Entrepreneurship. Just the word stirs visions of innovation, freedom and the sweet taste of success. But for every dream of changing the world, there’s a fear gnawing at the edges of a would-be entrepreneur’s mind. These fears aren’t unique to first-time founders; they’re the silent passengers for anyone embarking on a venture.

The key difference between the successful and the stagnant? How they face these fears. Let’s dive into the five most common entrepreneurial fears and strategies to overcome them.

Related: Fear Can Hold Us Back – But It Can Also Drive Us Forward. Here’s How to Turn Fear Into Fuel.

1. Fear of failure: The ever-present shadow

The thought of failing is enough to paralyze even the most ambitious individuals. After all, no one enjoys the idea of public embarrassment, financial loss or wasted time. But here’s the truth: Failure is the proving ground for every great entrepreneur. Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk — they all failed before they succeeded.

As the CEO of SetSchedule, I had to face this fear head-on. I vividly remember venture capitalists telling me that everything about the business was wrong — from the name to the concept — and that I should quit. Instead of retreating, I doubled down. Every new project or product we launched came with the same nagging question: “Will people even use it?” Without a budget for extensive testing, we made it a practice to ask 21 people for their honest opinions. Their insights gave us the confidence to move forward, and those small yet strategic steps paved the way for success.

How to conquer it: Reframe failure as feedback. Each setback is a data point teaching you what doesn’t work. Start small, take calculated risks, and build resilience. When you adopt the mindset that failure is inevitable on the path to success, it loses its sting. Remember: Each failure is just another step toward achieving your goals.

2. Fear of uncertainty: The fog of the unknown

Entrepreneurship is a leap into the unknown. Will the market respond? Will your idea gain traction? Uncertainty creates doubt, and doubt can lead to inaction.

How to conquer it: Embrace uncertainty as part of the journey. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers, and every unknown is an opportunity to innovate. Start by defining the variables you can control — your product, your messaging, your customer service. For the rest? Learn to pivot, adapt and stay curious. In an uncertain world, agility is your superpower.

3. Fear of financial instability: The bank account blues

For many, leaving the stability of a paycheck is the scariest part of starting a business. The thought of running out of money — or worse, going into debt — keeps countless dreamers tethered to the safety of the status quo.

How to conquer it: Plan your finances meticulously. Develop a realistic budget and set aside an emergency fund. Learn to live lean, focusing on necessities over luxuries. Many successful startups began with shoestring budgets. If financing is a major hurdle, explore creative funding options like bootstrapping, angel investors or crowdfunding platforms. There are tools and strategies available to manage your finances effectively — whether it’s budgeting apps like Mint or seeking advice from a financial mentor.

Related: 9 Ways to Conquer Fear and Realize Your True Potential

4. Fear of rejection: The ‘no’ one talks about

Whether it’s a customer, investor or partner, rejection stings. The fear of hearing “no” can stop you from pitching your idea, asking for funding or even launching your product.

How to conquer it: Understand that rejection is rarely personal; it’s about fit and timing. Use each “no” as a learning opportunity. What didn’t work? How can you refine your pitch? Remember, some of the most iconic brands — like Airbnb and Starbucks — faced countless rejections before their big breaks. Take each rejection as a stepping stone toward refining your approach and building resilience.

5. Fear of success: The hidden saboteur

While it may sound counterintuitive, the fear of success is real. What if you can’t maintain the momentum? What if success changes your relationships or overwhelms your life?

How to conquer it: Define your version of success early on. Is it financial freedom? Work-life balance? Impacting a community? Staying clear on your “why” will help you navigate the challenges that come with growth. And don’t hesitate to delegate; success doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. You don’t have to face the burden of success alone — seek a support system, whether it’s mentors or a reliable team, to share the load.

The mindset shift

Fear thrives in silence and isolation. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Share your fears, learn from others, and celebrate small wins along the way. The entrepreneurial journey is as much about personal growth as it is about business success.

Related: From Stress to Success — 6 Ways to Turn Your Fears into Resilience

Practical action steps

• Write your fear list: Identify your biggest fears and rank them by intensity. Awareness is the first step to overcoming them. Write them down and start facing them one by one.

• Create a game plan: For each fear, write down one action step you can take to confront it. For example, if you fear rejection, commit to pitching your idea to three people this week. Break down your fears into manageable steps and create a timeline for confronting them.

• Seek mentorship: Learning from someone who has already walked the path can provide invaluable perspective and encouragement. Find a mentor who has faced similar challenges and can help guide you through them.

• Educate yourself: The more you know, the less intimidating the unknown becomes. Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend workshops on entrepreneurship. Knowledge reduces fear.

• Visualize success: Imagine your future self looking back on these fears. How insignificant do they seem in hindsight? Visualization can rewire your mindset for positivity and action.

Fear is not the enemy; it’s the compass pointing you toward growth. Each fear you face — and conquer — is a stepping stone on the path to building something extraordinary. So, take the leap. The world needs more dreamers who dare to become doers.

The following excerpt is from Mark Siebert’s book Franchise Your Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

To develop a sound training program, you need to start with an understanding of your franchisee. Is this new franchisee someone with industry-specific knowledge? Specific skills, such as sales or management abilities? Or will you need to treat your franchisee as if they were learning absolutely everything for the first time?

Ultimately, your training program must be good enough to ensure that the least-skilled new franchisee will represent the brand to the standard of quality associated with the concept.

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

The best franchisors are huge advocates of training and invest heavily in it. Even though the training conducted by newer franchise companies is often fairly informal, the best new franchisors make it a priority to develop more formal programs as soon as possible. These programs will prescribe in detail exactly what each franchisee and their personnel must master. By specifying exactly what must be taught and how the instruction will be conducted on an hour-by-hour basis, these training programs provide knowledge in a manner that will foster consistency.

Once a new franchisor decides on the subject matter, they must then decide how to conduct the training. Generally, this training takes several forms:

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

Training at the franchisor’s headquarters

For most franchisors, the hands-on portion of training starts at their home office. This training can last for several days or weeks and, for newer franchisors, is often held in hotel conference rooms or temporary office facilities to keep costs under control.

Generally speaking, home office training starts with a tour of the prototype operation and corporate offices, and an introduction of staff and their roles. Once the formal training session begins, most franchisors focus on subjects best taught in a classroom setting. Among the dozens of topics usually included in this portion of training are corporate history and philosophy, site selection, lease negotiation, pre-opening procedures, daily operations, insurance requirements, vendor relationships, and reporting requirements. This segment of training often involves hands-on training within your franchise prototype (or perhaps a special training prototype constructed for that purpose).

Franchise training classes should be lively and interactive. A mixture of training formats such as video (for example, showing a key supplier’s facility), lecture, discussion, and hands-on work (such as product preparation or how to provide the franchise services) creates an inviting training environment for franchisees. Moreover, various studies have shown that franchisees retain more information when the trainer uses a variety of training methodologies combining visual, auditory, and tactile learning. We often recommend that our clients involve their management staff in the home office training session as well. Exposing multiple staff members to franchisees energizes the process and helps build franchisee relationships throughout the organization.

Home office training, like all training, should be accompanied by testing, evaluation, and other procedures to ensure that franchisees are indeed capable of top performance.

Related: See Who Made This Year’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

On-site training

The next step often involves spending several days to a few weeks (or more, depending on the complexity of your operation) assisting franchisees and their staff at the franchisee’s location.

As with home office training, you should develop a detailed training agenda for this stage. Training should focus on assisting the franchisee in becoming more familiar and comfortable with the day-to-day operation of the business. Franchisees new to the industry will have different questions and expectations than franchisees with prior experience in related businesses. One of the key objectives of the on-site trainer is to identify and prioritize the franchisee’s needs during the first day or two so she can tailor the remaining training schedule to best meet those needs.

On-site training is an important extension of the franchisor’s pre-opening training program. New franchisees can easily become overwhelmed and can sometimes momentarily forget everything that has been taught to them. Having the franchisor’s representatives at the site — often in the form of an opening team — can ease this transition and ensure that customers get a good first impression of the brand and the franchisee’s operations. An opening team helps franchisees break into day-to-day operations slowly, so they don’t feel they’re jumping into the deep end alone, without assistance from the franchisor.

Within several days of the completion of on-site training, you should provide the franchisee with an overall written evaluation of his or her performance in the training program. The evaluation should reference both the franchisee’s strengths and areas in which the franchisee needs additional work, and it should include a specific action plan with a clear list of objectives for the coming weeks and months.

Related: The Largest Franchise Operator in the U.S. Owns 2,800 Locations — And He Just Added 83 Wendy’s to His Portfolio

Ongoing training

For the best franchisors, training doesn’t end once the startup period is over. It’s a vital ongoing part of the franchise relationship. For a franchisor to be competitive in the long run, its franchisees must remain current with industry trends and adapt to changes in the market, incorporating new products, services, marketing, and operating procedures into their businesses.

With this in mind, every franchise agreement should contain not only initial training requirements but also specific requirements for ongoing training. To minimize the erosion of system standards over time due to a lack of training, you may want to consider requiring periodic recertification on core competency issues for franchisees and their key staff members. Such a program might include regularly scheduled refresher training for these top positions, as well as detailed training for all staff on any new products, services, or procedures that are introduced from time to time.

Related: Greg Flynn Owns 1,245 Restaurants and Makes $2 Billion A Year. Here’s How He Did It.

Strategic planning, deliberation and technical know-how are no longer sufficient for leadership in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven corporate environment. Although these are essential, a new characteristic of effective leaders is their capacity to establish an emotional connection with their colleagues, build trust and face adversity with empathy. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is useful in this situation.

A leader with emotional intelligence can strike a balance between seeing the big picture and being in the moment, which in turn fosters an atmosphere where ideas can flourish, people feel appreciated and businesses can succeed in the long run. Leaders who are able to tap into their emotional intelligence will be the ones to spearhead the transformation of their companies in the face of rising employee demands, technological upheaval and hybrid teams.

This article will go into the importance of emotional intelligence for contemporary leaders, how it relates to financial performance and how leaders may develop EQ to motivate their people and achieve more.

Related: Mastering Emotional Intelligence Is the Key to Effective Leadership and Team Building

What is emotional intelligence, and why does it matter?

The capacity to identify, comprehend and control one’s own emotions as well as to observe and impact the emotions of people around you is known as emotional intelligence, a term popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman.

In leadership, EQ consists of five key components:

1. Self-awareness: Understanding your emotions and how they affect your actions.

2. Self-regulation: Managing emotional responses in a way that aligns with goals and values.

3. Motivation: Maintaining a drive for excellence even in challenging circumstances.

4. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering deeper connections.

5. Social skills: Effectively managing relationships, conflict resolution and team dynamics.

In the face of complicated difficulties, leaders with high EQ are able to steer their teams through tough conversations, earn the trust of stakeholders and keep them motivated. Actually, research shows that leaders with high levels of emotional intelligence perform better than average. The fact that 90% of successful achievers have high EQ demonstrates the strong correlation between emotional intelligence and professional performance.

The link between EQ and high-impact leadership

1. Building trust and engagement

Trust is built through emotional intelligence. Workers appreciate it when their leaders are self-aware and empathetic. A high-performing team is built on trust, which allows members to freely express themselves, take calculated risks and work together without worrying about what others think.

For instance, leaders who possess a high EQ are able to identify when their colleagues are feeling anxious or uncertain throughout organizational transition and alleviate their concerns through open and honest communication. This improves team buy-in and decreases resistance to change.

2. Aligning purpose with motivation

Leaders who establish an emotional connection with their people are able to comprehend what motivates them. These executives motivate their teams from inside by showing how their work contributes to the larger mission of the company. Leaders who are EQ-driven place an emphasis on purpose rather than performance measures, demonstrating how each contribution fits into the larger context.

Consider Satya Nadella, boss of Microsoft. Redefining Microsoft’s culture to prioritize growth, collaboration and empowerment, he achieved this by integrating strategic leadership with empathy and an emotionally intelligent approach. So what was the result? A re-energized staff and a dynamic, successful business.

3. Navigating conflict and building resilience

Any organization will inevitably experience conflict. The ability to control one’s emotions and empathize with others are tools that high-EQ leaders use to constructively handle conflicts and find solutions. They help teams communicate better, calm down tense situations and advance as one.

Furthermore, leaders can benefit from EQ by developing resilience in themselves and the people they lead. A culture of tenacity and creativity is fostered when leaders demonstrate optimism and emotional regulation in the face of hardship, thereby transforming obstacles into chances for progress.

Related: 11 Signs That You Lack Emotional Intelligence

How leaders can develop emotional intelligence

The good news is that emotional intelligence is not an innate trait — it’s a skill that can be developed and refined over time. Here’s how leaders can cultivate EQ to become more impactful:

1. Develop self-awareness

• Regularly reflect on your emotional triggers and how they influence your behavior.

• Seek honest feedback from colleagues and team members to better understand your strengths and blind spots.

• Practice mindfulness or journaling to enhance awareness of your thoughts and emotions.

Example: Leaders who regularly reflect can adjust their approach in high-pressure situations, staying calm and solution-focused.

2. Practice self-regulation

• Respond, don’t react. Pause before responding to emotional situations to maintain composure.

• Manage stress effectively through healthy habits like exercise, deep breathing or time management techniques.

• Lead by example: Show consistency, reliability and fairness in your actions.

Example: A leader facing tight deadlines can manage stress through clear prioritization instead of projecting frustration onto the team.

3. Cultivate empathy

• Practice active listening. Pay full attention to team members without interruption or judgment.

• Put yourself in others’ shoes to understand their perspectives and challenges.

• Be present during difficult conversations, showing genuine concern and support.

Example: When employees face burnout, empathetic leaders recognize the signs early, offering solutions like workload adjustments or resources for support.

4. Enhance social skills

• Foster meaningful relationships by engaging with teams authentically.

• Focus on communication clarity, ensuring your message aligns with team needs.

• Celebrate team wins and recognize individual contributions to create a culture of appreciation.

Example: Leaders who build positive relationships see higher levels of collaboration, engagement and retention.

The business impact of emotional intelligence

Investing in emotional intelligence pays dividends. Organizations led by high-EQ leaders see measurable improvements in key areas:

• Higher retention rates: Employees are more likely to stay in supportive, emotionally aware environments.

• Improved team performance: Trust and open communication drive collaboration and innovation.

• Stronger client relationships: Leaders with high EQ understand client needs and build lasting partnerships.

• Greater resilience: Teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders recover faster from setbacks and adapt to change seamlessly.

The role of EQ in the digital era

The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace is growing as a result of the digital revolution. Even though they may be physically apart, leaders of hybrid and remote teams must show empathy and connection with their teams. Emotional intelligence ensures teams stay engaged, collaborative and purpose-driven while technology powers operations.

Emotional intelligence will also be the deciding factor in which leaders stand out when AI begins to automate more and more jobs. When it comes to propelling development and innovation, empathy, imagination and emotional connection will prove to be invaluable assets.

Related: These Are the 4 Emotional Intelligence Characteristics All Business Leaders Need

Leading with EQ for lasting impact

Emotional intelligence is not a “soft skill” — it’s a core leadership capability that drives trust, engagement and long-term success. Leaders who master EQ are better equipped to inspire their teams, navigate challenges and create positive, purpose-driven work environments.

In today’s evolving business world, the most impactful leaders are those who combine strategic vision with emotional awareness, leaving behind a legacy of growth, resilience and human connection.

Whether you’re leading a startup, scaling a business or guiding an established organization, emotional intelligence is the key to unlocking your team’s full potential and achieving sustainable success.

Final reflection: How are you harnessing emotional intelligence to inspire and empower your team? The journey to high-impact leadership starts with self-awareness and a commitment to connection.

Our business environment is incredibly dynamic, so the ability to adapt and maintain productivity is paramount. As remote and hybrid work models become increasingly prevalent, professionals are seeking tools that enhance efficiency and flexibility.

With a significant portion of the workforce operating outside traditional office settings, it’s no surprise that remote work is here to stay. This shift underscores the need for versatile tools that support productivity. The Glance Pro portable monitor addresses this need by offering a high-quality, portable display that seamlessly integrates with your workflow and meets the demands of modern business. It’s also on sale for just $395.99 (reg. $499).

The Glance Pro’s vibrant 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen delivers stunning visuals with exceptional color accuracy. Its 100,000:1 contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and bright whites, making it ideal for tasks that require precise visual representation, such as design work or data analysis. The intuitive touchscreen interface allows for effortless navigation, enhancing interactivity during presentations or collaborative sessions.

The Glance Pro’s key advantage is its portability. Weighing just 2.1 pounds and equipped with an aluminum alloy magnetic kickstand, it can be easily set up on any flat surface and provides adjustable viewing angles to suit your comfort. Whether you work from a co-working space, a client’s office, or your home, the Glance Pro ensures you have a reliable secondary display to boost your productivity.

Connectivity is seamless with the Glance Pro’s dual USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port, allowing compatibility with a wide range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows you to extend your screen real estate or mirror your display as needed.

The built-in 5,000mAh battery provides up to four hours of continuous use, granting you the freedom to work without being tethered to a power outlet. Additionally, the dual speakers deliver clear audio, which is ideal for video conferences and multimedia presentations.

For the new year, equip yourself with a tool that adapts to the evolving work landscape.

Get the Glance Pro 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen monitor for just $395.99 (reg. $499).

Glance Pro: Portable 15.6″ 1080P FHD OLED Monitor – $395.99

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

It’s no secret that inflation has become a major challenge for the global economy over the past years. It’s giving rise to increased migration and hitting the job market — people are finding it tougher to afford housing as the cost of living keeps going up.

This makes workers leave areas where housing is too expensive, leaving entire regions struggling to keep their workforce. The situation is creating a vicious cycle, especially in some parts of the United States, where unemployment rates have soared because living costs are simply too high.

Related: The US is in a Housing Crisis — Here’s How We Fix It

Inflation and unemployment: The explosive dynamic

Certain parts of the United States are currently experiencing high inflation, where the cost of necessities, specifically housing, is sky-high. Among the most affected states are Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina, with inflation rates between 3.6% and 4% annually. Inflation in these and other states escalates the cost of essential goods and services and diminishes workers’ purchasing power, making certain regions financially untenable to reside in. For instance, 2023 research showed that Florida residents have been “paying premiums on both the housing price side and on the rental price side,” ranging between 5% and 6%.

This jump in prices can be explained by factors such as increased demand from population influx, limited housing supply, and escalating construction costs. Ironically, the resulting high cost of living is prompting numerous residents to relocate to more affordable areas, leading to labor outflow. This trend is mirrored on a national scale, with the number of people moving between states increasing from nearly 7.9 million in 2021 to approximately 8.2 million in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The dynamic continues to reshape the national labor market, intensifying labor shortages in high-cost states.

Some of the most common implications include reduced workforce availability and an economic slowdown. Due to the withdrawal of skilled workers, workforce availability has decreased and businesses and companies struggle to fill various vacancies. This leads to critical skill shortages and decreased productivity within industries that require specialized skills or training.

This shift also creates a barrier for people looking to migrate to affected states for employment purposes, and employment opportunities diminish in these regions. After all, the housing market crisis not only drives existing residents away — it also prevents unemployed individuals from relocating to areas with better job prospects.

Skyrocketing housing costs and a shortage of affordable accommodations make it financially unfeasible for job seekers to move to regions where employment opportunities are plentiful, and even higher wages don’t compensate for the expenses associated with finding accommodation in a new state. A recent report clearly indicates that the USA is facing an acute shortage of affordable housing for people at all levels of income. This barrier exacerbates unemployment rates.

Meanwhile, local economies in the states with extreme inflation suffer from labor shortages and take a hit that creates a ripple effect on entire communities. Reduced tax revenues lead to cuts in essential public services like education, healthcare and infrastructure maintenance. This decline in public amenities makes the affected regions even less attractive to both residents and potential investors, perpetuating the cycle of economic decline and prompting more people to relocate to other areas.

Related: Here’s How Much You Need to Earn to Buy a House in the US: Report

Addressing the housing crisis: The roles of businesses and local governments

To effectively tackle the challenges posed by inflation and labor outflow, we might have to rely on unorthodox solutions that may seem economically counterintuitive but are essential for revitalizing affected regions. One viable approach to combating this challenge is developing affordable housing options.

Some of the strategies that could alleviate the problem include low-rise construction programs, which are most frequently found in suburban and residential areas. This initiative can be strengthened through other incentives. For example, governments can offer tax incentives or subsidies to developers who build affordable housing within these low-rise projects. Or, by advocating for the construction of budget-friendly residential buildings, families may be granted the opportunity to relocate in search of work.

Another effective strategy is to offer financial incentives directly to job seekers willing to relocate to high-unemployment areas. For example, if a candidate accepts a position in such a region, providing housing subsidies or covering a portion of their housing costs for a set period can make the move more financially feasible.

Of course, local governments play a key role in addressing the housing crisis amplified by inflation. They hold the power to promote affordable housing development through policies like community development programs, tax rebates and zoning revisions.

Instigating public-private partnerships may facilitate the construction of affordable housing options as well. By pooling resources and expertise, government entities and private developers can collaboratively address housing shortages. For example, a city might partner with a private company to convert unused municipal buildings into affordable housing units. The government provides the property or offers zoning incentives, while the developer handles the renovation and management.

Adjusting zoning regulations can further help address housing affordability challenges. Modifying zoning laws to permit higher-density housing construction will help cities encourage the development of more affordable housing options. In particular, changing zoning codes to allow for multi-family units or apartment complexes in areas previously restricted to single-family homes can significantly increase the housing supply.

Finally, state governments can work on enhancing the appeal of their region through community development programs to attract new residents and businesses effectively. Investing in local projects, such as improved public services and recreational facilities, spotlights the area’s potential. Developing community centers or upgrading transportation networks are simple examples. These efforts enrich the living experience for current inhabitants and stimulate economic growth by drawing in fresh talent and investment, which helps mitigate the challenges of inflation and labor outflow.

Naturally, the complex nature of inflation on labor outflow requires a multidimensional approach to fix the challenge. By embracing innovative construction projects, offering incentives and implementing supportive policies, regions struggling with inflation and unemployment can turn things around.

Addressing the housing crisis head-on and strategically building affordable housing can keep current residents happy and draw in new ones, helping to stabilize inflation and kickstart economic growth. Voronkov sums it up with a simple yet insightful thought: start building affordable housing today, and you’ll build a stronger economy tomorrow.

They say great minds think alike — or maybe they land on similar ideas because they are observing the same world all around them. Every year, as my team and I curate the absolute best books of the year, we discover some themes across the 1000-plus submissions we consider.

We call them themes — and they reflect a combination of the cultural zeitgeist of what’s happening in business today and the hot topics on the minds of entrepreneurs and business professionals right now. Among books published this year, we read about the importance of calm and overcoming anxiety, climate solutions, putting generosity first, reevaluating the human condition in an age of AI, the power of quiet leadership and many more. Read on to see the trends we spotted and some of our thoughts on how they might be relevant for you as we head into 2025 and beyond.

Related: 6 Books to Help You Keep Your New Years Resolution

1. Calming anxiety and burnout

After a divisive election year, a rise in anxiety and growing awareness of mental health at work, this year, there has been a slate of books focused on what to do about burnout at work. Some advocated working less, while others focused on productivity hacks. From destressing to conquering anxiety, the idea of calm in work and life became an urgent topic, and this reality was reflected through books aiming to offer desperately needed help.

2. Math mindedness

Can math explain the world? This year, math minds took center stage to offer perspectives on everything from how AI actually works to how it powers the most popular games in the world. Geography, geometry, statistics and even models of thinking got the numbers treatment as this group of books put math back into the spotlight and argued that understanding the world, making new friends and shifting our perspective all come down to better understanding math.

3. Good aging

If longevity exploded in 2023, then this year offers a correction to books focusing on how we live instead of just techniques for living longer. Alongside the longevity topic, many new books this year shifted to offering insights on how to be old successfully. From loving mid-life to living a wonderous life of purpose, the new theme around aging seems to be enjoying the time you have, whether it lasts a century or less.

4. Rethinking higher education

As the workplace shifts and the costs of higher education continue to spark debate, a range of books this year offered either a commentary on the higher education experience or a suggestion for a compelling alternative to the traditional four-year college experience. As more young people consider alternative paths to success, the college question is accelerating and will likely spark much more continuing dissent and conversation over the coming year and beyond.

5. Generosity first

Perhaps in response to a world that feels as though it rewards toxicity, several books this year put generosity and the idea of generous leadership front and center. Fostering a friendly team dynamic, maintaining hope instead of becoming cynical and living life by giving more back were all key themes that stood out this year as authors offered a more optimistic prescription for how to live and work that reminded us about the too easily forgotten power of actually caring for one another and why doing it may be the key to prosperity and happiness.

6. Saving humanity

Last year, the big theme with AI-focused books was all about designing AI in more human ways and reducing bias or other potential issues with the technology as it gains widespread adoption. This year, that trend continued, but many books took a decidedly more philosophical turn as they pondered human existence in a world ruled by AI. Will we exist or be necessary? Is our demise inevitable? As we live through a new technology age, these questions have received a renewed sense of urgency and attention as many books have helped reimagine what it will mean to be human in an increasingly automated future.

Related: 5 Books That Paved My Path to Entrepreneurial Success

7. The female lens

For the past several years, there has been a growing number of writers turning their attention to the previously neglected female perspective on many different topics. This year, that feminine lens focused on the history of women on Wall Street, memoirs from female trailblazers like Connie Chung, female-first branding techniques, and the exploration of women’s role in creating the crossword puzzle. Along with offering a gendered correction to decades of male-centered perspectives on history, this new range of books provides the stories of previously neglected female heroines from history who deserve to be remembered.

8. Finding purpose

This year, a big topic for many books focused on finding your passion and purpose. Rather than living a rudderless life, people of all ages are seeing reminders of living a life with purpose and leaving a legacy they can be proud of. Whether it was finding your passion or avoiding despair (seasonal, political, environmental or otherwise), these hopeful books offered to help you rediscover your purpose and to live it more intentionally every day.

9. Climate solutionism

In past years, many books about global warming and climate change both chronicled the problem as well as aimed to offer legislative or advocacy solutions. This year, a new perspective emerged regarding “solutionism.” In other words, many books provided the prescription for us actually to fix some of the human-created global environmental problems. At least this positivity focuses on what to do next instead of dissecting and assigning blame for how we got here.

10. The citizenship imperative

After a contentious election season, several books this past year aimed to help Americans rediscover their democracy and what it means to be citizens. From teaching young people about the latter to explaining topics like migration or free speech to more controversial calls to overhaul and rethink the Constitution itself, the idea that we all need to better understand and perhaps reimagine the fundamental beliefs of our government was a timely and urgent focus of many titles this past year.

11. Quiet leadership

In what might seem like the ultimate irony, several counterintuitive books this year focused on the quieter side of leadership. From embracing silence to increasing cultural intelligence and focusing on the softer side of management, the conclusion seemed to be that the noisier the world gets, the more effective leaders who buck this trend and embrace their quiet side might actually be.

12. The friendship antidote

A year ago, a range of books explored the loneliness epidemic and offered a dire warning of the negative health and emotional effects of isolation. This year, the antidote took the main stage in the form of encouraging people to forge and solidify more friendships. These books offered encouragement, tactics and perhaps most importantly, a reminder that having strong friendships requires investing the time to make them work.

If you’re running a business, capital remains the fuel that keeps the engine running. Yet, for startup founders, traditional funding routes like venture capital or bank loans can often feel like a crowded freeway — full of competition, gatekeepers and compromises.

The savviest founders throughout history have consistently looked beyond the obvious, tapping into alternative forms of capital to not only fund their growth but also gain an edge in their industries. And today, as the crypto market heats up, it’s a reminder that the spirit of financial innovation is as critical as ever.

Related: 6 Alternatives to Venture Capital You Need to Consider

Lessons from the past: Ford and Dell

Let’s rewind to the early days of entrepreneurship when competition was thin and the rules were less defined. Consider the story of Henry Ford. Before Ford revolutionized the automobile industry, he was backed not by conventional financiers but by a group of local Detroit investors who believed in his vision. These were not Wall Street titans; they were ordinary people willing to take a calculated risk on a man with an extraordinary idea. Ford’s ability to bootstrap with alternative funding not only allowed him to sidestep the constraints of traditional capital but also gave him the freedom to innovate at his own pace. The result? The assembly line, the Model T and an empire that changed the world.

Fast-forward to the tech boom of the 1990s, and you’ll find another example of alternative capital in the form of corporate partnerships and strategic alliances. Dell Computers, for instance, struck deals with suppliers to secure inventory without upfront cash payments, effectively turning supply chain relationships into a form of working capital. This kind of creative financing wasn’t just resourceful; it was revolutionary, enabling Dell to scale rapidly without being beholden to traditional lenders.

Modern moves: Crypto and Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin play

Today, we’re seeing a resurgence of this mindset, particularly in the crypto space. One of the most notable examples is Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy. Saylor’s strategy of acquiring Bitcoin and leveraging it as a treasury asset isn’t just a bold financial move — it’s a statement about the evolving nature of capital. By converting traditional dollars into Bitcoin, MicroStrategy has turned its balance sheet into a dynamic, appreciating asset. This has not only provided a hedge against inflation but also positioned the company as a pioneer in the intersection of technology and finance. For startup founders, Saylor’s approach is a wake-up call: The tools and strategies for securing capital are no longer confined to the old playbook.

Related: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Raising Capital

Building your playbook for alternative capital

But why should founders care about alternative forms of capital in the first place? The answer lies in agility and differentiation. Traditional funding routes often come with strings attached — equity dilution, rigid repayment terms or strategic compromises. Alternative capital, on the other hand, offers flexibility. It’s about finding untapped resources, whether that’s through crypto, crowdfunding, revenue-based financing or strategic partnerships, and turning them into a competitive advantage.

In the crypto world, we see a similar dynamic with token sales and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). While the ICO craze of 2017 was fraught with speculation, the underlying concept remains powerful. By issuing tokens, startups can raise funds while creating an ecosystem where early supporters have a stake in the project’s success. This model aligns incentives in a way that traditional equity or debt financing simply can’t. It’s no coincidence that Web3 projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club and Pudgy Penguins have leveraged this approach to scale rapidly while fostering vibrant, engaged communities.

But alternative capital isn’t without its challenges. The crypto market, for instance, is notoriously volatile. Timing is everything. Just as Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy has paid off during bullish cycles, it’s also exposed MicroStrategy to significant scrutiny during downturns.

Similar to traditional venture capital raises, this requires careful planning and execution. A failed campaign can do more harm than good, damaging a brand’s credibility. For founders, the key is to approach alternative capital with the same rigor and due diligence as any other funding strategy.

Another consideration is regulatory compliance. The landscape for alternative capital, particularly in crypto, is still evolving. Founders must stay informed about legal requirements, whether they’re issuing tokens, raising funds through a DAO or exploring revenue-based financing models. Ignoring these details can lead to costly setbacks, undermining the very agility that alternative capital is supposed to provide.

So, what does this all mean for today’s startup founders? It means embracing a mindset of financial creativity. It means looking at capital not as a static resource but as a dynamic tool that can be shaped, leveraged and optimized. It means asking questions like: Can we tokenize our product to raise funds? Can we turn customer pre-orders into a financing mechanism? Can we partner with suppliers or other businesses to create mutually beneficial financial arrangements?

Related: You Don’t Need Venture Capital Anymore — Here Are 4 Funding Alternatives

Looking forward

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to raise money; it’s to raise smart money. Alternative capital allows founders to maintain control, build community and innovate without the constraints of traditional funding. Whether you’re inspired by Ford’s local investors, Dell’s supply chain ingenuity or Saylor’s Bitcoin playbook, the lesson is the same: The future belongs to those who dare to think differently about capital.

When competition is fierce and the pace of innovation is relentless, alternative capital isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. Founders who master this art will not only survive but thrive, turning financial creativity into their ultimate competitive advantage.

As a new year approaches, so does the chance to make meaningful resolutions. If you choose to learn a new language, you could build stronger client relationships, expand into new markets, and communicate more effectively while you travel. Just like any new goal, the tricky part is sticking with it, but Babbel can help.

This beloved language-learning app has hundreds of 5-star reviews for helping learners stay motivated while they study up to 14 new languages. During our end-of-year sale, you can get lifetime access for only $130 (reg. $500) instead of paying monthly.

New Year, new language skills

We know that picking up a second language (or third) can be intimidating. That’s what makes Babbel such a “worth-it” purchase—lessons only take 10 minutes each, so you don’t have to feel pressure to learn a ton at once.

You’ll also be learning real-life topics you can put to use immediately, whether it’s interacting with local Spanish speakers in your community or some French on your European getaway next summer. Babbel teaches you how to introduce yourself, speak about family, and the business stuff, too.

The hardest part about setting a New Year’s resolution is keeping it, so Babbel has a “learning streak.” Its count goes up every day, and the idea is to come back for a lesson or personalized review session every day so you don’t break it. Are you up for the challenge?

There’s only one week left to get our unbeatable price on a Babbel lifetime subscription: $130 (reg. $599). You won’t find a better deal anywhere else online.

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Is it possible to make decent money in a low-stress job? Do low-stress jobs even exist?

If you’re looking to reduce stress next year, a job change might be on your mind. Resume Genius recently released a report that examined the top jobs deemed “low-stress” yet still “high-paying” for 2025. The resume company used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and career site O*NET Online to compile its “2025 Low-Stress, High-Paying Jobs” report.

“Heading into 2025, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential for job seekers to feel more at ease,” said Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “With remote work and hybrid setups becoming the norm, work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred. Our report on low-stress, high-paying jobs shows you don’t have to sacrifice a competitive salary to achieve a healthier work-life balance. With the right role, it’s possible to thrive both financially and mentally.”

It’s important to note that all of the top 10 require at least a Bachelor’s degree, and school is not stress-free. Plus, people who actually work in these jobs might disagree about how stressful their jobs are (and how much they get paid).

To create the report, researchers filtered out high-stress jobs using O*NET’s “stress tolerance” database and then cross-referenced job titles using BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook data with at least the national median salary of $48,060 and demonstrated “faster-than-average growth.”

Here’s the list, according to the data:

1. Water resource specialist

• Median annual salary: $157,740

• Number of jobs (2023): 86,300

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

2. Astronomer

• Median annual salary: $149,530

• Number of jobs (2023): 23,500

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 7%

• Degree needed: Doctoral or professional degree

3. Actuary

• Median annual salary: $120,000

• Number of jobs (2023): 30,200

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 23%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

4. Environmental economist

• Median annual salary: $115,730

• Number of jobs (2023): 17,500

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%

• Degree needed: Master’s degree

5. Mathematician

• Median annual salary: $104,860

• Number of jobs (2023): 34,800

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%

• Degree needed: Master’s degree

6. Computer systems analyst

• Median annual salary: $103,800

• Number of jobs (2023): 527,200

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

7. Fuel cell engineer

• Median annual salary: $99,510

• Number of jobs (2023): 291,900

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 11%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

8. Remote sensing scientist and technologist

• Median annual salary: $92,580

• Number of jobs (2023): 26,000

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

9. Geographer

• Median annual salary: $90,880

• Number of jobs (2023): 1600

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 3%

• Degree needed: Bachelor’s degree

10. Transportation planner

• Number of jobs (2023): 45,200

• Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 4%

• Degree needed: Master’s degree

Read the full report and see five more “low-stress” jobs, here.

Startups worldwide want to improve their reputations, meet partners and investors and scale their business. Innovative ideas come from every corner of the globe, which makes entrepreneurship open to anyone — no matter their background, gender, race or experience. However, depending on a startup founder’s location, it might be difficult to get the right level of visibility and connections to expand their business successfully.

I believe that Silicon Valley, the birthplace of innovation, remains a critical center of entrepreneurship. One way to access Silicon Valley — including stakeholders that can help a startup grow — is to participate in startup competitions.

Related: This Low-Cost, Low-Effort Growth Strategy Could Transform Your Company Into an Innovation Powerhouse

History of Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley, a term originally used by Electronic News in 1971, started with the invention of the semiconductor. It’s in the South Bay of California and is now known as the center of technology innovation. San Jose is the region’s largest city; the presence of highly regarded universities in the area — such as Stanford University — provides a strong foundation of research and development.

Since many famous startups and technology companies started in Silicon Valley, it is also the home to Venture Capital (VC). Investors are critical to a startup’s success, and it is important for founders to make connections with VC firms. Major technology companies are based here — including Intel, Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Cisco and Netflix, among others.

Silicon Valley is unique due to its culture of innovation, which encourages risk-taking and even failure. Startup founders, corporate executives and investors understand the importance of exploring new ideas, even if they do not all succeed. This culture is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to be innovative in a supportive environment.

As a result of the success of such companies, Silicon Valley is a wealthy region. In fact, Silicon Valley Indicators show that in 2022, the region’s median household income was over $149,000 — higher than even San Francisco. It’s also the home of well-known unicorns, defined as startups valued at over $1 billion. These include Open AI, SpaceX, Zoom, Miro and Anthropic. It’s helpful for startups to be well-connected in Silicon Valley since this provides access to potential investors, partners, customers and employees — all of whom can help propel them to success.

How startup competitions help entrepreneurs

Participating in startup competitions has several benefits for entrepreneurs. At the competitions, startups will pitch their business ideas to investors, which can help them not only strengthen their pitch but also win cash prizes and/or investments. Competitions also provide critical networking opportunities to other ecosystem members. Entrepreneurs typically learn a great deal from fellow entrepreneurs, participating investors and corporate executives who are participating.

Startup competitions give entrepreneurs visibility, which is important for their personal reputations and their company’s. Pitches are typically done on-stage in front of a large audience; the audience will be even larger if the competition is broadcast virtually. High-profile journalists normally attend startup competitions, which gives founders the opportunity to interview and be part of published articles — spreading their visibility further.

Related: How a Seasoned Silicon Valley Veteran Keeps Innovation at the Forefront of Business

Startup competitions in Silicon Valley

Based on my experience, several competitions in Silicon Valley come to mind that will benefit entrepreneurs. Startup Grind is a well-known conference that gives startups the opportunity to pitch their ideas, gather feedback and set up meetings with investors. The Startup World Cup (SWC), started by Pegasus Tech Ventures — a well-regarded VC firm — hosts about 100 regional competitions around the world. SWC is recognized by Google and ChatGPT as the largest startup competition in the world. It culminates in a Grand Finale during which the grand prize winner receives a $1 million investment. TechCrunch Disrupt is another popular conference that gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their ideas and network with startup ecosystem members.

Prestigious universities near Silicon Valley provide not only centers of research and development; they also host well-regarded business plan competitions. The Haas School at the University of California Berkeley is home to the BerkeleyHaas Entrepreneurship Program. The program, well-regarded by the academic and technology communities, hosts the University of California Startup Accelerator, the Venture Capital Investment Competition and the Hult Prize Competition. Meanwhile, Stanford University in Palo Alto is home to the Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students (BASES), which aims to enable entrepreneurship at the university. Its annual Challenge attracts more than 250 startups from around the globe to compete for cash prizes.

Advice for entrepreneurs

When speaking to startup founders in all regions of the world, I typically advise them to tap into the strength of Silicon Valley. This region, historically the center of technology innovation, remains critical due to its strong startup ecosystem. Many startups, corporations, VCs and media are based there. Even if a startup is based elsewhere, it’s smart to tap into the power and network of Silicon Valley by participating in startup competitions.

This enables founders to refine their pitch, gather valuable feedback, increase visibility and network with potential partners, suppliers, customers and investors. This effort is well worth the time and expense, given its potential to expand a startup’s presence and scale it rapidly. Doing so will help bring its innovative ideas forward to benefit the world.

Related: 5 Ways Startups Can Increase Their Visibility