Emotional Intelligence at Work: It Starts with Self-Awareness Given how AI and automation are rapidly taking over routine tasks, this new technological era is forcing us to redefine what makes us valuable at work. It’s no longer about who has the most experience or who can process data the fastest. As machines become better at completing tasks and brainstorming ideas, a new kind of currency is rising to the top: emotional intelligence. This is precisely what helps leaders to navigate stress, inspire confidence, and guide others through uncertainty with emotional steadiness. Emotional intelligence is so much more than being the "nice" or "polite" person in the room. It is the dynamic interplay between how well someone understand their internal world…
The Rising Voice of a New-Gen Artist Blending Chinese and Modern Painting In an increasingly interconnected world, the boundaries between cultural expression and artistic identity are becoming ever more fluid. Nawei, a bold young Canadian artist based in Singapore, is among the emerging generation of artists who masterfully blend the heritage of Chinese ink traditions with the color, energy, and imagination of modern art. With work that pulses with symbolism, movement, and soul, she’s carving a space that both honors the past and dares to redefine it. “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember,” she reflects. “If there was a pen and a scrap of paper, I’d find myself sketching whatever came to mind or whatever I…
Contributed by: JT Positioning your business as an attractive acquisition target involves strategic focus and meticulous preparation across key areas. In today's competitive landscape, mastering the art of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) requires a systematic approach aimed at maximizing value and securing optimal deals. This article explores five essential steps that can significantly enhance your company's appeal in M&A transactions. By delving into these critical strategies, businesses can effectively bolster their attractiveness and readiness for acquisition, paving the way for successful negotiations and favorable outcomes. Is it time to sell? You’ve spent the last 20 years building your business from a three-man operation to an established and dominant player in your industry. Over the years, you've cultivated a solid corporate…
The Business Pre‑Nup vs. The Business Divorce In our previous article, we discussed the importance of a shareholders’ agreement as the “business pre-nup” i.e., setting ground rules for managing a business together as co-owners. But what happens when someone decides to leave the partnership? Every business partnership has two chapters: coming together and parting ways. The Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) governs the second. If the shareholders' agreement is the "pre-nup", then the SPA is the divorce agreement drafted before the wedding. One party exits and the SPA decides who keeps what, how the price is paid, and who bears responsibility if any surprises come up later. For example, Party A and Party B have been business partners for years.…
Rooted Beginnings: It Started With a Feeling The truth about starting your own business is there is no "perfect time" nor a "secret formula" to unlock. Most meaningful businesses often begin with something more intuitive: an intrinsic feeling, a deep-seated knowing, or a sense of misalignment that signals a need for change. For many, it is simply having the courage to lean into that instinct and build from where they are. This article delves into the journey of one such individual who listened to her intuition, illustrating that the most powerful moment in any entrepreneurial journey is daring to take the first step. Trading a conventional career path for an entrepreneurial venture, Ash Mendelsohn established a business embedded with creativity,…
