Anyone who has ever been to New York City has likely seen and even encountered these people on their bikes, speeding down the streets and avenues with their backpacks, weaving in out of traffic, sometimes even attaching themselves to the door handles of driving cars and busses in order to gain even more momentum.  Some have likely been yelled at or had near-misses with them.  They are bike messengers at work, delivering everything imaginable from wedding shoes to pizza to top secret documents, in the fastest way possible to their customers. I came across Tom’s profile as @NYRush, his handle on Instagram about a year ago. I was immediately fascinated by his posts that depict intense and often raw photos of his daily life as a bike courier in New York City, as well as his style which is spontaneous and straight from the heart, swear words and all...Hardcore, subculture, insane, dangerous, hazardous, road rage (from car drivers), those were all adjectives and descriptions used in conjunction with this job. Hustling for tips in heat, rain, snow and cold, looked down upon by doormen, despised by pedestrians and car drivers alike seems to be the daily life for these types. So while researching the subject, one headline caught my eye, not surprisingly. Experienced messengers say: It’s not worth it, unless you love it! Wait a minute... So does that mean that these people would put their lives in danger on a daily basis, riding in extreme temperatures and conditions, for little money, simply because they love it? Apparently yes, and that is what Tom’s stories are about. "One hell of a story" Tom is 30 years old and from New Jersey, right across the river from NYC. He started this job 3 years ago, but he always had a love for riding a bike. And New York. His physical appearance would certainly match the aforementioned cliches, dressing and looking like the Metal Head he is, and riding his bike like a renegade with the speed and apparent recklessness to match. But I’ve gotten to know Tom as a sweet, shy, introverted person with a gentle soul. In this story, you will not only get a glimpse of his life, but also the message he wants to convey about the City, the community, friendship and supporting each other in a strange and sometimes unfriendly world. Besides, Tom has one hell of a story to tell. So I first want to introduce you to Tom, the person, including some tough facts about his life. Tom grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in New Jersey, as an only child of a typical middle-class American family. As a kid and later as a teenager he found it difficult to adapt to his environment, having been singled out by his mates and fellow students in school as well as dealing with some learning difficulties, which turned him into an outsider. On a bike, however, roaming the streets and wide avenues of nearby New York, he felt free and could be himself. He started this new phase in his life when he started working for a restaurant delivery service and it was a whole new riding experience he never had before. He also discovered photography and his knack for taking shots from unusual perspectives, objects, buildings and people, as opposed to well thought-out and staged photographs of typical tourist landmarks. "The lovers and the haters have something in common" He started to showcase his pictures on various social media platforms, where he could share these documents of real-life with like-minded people. Life took a turn for the worse in 2015, when due to tight economic circumstances and job loss, his parents lost their house and the whole family almost ended up on the streets. Sadly not an unusual situation in America, one of the richest countries in the world. But that doesn’t make it any easier for people affected by it. For Tom, it represented a turning point in his life. He hired on with UberRush as a bike courier and joined a community where the opinions about bike messengers range from distant admiration to outright contempt. To some, couriers are pedestrian-terrorizing scofflaws. Others are jealous that messengers get to roam the city on what seems like an endless scavenger hunt, and getting paid for it. Despite the variety of opinions, the lovers and the haters have something in common as they don’t have any clue how the business works and what it’s like to be a bike courier. "Unique and spontaneous language" Few jobs in the world can claim to have their very own subculture the way bike couriers do. With their unsanctioned alleycat races across towns, these gals and guys have not only some serious power in their legs, but an interesting story to tell as well. And no one tells these stories better than Tom with his raw and intense shots of the city, taken during his working hours on delivery trips all across town, and captioned with his own unique language that is spontaneous, fresh and comes straight from the heart. Swear words and slang and all that included. Being a messenger is a job that almost anyone can do, but only a small percentage of people can ​do well.​ A couple of things that stand out are for one their ability to calculate and react to and prevent risky situations very quickly and very well. It involves lightning visual capabilities and to judge a risk long time before the person does whom they might potentially involve in a crash, by adjusting their speed and to instantly know whether they should go behind them or in front of them, or slam on the brakes altogether. That goes especially for those pedestrians who themselves don’t pay the attention needed on the streets, like jaywalkers, and those who are glued to the screen of their cell phones. Another thing that makes a good messenger is their ability to multi-task, such as riding their bike at high speed, while taking an order on the phone, adjust their music, drink from their water bottle, all the while avoiding cars and people. And lastly it’s their ability to maximize their productivity to know and follow the process, such as finding the most well-hidden messenger centers. "The best messengers know the security protocol of every building" The best messengers know the security protocol of every building, so that they can save time by calling ahead to pick up a package and how to communicate with their dispatchers to maximize each trip across town, and finding their way in the confusing maze of mail rooms, freight-elevators and back alleys that become a courier’s true work environment. Financially, it’s in their best interest to go fast – very fast in the interest of getting as many deliveries done as possible, because each trip means money. Safety wise, not so much. Hustling for tips in heat, rain, snow and cold, looked down upon by doormen, despised by pedestrians seems to be the daily life for these types, that must also include a high tolerance for pain, given the frequent crashes and accidents that Tom tells about. As well as an unlimited supply of cell phones. "Riding around Manhattan at 3am in the morning, just you and your bike - that's freedom" But true couriers don’t do it only as a job, to earn a living, but also for the love of riding. In a city as crowded with traffic, both from cars and pedestrians as New York is, it requires real skills to negotiate the streets and avenues to get fast from point A to point B, but there is nothing like riding around Manhattan at 3am in the morning, when the roads are empty and it is just you and your bike. You are free. In New York, you can just ride straight for an hour, shifting gears and weaving around vehicles, in and out of traffic just for fun. So I hope you enjoyed this story and got a glimpse of Tom’s life on 2 wheels and behind the lens. He plans to take his photography to a professional level and to sell his photographs as prints. Our website and book project are realized as a collaboration in support of these ambitions and dreams. Juliette Emonts, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Juliette Emonts is a brand designer and content creator. You can find more of her work at www.juliette-emonts.com

Money challenges are very personal. They differ from one another and they differ during time. Perhaps you've been through a divorce that effected your personal finances deeply. Perhaps you chose to work in a low paid industry which has made it hard to put aside lots of savings. Perhaps you have a large inflow of money, but they seem to disappear as quickly as they showed up. We all live in our own reality. But the fact is that you can start doing differently. Today. But you need to know where to start. My name is Mia Ingelström and I work as a personal trainer in finance, and here is my best recipe on how to become an athlete when it comes to personal finances. 5 Keys to take leadership over your financial future Take control over where you are NOW. How much does your life cost? This is of high interest because it’s hard to make a change if you don’t know where you are right now. If you go to a personal trainer in a gym he or she will ask about your current health and your current training pattern. The same goes for finance. Taking control over your NOW is figuring out how much income and expenses you have and how much assets and debts you have. Simple as that. Figure out – where do you want to go? Do you want to run a Marathon or climb Kilimanjaro, or do you just want to have a strong and healthy body? Different goals require different methods and the same goes for finance. By knowing your goal, you will work according to different strategies. If your goal is to get enough cash to start up a new business or if your goal is to know how much to save for your retirement, you will concentrate on different things. Optimize your current situation. All personal trainers do the same. They look at what you do today, and they help you improve it. The same goes for finance. What interest rates do you pay today for your mortgages? How much do you spend on unnecessary charges for mutual funds? And even here the metaphor between physical training and financial training is obvious: you can learn everything from YouTube, google and books. A personal trainer, however, can see in between the lines, give you the right training program so you can reach your goal faster. Action – get going. Do your push-ups. Do your yoga. Do your interval training. Just do it. Call your bank to negotiate your mortgage. Change your behavioral when it comes to shopping. Start investing your “future money” on the right risk level. Change your retirement funds to cheaper ones. Focus and just do it. Don’t think too much, just keep on. “First when you have reached the top you will notice how low the mountain was” (Dag Hammarskjöld). Recap – where are you now? It’s important to pause and to look back. What happened along the way? Who are you now? We are in constant change but it’s hard for us to see it ourselves. When it comes to money and personal finances this is highly true. By taking baby steps we are “suddenly” somewhere else. We moved our positions forward. Maybe you have started to save money every month and now you see that it has grown to an important sum. Maybe you didn’t even know what your mortgage costed you, and know you negotiated the interest rates to a much better deal. This will “loop you back” to number 1 again – where are you now? And you can start all over with a new goal in mind. This is my secret receipt to create the financial future you’re wanting to have. And by doing this over and over again, you will reach it sooner then you could ever imagine. Author: Mia Ingelström, Personal trainer in finance at Financial Fitness Sweden AB

What do successful entrepreneurs do right? There’s no true right or wrong for entrepreneurial success, but there are some things that many successful entrepreneurs have in common. We listed 5 of those things. 1. They are not afraid of being wrong and fail Failing isn't pleasant, but successful entrepreneurs knows that it's a part of the journey. Successful entrepreneurs learn by doing. When they have an idea, they execute, and only when they execute and test their idea they get to see how good or bad it was. When you execute you get to learn a ton of things that can help you make the next move. Did it succeed? Did it fail? Can it be developed? Should it be dropped? Ideas are not worth anything if they stay in your head. Successful entrepreneurs learn from failing and it is an important key for development. 2. They don't judge others That's right, most successful entrepreneurs don't judge others. This might be hard to believe because most entrepreneurs will be judged constantly throughout their journey with an army of pessimistic people that will be against their idea. Successful entrepreneurs knows that if you judge, you limit, and when you limit it's harder to see possibilities. Most successful entrepreneurs are optimistic and they're more interested to learn from and about others, rather than judging them. 3. They're Optimistic and they see Possibilities Where most people see obstacles and problems, successful entrepreneurs see possibilities and solutions. Solutions to complex challenges is what drives successful entrepreneurs to keep trying new things. When someone state "This is a problem", a successful entrepreneur would think "How can we solve this problem?" and look for a solution. Curiosity and optimism is what creates successful business ideas and solutions - two key ingredients for success. 4. They are Self-Motivated Successful entrepreneurs don't expect their motivation to come from someone, or something else. They are motivated from their fire within and they know that opportunities won't just be handed to them, they need to go after them. The ability to fuel their own fire helps them to keep going even if they face set-backs, and helps them to stay committed to what they want to achieve. 5. They adapt fast to change A Successful entrepreneur is not stubborn to do something a particular way just because it was written in their business plan they wrote 10 years ago. A successful entrepreneur knows how to adapt to change. Market trends change constantly and a successful entrepreneur needs to be a "Business Cameleont" and come up with adaptable solutions. "When the circumstances change, you have to change". Do you agree or disagree with this list? Share your thoughts!

Let’s imagine now a situation I’m sure you’ll recognize. You’re discussing with your partner, a friend or a colleague that you like. You two don’t agree in whatever you’re discussing, and somewhere along the way the general mood gets infected as you both argue your respective points. In such a scenario, how often do you hear any party concede after having heard their opponent’s argument? How often will you hear something like, ”You know what, you’re actually right – I agree with you now!” It simply does not happen! When we argue it’s as if we’re in a competition – and most of us refuse to lose. Even if the opposing party presents an argument you’d agree with, it’s incredibly difficult to agree with the person. We’ll either lie and claim that we disagree, or we’ll discard their point with an argument like ”Yeah well that only holds true for very specific contexts…” or ”You also have to consider the following…” And thus, we move focus in the discussion towards something where we’re more likely to ’win’. Arguments are of course the rhetorical tools that come to mind when we think of trying to convince someone, regardless of that being your partner or manager. But on a pure psychological level, arguments are rarely the best way to go. Instead, you’ll need a broader set of rhetorical tools to fully enable strategizing in your persuasive abilities. "When the conflict between you disappear and the discussion stops being about winners & losers, you’ll both be able to approach your arguments with a stronger rationale." We don’t like to be persuaded by anyone but ourselves. This is the reason why arguments alone seldom work. We’re very prone to conversational gridlock, especially in situations where the conflict devolves into a ”I’m right and you’re wrong”-kind of thing. Instead, what you want to get good at is to shift the focus from ”you’re my problem” to ”you and I have a problem… now how do we solve it?”. When the conflict between you disappear and the discussion stops being about winners & losers, you’ll both be able to approach your arguments with a stronger rationale. Never start a discussion by saying you’re right (thus implying that your opponent is wrong), or a presentation by claiming that you’re going to convince the audience. If you do, you’ll frame the situation in a mode of conflict and then it won’t even matter how good your suggestions are, you still won’t get any agreement since your opponent will feel as if they’ve lost something if they agree. Those that are experts of persuasion utilize a much more humble approach, where they’ll present facts and suggestions followed by having the other person to choose how to interpret the information. ”I’m thinking something like this… because… based on X… what are your thoughts?”. If their counterpart now responds harshly with something like ”That’ll never work”, don’t fall into the trap of arguing ”Yes it will, because X” – that fight you’ll never win. Instead, ask a smarter question like ”What needs to change for this to work?” or ”What have I missed taking into account?”. All the energy your opposer would use to shoot down your arguments have now been moved to finding a solution toward your suggestions. Suddenly you’re working with each other instead of against each other. About the author: Pontus F. Christoffersen is a rhetoric consultant and speaker at Snacka Snyggt. There, he manages educational presentations on negotiation, and his didactic strengths lie in his ability to weave together rhetorical and psychological tools to generate a sharp personal precision in the methods he shares with audiences.

Understand how leading with love can elevate you from a positional leader to a permissional leader Positional Leader: People follow you because they have to, in order to keep their job. Permissional Leader: People follow you because they want to (regardless of position). As the season of love ends and oozes into the workweek, Post-Singles Appreciation day (I mean Valentine's Day), leaders can use this aligned energy of love and appreciation to their benefit! Whether you are a leader in an organization, a leader in life or guiding an organization; endowing lessons of love that have helped us flourish romantically, to the relationships we spend our most time surrounded by, can flourish your leadership just the same. Your office relationships are arguably, some of the most potentially powerful relationships you have. These relationships not only solidify the advancement (or retrogression) of you and your team, but also the mental health of the people involved. Including and especially, YOUR sanity. Can we all agree when close relationships are incubated in the workplace, we become more excited to work hard, and are more inclined to reach our goals? If not for ourselves, then for others. “You can impress people from a distance, to influence, you must get close”. - John C. Maxwell Leadership at its core is influencing others. In taking action to influence, you must care for and stimulate the personal growth of a living being, separate from yourself. GASP! This living force, by nature, holds continuous and ever-changing dynamics. So… how do you maintain access to these dynamics? Well, you actually have to get to know the internality of another person. DOUBLE GASP!! This is called having an authentic relationship with someone. Oh, you thought this leadership thing was all about you? You see, the leadership process involves continuous focus and helpfulness towards others. Period. A huge part of the process is listening. This involves being present and attentive with others. As a leader, your job is to initiate a relationship with your team. You have the opportunity of learning the people who encircle your daily activities. It's your time to express genuine value and appreciation. It is vacancy to express your love language. And wouldn’t it be entirely effortless for your teammates to receive your leadership if you knew how to understand, translate, and communicate their love language? If performed daily (shown in big or small ways) each team member individually would then determine you as a credible power. That's daily compounding dedication!! In other words, you would gain the trust of each and every one of your team members everyday... Which just so happens to be the foundation for any and every healthy relationship. So, do you think you have the leadership skills to lead with love? The 5 love languages, according to Gary Chapman (the author of the best-selling 5 love languages) include: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Apart of LL appreciation to another person, is the ability to recognize it first. Someone will most likely always demonstrate their LL first, only assuming they love the way they learned to accept love. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Generally, each person is going to have a primary love language and a secondary one. Some may score evenly for 3 or 4 LL (to find out your love language you can click here). That simply means 1 of 2 things: they need an even amount of all of these love languages to feel loved OR they are less particular about the way they would like to receive love. Any effort is fully received. These are our low maintenance lovers. God bless their hearts. Let's see if you can find yourself or any of your team members in these 5 love languages: Acts of service: Acts of service is all about demonstrating your love and kindness through service. Acts of service is a bit tricky because there are some things that a person dislikes doing more than others. The thing that this person absolutely doesn’t enjoy will most likely be the go to, to show this person you care. That is also called being attentive to my friends! Something you will need to be in tune for when evaluating what someone's love language may be.If someone on your team has verbalised how they are less than thrilled of cleaning the office kitchen again, they would probably appreciate an act of service in that realm. Maybe they are not the type to complain, they are always the first to pick up everyone's Starbucks orders, but you can tell they are over being the go to runner for the job . Unless this is a part of their job title, this is your chance to show value to this person with an act of service. Acts of service in the office is an unending list of easy shots. If you have picked up a hint that acts of service is an individual's primary LL, you want to play around with the different types. Is this person interested in acts of service relating to their comfortability? This means picking up coffee, lunch, or making sure they don't have to carry that heavy box across the office. Or, is this person more interested in assistance with a tidy office space? Would this person simply enjoy someone listening to their proposal while they are going through the beginning drafts?  Acts of service does not have to be as laborious as it sounds, in fact depending on what that particular person values, they may weigh the benefit most by the acts of service that simply provide a listening ear to a question. A leader doesn’t always need to, but should be available to take the biggest load. Sometimes that means taking a load off of others just because you want to show appreciation. This is also very humbling and grounding for any leader. Your team will notice this and mad respect points will be given! Words of affirmation: Is for those who light up everytime they receive a compliment. For the lover of affirmations, verbalizing is everything! You will notice the lovers of this love language, may value clarity, over-communication and transparency over anything else. Showing love to this language in the office involves using language to build others up. Building someone up generally comes in the manifestation of encouragement, affirmations, or a mix of both. Encouragement is more of a verbalized approval. For example, telling someone ”I think you got this all by yourself!”. While, an affirmation is more of a statement. For example, ”You are gonna crush this project with your tenacity to win!”. Notice that the affirmation is very specific. You want specificity when you affirm someone because you give the other person less reason to doubt the genuinely of the affirmation. As a leader, going out of your way to communicate value to someone on your team, shows you have interest in this person. Acknowledging someone for something they did right, past the bare minimum, goes a long way. Most people are used to only being approached about the things they did wrong. Team members will be inclined to fulfill this affirmation and work for the team that much harder. Quality time: This may be a team members love language if they seem to communicate better one on one, love sharing their experiences, or have a lot of ideas. I would try this one out first on the most unengaged members of your team. Chances are this person doesn't feel connected to you, or maybe they feel ignored or left out of your attention completely. Quality time LL is all about thoughts, sharing experiences, feelings and desires in an uninterrupted context. This is called undivided attention and communication. Action required for this LL in the office may be: monthly one on one check ins or asking a specific person their opinion on a topic in the next group meeting. Although one on one is recommended, team bonding events could work as well! As long as the activity is one you can get some type of one on one with everyone. Examples of this are bowling; where there is time to chat with everyone.  There's also, the game where everyone holds hands and gets out of the knot, and trust me everyone will be talking!! Facilitate appropriately so each person gets their moment to have the spotlight and be heard. ”Leaders listen with their ears, eyes, heart, & undivided attention”- John C Maxwell As a leader, you must train yourself to be present and in tune when others are speaking. One on one's are an opportunity to find out the “why” for each individual on the team. The main motivator behind everything they do. Understanding their why, through sharing and discussion, you can get a clear picture of how their why can fit in with the vision you have for the team within the organization.This also, gives you the moment to express this vision to others. At this point you would have a high chance of that vision gaining acceptance. Permission from the individual, of their role in helping the team get there, will most likely be granted. In addition, it is a great way to stay in tune with the ever- changing dynamics of your team. Everyone appreciates open communication and a platform to express their ideas on. Receiving Gifts: The lover of receiving gifts may talk a lot about the things they enjoy. They may also be the type to bring in things for the office. Frequently baking things to bring in or making coffee runs on the house. This is their way of showing love, because they would like to receive that love in the same way. This is an easy one to show in the office, as long as you have got a couple bucks. No seriously! A quick run to the dollar store and 20 minutes later the whole office is filled with some fun appreciation cards, a couple silly games, & candy galore to get the team through the rest of their day smiling. Every leader knows keeping the office an environment that welcomes fun, keeps employees enjoying their days, which retains high quality people who are happy to work. Just ask Google, Spotify, & Amazon about their office culture. Physical touch: The lover of physical touch is an open spirit. They are not reclused and will almost always initiate this engagement. PLEASE be aware and recognize signs of someone who is actually opposed to this LL and actually rather not. Anyone who says physical touch is inappropriate for the office is a WeirDO. Physical touch is usually involved in all of our close relationships since the beginning of time. There are those of us who don't get down with this LL. For the people who prefer to opt out of this one. IT'S PRETTY OBVIOUS WHO THEY ARE GUYS. (I hope you felt my eye roll on that one, with all due gratitude and respect). If you are not sure about if someone receives this LL start out with a high five or even better a first pump. Cleanliness is indeed the next thing to godliness. Very few people will deny these two. Hugging is cool too! Once proper boundary testing has signaled this is a go! If you are still uncomfortable with this, a nice (light but felt) pat on the back works. Even better, a shoulder squeeze with SOME eye contact. It is a very affirming gesture without too much ”touch”. Let me express that, if you are not comfortable with this one, but want to try it, practice on some of your personal relationships. If you do this while being uncomfortable with the idea, you might grip a little too hard or make eye contact a little too long. That's SUPER WEirD for all parties involved. My best tip for you in this one is to do what's most comfortable. Touching is a type of closeness that allows your team to physically see, their leader doesn't mind residing on the same plane as them. A nice handshake with both hands cupped around the other persons hand, is also a humble gesture of connectivity. There is also a thing called ”matching” for handshakes, you can find that here. Observing, understanding and applying these 5 LL to your office culture, is an amazing way to demonstrate to your team the appreciation you have. The best thing you can do as a leader is making sure your team is aware of the value they bring to the organization. Showing appreciation builds trust, which is the foundation for any and every relationship. Accordingly, you gain access to leading others not because of your position, but because your tribe wants to follow your lead. By: Jamése Ellis, Contributor Brainz Magazine Golden Hoops writes from the space and perspective of the multifaceted millennial boss babe, about her business! She promotes and embodies this lifestyle through her up-and-coming clothing and oil line: @bohobossyllc. We know Golden Hoops for spitting mental health gems poetically on her social media handle @goldenhoopswrites; encompassing her passions of the written art form, fashion, business, songwriting, & personal activism.

How do we build trust in a fast-changing world? How do we adapt to change and lead our organizations, employees, and ourselves to efficiency and empowerment? Many companies and organizations have goals and policies in place, but the real challenges are when implementing and integrating those into the organizational culture. The reason why many employees feel restrained or defensive, is that they do not feel safe at work— lack of security results in employees not contributing fully with their thoughts and ideas, which inhibit creativity and innovation. The purpose with Social Sustainability Leadership is to develop conscious and courageous leaders; Leaders with a unique approach when faced with differences and challenges, leaders who can create a non-blame culture, leaders who are able to support others and themselves amid adversity. Leaders who are able and willing to take responsibility for leading towards a sustainable society. The components of Social Sustainability Leadership Psychological safety The most crucial, and probably most important factor in Social Sustainability Leadership is called psychological safety. In teams with high psychological safety members dare to aim high by challenging themselves and others and persisting even when there are obstacles. In teams with high psychological safety members have confidence in each other, believing in and being open to each other. In teams with high psychological safety failure is seen as a possibility to learn, which enables them to be successfully innovative together. This creates a culture built on inclusion, where everybody’s contribution is valued. Leader-member exchange The quality of the Leader-Member Exchange between employees and managers is the single most important explanatory variable for employee performance and job satisfaction. This was found in the largest meta-study of managers' behavior (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University). Maybe not so surprising, but what components are crucial in an excellent leader-employee relationship, or in any relationship for that matter? First and foremost, a good relationship means that both parties experience a mutual exchange. Four components of this mutual exchange appear to be of particular importance: Contribution - confidence in that the other party can be trusted Loyalty - both parties feel supported by each other Affection - there are mutually positive feelings and affection between both parties in the relationship Professional respect - both parties have a humble approach to what the other person has achieved and is able to achieve Fulfilling human potential Social sustainability leadership concerns people's opportunities to fulfill their potential. Depending on where in the world we live and at what stage in life we find ourselves, our needs look different. It may concern fundamental human rights or finding balance in our everyday life. It may involve the possibility to educate ourselves, to provide for ourselves, or to live in peace. Based on the UN Sustainability Goals in Agenda 2030, the Swedish government has proposed five new social sustainability measurements for Sweden instead of only the Gross Development Product - GDP. One of the measurements proposed is interpersonal trust. This indicates an increased awareness of the link between interpersonal relationships and organizational effectiveness. "Social Sustainability Leadership starts with development of the individual; Openness to yourself and others are key ingredients when building trust. To lead others, first you need to understand yourself and others, the driving forces behind behavior and how behavior impacts the situation." How to use Social Sustainability Leadership to build trust within the organization Social Sustainability Leadership starts with development of the individual; Openness to self and others are key ingredients when building trust. In order to effectively lead others, you need to understand yourself first. The better you understand yourself, the easier it will be to understand other people, the driving forces behind their behavior and how it impacts you and the situation. Leaders with a deeper and broader perspective are able to act and adapt differently. Sustainability leaders as individuals are compelled to make a difference by deepening their awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them. When working with Social Sustainability Leadership, we concentrate on four key factors: Openness Openness is the ability to acknowledge and talk openly at the moment any difficulty arises. With a high degree of awareness, leaders are more fit to adapt to and handle complex situations. Openness increases awareness, which leads to people making more conscious choices, pay more attention to the outcome and being more willing to take responsibility for their own contribution. Trust In a culture built on trust, employees experience a high degree of psychological safety. People support each other through success and failure. They believe in each other’s ability to handle any given situation. Increased relationship management has a positive effect on the team member’s ability and willingness to help each other, which increases creativity. When relationships in a team improve, effectiveness and quality in delivery will follow. Self-esteem There is a clear link between self-esteem, productivity, and the bottom-line result. When self-esteem grows, so does the self-mastery; you become better at handling yourself. As we become better at handling our attitude and motivation, the ability to manage our relationships increases. Purpose All people need to find their own “why”. In an organization it is of crucial importance to develop a common purpose that everyone can buy into. In order to inspire the team, the leader needs to start with a deeply anchored “why”. Influencing employees to strive towards set goals are common elements in all businesses. In the same way, when setting social sustainability goals that are in line with the shared purpose, the organization will start its journey towards greater social sustainability. It is vital to recognize how each group of related factors, such as people, norms, goals, processes etc, are connected and impact each other. Social sustainability leadership integrates individual, cultural, behavioral, and structural change to achieve sustainable objectives. The result is socially sustainable organizations built on participation, empowerment, openness, recognition, and humanity. By: Kajsa Fasth and Marie Sjöberg - Contributors, Brainz Magazine Kajsa Fasth and Marie Sjöberg work as leadership and organizational consultants. They focus on building effective organizations through creating an understanding of how individuals, culture, systems and goals work together. They both have a genuine interest in people’s behavior and underlying driving forces. Kajsa is used to perform in both conflict areas and complex crises around the world. She has led multicultural teams and worked as international head delegate for the Red Cross in Haiti, China and Iran. Communication, organizational development and sustainability are her areas of expertise. Marie is a trained therapist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social science with psychology as her main field of study.

In collaboration with TXP - Tillväxtpartner It seems like everyone is talking about the importance of corporate culture within companies. And I agree, it’s crucial for a company’s capacity to execute and deliver. I would even go so far as to say that it’s the main strategy if you have decided to change the world and create a thriving workplace. In order to implement a distinct corporate culture, you have to get everyone on board, but you cannot let everyone on board, says Claes Knutson, author of the books Challengers! Welcome to the world of Game Changers (2018) and Change Makers and It’s all about the attitude! (2012) Attitudes are something you have, not something you learn The idea of excluding someone because they don’t share the common attitudes held by a company can be provoking. I’m however convinced that if you think in those terms, you’re not looking to build a company. In fact, you must have a different agenda. If you have decided to grow and change the world you cannot do it on your own or through help from disbelievers. Of course, I believe that you can change behaviors if you really want to. But there are so many things that indicate that if you’re not truly convinced and own that certain attitude, it won’t work no matter how hard we try to achieve that genuine change of behavior. In clarity: if you don’t have the attitudes within yourself naturally, your company will most likely not reach all the way through. Find the corporate culture ambassadors It’s the leader’s responsibility to provide clarity within the framework To achieve a common corporate culture, it’s crucial that the company – leaders and management – are crystal clear about what behaviors apply at the company. By being clear and about with this, people will be able to make conscious actions. Do I want to be a part of this journey or not? Answers such as ”Yes, maybe” and ”We’ll see” are not good enough. It’s the leader’s responsibility to provide clarity within the framework, until everyone has found answers to their questions. After that, it is up to the coworkers to make an active choice. When you have reached this point, it is necessary to thank any opponent at the workplace for their interest and wish them good luck somewhere else. When the corporate culture is embedded, you can accelerate The culture of a company can be compared to our common sense. That common sense is required when decisions – large or small – are made by anyone and with a pace that won’t make you loose speed or focus. If we all share the same commons sense, then there’s nothing that can keep you from letting anyone make decisions, take control of something and act without checking with the boss first. If the common sense is well embedded, it even becomes a part of our subconsciousness. At that point, we have created a real strong directed force. You need clarity in the company’s direction, behaviors and attitudes In conclusion; in order for the corporate culture to have an effect, you need everyone in the company to sign up for it. If you have opponents within the company, then the force will decrease, and not give you the expected effects. You need clarity in the company’s direction, behaviors and attitudes. Keep the ones who value the same and you will be able to increase the pace and become a real corporate force. The result will be a strong brand that will be clear for customers, for the labor market and for investors. Claes Knutson Challenger Guide and Founder of TXP – Tillväxtpartner At TXP we work with companies that want to challenge, change the world, and grow - Challenger companies. Many companies are very skilled at their business but have difficulties seeing what needs to be done to increase growth. But TXP can help with that. We help the whole organization to find the passion - the direction - and build a corporate culture with self-driven employees. It is a culture that creates tempo, growth and innovation. Together, we create the conditions for you to work more efficiently with your main business. We acquire knowledge from our own and the customer's experiences as well as from studies and research. With us, you get a powerful, competent, passionate, and fruitful collaboration. In short, we want to be your growth partner to help you challenge and grow!

Our society is moving faster than ever before and the combination of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, the rapid change in peoples’ life styles, new preferences and other socio-economic and demographic factors is resulting in major disruptions to the labour markets and how we think of the concept of working. New categories of jobs are and will continue to emerge and partly or wholly displacing others. The skill sets required in both old and new occupations will also change in most industries and transform how and where people will work in the coming years. In the World Economic Forums report “The Future of Jobs”, it is estimated that 65 % of all children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist. Many of the major drivers of transformation currently affecting global industries, technological and societal, are ultimately expected to have a significant impact on job creation, job displacement, labour productivity and skill gaps. This might seem like frightening news to many; however, this is nothing new to us. When thinking about it, we have been in this changing climate for a while now. In many industries and countries, the most in-demand occupations or specialties today did not even exist ten or five years ago, and it is said that since the internet was born it has created about three new jobs for every one job taken away. And already today, many of us can look back at our childhood dreams of what we wanted to be when we grew up, with the knowledge that our dream job today wasn’t even possible to imagine when we were kids. Even tough we have been through a rapidly changing labour market, it is now accelerating and will go in a much faster speed going forward. Many predict that we will just within a couple of years, have to have multiple careers, re-educate ourselves more than once in our life time and that it will be absolutely necessary for us to change both roles, employers and disciplines continuously over time in order to stay relevant. "Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons." Therefore, the concept of lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important in the knowledge-intensive, complex and global world in which we are living. So what is then “lifelong learning” all about? Lifelong learning is the ongoing pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. A concept that has been around for a long time but have perhaps now become more relevant than ever before - since we know that it will be absolute key for us to fast and easy learn new things and fields going forward. "This will require changes in everything from how the education system works, what human resources functions looks for in a candidate, how we think of talent scouting and how companies work with internal learnings, coaching and talk about career plans." Lifelong learning is in many ways harder and more complex than one would think of, since it not only requires us to have an open mind-set and willingness to learn, but also the right access to gather new knowledge. Therefore, all parts of society need to start mobilizing and prepare for how we will be able to ensure that everyone have the possibility to be relevant also in the future and having the chance to discover new trends and be aware of the different options that will emerge while the market is continuing to change. This will require changes in everything from how the education system works, what human resources functions looks for in a candidate, how we think of talent scouting and how companies work with internal learnings, coaching and talk about career plans. But what can you do already today in order to start adapting to the concept of lifelong learning and being prepared for the fast shifting future labour market? Here are 6 tips that can be a starting point on your path of continuous learning: Set a plan for your learning Start off by setting your intentions for what you want to learn and if you have any milestones or goals related to it. Ask yourself: What areas are you interested in? How much time are you ready to spend every week on new learnings? And how could you use your new learnings in your everyday work? Make "learning new things" a part of you daily work routine An efficient way to integrate learnings in to your daily routine, is to schedule it in your work calendar. It doesn’t have to be any large sacrifice in time, a 10-minute TED Talk every Monday or a 30-minute reading or watching a Youtube clip on a new topic per week, the most important part is that you make it happen and see it as important as other tasks at work. Have fun while learning new things It is absolute key to bring the fun into learning new things. Making this into something that you feel motivated and driven by and want to continue with. Therefore, make sure to reward yourself every time you reach a goal or a milestone. You could also bring your learnings into your private life, by arranging “theme” dinners and invite friends to discuss a specific topic or arrange a book club with others around a theme and thereby learn together. Involve others Involving others is a good way to stick to your goals. Reach out to your network and share your journey, your new learnings and make them involved by welcoming suggestions of things you should look into or people you should meet. Another way is to start arranging trend sessions at work, encouraging others to share new knowledge with you. Challenge yourself by working in new ways and at new places It is very easy to become comfortable and doing things as you always have. But just by changing the atmosphere or work space once a week or month, new ideas will come to you. Another effective way is to be curious of other functions and colleagues at work. This can be done by desk shadowing a colleague at another department for a day or schedule lunch with someone that works with something else than you do. Meet people from another industries or areas A great way to be more motivated and inspired by a new field or area is to meet and talk to others that are already in that field. Make sure to look for meet ups or conferences that involves the areas you want to learn more about. You could also get a “knowledge” mentor; someone that you meet and only discuss that specific field with. Annie Lindmark, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Annie Lindmark is working with innovation and funding for innovative projects within companies and research. She has received the title as “Innovator of the year” at Universum Excellence Award and is often a key note speaker and a panelist on topics as Open innovation, Social innovation, Emerging technology and Entrepreneurship. She is a Steering Committee Member for Hack for Sweden, a government mission raised to increase the awareness and use of open data. She is also the founder of the female network W.Empowerment that aims to promote self leadership and entrepreneurship and supports many other initiatives that want to encourage more women in to entrepreneurship.

Written by: Ashutosh Mahamuni Digital twin technology is revolutionizing pharmaceutical manufacturing by enabling real-time simulations, predictive modeling, and enhanced process validation. This article explores the role of digital twins in biopharma, their benefits, challenges, and future potential, emphasizing their impact on efficiency, compliance, and cost reduction. 1. Introduction The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and I, Ashutosh Mahamuni, see digital twins as being at the very core of this evolution. From my perspective, digital twins—virtual replicas of physical processes—are revolutionizing how we simulate, monitor, and optimize biopharma production in real time. Their adoption is reshaping process validation, moving it away from traditional trial-and-error methods toward a more data-driven, predictive approach. This shift is not just about efficiency—it's about unlocking a new level of precision and reliability in manufacturing. In this article, I explore the key drivers behind the growing integration of digital twins in the industry, while offering my perspective on their long-term impact. 2. Literature Review: How Digital Twins Work in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Digital twin technology operates by integrating Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) into biopharma production. These technologies enable: Real-time data monitoring: Sensors collect data from equipment, providing real-time feedback on performance and deviations. Simulation and predictive modeling: Digital twins simulate different production scenarios, predicting potential failures before they occur. Process optimization: Manufacturers can test modifications virtually before implementing them in the physical environment. Case Studies Pfizer and Digital Twins: Pfizer has incorporated digital twins to optimize bioreactor conditions, reducing batch failures and improving yield. Implementing digital twin technology in biopharma manufacturing presents multiple challenges, including the need for highly specialized engineers proficient in data analytics, process modeling, and automation. These systems require precise calibration to ensure virtual models accurately replicate real-world bioreactors, necessitating continuous data validation. Additionally, integrating digital twins into existing infrastructure demands significant investment in IoT-enabled sensors, cloud computing, and AI-driven analytics, all of which must comply with GxP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and stringent regulatory standards. Overcoming these hurdles is essential to fully leverage the potential of digital twins in enhancing biopharma production efficiency. GSK's Implementation: GlaxoSmithKline uses digital twins for continuous monitoring of vaccine production, ensuring quality control and compliance. The implementation of digital twins at this scale requires significant capital investment, including high-performance computing systems, IoT-enabled monitoring devices, and advanced AI-driven analytics platforms. These costs can be substantial, covering specialized hardware, software development, staff training, and regulatory validation. Additionally, the company must hire specialized engineers with expertise in data science, bioprocess modeling, and automation integration to ensure accurate system calibration and real-time responsiveness. However, despite the high upfront costs, the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment. By reducing batch failures, improving process predictability, and enabling real-time optimizations, GSK is able to significantly cut down production losses and regulatory delays. This not only streamlines vaccine production cycles but also enhances the company's ability to respond quickly to global healthcare needs, ensuring a higher return on investment through operational efficiency and cost savings. 3. Technical Analysis: Key Benefits of Digital Twins in Biopharma 1. Enhanced Process Validation Predictive analytics improve batch consistency by utilizing real-time data modeling and AI-driven simulations, allowing manufacturers to anticipate and correct process deviations before they occur. Advanced Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools, such as Raman spectroscopy and near-infrared (NIR) sensors, continuously monitor critical process parameters to ensure uniformity. Companies like Siemens and GE Healthcare have integrated digital twins with predictive modeling software, such as AVEVA Predictive Analytics and Dassault Systèmes BIOVIA, to optimize drug formulation and bioprocessing workflows. However, implementing these systems comes with challenges, including high initial costs, specialized workforce requirements, and regulatory compliance hurdles. Biopharma firms must invest in engineers skilled in computational modeling, AI, and bioprocess automation to fully leverage predictive analytics and digital twins for manufacturing optimization. 2. Real-Time Decision Making which results in cost savings. In my experience, one of the most powerful aspects of digital twins is their ability to enable real-time decision-making. By continuously monitoring parameters like temperature and pH, these systems can detect early signs of process deviations—often before they escalate into full-scale issues. I’ve seen how teams across engineering, data science, and quality assurance come together to act on these insights, identifying root causes and ensuring all corrective steps meet regulatory standards. This cross-functional responsiveness not only minimizes downtime and waste but also elevates overall product quality. From a cost perspective, the impact is just as significant. By optimizing formulation and minimizing raw material waste through predictive modeling, digital twins contribute directly to sustainability and bottom-line savings. They also support predictive maintenance, which I find especially valuable. Monitoring equipment health—like tracking agitator vibrations to predict wear—allows for timely servicing, preventing costly breakdowns and production interruptions. Ultimately, digital twins drive smarter manufacturing, where efficiency and quality go hand in hand. 3. Regulatory Compliance One of the most compelling advantages I’ve seen with digital twins is their ability to enhance traceability and data integrity—something the FDA has been strongly advocating for through its Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) Program. By integrating digital record-keeping directly into the manufacturing process, digital twins enable secure, real-time tracking of every critical parameter. This not only strengthens compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) but also creates a transparent, tamper-proof audit trail that significantly simplifies regulatory inspections and documentation. In my view, the FDA’s support for digital twins is a clear signal of where the industry is headed. These systems allow manufacturers to simulate and validate processes before actual production, reducing batch failures and ensuring consistency. With AI-driven analytics and automated reporting, digital twins reduce human error and accelerate both internal decision-making and regulatory approvals. It’s a transformative shift—one that brings us closer to a smarter, faster, and more reliable pharmaceutical manufacturing model. 4. Challenges and Considerations 1. Data Security and Privacy:  In my experience, securing sensitive production data is absolutely non-negotiable—especially as digital twins depend on real-time cloud-based infrastructures. The FDA has consistently emphasized the importance of data integrity and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), particularly under 21 CFR Part 11. To meet these expectations, I’ve seen companies invest heavily in robust encryption protocols, detailed audit trails, and tightly controlled access systems. Without these safeguards, the very foundation of digital manufacturing could be compromised. Cybersecurity risks are very real in biopharma, and the Merck ransomware attack in 2017 is a case I often reference. With losses estimated at $870 million, it was a wake-up call for the entire industry. That’s why I advocate for integrating AI-powered cybersecurity tools and real-time encryption into every layer of a digital twin system. It's not just about protection—it's about ensuring ongoing compliance and resilience in a highly regulated environment. 2. High Implementation Costs Implementing digital twins is a capital-intensive endeavor, no doubt. From high-performance computing systems and IoT sensors to AI platforms and workforce training, the upfront costs can be steep. But in my view, it's a smart long-term investment. GE Healthcare’s case study is a great example—despite the significant initial expense, they achieved measurable ROI through fewer batch failures, optimized workflows, and reduced downtime. Once systems are in place and aligned with regulatory expectations, the cost savings and efficiency gains speak for themselves. That said, success depends on seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure. Without that alignment, even the most advanced systems can underperform. 3. Regulatory Adaptation Regulatory frameworks are evolving, and I see this as a positive sign. The FDA’s Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) Program is actively shaping guidelines to accommodate innovations like real-time monitoring and AI-based validation. For instance, in continuous bioprocessing, digital twins offer a viable alternative to traditional batch validation. But this shift demands new clarity around data integrity, model transparency, and system validation. I believe clear, adaptive regulation will be key to fully unlocking the potential of digital twins in pharma. 5. Future Trends and Industry Innovations 1. AI-Driven Advancements From what I’ve seen, the integration of machine learning with digital twins is one of the most promising advancements in biopharma. These algorithms can learn from massive datasets, fine-tuning manufacturing parameters and identifying patterns that would be impossible to catch manually. With AI-assisted digital twins, we’re entering a new era of self-learning systems that adapt to real-time production variations. This capability boosts batch consistency, improves predictive maintenance, and supports automated quality control—all of which significantly reduce downtime and enhance decision-making on the manufacturing floor. Personally, I believe the self-learning nature of AI-driven twins will become essential as production environments grow more complex and dynamic. 2. Expansion in Personalized Medicine I’m especially excited about the role digital twins will play in the rise of personalized medicine. Imagine simulating a patient’s biological response to a drug before administering it—that’s where this technology is headed. By integrating genomic and metabolic data, digital twins can help tailor therapies for maximum efficacy and minimal side effects. In oncology, for example, they’re being used to model responses to chemotherapy, potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans. I also see a major opportunity in cell and gene therapies, where high manufacturing variability demands precise, real-time process control—and digital twins are uniquely positioned to meet that challenge. But to fully realize this potential, collaboration between regulatory bodies and biopharma companies is essential. From my perspective, the success of digital twins depends on proactive alignment with evolving guidelines. Without it, regulatory uncertainty could slow innovation. I believe that joint efforts will be key in establishing digital twins as a mainstream tool for ensuring quality, speed, and compliance in the future of drug manufacturing. 6. Conclusion Digital twins are revolutionizing biopharmaceutical process validation and manufacturing optimization. By reducing batch failures, increasing efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance, they are setting new standards in the industry. While challenges remain in data security, implementation costs, and regulatory alignment, the future of digital twins in biopharma is promising. From my perspective, the adoption of this technology is not just about improving operational efficiency, but also about reshaping the way pharmaceutical companies approach innovation. Companies that embrace digital twins today will pioneer the next era of pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring faster production cycles, enhanced product quality, and greater adaptability to industry challenges. References BioProcess International. (2019). The role of digital twins in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.  BioProcess International Journal, 17 (3), 45-58. FDA. (2018). Emerging technologies in pharmaceutical manufacturing.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Retrieved from  https://www.fda.gov/biopharma-digital-twins EMA. (2019). Guidelines for digital validation in pharmaceutical processes.  European Medicines Agency . Retrieved from  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/digital-validation Pfizer. (2019). Case study: Optimizing bioreactor performance with digital twins.  Pfizer Manufacturing Reports, 24 (2), 89-97. GlaxoSmithKline. (2018). Continuous monitoring and real-time control in vaccine production.  GSK Research Bulletin, 15 (4), 33-49. Author’s Bio I, Ashutosh Mahamuni, have been steadily building my career in the biopharmaceutical industry with a strong focus on research and advanced manufacturing technologies. My passion lies in biopharmaceutical production and process optimization, where I constantly seek ways to improve efficiency and scalability. While working on  Spherofast —an innovative method for continuous and efficient pellet manufacturing—I explored strategies to enhance throughput, minimize material waste, and streamline pharmaceutical workflows. This research naturally led me to a deeper exploration of single-use systems (SUS) in bioprocessing, as their principles closely aligned with the efficiency and sustainability goals I was already pursuing. My engagement with SUS has further expanded my understanding of modern biomanufacturing trends. I am committed to driving innovation in this space, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in biopharma through smarter, more sustainable production technologies.

By: Brainz Magazine “If you evaluate situations, yourself and other people based on what truly drives humanity forward, you lose all traces of doubt, dishonesty, victimhood and inactivity. It sort of becomes binary; either you create and push forward, or you observe and criticize from a far.” - Oscar Eriksson When we meet Oscar Eriksson, it’s not without any previous knowledge or rumour. We knew about his past achievements and skills. We knew he likes to cover a lot of subjects and almost “surf” between philosophy, strategy and super-specific tactical execution within the same minute. Often with four analogies in parallel, making it a challenge keeping up with his train of thought. When we met him at Diplomat in central Stockholm however, we didn’t know we were going to enter altruistic arguments in such a tight mix with our business-focused discussion. – I’m sorry for that… I wander off sometimes. But discussions become so much more valuable on deep purpose-levels. We met with the serial super-entrepreneur and what some call “Sweden’s superior digital strategist” to talk a bit about his adventures, his views on building organizations, efficiency, creativity, inspiration and the future. What are you currently focusing on? – I’m a bit here and there to be honest. I’ve spent the last year building a portfolio-like setup of cases together with my main partner. We’ve launched a new digital lifestyle solution, transparently solving the brand’s needs for authentic reach and engagement. We’re beta testing a global platform for sports fans, getting them closer to their favourite teams and players through content, challenges and match-like gamification. We’ve also built and launched brands within luxury beds at non-luxury prices. And a few cases in the exciting wine industry, focusing on sustainability and the “secondary market” for wines. The newest addition to the portfolio evolves around the rapidly growing sport of padel. I also run my own growth agency L7G which is a modern data science partner helping CEO’s at large companies to create predictive, cutting-edge algorithms solving complex business problems in new ways. These algorithms and models often create new takes on advanced marketing, hyper-personalization, assortment modelling or end-to-end distribution optimization. – Apart from that, I’m a board member for a few apps and digital brands. That’s a responsibility that adds another stakeholder perspective than to be the entrepreneur and creator. I really enjoy those opportunities. That sure sounds like a mouthful. How do you stay above it? – I guess you mean how I manage time or stress. For me, it’s always been about pushing limits and discovering what we’re capable of. My experience is that you magically get more time as you take on more responsibility, not the other way around. I am also ridiculously structured and systematic when I need to be. Working out daily helps setting the frame and focus for what needs to be done. Practicing and developing real self-awareness also helps recognizing when you experience “good” and “bad” stress, because there are both versions. How did you get to this point in life - any specific event or have you had a plan all the time? – Wow, I’ve had so many plans. They change all the time. I think plans are secondary to vision and end-state… The plan will work itself out. “Just get going and adjust course along the way”, has always been my strategy. I can’t stand inactivity or decision paralysis. But I guess one very deciding event was some 10 years ago while having lunch with my first-ever “mentor”. Back then, I was in the finance industry, working my ass of at a large bank when faced with a serious discussion about how I wanted to live my life, what actually means something and the difference between time, money and freedom. I remember he gave me the book “The Four-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss - and I was hooked. Not necessarily by everything that Ferriss talks about, but rather the general attitude of analyzing input/output relationships, efficiency, and most of all the concept of freedom in all levels of life. I’ve been very passionate about what they call “lifestyle design” and creating the “work” life that you really want. You build several digital businesses and you have helped some of the largest companies in the world with growth strategies. What are the main trends you see? – Those are many… But to add value here and now, I would say “polarization”. Polarization of customer purchasing patterns, which means we see a clearer gap between “boring buys” such as subscriptions or commodities, and “inspirational buys” which are more value, identity and tribe-driven. Polarization of available platforms is real too. We know that Amazon-like platforms eat the world on all “boring buys”. Why would they not take 99% market share on commodity purchases in a connected society? Then, the other end of the spectra becomes niche, D2C, value-based brands taking market share in the digital transformation. The giants in between this spectrum will die off in a rapid pace, at least with current business models and operations. “The shallow, "+1" influencers will die out as brands finally start to measure this in a sober way as any other marketing initiative. The polarization is everywhere and will have massive effects on how we work with positioning, strategy and market fit.” – The polarization of market channels is there too…. Let’s just look at the phenomena of “influencers”, or “opinion-leaders” as we called it back in 2008. This field will be polarized such that the authentic, strong power nodes will get even more power and eventually pivot into creating their own brands with a lot of help from Facebook/Instagram’s shopping functionalities and the live video shopping trend finally making it from Asia to the west. Instead of making brand deals, they’ll become the brands. The shallow, “+1” influencers will die out as brands finally start to measure this in a sober way as any other marketing initiative. The polarization is everywhere and will have massive effects on how we work with positioning, strategy and market fit. Any particular trends within e-commerce or retail? – I would look out for the diffusion of the storefronts. We’re in many ways past basic “e-commerce” now. We’re living in “social commerce” where there can’t be any differences between a social live video, story, picture and a “shop button”. It’s all intertwined and if your business is not built for letting go of your traditional point of conversion, you’re in a bad place. Let go of trying to control the actual shopping moment, it’s not in your hands anymore. I think voice tech takes some time to really establish in the Scandinavian markets, but it’s a hygiene factor for the future. Why are viral and organic strategies crucial? – I’m simply passionate about creating viral or at least organic brands because it’s an absolute necessity. Whenever you have a monopoly or duopoly in society, things become expensive. And that’s what we have with Google and Facebook in the game of paid traffic today. It simply becomes too expensive being addicted to these platforms, and this is why viral loops and strategies are so vital for creating recurring and organic users of your brand. You’ve said that we don’t live in an age of data; we live in the age of talents. What does that mean? – Well, that means many things. But mainly it’s so obvious that everyone has all the data one could ask for. But we’re starving for talents and artists that actually can create value from data. “I think we see too many "experts" simply leveraging the digital- and data anxiety out there and trying to make things really complex. Solid intuition and talent are as important as quant and data.” We can build algorithms, fancy UX or automate any customer journey to the end of time. But at the end of the day, it’s about being talented and using artistry on top of data streams. I think we see too many “experts” simply leveraging the digital- and data anxiety out there and trying to make things really complex. Solid intuition and talent are as important as quant and data. How does retail and consumption look in 50 years? – I don’t think we have that much consumption at all to be honest. Except for fast-consumer and perishable goods of course. But in general, I don’t see ownership as a concept. Not even houses, apartments or cars. Why would you aim to own things in an age where you spend 90% of your time in virtual places and virtual realities? We will be much more fluid as individuals and the concept of owning materialistic stuff will be gone as we know it. You have built several organizations. How do you motivate your employees? – Actually, I don’t. I try to recruit solid people, and those people need to be self-motivated. I’d rather focus on being the hardest worker in the room and lead by example in that way instead. If employees or partners aren’t on the same level, we solve it from there. Working actively with motivation feels like covering up for poor talent recruitment or bad overall company culture. You have mentioned “alpha waves” in a couple of keynotes related to creativity and efficiency. What does that mean? – That is basically a wavelength frequency at which our brains optimize for creativity and problem solving. The last few years I’ve been working a lot on setting the brain up for those conditions. It completely re-defines what “work” and “free time” means and should mean for most companies. We actually solve most problems in a creative way when we are relaxing or stepping back from intense work or pressure. During a hot shower, a steam sauna, while exercising, playing video games or in certain stages of sleep. In short, it’s like working a muscle. Naturally, you need to put tension and effort for it to adjust, but it’s during recovery or rest you get the benefits. I’ve sort of created techniques and routines for myself and the companies I help to maximize performance by brain waves. Wow, that sounds really weird saying out loud to be honest. What are you planning for the future? Any dreams or new projects? – Great question. Short-term, we’re expanding a few projects to new countries focusing on USA, Germany and parts of Asia. Those are always interesting adventures where everything that could possibly go wrong, will go wrong. Generally, it would be fun to start working on projects within a field of passion. Retail or e-commerce is so extremely boring. I just happen to have been working with it, but I have zero passion for this field. I have some vague ideas of projects out in space, but now we’re talking 20-30 years horizons. For now, however, working with fun people and having a global workplace with total freedom will do. You get to invite 3 people to a dinner. Who would be your dream guests? – Ricky Gervais has a spot of course. The most brilliant guy alive. Elon Musk needs to come as well. And of course, my girlfriend Fanny. She just makes everything better. Favourite books or podcasts? – Anything with Andreessen Horowitz, like the “a16z” podcast. I’m always big on written autobiographies and keynotes by role models, could be athletes or entrepreneurs. I try to come back and re-read the works of Tim Ferriss, Jordan Peterson and stoic philosophers like Seneca every year to refresh perspectives. If I had to recommend a single individual of whom to consume all content, I’d say Naval.

In today’s digital world, we are busier than we’ve ever been before. Between managing stressful jobs, running businesses, maintaining a social media presence, working out, cooking, cleaning, looking after families etc. it’s no wonder we are exhausted by the time the weekend comes around. “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort.” – Paul J. Meyer. It’s equally important to note that we make time for the things that are important to us. As Debbie Millman said, “busy is a decision.” We are now living in a society that uses busy as a badge. It has become a cultural cache to use the excuse “I am too busy” for anything we don’t feel like doing. When we use busy as an excuse for not doing something, what we are really saying is that it’s not a priority. It’s important to be honest with yourself, determine what’s important to you, and simply make the time to do it. There are a few tips and tricks to ensuring you make the most out of your day, week and year. If you want to make 2020 your most productive year yet, you are going to have to start by understanding exactly where your 24 hours are going each day: 1. ASSESS HOW YOU ARE SPENDING YOUR TIME Keep a record over the course of the next week to determine how your are spending your time each week. For example: Monday 7:00am- 7:30am: Wake up, check emails and scroll through social media. 7:30am: Shower, get ready. 8:00am: Commute to work whilst looking at media sites, catching up on the latest gossip. 9:00am- 5pm: Work. 5:00pm – 6:00pm: Commute home whilst scrolling through instagram. 6:00pm: Prepare dinner. 7:00pm: Eat dinner whilst watching Netflix. 10:00pm: Get into bed and look at social media and emails on your phone. 11:00pm: Go to sleep. Does some or all of this routine sound familiar to you? Sure, you may engage in some other activities such as going to the gym, bathing and putting your kids to sleep etc. but just how exactly many hours in the day are you wasting? It’s important to understand exactly how and where your time is being spent. 2. DIGITAL DETOXING How many hours do you spend absorbed in your phone each day scrolling through instagram or binge watching the latest Netflix series? I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with those things. However, if you want to make 2020 your most productive year yet, you are going to have to assess and determine exactly where your 24 hours are going each day. Once you have an understanding on how and where you spend your time, it’s not difficult to see that a majority of our time aside from work and sleep is spent consuming media. Anything from social media, to watching random videos on YouTube, to reading gossip articles on the web counts. Recent research from BankMyCell demonstrates that the average time spent on smartphones is 2.51 hours per day. Could you imagine what else you could accomplish in that 2.5 hours? Both Apple and Android have now released software that will help you monitor your addiction and minimise your phone usage. Instil discipline when it comes to your digital consumption and set some parameters as to who and when you check social media. 3. LIMIT EMAIL CHECKING Emails are another big factor when it comes to time-sucking activities. With the volume of emails I receive at work, I could spend my entire day checking and responding to emails, and accomplish nothing else. Allocate a couple of times in the day where you check and respond to emails, for example between 12-1pm, and then again between 4-5pm. This way, you are able to focus your time on the other, more important tasks of the day. ​Turning off email notifications is another important aspect when it comes to managing your time. We can not resist the ‘bing’ or ‘whoosh’ sound when an exciting new email appears in our inbox. Do yourself a favour and turn off all app and email notifications on your computer and phone. Not only will it significantly increase your productivity levels, however reduce anxiety levels as well. 4. UTILISE CALENDARS & TO-TO LISTS Ensure you plan out your day and week by utilising a to-do list and writing down the tasks and projects you absolutely must finalise or accomplish. What are the top 1-3 priorities you absolutely must achieve that day? Ensure you block out time first thing in the morning to tackle the harder, more important tasks whilst your mind is fresh and free from distractions. Schedule in all meetings and appointments using a diary or your phone / outlook calendar. This will ensure you don’t miss any important dates or deadlines. 5. AUTOMATE DECISIONS How much time do you spend each day, thinking about what you’re going to wear or what you’re going to eat for dinner? We waste valuable time and energy each day asking and agonising over these seemingly simple questions. Arianna Huffington leads the way when it comes to outfit repeats and being more productive with our time. She ways “Men have a competitive advantage. They don’t have to waste the kind of energy we waste.” This concept has been owned by many successful men over the years. Steve Job’s black turtleneck, Mark Zuckerberg’s grey t-shirt and Barack Obama’s grey or blue suits are all ‘uniforms’ that have taken the guesswork out of deciding what to wear. In a 2012 Vanity Fair interview, Obama said “I’m trying to pare down decisions… I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing, because I have too many other decisions to make.” By batching and automating certain tasks, such as food prep and choosing outfits for the work week, you can save a significant amount of time and energy which can be invested into achieving your goals and dreams for the year. MAKING 2020 YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE YEAR YET What are some of the tools and strategies you’ll be implementing to make 2020 your most productive year yet? By: Lara Nercessian, Contributor Brainz Magazine Lara Nercessian is the brains behind Boss in Heels. What initially started as a passion project after receiving tonnes of queries and requests for advice, has turned into a personal branding blog. Lara is a psychology graduate and has spent the last 10+ years establishing her career as a Head of Human Resources. Through investing in her own personal development and dedicating years to self-learning, she aims to share her insights, experiences and lessons through her blog and speaking engagements. Her passion and purpose in life is to help people realize their full potential and become the best version they can possibly be.

By: Madeleine Mofjärd Are you doing more to avoid fear than to get pleasure? We all have fears. It isn't necessarily something negative unless we become a victim of them. The questions is: how would your life look like if you made more decisions based on your desired outcomes than on the emotions that you fear feeling? There are two primal fears that we feel as human beings. The fear of not being loved and the fear of not being good enough. These are both fears that can diminish our experience on this planet if we make decisions based on how to avoid them. I am here to inspire you to a new thought pattern and change your relationship to fear. ”If you don’t sacrifice for what you want, then what you want becomes the sacrifice” Step 1: Identify the thought that is creating the fear The fear that you feel in your body doesn't come from nowhere. Every feeling that you feel is a result of a thought that you've decided to think. 50% of all change is awareness, when you become aware of the thought that triggered the emotion you also have the power to insert a new thought. To give you an example from my own life: whenever I fear speaking my truth in front of a group of people I am triggered by the following thoughts: “I am too young” “I am not experienced enough to talk” By being aware of the limiting thoughts and questioning them I'm able to choose my new truth. I truly believe that they way we live our lives is a result of the story that we believe about ourselves - like the one and only Les Brown once said. This gives us the power to choose whatever story to believe. My new truth is: “My voice empowers others” “I am chosen to spread this message” What thought is creating the fear that you're feeling? Is it really true? Step 2: Interrupt the thought pattern with a compelling question The easiest way to change a thought pattern is to ask yourself a new set of questions. This will take your mind on a ride of trying to find an answer, so make sure to ask a compelling question. Here are the questions that I ask myself in moments of fear: “If fear didn't exist, would I want to see myself do this?” “What would it make me feel to overcome the fear?” Step 3: Take one step of action When you've identified and interrupted the thought pattern you're ready to take the first step of action. Make sure to carry the new thoughts with you, the new story of what you're capable of and why. Leave the old story behind - it doesn't serve you no more. You will be scared and you will feel fearful, just allow yourself to feel the emotions that flows thru you. What is one step of action that you could take to move forward, in the direction of your fear? Schedule it and get started! How would your life look like if you made more decisions based on desired outcomes than on the emotions that you fear feeling? Madeleine Mofjärd is a podcast host, producer and social media manager. Listen to The Mofjrdtalks Podcast or find out more HERE.