard the name 1minAI yet, but get ready to start seeing it in headlines. With only a one-time payment, you get a whole suite of preset AI tools powered by models like GPT, Gemini, and Llama. And right now, that lifetime payment is at its lowest price ever: $29.97 (reg. $234).

How to use 1minAI

If you’re used to using ChatGPT, the 1minAI user experience is a bit different—smoother. Instead of wrangling with a chatbot, browse a whole list of AI tools for writing, image generation, audio transcription, video, and code on a sidebar panel.

You no longer have to waste your premium credits explaining to ChatGPT what you’re looking for—1minAI’s pre-trained bots already know based on the prompt you select. Here’s how easy it is to generate an AI image with 1minIA:

• Open the image generator tool.
• Select an AI model: DALL-E, Midjourney, Leonardo, Flux, or Stable Diffusion.
• Enter a prompt for your image.
• Hit “create” and cash in some of your monthly credits.

Some requests take up more credits than others, but your stash replenishes each month. You also get additional free credits just by visiting the web app each day.

See what all the rage is about when a 1minAI lifetime subscription is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $234). No coupon is needed to get this lowest price ever.

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Dunkin’ is kicking off 2025 in style with the launch of its Winter Menu, featuring a standout collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The partnership introduces “Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso,” a limited-time iced beverage blending Dunkin’s bold espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk, hand-shaken to deliver a smooth, frothy texture. The drink, which became available on December 31, is part of Dunkin’s broader seasonal lineup but comes with a personal touch from Carpenter.

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

Carpenter, whose chart-topping hit “Espresso” inspired the partnership, says the collaboration is especially meaningful because of her East Coast roots and long-standing love for Dunkin’. “Dunkin’ was such a big part of my life growing up,” Carpenter shared in a statement.

The partnership is celebrated in a vibrant ad campaign titled “Shake That Ess’,” which showcases Carpenter at a party where guests enthusiastically shake their drinks, reflecting the beverage’s preparation process.

Related: Want to Become a Franchisee? Run Through This Checklist First.

The Dunkin’ Winter Menu offers more than just Carpenter’s signature drink. Fans can warm up with the Lava Cake Signature Latte, indulge in the Chocolate Whoopie Pie Specialty Donut, or grab a $5 Meal Deal that includes two Wake-Up Wrap sandwiches and a medium coffee.

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

Carpenter’s collaboration signals a fresh, star-powered direction for Dunkin’ as it aims to engage younger audiences while staying true to its classic appeal. Fans can enjoy Carpenter’s creation alongside the other Winter Menu items now, ensuring there’s something for everyone to sip or savor.

Read More: Yahoo

This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Joshua White, a 50-year-old father of six and grandfather of two based in Boca Raton, Florida. In 2019, White started a side hustle: Handy Famm, the brand behind a multifunctional STEM learning tool for kids that allows them to help with DIY projects around the house. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

^{Image Credit: Rose Tzur. Joshua White.}

What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your side hustle?
I am the principal and creative director of OffWhite Co., a multidisciplinary design firm. My journey began in traditional design, where I honed my skills in branding and design. This foundation eventually led me into the world of 3D animation and storytelling, collaborating with industry legends like Christopher Reeve and other Hollywood A-listers to create compelling narratives.

Related: Dry January, Anyone? He Started a Side Hustle After a ‘Scary’ Night of Drinking — and It’s Exceeded $50 Million Revenue With 0 Outside Investment.

When the films I worked on needed products or promotional items, I expanded my expertise into manufacturing pipelines — developing everything from Cathay Pacific Flight Attendant Barbie dolls to rebranding the iconic coffee maker AeroPress. My approach has always been rooted in delivering 360-degree solutions that are brand-centric, inventive and seamlessly integrate marketing and go-to-market strategies.

When did you start your side hustle, and where did you find the inspiration for it?
I started Handy Famm in 2019 after a trip to Home Depot with my young daughter. We were looking for tools she could use, but quickly realized there was nothing on the shelves designed specifically for kids— nothing real, functional, safe and definitely nothing that wasn’t just a toy. That moment sparked the idea for a better solution.

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of Handy Famm}

What were some of the first steps you took to get your side hustle off the ground?
Having run a creative agency for over 25 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with iconic brands like Chobani, Maple Hill, Jordan and AeroPress, helping them transform ambitious ideas into industry-leading brands.

That experience taught me a crucial lesson: The best ideas solve real, relatable problems. As a dad of six, I know firsthand the challenges parents face — keeping kids off screens while fostering family connection. I set out to create something that wasn’t just hands-on and engaging but also educational, fun and safe — a DIY solution that brings families together.

I also knew the product needed to be versatile enough to evolve into a broader range of DIY tools and, as a branding expert, I wanted a strong, iconic element to tie everything together. That’s how Handy Famm’s first product was born: a playful bird character with a personality-packed design. It features a tape measure tongue, the Eye-conic™ level built into its eye (both functional and visually fun) and a built-in angle finder protractor.

Related: These 3 Americans Turned to Side Hustles After Being Laid Off. Now They’re All Making Between $200,000 and $3 Million a Year: ‘Sweet, Sweet Irony.’

To get there, I spent hours with my team deconstructing tape measures, sketching ideas with my kids, 3D printing prototypes and refining the design until it felt right. We gave the bird unique color options, fun names and distinct personalities, which added depth to the brand. This became the foundation for Handy Famm’s approach — blending practical tools with creativity to make everyday DIY projects approachable and enjoyable for kids and families alike.

Although we began with a soft launch on Kickstarter, successfully raising our $10,000 goal, the real work happened during the COVID-19 lockdown. I used that time to refine the product, collaborating closely with the factory to perfect our multifunctional tape measures. It wasn’t until October 2022 that I went full throttle, launching Handy Famm on Amazon and taking our mission to empower the next generation of doers to a wider audience.

^{Image Credit: David Khabinsky}

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building your side hustle, and how did you navigate them?
Inventing and building a product from scratch is always challenging, but I’ve spent my career turning ideas into reality, so that was actually the “easy part.” The real challenge was sales: breaking into Amazon, securing retailer placements, driving traffic from social to our website and navigating brick-and-mortar retail. Each step came with a learning curve — finding the right team members, building partnerships and understanding consumer buying behaviors. These are challenges I’m still navigating, but staying flexible, embracing failures as opportunities to learn and pivoting quickly have been key to our growth.

Another big hurdle was logistics. Finding a 3PL partner who understands our growth needs and can deliver without constant issues is critical for smooth scaling. Unfortunately, we went through several vendors early on, making mistakes and learning as we went. We’re actually in the process of transitioning again, and I’m optimistic this next step will set us up for long-term success.

How long did it take you to see consistent monthly revenue? How much did the side hustle earn?
We were fortunate to see revenue as soon as we launched on Amazon — it’s been a great platform for us. However, it took about a year to achieve consistent results. In our first year, we generated $185,000 in sales, primarily through Amazon and our website.

Related: This 24-Year-Old’s Creative Side Hustle Surpassed $1 Million in Sales: ‘Definitely Doing Something Right’

What does growth and revenue look like now?
At the end of 2023, I recognized the need to raise pre-seed capital to achieve explosive growth and fully realize my vision for the brand. This included developing additional character-themed tools and embracing social channels more effectively.

In 2024, we went full throttle — inventing, patenting and designing two years’ worth of products in under six months. The rest of the year was spent traveling to China to set up factories, building our team across sales, social and operations, and ensuring everything was ready for scale.

Even with just our bird and dog tape measures, we closed in on $500,000 in sales for 2024 — a testament to the strength of our mission and product. With a solid foundation and a growing team, we’re on track to shatter those numbers in 2025 and continue empowering families through creativity and hands-on learning.

^{Image Credit: David Khabinsky}

What do you enjoy most about this side hustle?
As someone who loves building businesses, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how my simple stroll through Home Depot with my daughter evolved into a thriving business with an engaged community of customers and brand advocates. What excites me most is seeing parents, kids and even retail buyers resonate with our mission of powering the next-gen of doers. Knowing that we’re ahead of the curve in championing the resurgence of skilled trades — carpenters, plumbers and creators unafraid to use their hands — is deeply satisfying.

On a personal level, I love dreaming up new tools and products to expand the Handy Famm experience. Bringing our 3D-animated characters to life, building their personalities and using them to breathe energy into the brand is endlessly exciting. Cracking the code on social media, growing our YouTube presence and optimizing the retail channel are the kinds of challenges that keep me energized and inspired every day.

Related: How to Start a Side Hustle With Facebook, From 4 People Who Did It and Are Earning More Than $1 Million a Year

But the coolest part? Knowing my six kids and two grandkids not only use these tools but are also proud of what their dad and granddad created. Watching them measure, build and create — with something I dreamed up — is surreal. Hearing them say, “My dad made this” or “My granddad made this” is what it’s all about. That’s the kind of legacy that makes every late night and early morning totally worth it.

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of Handy Famm}

What’s your advice for others hoping to start successful side hustles of their own?
Start with a real problem you care about solving — something that genuinely excites you. Don’t get stuck chasing perfection; just start, test and tweak as you go. And remember, a side hustle isn’t just about extra income: It’s about building something meaningful that energizes you, challenges you and adds joy to your life. Surround yourself with positivity, people you want to share your journey with, and make it something you’re proud of.

As someone who’s spent years in leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical engaged managers are to an organization’s success. A recent Gallup State of the Workforce study confirms that reducing disengagement among employees boosts productivity, profitability and well-being. The key factor? You, as a manager. When you set clear expectations, offer meaningful feedback and hold your team accountable, engagement follows naturally.

However, stepping into a managerial role comes with its challenges. Many first-time managers feel unprepared, isolated or lacking the right training. Simply having the title doesn’t mean everything will fall into place. But with the right guidance, you can thrive in this role and lead your team to success.

Related: 4 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Managers Should Avoid

Common challenges you may face as a first-time manager

As a first-time manager, I understand the transition from individual contributor to leader isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges I encountered early on was a lack of formal training. Like many new managers, I was promoted based on my past performance, but leadership skills are a completely different game. It’s normal to feel unprepared, uncertain and even a bit isolated when faced with these new responsibilities.

Another major hurdle you may be facing is managing the emotional demands of leadership. You are now responsible for providing both professional and emotional support to your team, and that can take its toll. The risk of burnout is real, especially when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the team alone. That’s why seeking support and developing your leadership skills is so essential.

One commonly overlooked challenge is the shift in relationships. As a peer, you likely had a different dynamic with your team, and now, as their manager, those relationships inevitably change. Navigating this shift can be tricky, especially when balancing the need to maintain professional boundaries while still fostering trust. It’s common to feel the pressure of needing to assert authority while also wanting to remain approachable. Striking the right balance requires careful attention to communication and consistency, ensuring that your team respects your leadership without feeling disconnected from you as a person.

To overcome the challenges that come with stepping into a managerial role, it’s important to focus on both your personal development and the needs of your team. When you invest in building the right skills and approach leadership with empathy and curiosity, you create a foundation for success.

By addressing the areas where first-time managers commonly struggle, you can take intentional steps toward becoming a more effective leader. The following strategies will help you navigate this journey, strengthen your leadership abilities and foster greater engagement within your team.

Related: Stop Trying to Manage Employees Without Understanding Them — How to Build Relationships for Leadership Success

1. Clarify your leadership role and expectations

As a first-time manager, it’s important to fully understand your role and new position. Leadership is more than just managing tasks — it’s guiding your team toward success. Work with your own mentors or leaders to define what leadership looks like in your organization. Understand the behaviors and outcomes that are expected of you and focus on what success in leadership means beyond just completing tasks.

2. Adopt a mindset of curiosity

One of the best things you can do for your team is to stay curious. Ask questions and seek to understand what motivates your team members. Regularly engage them in conversations about their challenges, preferred communication styles and personal goals. These discussions not only help you get to know your team better, but they also foster a culture of trust and engagement. Curiosity builds stronger relationships, and strong relationships lead to better results.

3. Advocate for resources and remove obstacles

Your team’s success is often tied to the tools and resources they have. Take an active role in identifying any barriers that might be standing in the way of your team’s performance. Are there outdated systems or inefficient processes that slow things down? Don’t hesitate to advocate for the changes your team needs to perform at their best. Removing obstacles shows your team that you’re invested in their success.

4. Embrace coaching and continuous learning

High-performance coaching and feedback are essential to your growth as a leader. It’s important to seek out regular feedback from your own mentors or senior leaders. Continuous learning allows you to refine your leadership style and gain new insights. Leadership is not a one-time achievement — it’s a journey, and ongoing coaching will help you navigate it more effectively.

Related: Mentorship Isn’t Enough — Leaders Need Executive Coaching, Too. Here’s Why.

5. Stay connected with your team through regular check-ins

Regular communication is key to successful leadership. Set up frequent check-ins with your team members to understand how they’re doing, what challenges they’re facing and how you can support them. These conversations should go beyond task-related discussions — focus on how they feel and what they need to stay engaged. Regular check-ins build trust and help create a stronger, more motivated team.

Your role as a first-time manager is a critical one, not just for your team but for the overall success of your organization. By prioritizing your own development, seeking support and focusing on building strong relationships with your team, you’ll be well on your way to creating a positive and productive work environment. Leadership is a continuous learning process, but with the right approach, you’ll find that you can create a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Business professionals know the value of a fast and reliable computer. Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, sending emails, or presenting in a meeting, your PC should work as hard as you do.

That’s where CCleaner Professional 2024 can really support you. It’s a trusted, award-winning optimization tool designed to keep your computer in peak condition. For just $14.99 (reg. $29), you get a one-year license for up to three PCs, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your productivity.

Over time, your computer can get bogged down with unused files, slow startups, and privacy-compromising data. CCleaner Professional tackles all these issues with just a click, helping you regain speed, free up space, and protect sensitive information. Whether tech-savvy or a beginner, CCleaner’s intuitive interface ensures you can quickly optimize your PC without hassle.

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From personal robots to smart home devices, there’s always an overabundance of rumors surrounding what Apple is working on next.

Now, South Korea’s Sisa Journal, a weekly current affairs magazine that has been publishing since 1989, reported on Friday that the tech giant is releasing an “iPhone 17 Air” in September, and it will only be 6.25mm thick.

If the rumors are true, this would make the iPhone 17 the thinnest iPhone ever and about 20-25% thinner than all available iPhone 16 models, according to MacRumors.

Related: Apple Is Reportedly Working on Prototypes for at Least 2 Foldable iPhones

The Sisa Journal also reports that the iPhone 17 “Air” will not have a “Plus” version, and the “ultra-thin” device will likely start at $899 in the U.S.

Earlier this month, several reports noted that Apple may also be adding at least two foldable devices to its iPhone and iPad lineup in 2026.

While Google and Samsung already have foldable devices (with Samsung leading the market, shipping over 10 million foldable phones in 2023 out of the 15.9 million sold), Apple dominates the U.S. smartphone sector with 56% of the mobile market share, per Stat Counter.

Related: Apple Was Awarded a Patent for a Foldable Phone. Time to Flip Out!

In November, reports surfaced that Apple is also working on a smart home device to compete with Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest.

The iPhone 17 ‘Air’ will reportedly be about 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro

Would you buy one?

Source: @markgurman pic.twitter.com/cu5WboDW8H

— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) December 7, 2024

Leadership is no longer just about overseeing tasks or meeting short-term goals — it’s about creating a lasting imprint on your organization. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Global Human Capital Trends report, only 3% of leaders believe their organizations are fully capturing the value of their workforce, despite recognizing the need for change.

Leaders who stand out move beyond managing processes to shaping people, cultures and futures. The transition from manager to mentor defines impactful executives as they focus on nurturing growth, sparking innovation and building environments where their influence endures long after they’re gone.

Reaching the pinnacle of leadership isn’t automatic — it’s intentional, and the following strategies can help you make the leap and leave a legacy of your own.

Related: If You Want People to Follow You, Stop Being a Boss — 8 Steps to Truly Effective Leadership

The stages of leadership evolution

As professionals rise through the ranks, the focus of your leadership shifts. What starts as a desire to manage well becomes a mission to inspire and mentor.

The manager: Leading by execution

At the early stages of leadership, managers are judged by their ability to get things done. The focus is on ensuring tasks are completed on time and with high quality. Success is measured in output, and validation often comes from solving problems and being recognized for competence.

Many leaders stay stuck here, believing that effective management is enough. But the truth is, focusing solely on tasks can only take you so far. While many find fulfillment here, growth requires evolving from a task manager to an inspiring leader.

The leader: Inspiring and collaborating

As you step into more senior roles, the focus shifts from managing tasks to inspiring people. You must motivate and nurture collaboration across the different departments and not just within your own team to create a shared vision that the team rallies around. Harry Kraemer, the former CEO of Baxter International and current Clinical Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, expressed this well when he said, “Leadership has everything to do with the ability to influence people to do things that they may not ordinarily do. The only way I know how to influence people is that you have to be able to relate to people.”

At this stage, people begin to trust your judgment and follow your lead because you show them how their work connects to a bigger purpose. It is here when leadership shifts from individual contribution to a focus on collective success.

The executive leader: Visionary strategy and innovation

When you reach the executive level, leadership is about more than immediate results. Executives guide companies through long-term strategy, making decisions that shape the future, taking into consideration all departments and key external stakeholders. At this stage, leadership shifts to creating systems and structures that fuel innovation and ensure sustainable growth.

Making this leap requires rethinking practices like viewing people as costs instead of assets. According to Deloitte’s report, while only 33% of leaders cite insufficient understanding as a barrier, most identify internal constraints — like limited resources and misaligned leadership — as the biggest obstacles to progress. Overcoming these challenges demands a different set of skills at the executive level, including the ability to lead by influence, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence (EQ) and a growth mindset.

The C-level: Legacy and mentorship

At the C-suite level, the ultimate goal is to leave a legacy that transcends day-to-day operations. Leaders at this level understand that true success lies not just in business outcomes but in how they influence and shape the organization and the communities it serves for years to come.

Kraemer emphasized self-reflection and values-based leadership, focusing on long-term growth and trust. As CEO, his decision to pull a faulty product despite a $185 million loss showed his commitment to integrity and setting a lasting example. Even after his 2004 departure, his leadership principles laid a foundation that continued to guide Baxter’s culture, despite some post-transition challenges.

By consistently embodying values and mentoring future leaders, Kraemer made sure his influence at Baxter continued well beyond his tenure. His legacy is a perfect example of how admired leaders don’t just manage; they mentor, inspire and create a culture that endures.

Related: How To Build A Legacy For Your Company You Can Be Proud Of

4 tactics to help to help you evolve from manager to mentor

First of all, be patient with yourself — it does not happen overnight. To successfully transition from a manager focused on operational efficiency to a mentor who leaves a legacy, here are four simple tactics you can implement in your daily leadership to help you speed up your leadership evolution.

1. Ask how they’re doing, not just what they’re doing

As a manager, getting caught up in the day-to-day tasks and outputs is easy. However, admired leaders know that people are more than their performance metrics. Instead of merely focusing on what your team is doing, ask how they’re doing. Genuine check-ins cultivate trust and show that you care about the individual, not just their work.

For example, when I began regularly asking my team about their well-being and job satisfaction — beyond deadlines and tasks — morale immediately improved. People felt supported and, in turn, were more engaged in their work. The small act of asking how someone is doing and how the leader can help can profoundly impact team dynamics.

2. Tell stories that inspire and connect to the mission

Leaders who inspire are storytellers. By sharing stories that tie back to the organization’s mission and the greater purpose, or “the why” — a concept popularized by Simon Sinek — you create a narrative that helps your team see the bigger picture. Relating their daily work to the impact they make gives them pride and illustrates what matters and why.

Most organizations that consistently outperform competitors focus on the value they deliver to customers and communities. Their leaders ask, “How many did we ‘help’ today?” versus “How many did we sell today?” and underscore what matters by sharing stories that illustrate the impact of their work. These stories connect daily tasks to the larger mission, making work more meaningful and aligning efforts with long-term goals.

3. Be the connector

Great leaders understand that growth often happens through relationships. As a mentor, your role as a connector involves helping team members find the right people and resources to grow. Understand everyone’s “superpower” and create connections that complement strengths in a positive, encouraging way.

In my experience, introducing people to others who could provide new insights or mentorship often catalyzed significant professional development. By connecting your team with individuals who can expand their horizons, you promote a culture of learning and collaboration.

4. Reserve judgment, listen, and offer insights

One of the most important traits of a mentor is the ability to listen without rushing to judgment. When team members come to you with ideas or challenges, fully hear them out. Offer feedback but ask questions that encourage reflection and dialogue.

I once worked with a leader who never offered quick answers. Instead, they listened intently and asked, “What do you think we should do?” This simple question turned a one-way conversation into a collaborative problem-solving session, making the other person feel valued and respected. Allowing people to explain their rationale, guided by thoughtful questions, fosters ownership over their actions and outcomes. It’s a technique I’ve adopted to build stronger relationships and develop more thoughtful leaders.

Related: 22 Qualities That Make a Great Leader

The journey from manager to mentor is one of continual growth. The goal isn’t to abandon operational efficiency but to enhance it by balancing people and purpose with performance and profit. Leaders must inspire, mentor and create a lasting impact. The most admired leaders understand that their influence is measured not just in profits but in the people and cultures they leave behind.

True leadership means ensuring others are ready to carry on the mission without you. The time to start that evolution is now.

In 1958, Joe Foster co-founded Reebok and helped grow the company to be worth $4 billion, he says, before exiting in 1991. (Adidas bought Reebok for $3.8 billion in 2005 before selling it in 2021.)

Now the 89-year-old entrepreneur is helping launch a new high-tech shoe brand with slides that are fully 3D printed, meaning they are printed out, not assembled, from layer after layer of stacked plastic filament.

It’s also the first commercially available shoe designed by AI, the founder tells Entrepreneur.

^{Credit: Syntilay}

The shoe is the first from Syntilay, a brand being advised by Foster. Syntilay’s founder and CEO is serial entrepreneur Ben Weiss, 25, who has previously released a weekly podcast, an NFT company, and a sneaker brand.

Weiss and Foster launched the slides on Thursday to the lucrative U.S. footwear market, which generated around $78 billion in revenue in 2021 and is projected to reach $104 billion in 2028, according to RunRepeat.

The shoe comes in five colors — blue, black, red, beige, and orange — and is custom-made to fit each buyer.

Related: This 27-Year-Old Started a Side Hustle on Facebook Marketplace — Now the Gig Earns Over $500,000 a Month

Weiss and Foster said that they plan to manufacture around a few thousand pairs, enough to make Syntilay a more recognizable name, before shifting gears and creating unique AI-designed shoes that brands and content creators can sell as their own.

Entrepreneur talked to the founders about how they got into the business, how AI contributed to the shoe’s design, and what Foster learned from Reebok.

How did this partnership start?

Foster: Ben [Weiss] came to us with an idea. I think what inspired us was Ben’s enthusiasm. This partnership has been in the works for 18 months.

Weiss: I just reached out, and a couple of months later, we met up in person and had some great chats. I just explained the opportunity here.

There’s no traditional sizing with these slides. How are people getting a custom fit?

Weiss: The shoes are scanned to fit via your phone camera app. Our partner, Zellerfeld, powers this method. They have a great way of getting the best-fit shoe for you that takes your measurements from your phone camera and 3D prints it specifically.

Related: I Tried 3 AI Headshot Generators and There Was a Clear Winner

Can you tell me more about the design of the shoe?

Weiss:  The design is pretty unique in that we’ve generated the shape of it with AI. That was an inspiration for what we’ve built.  We had a sketch done by our [human] designer, and then we just AI-generated a 3D shape from that.  The patterns on the shoe are also all designed by AI; we generated the patterns. We played around with lots of different versions of that. And so it’s very detailed.

^{Credit: Syntilay}

So would you credit AI as the designer of the shoe or was there more human involvement than that?

Weiss: It’s pretty split, I would say. This is the most AI-designed shoe that we’ve ever seen being produced so far. It very much is an AI shoe. We still had a human designer helping us in making it and leading it along the way. I think that’s probably the best that can be done in this current state.

Related: Here’s How Much It Costs to Own a 3D-Printed ‘Fortress’ Home in Texas

What advantages and disadvantages do 3D-printed shoes have?

Foster: The advantage is that it speeds up development. You can produce a product within days, and if it’s wrong, you can get a new sample. So development is so much faster. Now, how much you can develop it and what the process is, we’re still learning. The disadvantage is that you can’t do volume 3D printing, but you can get a product on the market, and you can make sure that the product does its job.

^{Side profile of the slides in red. Credit: Syntilay}

^{Top of the shoe in orange. Credit: Syntilay}

^{Bottom of the shoe in blue. Credit: Syntilay}

What are some lessons you learned at Reebok and how are you going to apply them here?

Foster: We learned that you can get problems,  you can get challenges, but those challenges are opportunities.  We started our business as Mercury Sports Footwear. We couldn’t register it so we came up with a better name. We also had to change our silhouette because Adidas didn’t like our two stripes and a T-bar. We changed it to the vector, which you now see in Reebok. I think this is what you do with anything. If you’re in a business, you’ve got to be ready to change, willing to change. In fact, you’ve got to look for change. And if somebody challenges you, that is a good opportunity.

How are you hoping to expand Syntilay?

 Weiss:  We’re starting with this pair of shoes now in different colors, but this is a fairly limited run overall. We ultimately want to give a lot of brands and content creators a shot at the footwear space.  What we have today is a faster method to make shoes with artificial intelligence and 3D printing. Our approach as we go is to make brand-new, original designs for brands and influencers.

^{A pair of the slides. Credit: Syntilay}

What is the end goal of this launch?

Foster: It took me 10 years to get Reebok into America. But when we got 5-star ratings from Runner’s World, there was a change. They wanted us then — America wanted Reebok. We got credibility. Somewhere along this process, Syntilay is going to get credibility. It could be very simple. It could be one person. The thing now is just getting these shoes out and getting people’s imaginations to go, “Wow, this is brilliant.”

This interview was lightly edited and cut for clarity.

Related: When His Dad Died, He Took His Grief to the Mall and Shopped Sneaker Sales. Now His Hobby Is a $10 Million Side Hustle.

While seasons of high demand bring excitement to small business owners, they often create additional stress that prevents them from providing the best customer experience possible. Regardless of your situation, here are five ways to sustain your business and yourself in the midst of chaos and keep the customer experience top of mind.

Related: How To Find the Right Time Management Method for You

1. Plan ahead

Poor planning usually leads to less-than-desirable results and dissatisfied customers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the rush of high demand, careful consideration of the steps ahead is essential.

Use all the resources available to manage inventory and order needs, set schedules, consider a new promotion or marketing campaign and invest in customer service by reviewing protocols with your staff. If a plan isn’t possible due to constraints, make a list of what you can accomplish with what you have. As a wrap-up to the season, use hurdles as a learning experience for future planning.

Related: 6 Simple Ways to Build Wellness Into Your Busy Workday

2. Maintain positivity

Alongside a plan, keep your employees engaged and positive by staying calm when unexpected events arise (which they will!). A positive attitude in the face of adversity can mean the difference between a minor setback and a complete disaster. Some additions to your bustling routine could include:

• Celebrating small wins for you and your employees, such as verbal recognition during a team meeting or a small gift.
• Reframing negative thoughts as opportunities to improve or additional steps to success.
• Encouraging collaboration to solve complex problems.
• Customizing your workspace with objects that bring you joy and peace (e.g., motivational quotes, photos of loved ones, mementos).

When practicing optimism, be mindful that dismissing negative emotions is more harmful than helpful. Continue to validate genuine emotions and experiences from yourself and your team. Highs and lows are part of the human experience.

Related: How Optimists and Pessimists Can Get Along

3. Delegate often

A culture of success is a collaborative effort, one that rests on everyone’s shoulders. As a business leader or owner, you may find sharing the workload especially challenging when tasks need to be handled in a specific way. However, a healthy workplace should be teamwork-centric.

By delegating, you play to your employees’ strengths and provide ample space to focus on more important needs. Start by establishing a system that empowers your team to take pride in success. Then, motivate them to actively pursue that success. Finally, uphold personal and team accountability to ensure lasting results.

Also, consider outsourcing tasks beyond your immediate team to the community, such as other small businesses. For example, your neighborhood The UPS Store provides a convenient, one-stop shop for items that are missing from your to-do list – from printing marketing materials to packing and shipping thank-you gifts to select customers or returning online purchases.

Related: Why Proper Delegation Guarantees Team Success

4. Balance rest and productivity

As a business owner, doing right by your business requires doing right by yourself. As The UPS Store President Sarah Casalan would say, “If you don’t listen to your body, it will speak for you eventually.” By acknowledging that being productive requires setting aside time for rest, you will find enduring success in greater amounts than you would by prioritizing output alone. Some other helpful tips to get started on balancing time off with work to-dos:

• Take short breaks to reset and recharge yourself.
• Focus on one or two large projects at a time or several small ones.
• Delegate nonessential tasks to your team members.
• Set clear, firm boundaries on when you plan to stop working (e.g., I must be home by 7 p.m. and will not answer messages or calls until tomorrow). Follow this up with a physical boundary, such as turning off notifications or devices.
• Schedule time to be with family and friends during off-peak moments.

5. Express gratitude

When stability resumes, and even during busy moments, don’t forget to say thank you. A study by University of Miami researchers found that gratitude is strongly associated with people feeling happier, healthier and more grateful. It can even improve relationships and make stressful moments easier to manage and overcome.

Unsure where you should start as the busy season winds down? Write letters to your coworkers expressing your appreciation, call a former boss and share how they made a difference in your life, or take a quiet moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for from the past year. To take it a step further, make gratitude a regular part of your personal and professional life. Keep a gratitude journal or spend a day each month sharing thanks and seeing what these new traditions bring you and those around you a year later.

The hustle and bustle of peak business seasons can bring a mix of emotions and priorities. To create lasting success for yourself, your business and the people you serve, plan early, lean on coworkers, family and friends and prioritize self-care when possible. When the last checkbox is marked complete, say cheers and thank you to those who helped you get there.