Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials reached a preliminary framework for a trade deal that could halt Washington’s planned 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and delay Beijing’s new export controls on rare earth materials, according to American officials on Sunday.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that negotiations held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur helped ease immediate trade threats, including President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs set to take effect on November 1. He added that China is expected to postpone its rare earth licensing policy for at least a year while it undergoes review.
The tentative agreement is set for final approval when President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. While the White House has confirmed the meeting, Beijing has yet to issue an official statement.
“I think we have a very successful framework for the leaders to discuss on Thursday,” Bessent told reporters after his talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and top negotiator Li Chenggang. The officials have met five times since May in efforts to stabilize economic relations between the two countries.
Bessent also signaled that the current tariff truce will likely extend beyond its November 10 expiration date and that China plans to resume large-scale purchases of American soybeans. “U.S. soybean farmers will feel very good about what’s going on both for this season and the coming seasons for several years,” he said on ABC’s This Week.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Fox News Sunday that the talks achieved progress in pausing punitive actions and improving access to Chinese rare earth materials. “We can try to balance out our trade deficit with sales from the United States,” he said.
Chinese officials confirmed that both sides reached a “preliminary consensus” but noted that internal reviews are still underway. “The U.S. position has been tough, whereas China has been firm in defending its own interests and rights,” Li Chenggang said.
Trump, who arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for the ASEAN summit, expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting. “I think we’re going to have a deal with China,” he told reporters.
The possible breakthrough comes after weeks of escalating tensions. Trump had threatened sweeping tariffs in retaliation for China’s expanded export controls on rare earth magnets and minerals. Beijing currently dominates more than 90% of global supply of these critical materials, which are used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense technology.
The two countries have been operating under a fragile trade truce since May, when both sides agreed to reduce certain tariffs. However, new sanctions and export restrictions in recent weeks have reignited economic friction.
In addition to trade issues, U.S. and Chinese negotiators discussed cooperation on curbing the U.S. fentanyl crisis, reviewing port entry fees, and finalizing a plan for the transfer of TikTok to U.S. ownership. Bessent told NBC’s Meet the Press that both countries are “working to iron out the details” before Trump and Xi “consummate the transaction” in South Korea.
Trump also hinted at future meetings with Xi in both China and the United States. “We’ve agreed to meet. We’re going to meet them later in China, and we’re going to meet in the U.S., in either Washington or at Mar-a-Lago,” he said.
Among Trump’s agenda items for Thursday’s meeting are expanding U.S. agricultural exports, addressing tensions over Taiwan, and pushing for the release of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure in the city’s pro-democracy movement.
Trump is also expected to seek China’s cooperation in managing relations with Russia as the war in Ukraine continues.
As both nations work to finalize a deal, the outcome of this week’s Trump-Xi meeting could determine whether the world’s two largest economies stabilize their trade relationship—or reignite another round of economic confrontation.
When it comes to removing lash extensions, using the right eyelash extension remover is just as important as applying the extensions themselves. Professional lash artists know that improper removal can compromise natural lashes, irritate the client’s eyes, or leave behind stubborn adhesive residue that makes the next set harder to apply. This is especially true when working with strong lash glue formulations designed for long retention. In these cases, choosing between a gel lash remover and a cream lash remover becomes a crucial professional decision.
Both gel and cream formulas are popular professional lash products, but they have distinct properties that make them better suited to different scenarios. Understanding their differences in safety, control, and speed will help you remove lash extensions effectively while maintaining client comfort and lash health.
Why Removers Are Essential for Safe Lash Removal
Attempting to remove lash extensions without the correct lash glue remover can lead to damage, discomfort, and unnecessary risk. Professional removers are formulated to break down cyanoacrylate — the main ingredient in most lash adhesives — without pulling or tugging on the natural lashes.
Strong retention glues are fantastic for keeping extensions in place for weeks, but they can be challenging to dissolve during removals. This is why every lash artist should have both gel lash remover and cream lash remover in their toolkit. Choosing the right one depends on factors like lash density, skill level, and the speed required for the procedure.
A well-chosen eyelash extension remover ensures that:
Extensions slide off smoothly without resistance.
Natural lashes remain intact and undamaged.
The process is comfortable and non-irritating for the client.
The lash line is left clean, making the next application easier.
Gel Remover: Benefits and Best Uses
Gel lash remover is a popular choice among lash artists for its fast-acting formula and ability to penetrate even the toughest lash glue bonds. It has a thinner, more liquid-like consistency compared to cream, which allows it to seep between individual extensions and the natural lash quickly. This makes it highly effective for dissolving strong adhesives in less time.
Key Benefits of Gel Lash Remover
Speed
Gel removers typically work faster than cream. In many cases, they begin breaking down adhesive bonds within a few minutes. This is especially useful when dealing with high-retention glues that have been cured for several weeks.
Precision
Because of its fluid texture, gel can reach areas that are harder to access with cream, such as dense lash lines or extensions applied in very fine layers.
Efficiency for Full Sets
Gel removers are ideal for removing full lash sets quickly when time is limited. For example, if a client is returning for a complete removal and new application in one appointment, gel may be the best option to keep the schedule on track.
Best Practices for Gel Remover
Always apply gel with closed eyes and under proper eye pads to prevent accidental seepage into the eyes.
Use micro brushes or lint-free applicators to apply the remover precisely along the bonding area.
Allow adequate dwell time (usually 3–5 minutes) for the remover to fully dissolve the lash glue before sliding off extensions gently with tweezers or brushes.
Rinse thoroughly afterward to ensure no residue remains.
Because of its potency, gel should be used carefully on sensitive clients or during partial removals near the eye’s inner corners.
Cream Remover: Benefits and Best Uses
Cream lash remover has a thick, buttery consistency that stays exactly where it’s applied, making it the safest and most controlled option—especially for beginners or sensitive clients. This type of eyelash extension remover is designed to sit on the lashes without dripping or spreading, drastically reducing the risk of the product entering the eyes.
Key Benefits of Cream Lash Remover
Safety and Comfort
Its dense texture ensures the product remains in place, making it ideal for clients with watery or sensitive eyes. It’s also the preferred option for removals near the lash line or inner corners where precision matters.
Control
Cream is less likely to migrate toward the skin or eyes, allowing lash artists to work at a relaxed pace. This is especially useful for remove lash extensions on specific sections rather than the entire set.
Gentle Action
While cream removers can take slightly longer to dissolve strong lash glue, they provide a softer experience for the client and allow you to control the process step by step.
Best Practices for Cream Remover
Apply cream generously to the bonded areas using a micro brush.
Allow the product to sit for 5–10 minutes, depending on the adhesive’s strength.
Once the glue has softened, gently slide off the extensions without tugging.
Always rinse and cleanse the lashes afterward to ensure a residue-free surface for the next application.
Cream removers are excellent for targeted removals, sensitive clients, or technicians who prefer maximum control during the procedure.
Key Differences: Safety, Control, and Speed
While both gel and cream removers are effective eyelash extension removers, they differ in three main aspects:
Feature
Gel Remover
Cream Remover
Speed
Acts quickly (3–5 min)
Slower (5–10 min), more gradual
Control
Less controlled, can spread
Very controlled, stays in place
Safety
Effective but must avoid eye contact
Safest for sensitive clients
Best Use
Full removals with strong glue
Partial removals or sensitive clients
Gel is your go-to when you need to dissolve lash glue quickly and efficiently, particularly with dense or aged extensions. Cream excels when precision and client comfort are top priorities.
Choosing the Right Remover for Strong Lash Glue
When working with particularly stubborn or professional lash products formulated for extra retention, consider the following factors to decide between gel and cream:
Extent of Removal: For full sets, gel is often more time-efficient; for partial touch-ups or selective removal, cream offers better control.
Technician Skill Level: Experienced artists may prefer gel for its speed, while newer lash techs may find cream easier to manage.
Environment: In warmer or more humid conditions, gel may spread more easily, while cream stays put.
Sometimes, using both can be beneficial. For example, a lash artist might apply cream remover near the inner corners for safety and use gel on the outer and middle sections for speed.
Picking the Best Remover for Each Client
No single lash glue remover is universally “better” — it all depends on the situation. Gel lash remover delivers speed and efficiency, making it ideal for full removals and tough, aged adhesives. Cream lash remover offers superior control and safety, perfect for sensitive clients and partial removals.
By understanding the unique properties of each eyelash extension remover, lash professionals can tailor their approach to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable removal every time. Stocking both options in your professional kit ensures you’re ready to handle any lash removal scenario with confidence and precision.
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza reflects accelerating recalibration in the Middle East, as U.S. military maneuvers are giving way – so the story goes – to economic development promoted by the Arab states, China and the Global South.
On October 9, when the Gaza ceasefire took effect, it was regarded as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan drafted by the White House. Neither Israel nor Hamas liked the full plan. But the former was pressured by Trump and the latter by a set of Arab states, particularly Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. That’s what made the imposed ceasefire unique.
It is a fragile ceasefire scheme that could be developed into something more lasting over time; or easily undermined like the previous ceasefire efforts.
But it’s no peace plan. It is a fragile ceasefire scheme that could be developed into something more lasting over time; or easily undermined like the previous ceasefire efforts. Unsurprisingly, the plan is mum on Israel’s genocidal atrocities.
What this brittle ceasefire plan heralds is the rebalancing by major Arab states in the broader Middle East as they seek a gradual shift from decades of destabilization to economic development.
From ceasefire to peace?
In the first phase of the peace plan, the two sides agreed to a set of parameters – including ceasefire, a military drawdown, a hostage and prisoner release, troop deployment and, most importantly, aid delivery increases.
But the devil is in the implementation details. With Israeli violations, the White House was compelled to send special envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice-President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio basically to force the Netanyahu cabinet to stick to the plan. Worse, infrastructure rehabilitation hasn’t really started and inadequate food aid has left almost 2 million Palestinians in a dangerous limbo at the eve of winter.
What sold the Trump plan to Arab states was the stipulation that no Palestinians will be militarily forced to leave Gaza and that Israel will agree not to occupy or annex the Gaza Strip. Yet just days later, the Israeli parliament advanced a bill precisely to annex the West Bank.
To reach the aspirational goals, the plan offers little guidance, except for the formation of an International Stabilization Force; technocratic transitional governance by a Palestinian committee, under an international board chaired by Trump and led by the controversial former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; demilitarization by an independent monitor group; and economic reform by a panel of experts.
The plan doesn’t address the funding for reconstruction, which is estimated to cost more than $50 billion. That’s significantly less than the $68 billion Israel paid for its Gaza war in 2023-24 alone, with weapons and financing mainly by the U.S.
Nonetheless, only a month ago, even a ceasefire seemed like a distant dream – until Prime Minister Netanyahu’s gross miscalculation.
How Qatar attacks sped up recalibrations
On September 9, Israeli missiles slammed into an office in Qatar where Palestinian group Hamas’s top negotiators were discussing President Trump’s latest proposal for a ceasefire. Targeted assassinations have been an Israeli norm for decades. But this attack occurred on the soil of a major U.S. security partner, with no prior warning to Qatar.
Concerned that their peace efforts would go off the rails, Trump and his special envoy Witkoff decided to try to turn the crisis to his advantage by initiating the talks that led to the ceasefire.
What the two did not see coming was the Saudi-Pakistani defense pact just two weeks later, between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. According to the pact, “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
Afterwards, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif suggested that the pact included a nuclear umbrella. Subsequently, he retracted his comment.
Downplaying the pact and its long-term ramifications is in the U.S. interest. Yet, other sources say Pakistan has extended a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia.
Eclipse of Israel’s nuclear primacy
Ironically, the nuclear stakes were first raised by the White House in June, with the U.S. attack against three major nuclear sites in Iran. But the U.S.-Israel path to nuclear risks in the region was paved already before the 1967 Six-Day War. That’s when Prime Minister Levi Eshkol secretly ordered the nuclear reactor scientists in Dimona to assemble two crude nuclear devices, in case “Arab forces overwhelmed Israeli defenses.”
In the early days of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, PM Golda Meir’s cabinet had thirteen 20-kiloton atomic bombs assembled with greater destructive potential than the atom bomb in Hiroshima. In 1981, Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear reactor Osirak. The attack gave rise to the Begin nuclear doctrine, which allows no “hostile” regional state to possess nuclear military capability.
Today, the conventional estimate is that Israel’s nuclear stockpile comprises 90 nuclear warheads, which makes the tiny country the world’s 9th largest nuclear power (with 170 nuclear warheads Pakistan is the 7th). Yet, some analysts suggest the Israel could have as many as 200, up to 400 nuclear weapons.
The Begin doctrine relies on Israel’s nuclear monopoly as regional deterrent. But with the Saudi-Pakistan pact, that doctrine is in limbo.
Who’s driving regional instability?
Since 1945, the U.S. hegemony in the Middle East has relied on oil buys, weapons sales, aid dependency and regime change. After his first term, President Trump has built on the Abraham Accords (2020-1); a series of bilateral agreements to normalize relations among Israel and Arab states, led by United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. With massive oil buys from and arms sales to Riyadh, the goal is to have Saudi Arabia join the Accords.
In the U.S.-Israeli view, Western interests in the region have been threatened by “Iran proxies” in Gaza (Hamas), Lebanon (Hezbollah), Yemen (Houthis), Iraq (various groups). Following the Gaza wars, they believe the Axis has been severely weakened.
But here’s the problem: this view effectively ignores a century of colonial interventions in the Middle East, Israel’s ethnic cleansing and forced population transfers (1948-49, 1967, 2023-25), U.S. sanctions (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen), U.S. efforts at regime change (e.g., Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Gaza), and U.S. post-9/11 wars in the region (Iran, Iraq, Yemen).
Saudi Arabia has concerns both with U.S. disengagement from the region, which would undermine the Gulf countries’ current security arrangements, and with excessive U.S. engagement in the region, which is seen to foster Israel’s increasing military boldness and growing hegemony in the region.
As Riyadh is fostering its strategic autonomy and diversifying its partnerships, China has replaced Washington as the kingdom’s main trade partner.
As Riyadh is fostering its strategic autonomy and diversifying its partnerships, China has replaced Washington as the kingdom’s main trade partner. In parallel, major regional Arab states, including Egypt, Turkey and Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, and Iran, build on the China-led Belt and Road Initiative.
Selling oil in multiple currencies, Saudi Arabia is one of China’s largest oil suppliers. It has been invited to join the BRICS, which features Egypt, Iran and UAE as its members. In fact, the Gulf-China trade and investment ties are now growing well beyond energy industries.
For decades, U.S. administrations fostered divides between Saudi Arabia and Iran. But in March 2023, these two countries resumed relations, after a China-brokered deal. The détente has proved resilient after October 7, shielding the kingdom from Iranian and Houthi attacks; most – if not all – of the time.
In August 2024, Beijing established a Second Silk Road in the region. In July 2025, China and Egypt expanded their bilateral cooperation across various economic sectors.
What Saudi Arabia wants
Until the Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities, Saudi Arabia was said to benefit from mounting U.S. pressure on Iran and Israel’s weakening of Iran’s proxy network. However, a regional order dictated by Israel and enabled by the U.S. would leave inadequate room for a solid Saudi position.
The Saudis recognize their reliance on the U.S. for security, but they are leveraging ties with China and building increasingly on their national and regional Gulf interests. The Saudi-Pakistani defense pact reflects this quest for greater security independence, with Washington reportedly made aware of the agreement only after it was signed.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s main priority is the huge modernization initiative Vision 2030. Its future hinges on the kingdom’s integration in the international economy, safety and security, to attract tourism and foreign investment driving innovation-led economic transformation.
The massive project requires the kind of peace and stability that Chinese investment fosters in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. But it also is premised on the kind of regional balancing that Washington can no longer reinforce.
A version of the commentary was published by China-US Focus on October 24, 2025.
Laptops opened, teams formed, and within hours non-destructive testing professionals moved from whiteboard sketches to working artificial intelligence agents tied to real inspection scenarios. At the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s annual meeting in Orlando, the format shifted from listening to building as members advanced through a guided sequence that culminated in a live demo round. The energy came from doing real work on real problems with coaching in the room.
This approach transfers skills, strengthens a tech-forward brand, and creates a clear business case for sponsors who want meaningful engagement. The playbook below shows how any professional association can adapt this model for member learning, positioning, and non-dues revenue.
Hands-On Builds Transfer Skills And Confidence
Professionals learn faster when they create something useful. Evidence from a recent peer‑reviewed systematic review found that time‑bounded, collaborative builds develop capability, teamwork, and persistence when they are designed with clear goals and coaching. A complementary scoping review in health professions education showed accelerated skill uptake in short, structured cycles that put learners in the driver’s seat. An evaluation study in 2024 documented gains in teamwork and problem solving when participants moved from passive content to concrete projects. By tying instruction to a tangible build, participants absorb ideas and retain them through direct application.
By tying instruction to a tangible build, participants absorb ideas and retain them through direct application.
The ASNT program made that research visible in practice. The two‑day sequence began with a plain‑language session on agent fundamentals, progressed into a coached build, and concluded with judged demos. Members could preview the structure in the public workshop description and the conference schedule. This cadence kept cognitive load manageable while ensuring that every team shipped a usable prototype that mapped to real inspection and reporting tasks.
Facilitation powered the learning. As the workshop facilitator, I framed problems in clear, nontechnical language, set expectations for measurable outputs, and circulated to unblock teams quickly. In my experience facilitating and consulting for organizations, I find that strong facilitation turns curiosity into momentum and safeguards quality. It helps newcomers take the first step without fear while nudging advanced participants toward stretch goals that fit the clock. The room stayed focused, inclusive, and productive because facilitation set the tone and modeled good practice.
ASNT took steps to prepare well for the learning before the meeting. For example, members got to preview the event through a webinar I led a month before the conference that introduced practical agent patterns for inspection workflows. Likewise, I sent the workshop participants links to sample agents for non-destructive testing for them to try out before the event, such as:
Report Generator Agent – drafts compliant NDT reports of tests
NDT Method Selector & Advisor – helps choose and apply the most effective method for a specific inspection scenario
NDT Buyer’s Guide – vendor-agnostic advisor across NDT methods and equipment
Evident Scientific NDT Equipment Advisor – supports technicians, engineers, and buyers on specialized Evident Scientific NDT tools
Facilitation And Brand: Position Your Association As The Tech‑Forward Convener
A well‑run build signals that the association convenes the practical frontier of its field. Members arrive expecting rigor and leave with new capability that they can use the next day. That shift elevates the association from a passive content publisher to an active guide for applied innovation. In Orlando, the AI Agent Battle sat alongside technical sessions, council meetings, and the main stage program in a way that integrated learning, community, and visibility. The conference hub reinforced that placement and helped prospective attendees understand the value of participating.
High-quality facilitation also served the brand. An experienced facilitator sets an inclusive tone, enforces transparent judging criteria, and moderates demos so that contributors at different experience levels feel seen. That atmosphere matters to sponsors as well as members. Partners such as Evident Scientific, which provided the materials that formed the basis for one of the sample agents I built prior to the workshop to demonstrate NDT agent case studies, want their tools used in real workflows, not only in demos. They also want credible guardrails that preserve the association’s neutrality. The combination of clear rules, consistent coaching, and a public showcase gives sponsors a setting where their products helped teams ship working agents without overshadowing the educational goal. That balance strengthened trust in the room and online, including among members exploring ASNT’s broader learning resources and considering whether to return for the next conference cycle.
The educational upside is durable when the design follows the research and facilitation stays strong. Time‑boxed teamwork builds shared vocabulary and confidence. Participants leave with working artifacts and a plan for next steps at the worksite. For many professionals, that experience changes what training means inside their organizations, because they can now point to concrete outputs rather than course notes.
As Barry Schieferstein, the Chief Operating Officer of ASNT noted after the event:
“I was struck by how the AI Agent Challenge transformed what a conference experience can be. Instead of talking about innovation, our members were building it, creating real AI agents that connect directly to nondestructive testing practice. For ASNT, this was more than a workshop; it was a statement about how associations can lead their industries into the future. We proved that hands-on, coached learning not only transfers skills faster but also creates deeper engagement for members and sponsors alike. It showed that associations can be at the forefront of applied technology, not just in what we teach but in how we learn together.”
Fund The Program And Launch A Member Agent Library
A build‑and‑battle format creates distinct value for multiple stakeholders, which leads to a durable revenue model. Attendees are willing to pay for premium, hands-on learning that advances their careers. Sponsors are willing to pay to feature products in realistic use with engagement that goes deeper than a booth drop‑by. Research shows that well‑designed activation outperforms passive exposure. A longitudinal activation analysis demonstrated stronger brand outcomes than advertising‑style sponsorship, and a 2022 Nielsen analysis linked smart activation to improvements in conversion‑related metrics. These findings translate outside sports when the activation is authentic, measured, and connected to real tasks in the room.
Structure the economics to reward quality. Offer a premium build track with limited seats and a clear syllabus, a spectator pass for the final demo session, and a virtual clinic included with build registration. For sponsors, define a limited number of integration slots tied to specific use cases. Require that any product featured during the build directly supports those use cases and is presented through coaching, not sales pitches. Publish transparent judging criteria and keep the judging panel independent of sponsoring companies. These design choices protect trust while creating meaningful engagement that sponsors value.
With training and oversight, these internal tools improve service levels and model responsible use for the community.
Treat the event as a product launch. ASNT can turn the build into an ongoing library of member‑facing agents for nondestructive testing. Start with common patterns such as report drafting, method selection assistance, and equipment advisory. Invite volunteer members to contribute agents that solve everyday problems and credit them prominently. Where appropriate, co‑develop specialized agents with sponsors, with clear governance that discloses roles and preserves editorial control. Offer access as a member benefit or a modestly priced subscription that includes quarterly updates and clinics aligned to the events calendar. The same approach can power internally oriented agents for staff and volunteers that accelerate tasks like drafting conference emails, answering routine member questions, and assembling technical recaps. With training and oversight, these internal tools improve service levels and model responsible use for the community.
Conclusion
Hands‑on building turns members into creators and positions the association as the trusted convener for applied innovation. The Orlando build showed how a clear structure, strong facilitation, and transparent judging can lift learning outcomes and sponsor value at the same time.
The next step is to productize the momentum. Curate a member library of field‑ready agents, welcome volunteer contributions, collaborate selectively with sponsors, and pilot internal agents that streamline staff and volunteer work. With this approach, ASNT and peer associations deliver immediate skill transfer, strengthen a tech‑forward reputation, and build a repeatable source of non‑dues revenue that grows with every cohort of builders.
Accessibility is more than just a checkbox exercise. Forward-thinking organisations are embedding accessibility into their operations to unlock innovation, expand market reach, and build resilience in an increasingly diverse world. Read on to learn about how accessible products and services can deliver value for your organisation.
In boardrooms around the world, accessibility is shifting from a compliance checkbox to a strategic imperative. Forward-thinking organisations are discovering that embedding accessibility into their core operations isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it unlocks innovation, expands market reach, and builds resilience in an increasingly diverse world.
Beyond the ramp: What do we mean by accessibility?
When we consider accessibility, we mean making sure products and services can be bought and used by people regardless of their needs. From mobility ramps to hearing loops, organisations may have been considering accessibility in the physical world for a number of years. However, the last few decades of technological developments have presented a number of opportunities – as well as creating new digital barriers that must be overcome to make sure people aren’t accidentally or intentionally excluded.
Driving innovation
One of the most compelling business arguments for accessibility is its capacity to drive innovation and deliver value. The constraints of accessible design often lead to breakthrough solutions that benefit everyone. Curb cuts, designed for wheelchair users, benefit everyone from parents with strollers to delivery workers.
Voice interfaces, originally developed for users with visual disabilities, now power smart homes and virtual assistants, which present new routes to market and ways to interact with services.
Accessibility can also enhance business processes. Companies that design inclusive hiring practices often improve their overall talent acquisition. Organisations that create accessible customer communications frequently see improvements in customer satisfaction and reduced support costs.
Unlocking a bigger share of your market and your audience
Consider this: people with disabilities represent a global market of over one billion consumers with a combined spending power exceeding $13 trillion annually (when you include their family and friends too). When you also consider that 1 in 6 people globally have a disability, 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, and 1 in 3 of us will need assistive technology at some point in our lives, it’s not an edge case, it’s a missed opportunity.
Yet many organisations still approach accessibility reactively, scrambling to retrofit solutions when issues arise. This piecemeal approach is both costly and ineffective. Instead, leading companies are weaving accessibility into their organisational DNA, making sure products and services are fully usable from the outset.
Legislation driving innovation
While it may feel as though some legislation is going backwards in some markets, we’re seeing a global legislative landscape accelerating this shift. The European Union’s Web Accessibility Directive requires public sector websites and mobile applications to meet accessibility standards, while the European Accessibility Act has extended these requirements to private sector services in 2025. Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act has prompted significant corporate action, particularly following high-profile legal cases in the banking sector. In Asia, Japan’s Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and similar legislation in South Korea are creating new expectations for business compliance.
This global convergence means that multinational organisations can no longer treat accessibility as a regional consideration. A truly accessible organisation must navigate multiple regulatory environments while maintaining consistent standards across all operations.
Leading from the top
Building accessibility as a core principle begins with leadership commitment that goes beyond token gestures, with clear accountability. The most successful organisations treat accessibility as everyone’s responsibility, creating champions across departments from support services to operations, from product development to customer service. These champions become internal advocates, ensuring these considerations are woven into every project and decision.
Providing practical, actionable guidance
Training plays a crucial role, but it needs to be practical and relevant. It may start with building awareness, but effective programmes focus on skills teams can use immediately. A marketing team might learn about alternative text and colour contrast, while human resources focus on accessible recruitment practices and workplace accommodations. HR practices need particular attention: job postings should use inclusive language and clearly communicate available accommodations, while interview processes must be flexible.
The transformation extends to every aspect of operations. Procurement processes should include accessibility requirements, ensuring that purchased software, services, and physical spaces meet standards from the outset. This proactive approach prevents costly retrofitting later.
For organisations serious about accessibility, communication becomes a strategic differentiator. This goes far beyond adding captions to videos or ensuring websites meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It’s about fundamentally rethinking how information is shared and consumed.
Clarity drives effective communication
Research shows that even lawyers don’t like legalese; plain language uses the words your audience understands the first time they read it. This clarity becomes essential, not just for people with cognitive disabilities, but for anyone trying to understand complex financial products, legal documents, or technical specifications. When major banks redesign their application processes using plain language principles, they consistently see improvements in completion rates across all customer segments.
Accessible visuals have more impact
Visual design needs to also consider users with various visual abilities. It’s not just those with sight loss; 1 in 10 men (and 1 in 200 women) are estimated to be colourblind. This means not relying on colour to convey information, making thoughtful colour choices with sufficient contrast ratios, and using layouts that work well with screen readers and magnification software. These considerations result in cleaner, more intuitive designs that have a bigger impact to your audience.
Services that work for all users
Digital accessibility deserves particular attention given our increasingly online way of life. Websites and applications need to be navigable by keyboard, compatible with assistive technologies, and usable across different devices and connection speeds. The good news? Many accessibility features improve search engine optimization and mobile usability, creating additional business benefits.
Customer service protocols must account for diverse communication needs. This might mean training staff to communicate effectively with customers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, providing information in multiple formats, or ensuring phone systems work with hearing aids and other assistive devices.
Measure what matters
Organisations that successfully embed accessibility create robust measurement systems that go beyond tracking compliance metrics to include user experience indicators, employee feedback, and customer satisfaction data. Regular audits can help identify gaps and opportunities, but the most effective organisations create feedback loops that turn insights into action.
The importance of lived experience
Employee resource groups and customer advisory panels that include people with disabilities provide invaluable perspectives. These groups can highlight blind spots, test new initiatives, and ensure that accessibility efforts stay grounded in lived experience rather than assumptions.
Progress not perfection
The organisations positioning themselves for long-term success recognize that accessibility is not a destination but a journey of continuous improvement. They start with leadership commitment and clear accountability structures, invest in education and tools that empower teams to make inclusive choices, and design systems that make accessibility the default, not the exception.
Most importantly, they see accessibility not as a constraint to navigate around, but as a design principle that unlocks better solutions for everyone. In an increasingly connected and diverse world, the question isn’t whether your organisation can afford to prioritize accessibility; it’s whether you can afford not to.
Lisa Riemersis a communications strategist and accessibility advocate who helps organisations tell powerful, inclusive stories that connect and inspire.
Matisse Hamel-Nelis is an award-winning Métis communications and digital accessibility consultant based in Toronto. Together, they are the co-authors of the new book, Accessible Communications.
Employee retention remains one of the most pressing challenges for modern businesses. Frank Mengert, founder and CEO of ebm, explains how strategic company perks can significantly boost engagement and loyalty. By focusing on well-being, flexibility, skill development, and financial security, organizations can strengthen staff retention and long-term productivity.
If you were to ask a business what its most valuable asset is, you’d likely get a range of different answers. Some might focus on their customer service, the quality of their products and services, or their overall market positioning. However, it’s important not to underestimate the value that employees bring to the table.
Staff engagement and retention can often mean the difference between steady growth year-over-year and stagnation. However, finding ways to reduce turnover isn’t something that happens on its own – it usually requires real effort and a strategic approach by businesses to keep employees long-term.
Although the first place many employers look when trying to retain their employees is their compensation, providing other company benefits and perks can often help ensure teams feel valued and motivated to stay long term.
Below, we’ll cover a variety of practical strategies you can use to introduce perks that help improve your staff retention initiatives.
Investing in Employee Well-Being
In today’s job market, most businesses offer standardized benefits to their employees, including health insurance coverage, disability insurance, and extended coverage such as vision and dental benefits. However, these types of offerings can be enhanced with other initiatives that support your teams’ “complete” overall well-being.
For example, mental wellness resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or providing access to counseling services can be a great way to show you’re employees you view them as individuals, not just workers. These kinds of support services help teams navigate more nuanced challenges they may face, which can impact both their workplace satisfaction and their physical or mental health.
Providing Flexible Scheduling
There has been a lot of talk about having a healthy “work-life balance” in modern businesses. While some have viewed this as simply a preference for employees to work from home, the fact is that there is a lot of business value that comes with supporting employees’ ability to have more flexible working arrangements outside of a typical 9-5 schedule.
There is a lot of planning and stress that can come with commuting through heavy traffic while juggling a range of personal obligations. This stress can inadvertently affect an employee’s performance, leaving them less motivated or capable of focusing throughout the day. Offering more flexibility by allowing for hybrid or remote working can help to minimize or eliminate much of this stress.
Flexibility on where and when to work helps employees have more control over their own schedules, allowing them to create an optimal working arrangement that’s best for them. This helps teams work at their best, allowing them to focus more intently on their tasks while being less distracted.
Implementing Skill Building Opportunities
No employee wants to feel they’re stuck in a position with no apparent path for growth. While certain staff members may be more than happy to stay in the current role they’re in, it’s important to consider individuals who may have certain career goals they’d like to achieve.
Investing in your team’s career development and incorporating this initiative as part of their employee benefits can be an effective way to show that you care about their current and future success with the company. Career-building opportunities could include perks such as offering partial or complete tuition reimbursement or helping them find certain educational courses that can help them become ready for a promotion.
This can be especially helpful if your business is positioned in a fast-moving industry or the company is experiencing periods of rapid growth. Another benefit you could incorporate is to create a program where you pair up newer employees with more tenured ones, giving them the ability to learn new skills on the job and build a deeper connection with the business.
Helping Employees Save for the Future
Financial stress doesn’t stay at home. It can easily follow your employees to work, distracting them from their core responsibilities and overall satisfaction. By offering perks that help them to build financial stability, you can reduce that anxiety and build a deeper connection with the business.
A great place to start is with a retirement savings plan. 401(k) plans help demonstrate your investment in your team’s long-term future, with even a small contribution to employee savings showing your commitment to their family’s security beyond their regular paycheck.
You can also help to improve your team’s money management by giving them access to financial assistance resources. Hosting workshops on practical topics like budgeting, managing debt, or investing can also help your employees make smarter financial decisions in their lives to help reduce financial stress and save for the future.
Increasing Paid Time Off
Another impactful perk you can offer to your teams is generous paid time off. When you give your employees the freedom to recharge their batteries, they often come back to work more focused and productive. Companies that only offer the bare minimum PTO often struggle with employee burnout and higher turnover.
Outside of simply increasing the allowance on your standard vacation policy, you can also show your support to employees by offering leave for significant life events. Whether employees are having a child, caring for sick family members, or doing volunteer work, having additional paid time off can go a long way to helping build a stronger relationship with the business and its team.
Keep Your Benefits Programs Flexible
When you administrate employee benefits that support your team’s health care needs, career goals, and financial well-being, you help to show them just how important they are to your business. This, in turn, allows you to build the kind of trust and loyalty that makes people want to stay with the company and grow within it.
Frank Mengertcontinues to find success by spotting opportunities where others see nothing. As the founder and CEO of ebm, a leading provider of employee benefits solutions. Frank has built the business by bridging the gap between insurance and technology-driven solutions for brokers, consultants, carriers, and employers nationwide.
In an era of AI-driven automation, replacing social media professionals with artificial intelligence undermines authenticity and effectiveness. Human insight, creativity and taste are irreplaceable in building genuine audience connections. AI should serve as an assistant – enhancing efficiency and creativity – while skilled social media managers remain essential for strategy, storytelling and meaningful engagement.
Every day, I hear about brands cutting social media teams and replacing them with AI. And while I understand why businesses might see this as a good way to save money, it also shows a lack of understanding of what social media managers do, the skills they have, and what makes social media marketing effective. Social media marketers aren’t just content making machines. They are highly skilled professionals that use data-driven insights to craft highly specialized and platform specific content that will move your business forward and businesses that try to replace them with AI will be doing so to their detriment. I predict that in a few years, these brands will see their sales suffer and will be rebuilding their social media teams at an even greater cost. Because, for a brand’s social media marketing efforts to truly be effective, they must be human first.
While AI can be a powerful tool for time-strapped social media managers who need to feed content to the hungry machine of social media, it will always need the guiding hand of a human to perfect the content it creates and add the human element so vital to effective social media as AI lacks two major qualities that can only come from a social media manager, taste and a human insight into your target audience.
Because here’s the truth: AI can generate content, but only humans can create connection. Without the expertise, taste, and intuition of real people, AI will churn out endless streams of generic, repetitive, and uninspired content. And audiences will notice. They already do. There’s a reason why so many refer to AI generated social media content as “slop.” Consumers are starting to take notice. And while older generations might not be able to tell the difference, younger generations definitely can and have very vocal and negative opinions about it.
With AI generated content finding its way to every corner of social media, the brands whose content still has a human touch will be the ones that stand out. In a sea of AI generated content, that if we are truly being honest, all kind of looks and sounds the same, it will be the brands who create content that stands apart from the rest that succeed. This will mean taking risks, experimenting with new kinds of content, and being willing to be a bit more human on social media.
Yes, AI can create, but can’t tell you if that creation is good or not. It can’t look at an image and tell you if your audience is going to respond positively to it or absolutely hate it. And honestly, most humans can’t do that either. But your social media team can. They have also developed both a relationship and understanding with your audience so they know what content audiences will react positively towards. Sure, AI can assist in content creation, but allowing your social team to choose the content and tweak the wording or adjust the image slightly, can have a major impact on the success of your social media efforts.
The most effective brands will be those that put skilled, experienced social media professionals in charge of their brand’s social media efforts, while using AI to augment their efforts, help analyze data, and take over repetitive tasks; freeing up social media professionals to do the creative work. On top of that, social media teams are already severely understaffed and overworked. (Not to mention underpaid) Attempting to streamline these already understaffed teams by replacing them with AI is a recipe for disaster. Rather than using AI as a replacement for social media managers, AI should be helping them work better and more efficiently.
AI should work as an assistant to social media teams, not as their replacements. AI is a great tool for brainstorming ideas, creating demo content that will serve as the model for human designers, writers, and other creatives to build, and streamlining some of the repetitive tasks that will free up social media managers’ time to focus on creative tasks. But the true reality is that the best uses for AI in social media marketing have yet to be discovered. As impressive as the technology is, it’s still in its early stages. But I think we can safely say that the best uses of AI in social media marketing will put skilled and experienced social media professionals in control.
AI has incredible potential for marketers, but without the guiding hand of knowledgeable and experienced human beings, it will only produce content that is generic, repetitive, and ineffective. Overall, when using AI in your social media marketing efforts, it’s important that there is always human oversight to review, adjust, and make sure that whatever comes out of it, is ultimately a product of a human using the technology to augment their own talents. AI should be seen as a tool to make social media teams stronger, not to be their replacement.
Jon-Stephen Stanselhas worked on social media accounts for Amazon Prime’s INVINCIBLE and HAZBIN HOTEL animated series, Better Place Forests, Texas State University, and the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as consulting for many other television series, films, and small businesses. In addition, he has taught courses in social media management and presented at many national and international conferences. He is the author of The 10 Principles of Effective Social Media Marketing: Strategies to Guarantee Impact.
China’s top leadership on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen domestic consumption and advance homegrown technology over the next five years, signaling renewed focus on internal economic drivers amid slowing growth and global trade tensions.
The pledge came after the conclusion of the highly anticipated “Fourth Plenum” meeting, which sets the nation’s development priorities for the next half decade. According to state media reports, officials emphasized the need to “vigorously boost consumption” while balancing it with “effective investment” to stimulate both supply and demand.
“New demand will lead to new supply, and new supply will create new demand,” the meeting report said, reflecting a more detailed consideration of China’s economic structure. Policymakers also called for full implementation of measures to support businesses and for “special actions” to encourage consumer spending.
The gathering, attended by top Communist Party officials including Vice Premier He Lifeng, focused primarily on domestic economic strategies. He is set to visit Malaysia this week for trade discussions with the United States, fueling speculation of a potential meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump later this month.
Analysts say the emphasis on domestic demand reflects Beijing’s growing recognition that its long-term growth must rely less on exports and more on local consumption. Zong Liang, former chief researcher at the Bank of China, noted that policymakers are taking a deeper look at the interaction between supply and demand, though that does not signal a shift toward direct consumer handouts.
Yue Su, principal economist for China at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said the readout “signals a continued emphasis on investment — this time as a means to stimulate consumption — rather than a bold, direct push to expand consumption itself.” She added that investment will likely focus on consumption-linked sectors such as urban development, healthcare, and public services.
Since the pandemic, China has introduced targeted subsidies for household appliances and encouraged local governments to organize entertainment events to boost spending. However, the new plan stops short of policies that would directly raise incomes, leading some economists to express doubts about its impact.
“It is just a wishful goal,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group. “I can’t see fiscal commitment in this.” Wang added that Beijing’s plan to maintain an average annual growth rate of 4.6 percent through 2035 will require significant resources, likely concentrated in high-tech and advanced industries rather than direct consumer support.
China’s leadership also reaffirmed its ambition to make a “significant leap forward” in technology by 2035, as it faces tightening U.S. export controls. The readout outlined goals to enhance scientific innovation, strengthen national defense, and maintain a robust manufacturing base while pursuing sustainable development and lower carbon emissions.
Beijing pledged to continue its drive toward becoming a “strong agricultural nation” and emphasized the importance of “high-quality development” in real estate, signaling continued caution in handling the country’s property market downturn.
More details about China’s five-year roadmap are expected to be released Friday during a press briefing, though the full plan is typically unveiled at the National People’s Congress in March.
The policy direction highlights China’s effort to balance stability and reform at a time when global uncertainty and domestic headwinds are testing the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy.
Most traders only see price candles — but what really drives those movements is something deeper: order flow. It’s the constant battle of buying and selling pressure, playing out in milliseconds across every market. And if you want to see it happen in real time, there’s one tool that stands out above all others — Bookmap.
Bookmap has earned a reputation as one of the best order flow trading platforms available, praised across trading forums, YouTube, and Trustpilot for its clarity, depth of data, and precision. In this guide, we’ll explore what order flow trading truly means, why it’s such a powerful edge, and how Bookmap lets you visualise the heartbeat of the market like never before.
What Is Order Flow in Trading?
Order flow trading is the study of how buy and sell orders enter and move through the market. Instead of relying on lagging indicators or static charts, order flow gives you a real-time view of market intent — who’s buying, who’s selling, and at what price.
Every tick of movement represents transactions between aggressive buyers (market orders) and passive sellers (limit orders), or vice versa. The balance between these forces determines price direction.
Traditional charting hides this under the surface. Bookmap reveals it through a live heatmap that displays liquidity levels, executed trades, and volume changes with astonishing accuracy.
Traders consistently note in Bookmap reviews that its visual clarity gives them a perspective “no other charting platform can match.” By turning invisible order data into visible market structure, it helps traders anticipate moves — not just react to them.
Order Flow Analysis: Reading the Market’s Intent
Order flow analysis is about interpreting the why behind price action. Instead of asking what happened, traders ask who made it happen.
Here’s what a good order flow trader studies:
Limit Orders: Where liquidity providers are waiting to buy or sell.
Market Orders: Where traders are aggressively entering or exiting positions.
Absorption: When large passive orders absorb buying or selling pressure.
Imbalance: When one side of the market overwhelms the other.
With Bookmap, all of this becomes visible in real time. Its heatmap shows changing liquidity as colours, its volume bubbles indicate trade size, and its Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) tool quantifies buying vs selling pressure.
Compared to static volume profile tools, Bookmap’s dynamic display makes it easier to detect hidden liquidity and potential reversals before they appear on a candlestick chart. That’s why many traders call Bookmap “the X-ray of the market.”
How to Use Order Flow for Trading
Using order flow in your trading isn’t about chasing price — it’s about understanding where liquidity exists and how traders interact with it.
Here’s a simplified approach:
Open Bookmap and connect your data feed. Choose your instrument (futures, stocks, or crypto).
Watch the liquidity zones. Bright areas on the heatmap show resting limit orders — the real support and resistance levels.
Look for absorption or exhaustion. If price hits a liquidity wall but volume stalls, big players may be absorbing orders.
Confirm with CVD and volume dots. Rising CVD with fading liquidity can indicate strong buying momentum.
Enter with precision. Place trades where the imbalance is clear, not where retail traders are reacting.
Bookmap makes this process intuitive. Its interface updates tick-by-tick, providing microsecond-level market detail. That’s why both beginners and prop traders call it one of the best order flow trading platforms for learning and professional execution alike.
Order Flow vs Volume Profile: What’s the Difference?
Volume profile shows where volume occurred historically. Order flow shows how that volume is happening right now.
Volume profile is great for identifying value areas, but it’s static. Order flow, especially when visualised through Bookmap, is dynamic — it shows traders engaging in real time.
With Bookmap’s liquidity heatmap and volume dots, you can literally see market participants interacting with limit orders. This makes it easier to distinguish genuine breakouts from false moves engineered by liquidity manipulation.
Advanced Order Flow Strategies
Once you grasp the basics, order flow becomes a foundation for more sophisticated strategies, including:
Futures Scalping: Exploiting micro-imbalances for short, high-precision trades.
Liquidity Traps: Identifying areas where large players fake interest to trigger stops.
Absorption Plays: Trading against failed breakouts when large passive orders absorb pressure.
Bookmap’s heatmap, volume profile, and CVD indicators are perfect for this. Many professional futures traders credit Bookmap with helping them visualise order absorption and divergence — something nearly impossible with standard charting tools.
How to Identify Market Manipulation with Order Flow
Modern markets are full of spoofing and liquidity baiting — tactics where large fake orders appear and disappear to mislead traders.
Using Bookmap, you can watch this in real time. If you see huge blocks of liquidity flashing on and off repeatedly, it’s often an algorithm trying to influence perception. Understanding these patterns helps traders avoid traps and align with genuine momentum.
Best Order Flow Trading Platforms
There are several order flow tools available, but one name dominates discussions on professional trading forums — Bookmap.
Top contenders:
Bookmap – The industry leader with real-time heatmaps, depth-of-market visualization, and top-tier data accuracy.
Sierra Chart – Solid depth tools, more traditional layout.
ATAS – Good for futures and crypto order flow.
NinjaTrader – Reliable for general charting and analysis.
However, Bookmap reviews consistently rank it highest for performance, ease of use, and precision. Traders praise its fluid interface, educational resources, and responsive support. Many even call it the best order flow trading software ever made.
Bookmap Reviews: What Traders Are Saying
Across independent review platforms and YouTube channels, Bookmap users highlight:
Incredible visual clarity — “I finally see what’s actually moving the market.”
Accurate real-time liquidity tracking — perfect for high-frequency or futures trading.
Powerful integration — connects seamlessly with brokers like Interactive Brokers, Binance, and CME data feeds.
Professional-grade precision — used by prop desks and retail traders alike.
Exceptional support and education — weekly webinars, community Discord, and documentation.
With thousands of five-star ratings, Bookmap stands as one of the best-reviewed order flow trading platforms globally.
Getting Started with Bookmap
Getting started is simple:
Visit the Bookmap website and sign up for a trial or free version.
Connect your preferred market data feed.
Explore the heatmap, CVD, and volume bubbles.
Watch the official Bookmap YouTube tutorials — an excellent free learning resource.
Begin tracking live order flow to understand liquidity in real time.
You’ll quickly see why Bookmap is considered the gold standard for traders serious about precision.
Conclusion: Seeing the Market as It Really Is
Order flow trading is about more than watching price — it’s about understanding why price moves. Tools like Bookmap give traders the ability to see through market noise and anticipate movement based on true buying and selling pressure.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just learning the ropes, Bookmap provides a transparent, real-time view of market behaviour that no other platform matches.
Experience the market’s heartbeat yourself — explore Bookmap and see trading from the inside out.
In today’s fast-paced business world, success often depends less on what you know and more on who you know and how well you connect with them. Jason Brown believes that genuine connection, trust, and consistent communication are the true currencies of modern leadership.
His philosophy centers around one powerful truth: people do business with people they believe in.
The Foundation: Authentic Connection
At the core of Jason Brown’s leadership approach is authenticity. He emphasizes that strong business relationships are built not on transactions, but on trust and alignment.
Whether he’s collaborating with partners, mentoring future leaders, or expanding his network, Jason prioritizes honesty and transparency above all else.
He often says, “Every meaningful connection begins with genuine intent.”
Instead of asking “What can I get?” Jason focuses on “What can I give?” This giving mindset fosters collaboration and long-term partnerships that go beyond contracts or deals.
Consistency Builds Credibility
For Jason, consistency is the foundation of credibility. First impressions may open doors—but reliability keeps them open.
He demonstrates consistency by:
Communicating clearly and regularly,
Delivering on commitments,
And showing up when it truly matters.
This dependability creates trust and stability across every partnership. Whether it’s colleagues, clients, or collaborators, people trust leaders who demonstrate integrity and follow-through in every interaction.
The Power of Active Listening
One of Jason’s most valuable leadership tools is active listening. In an era where everyone wants to be heard, few take the time to truly listen.
Jason makes it a habit to understand before responding whether in a team discussion or a high-stakes negotiation.
By giving others space to share their perspectives, he gains insight while making people feel respected and valued. This simple act of listening transforms ordinary conversations into meaningful connections.
Investing in People, Not Just Projects
Jason believes that strong relationships are not just professional they’re deeply personal.
He takes time to understand the individuals behind the roles their aspirations, challenges, and motivations. This empathy-driven leadership style fosters loyalty and collaboration rooted in mutual respect.
He often mentors young professionals about the importance of developing relationship capital the trust and goodwill that accumulate through time, consistency, and care.
For Jason, relationships are not just a means to success they are success.
Leading with Gratitude
Gratitude, Jason says, is the secret ingredient that sustains lasting relationships.
He regularly:
Acknowledges others’ contributions,
Celebrates big and small wins,
And expresses appreciation openly.
This culture of gratitude strengthens team morale and deepens emotional bonds. When people feel seen, appreciated, and valued, they naturally invest more in the mission—and in each other.
Gratitude creates a shared sense of purpose that keeps businesses resilient, even through change and challenge.
Jason Brown’s Philosophy: People Before Profit
At the heart of Jason Brown’s approach is a timeless truth: business is about people.
He believes leadership isn’t about commanding it’s about connecting.
In an age driven by technology and transactions, Jason reminds us that meaningful relationships remain the backbone of sustainable success. When you put relationships first, success follows naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jason Brown?
Jason Brown is a respected business leader and mentor known for his people-first approach to leadership. He emphasizes authenticity, trust, and gratitude as the pillars of long-term business success.
2. What does “relationship capital” mean?
“Relationship capital” refers to the trust, respect, and goodwill that build up over time through consistent, genuine interactions. Jason Brown encourages professionals to invest in people, not just outcomes.
3. How can I build stronger business relationships?
According to Jason Brown, focus on being authentic, consistent, and grateful. Practice active listening, keep your promises, and show appreciation for others’ efforts.
4. Why is gratitude important in business?
Gratitude fosters loyalty, motivation, and emotional connection. When people feel valued, they perform better and build stronger partnerships.
5. What’s the key takeaway from Jason Brown’s leadership philosophy?
True leadership is about people. Building trust, communicating openly, and leading with empathy will create both lasting relationships and long-term success.
By Terence Tse
CFOs are evolving into AI-driven transformation orchestrators, balancing finance, technology, and strategy while upskilling teams, managing risks, and driving measurable business value.
A key insight from this year’s AI for CFOs event, organized...
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The author of 
Dr. Gleb Tsipursky
Lisa Riemers
Matisse Hamel-Nelis
Frank Mengert
Jon-Stephen Stansel
