The more effort people put into something, the more they’ll tend to believe in it—even if that effort is misplaced.
The more effort people put into something, the more they’ll tend to believe in it—even if that effort is misplaced.
You don’t always work as efficiently or productively as you could, and you know it. Chances are you can even identify which ways of doing things you could probably do better if you were to do them differently—but you don’t want to. That’s just the way you do it.
After leaving Birchbox last year, Barna is diving into the VC world. She explains why and offers a look at what she’s up to.
After leaving Birchbox last year, Barna is diving into the VC world. She explains why and offers a look at what she’s up to.
Last August, Birchbox co-CEO Hayley Barna decided to walk away from the influential beauty-subscription-box startup that she cofounded in 2010 (she remains on the company’s board). “What we created with Birchbox was truly unique at the time,” she explains. “I loved it, but it turned out the beauty industry is not my lifelong passion. It’s [exploring] innovative business models.” So, in February, Barna signed on as a partner at First Round Capital, the seed-stage VC firm that has invested in companies such as Uber, Warby Parker, and, not coincidentally, Birchbox. (Meanwhile, Barna’s former company has been struggling, enduring two big rounds of layoffs earlier this year and receiving a $15 million injection of funds from current investors in August, reportedly due to cash-flow issues.)
From visas and business taxes to traveling with pets, these are the logistical issues you’ll want to tackle before hitting the road.
From visas and business taxes to traveling with pets, these are the logistical issues you’ll want to tackle before hitting the road.
I was seated on my bedroom floor last week, sorting clothes into two piles in preparation for my upcoming move to Asia. One was stuff to keep. The other was full of ugly sweaters from 2001, destined for Goodwill.
All the hubbub over millennials in the workforce risks ignoring generational “in-betweeners,” but they may have some hidden advantages.
All the hubbub over millennials in the workforce risks ignoring generational “in-betweeners,” but they may have some hidden advantages.
Helen Phung, a communications consultant, had what she considered a brilliant Halloween costume. She couldn’t wait for her coworkers to give her knowing nods and make clever comments as they passed her in the kitchen. She was dressed as the Chicken Lady from Kids in the Hall, the Canadian sketch comedy show that originally aired from the late ’80s to mid-’90s, and later as reruns on Comedy Central during the ’00s.
From marketing trash bags to selling desserts, this writer explains why making big career shifts doesn’t have to mean starting over.
From marketing trash bags to selling desserts, this writer explains why making big career shifts doesn’t have to mean starting over.
When you switch careers, it often feels like starting over. Sure, you’re still taking what you’ve learned in another field and finding fresh ways to apply it, but it always takes hitting the “reset” button—now you’re a novice again, navigating unfamiliar terrain. It’s just not the same as getting promoted or leaving a job for a new, higher-paying one in the same industry.
Keep these fundamentals in mind and you’ll do fine, even when you’re asked something you’d dreaded.
Keep these fundamentals in mind and you’ll do fine, even when you’re asked something you’d dreaded.
Let’s see if this scenario sounds familiar: You’re in the interview hot seat, but so far, you’re pretty sure you’re nailing it—until the hiring manager throws you a curveball. The dreaded “What’s your biggest weakness?” comes up. Or better yet, “Why are you leaving your current job?” We know you’re thinking of your favorite four-letter word.
It isn’t easy, though. Here are a few tips for competing with traditional employers’ internship programs.
It isn’t easy, though. Here are a few tips for competing with traditional employers’ internship programs.
I remember when I was in college studying to become a TV news reporter. I loved interning. I’d visit the local ABC station two to three times a week, as a full-time student with a job. I learned so much more in that internship over the course of 10 weeks than I did attending class for years. In class, you’re learning. At an internship, you’re doing.
Designers weigh in on the best ways to brainstorm. Spoiler alert: not everyone agrees.
Designers weigh in on the best ways to brainstorm. Spoiler alert: not everyone agrees.
Love it or loathe it, brainstorming is a ubiquitous part of office culture. Whether it is an effective tool for generating ideas and solving problems is up for debate. And since we love a good debate, we invited 50 leaders in the design community—typically some of the most opinionated, creative, and analytical types in business—to share how or if they brainstorm. Here are some of their responses, including a characteristically honest one from the legendary and outspoken creative director George Lois.
Jewelry companies of all sizes compete to get their baubles on the right celebrities at the right time—including the Emmys.
Jewelry companies of all sizes compete to get their baubles on the right celebrities at the right time—including the Emmys.
Actress Cate Blanchett is celebrated for her unconventional, avant-garde awards-show fashion. But at the 2015 Oscars, it was her jewelry that stole the red carpet show: She paired a long, simple black Maison Margiela gown with a Tiffany & Co. turquoise and diamond necklace. It dominated fashion headlines and soon thereafter, inspired knock-offs and Etsy reimaginings. Us Weekly promoted a $75 Blanchett-inspired jewelry giveaway.
A gorgeous tropical island, vintage hats from a style icon, and a Los Angeles cabaret.
A gorgeous tropical island, vintage hats from a style icon, and a Los Angeles cabaret.
8 things the Fast Company community is loving this month.
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