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BetterAlt Selected for TikTok Shop’s Coveted New Arrivals Campaign 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

The wellness world is buzzing with excitement as BetterAlt secures the spotlight in TikTok Shop’s highly coveted New Arrivals Campaign, unveiling what promises to be the brand’s most ambitious female-focused product launch to date. Set to unfold from September 10-16, 2025, this exclusive campaign positions BetterAlt at the forefront of the booming women’s wellness market while tapping into TikTok’s unparalleled reach. The brand’s infectious theme, “It is Giving Hot Girl Energy that can last all year round,” perfectly captures its mission to fuel women with sustained vitality through carefully crafted, nature-based supplements. 

This moment marks a thrilling evolution for BetterAlt, transforming from its Ayurvedic heritage into a powerhouse lifestyle brand tailored specifically for today’s dynamic women. Already making waves as one of TikTok Shop’s top three health brands, with products dominating Amazon’s number one spots and an impressive 15 million servings sold, BetterAlt is now ready to captivate female consumers with groundbreaking formulations that speak directly to their unique wellness needs. 

Five Bold New Products Designed Exclusively for Women 

Prepare to meet BetterAlt’s most exciting product lineup yet—five carefully crafted supplements that represent the brand’s first complete collection designed with women in mind. The BetterAlt Peak Energy Drink comes in 4 irresistible flavours, introducing the brand’s first venture into completely natural energy beverages that deliver lasting power without any artificial additives and zero crashes. This fresh addition answers the call from health-savvy women seeking clean alternatives to traditional energy drinks. 

The real showstopper comes with BetterAlt Creatine+ with Glowchemy™, available in tantalizing Coco Lychee and Mango Passion flavors, brilliantly merging performance benefits with beauty-boosting properties crafted specifically for the female body. Meanwhile, the BetterAlt Kaboom Instant Energy Drops offer instant gratification for women on the move, delivering quick energy exactly when needed. 

The crown jewels of this launch are the SHE-Lajit™ products, vibrant gummies in Strawberry and Orange flavors, plus honey sticks featuring a bold new Mango Chilli twist. These represent the world’s first female-specific Shilajit supplements. “We spotted a glaring gap: nobody was creating Shilajit products specifically for women’s health. We made it our mission to build something that directly addresses this need,” reveals Akash Dhoot, co-founder at BetterAlt. 

An Experiential Launch Like No Other 

Get ready for a multi-sensory experience that breaks every rule in the wellness playbook. BetterAlt’s campaign strategy spans far beyond typical product launches, creating authentic touchpoints that connect directly with their target audience. The campaign begins with an exclusive Creator Launch Party at TikTok’s Miami headquarters, packed with interactive energy stations, adrenaline-pumping games, and exciting giveaways designed to generate authentic buzz. This strategic venue choice maximizes TikTok’s influence in wellness and beauty while giving creators hands-on experiences with every new product. 

The excitement continues with energizing partnerships across major cities, where BetterAlt will set up branded kiosks at run club events, letting fitness enthusiasts fuel their workouts with the Peak Energy Drink. The brand elevates the experience further through collaborations with premium yoga studios; Sonic Yoga, Skyting Yoga, and Sewall House Yoga Retreat, creating serene sampling stations where participants can discover these products in peaceful, mindful environments. The grand finale features a massive Times Square takeover paired with exclusive national TV commercials, bringing BetterAlt’s energy transformation to millions of mainstream viewers. 

Riding TikTok’s Commerce Wave 

BetterAlt’s selection for this prestigious campaign highlights TikTok Shop’s explosive impact on the wellness sector and its remarkable ability to turn products into cultural phenomena. The platform has been crushing it throughout 2025, with sales skyrocketing 120 percent compared to last year. An impressive 83 percent of shoppers discover fresh products and 70 percent find new brands through the app. This discovery-first approach has been pure gold for wellness brands, with beauty supplements emerging as unexpected bestsellers fueled by transformation stories and daily routine content. 

The brand’s TikTok Shop success story has been nothing short of spectacular, with not just US, but also being selected for the prestigious TikTok Shop Brand Day in the UK. This digital-first strategy has translated into serious business growth, hitting 100 million dollars in annual revenue while serving over 1.5 million satisfied customers. “BetterAlt exists to bring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to today’s world, combining time-tested ingredients with modern convenience for our fast-paced lives,” explains Akash Dhoot.  

The Future Looks Bright for Women’s Wellness 

The brand’s meteoric rise reflects surging consumer appetite for Ayurvedic wellness solutions that blend ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. Every BetterAlt product undergoes rigorous third-party testing at certified laboratories. This New Arrivals Campaign positions BetterAlt to reshape how wellness brands serve women while building sustainable, science-backed businesses in the fast-evolving social commerce space. 

Check out BetterAlt’s latest New Arrivals on TikTok Shop. 

7 App Retention Strategies

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

Attracting new app users is a difficult task for developers, with many offering incentives or spending a lot of time and money on marketing campaigns. However, all of this work will be pointless if they are unable to retain customers who download and sign up for games and services.

Customer retention is more cost-effective than trying to attract new customers, and developers can’t rely on simply having a good product. Modern consumers using mobile technology have more choices than ever before, and implementing retention strategies is something that many operators have to do to stay relevant.

Freemium Models

Freemium apps are digital products that offer consumers a free and paid version of their product. Free versions are typically limited, but provide enough of the gameplay or services to keep customers interested, with a hope that they will see the value of the product and convert to paying customers.

Premium versions of apps can offer incentives that improve the user experience, including access to additional content or tools to improve or speed up gameplay. Sweepstakes casinos are an example of freemium apps, where customers can enjoy playing their favorite casino games for free.

Sweepstakes casinos use in-game currencies for players to bet with for fun. These standard coins can be replenished automatically, or players can build up their coins through winning. Customers can also play using sweepstakes coins, which can then be exchanged for prizes. Sweepstakes coins can be earned as rewards for carrying out tasks or come as a bonus when buying regular coin bundles.

Streamlined Onboarding Process

One of the best ways to retain customers is by offering streamlined onboarding processes, because nobody wants to go through countless sign-up forms that take ages to process. Many games and services will offer simple sign-ups via existing accounts.

Most modern consumers will already be signed into email, social media, or web browsing accounts, so selecting fast sign-ups through a Google or Facebook account is much easier than going through the usual process.

AI Personalization

Personalizing interactions based on customer preferences improves the user experience and makes them feel more valued. This used to be a time-intensive process, but AI technology can now be implemented to gather and analyze vast swathes of data to complete this task instantly.

Personalized marketing and promotions based on previous user actions are much more likely to elicit responses than cold marketing campaigns.

Use Push Notifications

Push notifications are a great way to notify users of an update or message. This keeps them engaged with the app even when they aren’t on it and increases loyalty. Time-sensitive promotions can be sent directly to the customer, ensuring they receive messages in a timely fashion.

Interaction Incentives

Daily, weekly, and monthly bonuses based on log-ins and interactions are an excellent way to boost engagement and retain customers. Short-term bonuses boost regular activity, while customers who are on their way to achieving a longer-term bonus are less likely to leave.

Apps that promote streaks, where a customer logs in every day and completes an action, help to transform their mindset, and logging in becomes part of a daily routine. This uses the same

logic as loyalty programs, where customers earn points that can be redeemed against future purchases. Players with existing points won’t want to leave them unused, so they are more likely to continue with the app.

Implement Micro-Feedback

Using AI to see how customers interact with apps can be a great way to identify their preferences. However, if they choose not to play a game or use a specific service, there is very little information that can be gathered from that.

Implementing micro-feedback requests that don’t slow game mechanics or get in the way can help developers get an idea of what players don’t like and make changes before it’s too late.

Workplaces conduct leaving interviews to find out why an employee has chosen to further their career elsewhere, but they will still face the expense of having to fill the role and train the new worker. Continual feedback might have allowed them to make changes to retain that staff member, and the same is true of apps. Making changes before it’s too late should be a priority for developers looking to improve their service.

Limit Access to Create Hooks

Finding the sweet spot for how much access users can have, but leaving them wanting more, is important for apps that want to increase engagement and retention. Time-limited access is a great way of doing this, as users won’t feel locked out and will be incentivized to return.

Conclusion

Mobile technology has put consumers in the driving seat by providing them with endless choices. This can make retention more difficult for app developers, but there are tried and tested techniques, like the ones above, that keep customers coming back for more.

30 Best APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes to Motivate You Towards Success 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

Have you ever wondered what keeps certain people shining long after they are gone? 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is one of those timeless figures. From a humble childhood in Rameswaram to becoming the “Missile Man of India” and later the President, his life is a story of grit, vision, and hope. 

What makes him unforgettable is not just his achievements but also his words. 
APJ Abdul Kalam quotes are not plain sentences. They are sparks that ignite action. They touch hearts, awaken courage, and push us to see beyond limitations. 

In this blog,  

We’ll explore 30 powerful APJ Abdul Kalam quotes categorized into dreams, success, education, life, and leadership.  

Each one will remind you why his wisdom continues to guide millions today. 

Why APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes Still Matter 

APJ Abdul Kalam believed in turning vision into reality. His words were always rooted in experience, not theory. That’s why they feel so alive even today. 

When you read APJ Abdul Kalam quotes, you don’t just feel inspired, you feel called to act. They challenge excuses, replace fear with faith, and remind us that greatness comes from discipline and service. 

Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a professional chasing success, or a leader shaping futures, his quotes are like a compass in stormy seas. They keep you aligned with purpose. 

Dreams 

APJ Abdul Kalam often said that dreams are the starting point of greatness. For him, dreams were not passive wishes but seeds of action. His words on dreams continue to stir restless ambition in every heart. 

Quotes on Dreams: 

  1. “A dream is not what you see in sleep; it is the thing that doesn’t let you sleep.” 
  1. “Without dreams, we reach nowhere. With dreams, we can reach the stars.” 
  1. “Dreaming is the first step towards achieving anything extraordinary.” 
  1. “Your dream has to be bigger than your fear.” 
  1. “Nations too are built by dreamers who dare to act.” 
    “Dreams give power, power gives energy, and energy makes you unstoppable.” 

Success 

For APJ Abdul Kalam, success was never about shortcuts or luck. It was about consistent effort, courage to face failures, and relentless discipline. His quotes show us how to stay strong even when results are slow. 

Quotes on Success: 

  1. “Success is when your signature becomes an autograph.” 
  1. “To succeed in life and achieve results, you must understand and master three forces: desire, belief, and expectation.” 
  1. “Success does not come from what you do occasionally; it comes from what you do consistently.” 
  1. “Be active! Take responsibility! Work for the things you believe in. If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others.” 
  1. “Success follows those who dare to act while others wait.” 
  1. “Your best teacher is your last mistake.” 

At the heart of it, success is about showing up every day, learning from failures, and moving forward with courage. Every APJ Abdul Kalam quote on success gently reminds us that consistency is the real key to achievement. 

Education 

For Apj Abdul Kalam strongly believed education was the most powerful weapon to shape the future. He saw teachers as nation builders and students as the torchbearers of tomorrow. His quotes on education still inspire classrooms across the world. 

Quotes on Education: 

  1. “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual.” 
  1. “Great dreams of great students are born in classrooms.” 
  1. “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” 
  1. “Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity to children at that level.” 
  1. “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” 
  1. “The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise. Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.” 

True education shapes not just careers but character, and every APJ Abdul Kalam quote on education reminds us of that deeper purpose. 

Life 

Life, for Apj Abdul Kalam, was not a smooth road but a journey filled with challenges, mistakes, and lessons. His quotes teach us how to rise after every fall and live with integrity, kindness, and purpose. 

Quotes on Life: 

  1. “Difficulties in life do not come to destroy you, but to help you realize your hidden potential.” 
  1. “You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.” 
  1. “Life is all about giving. What you give is what you receive.” 
  1. “Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires to give the best to those who dream and work.” 
  1. “Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference.” 
  1. “Don’t fear losing, because in every loss there is a lesson.” 

Life is about meaning, resilience, and hope  beautifully captured in every APJ Abdul Kalam quote on life. 

Leadership 

For Apj Abdul Kalam, leadership was not about authority but about vision, service, and responsibility. His quotes on leadership continue to inspire entrepreneurs, politicians, and changemakers around the globe. 

Quotes on Leadership: 

  1. “A leader must have vision and passion and must not be afraid of any problem.” 
  1. “The essence of a leader is not to create followers, but to create more leaders.” 
  1. “Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses.” 
  1. “A leader should keep his vision clear, his heart humble, and his actions strong.” 
  1. “If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher.” 
  1. “The best way to win is not to defeat others but to uplift them.” 

Real leadership is about service, vision, and courage, a truth echoed in every APJ Abdul Kalam quote on leadership. 

Conclusion 

That is why APJ Abdul Kalam quotes remain timeless. They are not mere words but guiding lights. They remind us of that dreams fuel action, success comes through persistence, education empowers minds, life teaches through challenges, and leadership means service. 

Even years after his passing, his vision continues to inspire every student, professional, and leader who dares to dream of a better tomorrow. 

So, the next time you feel lost or discouraged, read these APJ Abdul Kalam quotes again. Let them remind you that within you lies the power to rise, rebuild, and reimagine. 

Because, as Kalam himself said: 
“Let us sacrifice our day so that our children can have a better tomorrow.” 

Dustin Jones: The Culture Architect Behind the Future of HR 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

In a world full of change where culture is currency, few inspirational voices in humanity resonate as deeply as that of Dustin Jones. Dustin doesn’t just build the policies; she builds trust, legacy, and the unwavering source of the leadership pipeline. Her work across the boardroom and beyond is setting a new gold standard in human-centered HR. Her HR journey simply began from needing the job to someone who wore many hats: HR executive, entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor. With over two decades of experience across corporate, manufacturing, consulting, and entrepreneurial spaces. 

HR Solutions That Listen First, Lead with Purpose 

As the founder & CEO of EcompassHR, Dustin doesn’t believe in copy-paste strategies. Her approach is deeply human: listen first, build with intention, and lead with diplomacy. “There’s no one-size-fits-all in HR. Every business has a unique heartbeat,” she says. One of her proudest moments came while working with a fast-growing manufacturing startup. “Helping them understand why HR isn’t just a function but a foundation was transformative. We helped them hire strategically and build the infrastructure to take care of their people long-term.” 

A Voice for Change, A Shield for People 

Known for her strength in change management and compliance, Dustin believes HR must be both a shield and a catalyst. “It’s about balance, advocating for the business while protecting the employee experience,” she explains. With AI, evolving immigration laws, and rising workplace activism, she sees a critical opportunity. “HR has to lead the shift with clarity and courage. Compliance isn’t enough. We must build systems that empower.” 

Her approach to employee engagement and retention reflects a similar depth. “Engagement is emotional. Culture is intentional. After the pandemic, employees want to feel seen. They want to know they matter. It’s no longer about perks; it’s about purpose and trust,” she says. “We need to close the gap between what leaders say and what employees experience. That starts with listening and acting with empathy.” 

Leading with Legacy at Dallas Country Club 

Today, Dustin Jones holds the role of Chief Human Resource Officer at Dallas Country Club, where she blends strategic HR leadership with the values of service and hospitality. Her focus goes beyond policies; she’s working to build a workplace culture where employees feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to grow. 

“At DCC, we take pride in creating exceptional experiences not just for our members, but for our employees too,” she shares. In 2025, her goal is to deepen that culture even further by investing in leadership development, employee recognition, and internal communication. “Hospitality starts within,” she adds, emphasizing that a truly excellent member experience begins with how well the staff is treated and engaged. 

Empowering Women to Step Forward with Courage 

When asked about the principle she lives by, Dustin’s answer is as sincere as her leadership style. Lead with diplomacy. Deliver with integrity. Whether it’s designing strategy, training emerging leaders, or handling tough conversations, she centers respect, alignment, and authenticity. “I never lose sight of the people behind the process. That’s how you build trust, and that’s how you build a legacy.” 

In a time when HR is being called to evolve faster than ever, leaders like Dustin Jones remind us what truly matters: people, purpose, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. 

Wisdom for the Journey Ahead 

For Dustin Jones, leadership isn’t about titles or authority; it’s about how you show up for people when it matters most. Throughout her journey, she has led with clarity, compassion, and a belief. 

“I’ve always believed that how you treat people when no one’s watching is what defines you as a leader,” she says. Her guiding principle is “Lead with diplomacy. Deliver with integrity” isn’t just something she says; it’s how she operates every single day. Whether she is coaching executives, resolving challenges on the ground, or designing future-focused strategies, Dustin consistently prioritizes the human element. Because in the end, she believes, that’s how you build trust. And that’s how you build a legacy. 

Author Bio 

Dustin Jones is a highly respected HR executive, leadership strategist, and the founder of EncompassHR, LLC, with over two decades of experience helping organizations build purpose-driven, people-centered cultures.Throughout her career, she has partnered with companies across industries including manufacturing, hospitality, and corporate consulting to shift HR from a back-office function into a vital force for strategic growth and cultural transformation. 

Currently serving as the chief human resource officer at Dallas Country Club, Dustin brings a unique blend of operational leadership and hospitality-driven values to the table. She is passionate about creating environments where employees feel supported, valued, and inspired to perform at their best because, to her, a great employee experience is the foundation of every great business. 

Dustin holds a master’s in communications from Grand Canyon University, a bachelor’s from California State University San Marcos, and an executive certification in management from Southern Methodist University. Her leadership and impact have earned national recognition, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Dallas (2024). 

Blueprint for the Modern Wealth Advisor 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

In an industry where results and credibility are non-negotiable, Tiffany Markarian has long been regarded as a transformative force in financial services marketing. With over three decades of experience, she hasn’t merely adapted to change; she’s helped shape it. As the Founder and Managing Director of Advantus Marketing, Tiffany’s strategic consulting over the past 30 years has empowered thousands of financial advisors and professionals to not only create profitability and scale for their businesses but redefine how they engage with clients and niche markets. Her story is one of deep, tactical execution focused on what truly moves the needle. 

Beyond Marketing: Scaling with Precision 

Over the past several decades, there has been significant migration from commission-based to advisory and fee-driven financial planning models. This necessitates a need for advisors to focus on scaling their business and getting a better return on effort and ROI for the time spent with each client household. It further requires advisors to correctly articulate their value. An advisor’s client experience and going upmarket have become central themes where Tiffany’s impact is unmatched.  

Standing Out and Staying Ahead 

Standing out as a marketing strategist in the financial services industry requires more than just having general marketing skills; it demands deep industry fluency. The advisors and professionals who work with Tiffany quickly come to realize she knows their business model and the industry landscape inside and out. She understands and navigates regulatory compliance, client segmentation, revenue models, and the nuances of varied business structures, including RIAs, broker-dealers, and insurance brokerage firms.  

Marketing That Improves the Bottom Line 

Today’s marketing focus demands more than just branding and digital marketing. Tiffany helps advisors get real traction with their business development and optimize their practice for future opportunities. She bridges skill gaps, improves conversions, boosts client acquisition, and helps each advisor’s staff embrace the direction at hand. As she states, “We help advisors focus on what their competitors aren’t doing or won’t do.” 

The Branding Missteps Most Advisors Make 

Tiffany often sees advisors fall in love with their own process, using buzzwords like “holistic,” “fiduciary,” or “fee-only” planning in their branding. These phrases are important, but words alone don’t compel prospects to engage. When advisors lead with fee-driven planning, prospects often get focused on the fee, and you end up down a rabbit hole. This causes friction and resistance with prospects and clients. Tiffany’s insights have helped countless advisors reframe their messaging to reflect the emotional and tangible benefits clients actually care about. 

Landing Opportunities 

What truly motivates Tiffany is helping professionals uncover blind spots, streamline their operations, and grow with intention. The goal? Efficiency, profitability, and predictable revenue. Tiffany helps advisors and their teams shift from being merely reactive to becoming intentional with their client outreach and acquisition. “We help them land the opportunities they were previously unequipped to capture, such as going upmarket, acquiring another practice, or creating real results in a niche,” she explains. Her strategies are not only practical; they’re transformative. 

Digital Marketing vs. Distraction 

In today’s fast-paced world of AI and digital tools, too many advisors get caught up in the “shiny new thing.” They tend to lose focus and aren’t getting ROI or ROE from their marketing efforts. Tiffany urges advisors to stay focused on their client experience and the levels of personalization they need to deliver for their different client tiers. Her method is simple but profound: use tech to enhance human relationships, not replace them. From automation in scheduling and onboarding to never forgetting the impact of handwritten thank-you notes, every tool should serve the end goal of better, more personalized client experiences. 

“In the absence of a strategic plan, tech can become a diversion,” she warns. Her framework ensures that every tool fits into a larger, intentional strategy, one that allows the advisor to stay client-facing. 

Action Over Accolades  

While Tiffany is a recognized thought leader, having received numerous awards, including “The Leading Marketing Minds in Financial Services” by The Enterprise World and “Top Marketing Strategist” by Financial Services Review, her focus remains clear: creating opportunities for advisors and their businesses. She stays in constant study and precision mode to help advisors acquire and retain clients and increase the equity value of their business. 

The Path Forward: Trends to Watch 

Looking ahead, Tiffany is laser-focused on helping advisors align their pricing and service models with the time spent for each respective client household. Advisors need to consistently evaluate the health of their practice and how they are spending their time. “Stable revenue doesn’t equal sustainable growth if time and resources aren’t optimized,” she cautions. Clients and consumers are looking to be cared for and cared about by their financial advisory team. As a result, advisors need to structure their time and workflows to maximize proactive client outreach. 

Conclusion 

Tiffany Markarian’s legacy is built not just on awards or achievements, but on the thousands of advisors and financial leaders she has impacted. From messaging and positioning to operational scale, she continues to transform financial practices. It’s about staying on top of what matters most and keeping watch on where the industry is headed next. 

Richard C. Larson: Democratizing Education Through Technology and Systems Thinking 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

In an age where digital transformation is reshaping education systems around the globe, few figures have been as visionary or as impactful as Prof. Richard C. Larson, the Mitsui Professor at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. With a background rooted in operations research and systems engineering, Larson has spent the better part of five decades applying analytical precision to solve one of humanity’s most important challenges: how to make education accessible, equitable, and effective for all. 

From high-tech classrooms in Singapore to under-resourced schools in rural communities, his work continues to redefine what’s possible in global education. 

A Systems Thinker in the Classroom 

Larson’s approach to education is grounded in the same systems thinking he applied to urban emergency services and logistics. As he puts it: “Whether it’s a traffic network or a learning ecosystem, you need to define the problem, identify constraints, and build a solution that scales.” 

This mindset led him to launch some of the most forward-thinking educational initiatives at MIT, including MIT BLOSSOMS and MIT LINC—projects that have transformed the delivery and accessibility of STEM education across continents. 

MIT BLOSSOMS: A Blooming Legacy 

Standing for Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies, MIT BLOSSOMS is one of Larson’s most enduring educational contributions. The initiative creates engaging, video-based STEM lessons designed to be paired with in-class teaching, making it especially valuable in resource-limited environments. 

“BLOSSOMS isn’t just about watching videos,” Larson says. “It’s about interaction, exploration, and discovery with a local teacher guiding the experience.” 

The program has been implemented in classrooms from the United States to the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, bridging educational divides by using open-source technology and a collaborative development model. 

The Global Reach of MIT LINC 

As founder and director of the Learning International Networks Consortium (LINC), Larson envisioned a global forum where educators, technologists, and policymakers could collaboratively reimagine learning. Since its inception, LINC has hosted eight international symposia, bringing together voices from over 40 countries. 

His leadership ensured LINC was not just an academic think tank, but a platform for action, facilitating technology-enabled programs and policy changes in real-world educational environments. 

Singapore-MIT Alliance: A Digital Milestone 

Long before the term “online education” became mainstream, Larson spearheaded the Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA) a trailblazing point-to-point digital education program that delivered MIT-level learning across oceans. 

Launched in the 1990s, SMA proved that distance is not a barrier to quality, offering interactive, real-time learning for students in Asia from faculty based in Cambridge. This initiative remains a blueprint for international e-learning partnerships. 

Back to Basics: The Pencil, the Paper, and the Mind 

Despite his passion for edtech, Larson warns against over-reliance on automation especially in an era dominated by AI. 

“AI can generate essays and solve equations, often at A+ levels,” he notes. “But that’s not learning. That’s outsourcing cognition. We need to return to the basics pencil, paper, and structured thinking. These are tools that build long-term understanding.” 

He references recent cognitive science research that validates the benefits of handwriting in memory retention and conceptual comprehension, emphasizing the importance of balanced learning methodologies. 

Policy, Equity, and the Democratization of Knowledge 

At the core of Larson’s educational philosophy is democratization ensuring that quality education is not limited by geography, economic status, or infrastructure. 

“Where you’re born should not determine whether you get a good education,” he says firmly. “If we can use technology to deliver banking, health care, and government services to remote areas, then surely we can deliver learning.” 

This belief has driven his consultancy work with the World Bank, the United Nations, and educational institutions across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. 

A Lifetime of Educational Innovation 

  • Director of MIT’s CAES (Center for Advanced Educational Services) 
  • Principal Investigator of PIVoT (Physics Interactive Video Tutor) 
  • Creator of MIT World, Masters’ Voices, and Inventing the Global Classroom 
  • Invited speaker at U.S. Congress and forums across Asia, Europe, and South America 
  • Co-author of the award-winning paper: “STEM Crisis or STEM Surplus? Yes and Yes” 

His research on education has influenced curriculum design, teacher training, and digital pedagogy worldwide. 

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Future Classrooms 

For Larson, the future of education lies in blended ecosystems a harmonious mix of digital content, local teaching, systems engineering, and human empathy. 

He advocates for: 

  • Teacher-centric edtech platforms, not teacher-replacing ones 
  • Global collaboration in educational research and policy 
  • Integration of operations research and systems thinking into science curricula 
  • Universal access to open educational resources (OERs) 

“Education is the most important service sector,” Larson affirms. “If we get this right, everything else follows health, economy, innovation, and equity.” 

Final Thought: Leading with Purpose 

With a legacy that spans disciplines, borders, and generations, Richard C. Larson stands as a beacon in the global movement for educational transformation. His work reminds us that the true purpose of education is not just to inform, but to empower. 

In a world grappling with inequality, conflict, and technological disruption, Larson’s message is more relevant than ever: “Great education is a human right. And great systems can make it universal.” 

NEXT: Richard C. Larson: The Mind Behind Models That Move the World 

Richard C. Larson: Engineering Simplicity in a Complex World 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage
Richard C. Larson, the Mitsui Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

In the global landscape of education, operations, and systems thinking, few names command as much respect as Richard C. Larson, the Mitsui Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Known as “Dick” among peers and students, he has spent over five decades applying the science of operations research to real-world systems that affect millions from emergency response to educational reform. Now, as the principal investigator of MIT BLOSSOMS and founding director of MIT LINC, his vision continues to shape the future of global learning. 

A Mind Trained to Tame Chaos 

Larson’s legacy begins with a foundational idea: complex problems can be solved by defining the challenge, specifying clear objectives, recognizing constraints, and identifying optimal, actionable solutions. This methodology guided him through the historic transformation of New York City’s emergency response system. Before 911 became universal, New Yorkers had to memorize over 20 different numbers depending on service and borough. His contribution helped convert this chaos into a single, unified emergency number 911, a model of systems clarity still in use today. 

From Emergency Systems to Education Equity 

Though his early work focused on urban systems and logistics, Larson’s contributions to technology-enabled education have been just as impactful. As Director of MIT’s Center for Advanced Educational Services (CAES) from 1995 to 2003, he championed some of the most ambitious digital learning programs of the time, including the Singapore-MIT Alliance—then the world’s most comprehensive point-to-point distance learning initiative. 

“I saw firsthand how education could be delivered to the other side of the world,” Larson says. “That validated my belief in the democratization of education, where no child should be denied access to quality learning due to geography.” 

This belief led to MIT BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies), a program now used in classrooms across continents. Yet, Larson acknowledges a critical barrier to BLOSSOMS’ success: the challenge of finding skilled in-class facilitators to support digital content. “It’s not just about access,” he notes. “It’s about guided, human-centered engagement.” 

Where Intuition Meets Data 

Despite his academic rigor, Larson often elevates intuition above data in problem-solving. He points to his early work designing schedules for 911 operators in NYC. “We used data, but it was intuition about fatigue, human error, and operator well-being, that helped us make the most meaningful changes.” 

This blend of analytics and human judgment is a recurring theme throughout his career. His development of the Queue Inference Engine and Hypercube Queueing Model introduced new paradigms in logistics and service systems, while his research on pandemic response strategies, such as during the H1N1 and COVID-19 outbreaks, informed real-time policy decisions. 

Education as a Service System 

To Larson, education is not just a field it’s the world’s most critical service system. As founder of MIT LINC (Learning International Networks Consortium), he created a platform for global dialogue around the future of learning, bringing together voices from over 40 countries through recurring international symposia. 

While he celebrates technological advancements, Larson remains a staunch advocate for foundational tools. “AI is both a blessing and a curse,” he says. “We need to get back to basics, with students learning through pencil and paper—methods proven to reinforce cognition and memory.” 

His 2016 paper on the value of STEM video lessons and his leadership in initiatives like PIVoT (Physics Interactive Video Tutor) and MIT World highlight his ability to fuse innovation with pedagogy. 

A Vision Rooted in Operations Research 

Describing Operations Research (OR) as “the world’s most important invisible profession,” Larson envisions a future where OR principles are embedded into high school and university curricula. “From climate change to urban congestion, the problems we face are systems problems. OR gives us the tools to understand and fix them.” 

If not retired, he muses, he would tackle issues like rush-hour traffic and crowd dynamics with demand-sensitive pricing models a concept already trialed in Manhattan for easing congestion. 

Private vs. Public Resilience 

With experience advising corporations like Citibank and American Airlines, as well as institutions like the World Bank and the U.S. Department of Justice, Larson challenges the assumption that municipal systems outperform corporations in resilience. “Private companies face existential threats market loss, bankruptcy. That pressure often drives better preparedness and adaptability,” he argues. 

Lifelong Achievement, Global Impact 

Larson’s accolades are staggering: 

  • Member, National Academy of Engineering 
  • INFORMS President’s Award & Kimball Medal recipient 
  • Lanchester Prize for Urban Police Patrol Analysis 
  • Over 175 published scientific articles and six books 
  • Lead instructor for Crisis Management & Business Resiliency programs 
  • Lifetime Achievement Daniel Berg Medal (2017, India) 

His work has been covered on major media platforms, including ABC’s 20/20, and cited in The New York Times, Science, and federal testimony before the U.S. Congress. 

Legacy in Motion 

At the heart of Larson’s career is a devotion to systems thinking not as theory, but as a practical tool to make society more responsive, efficient, and equitable. Whether optimizing emergency dispatch, advancing digital classrooms, or mentoring the next generation of OR professionals, Richard C. Larson continues to be a model of thoughtful innovation and global vision. 

As he puts it: “The best solutions live at the intersection of rigorous science, human intuition, and the relentless pursuit of clarity in a complex world.” 

Next: Richard C. Larson: Lifelong Mission to Transform Ideas into Impact 

What Japan’s Work Culture Teaches the Modern World 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

In an age when hustle culture dominates global workplaces, the quiet discipline of Japan offers a refreshing and revealing contrast. Globally admired for its precision, loyalty, and innovation, Japan’s work culture is a fascinating blend of ancient values and modern efficiency. It reflects both deep-rooted harmony and, at times, an overwhelming pressure to conform. 

So, what can the world learn and just as importantly, unlearn from Japan? This blog explores the principles, practices, and paradoxes of Japanese work culture that every professional, leader, and business should understand to build more human-centered, productive, and respectful workplaces. 

Discipline and Precision: The Foundation of Trust 

One of the most noticeable traits in Japan’s professional landscape is its obsession with punctuality and accuracy. In Japan, being one minute late to a meeting can be considered disrespectful. Precision is not limited to time; it is reflected in processes, communication, and results. 

This kind of discipline creates a sense of mutual respect and trust within teams. When everyone follows a shared code of conduct, workflows become seamless, and professional relationships grow stronger. The world can learn to treat punctuality and precision not as pressure points, but as pillars of trust and professionalism. 

Lifetime Loyalty: More Than Just a Job 

For decades, the Japanese corporate model was built on lifetime employment, a system where workers joined a company fresh out of school and stayed until retirement. Although times are changing, loyalty remains deeply embedded in the mindset of Japanese professionals. 

Unlike the frequent job-hopping seen in Western cultures, loyalty in Japan fosters long-term vision, dedication, and organizational belonging. While a lifelong commitment may not be practical for everyone, the sense of pride and identity in one’s work is something the global workforce can take to heart. 

Group Harmony Over Individualism 

In Japan, the collective matters more than the individual. The concept of group harmony plays a crucial role in corporate culture. Decisions are made through consensus, and success is shared. 

This value system promotes unity, smooth collaboration, and a low-conflict environment. However, it may sometimes suppress individual expression or innovation. The world doesn’t need to abandon individualism but can find balance by learning how Japan maintains a cohesive team culture without ego clashes or unnecessary competition. 

The Double-Edged Sword of Work Ethic 

Japan is admired and often feared for its intense work ethic. Terms like karōshi (death by overwork) reflect the dark side of this drive. It’s not uncommon for employees to put in 60+ hours a week, with unpaid overtime considered normal in many sectors. 

The takeaway? Dedication must never come at the cost of health. The modern world is shifting toward balance, and Japan, too, is evolving with reforms like “Premium Friday” (a half-day once a month) and initiatives promoting remote work. The lesson here is to work hard but also know when to switch off. 

Professional Etiquette: Respect in Every Detail 

The Japanese workplace runs on formal, deeply ingrained etiquette. Everything from bowing to business card exchange is done with ritualistic grace. Communication is polite, titles are used respectfully, and conflict is often addressed subtly. 

This culture of mutual respect creates a peaceful, professional atmosphere. It shows that emotional intelligence and thoughtful behavior are not just soft skills; they are cultural strengths. The world can gain by incorporating intentional respect and courtesy into daily work life. 

Innovation Through Steady Progress 

Japan may not always be first to launch new tech trends, but it’s known for mastering, refining, and evolving innovations in a stable and sustainable way. Whether it’s robotics, high-speed trains, or automotive technology, Japan follows a model of excellence through patience. 

Instead of the disruptive “move fast and break things” approach, Japan proves that innovation can come from commitment, quality, and focus. This long-game strategy is something global startups and tech companies can emulate to build resilience over short-term hype. 

Silent but Strong Leadership 

Leadership in Japan is not typically loud or commanding. Leaders often exhibit humility, calmness, and quiet confidence. Decisions are thoughtful, not impulsive. Authority is exercised with subtlety, and power dynamics are more relational than positional. 

This contrasts with Western ideals of assertive or charismatic leadership. In today’s evolving workplaces, there is increasing demand for empathetic, grounded, and authentic leaders, something Japan demonstrates through action, not just words. 

Minimalism That Maximizes Focus 

The aesthetic and functional appeal of Japanese minimalism isn’t limited to home décor. Offices in Japan are designed with simplicity in mind: clean desks, organized tools, and no unnecessary clutter. This approach creates mental space and allows professionals to focus with clarity. 

As the modern world battles constant distractions, adapting minimalist workspaces, both physical and digital, can increase productivity and reduce stress. The focus isn’t on less for the sake of trend, but less for the sake of better. 

Time as a Shared Value, Not Just a Resource 

Time in Japanese workplaces is highly respected; meetings start and end on time, agendas are clear, and delays are rare. There’s a shared understanding that time is valuable, not just to oneself, but to everyone involved. 

This collective respect enhances collaboration and reduces friction. In a world that too often glamorizes over-scheduling or hustle, Japan reminds us that professionalism includes respecting others’ time, boundaries, and attention. 

Conclusion 

The Japanese work culture is both inspiring and cautionary. While the world can adopt its strengths of discipline, harmony, respect, and commitment, it must also recognize the importance of evolution. Overwork, inflexibility, and social conformity are challenges that Japan is now actively addressing. 

The future of work isn’t about choosing between East and West. It’s about merging the best of both worlds to create environments where people can perform, grow, and thrive, not just exist. So, what can we really learn from Japan? That success is not defined by how fast we move, but how meaningfully we work. And that the most powerful cultures are those that place people at the center of performance. 

From Bootstrapped Startup to Triple Whale’s 2025 Agency Partner of the Year Winner

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

RSN8 Media’s approach to performance marketing relies on detailed dashboards tracking media spend, customer growth, customer acquisition costs, creative performance, LTV, and customer behavior in real-time. This data-driven precision has helped the agency earn Triple Whale’s 2025 Agency Partner of the Year award. Founded three years ago by Shayan Doosty and his wife, Sylvia, RSN8 challenges traditional marketing models by focusing on measurable incremental revenue rather than vanity metrics like impressions or reach.

While the global digital advertising market is estimated at around $600 to $700 billion annually, many brands still rely on incomplete attribution methods. RSN8’s recognition as the highest-rated agency on Triple Whale’s Partner Directory, with verified five-star reviews and Platinum Partner status, highlights its commitment to data accuracy, accountability, and delivering profitable growth at scale in an industry often defined by assumptions.

A New Standard in Attribution Modeling

Traditional marketing attribution operates like trying to track raindrops in a thunderstorm. Customers encounter dozens of touchpoints before purchasing—social media ads, Google searches, email campaigns, influencer content—and determining which interactions actually drive sales has remained marketing’s unsolved problem. Most agencies rely on platform-reported data, which creates a fragmented view where Meta claims credit for one sale, Google claims credit for the same sale, and brands struggle to understand their true return on investment.

RSN8 Media’s breakthrough came through pioneering a methodology that correlates Triple Whale attribution data with business revenue. Their proprietary approach leverages a combination of agentic workflows and Triple Whale’s marketing mix modeling (MMM) which combines first-party data from brands’ stores, ad spend and attributable revenue for DTC media channels, Amazon ad spend and revenue, and even Retail revenue, creating what Doosty calls “a complete view of performance across the entire customer journey.”  While marketing mix modeling, correlations, and attribution traditionally requires a month to find meaningful opportunities, RSN8 claims their bespoke approach operates in real-time, automatically adjusting projected revenue and spend recommendations across channels based on performance trends that quantifies the holistic impact of ad channels on overall business revenue. Their work with Talentless, Scott Disick’s lifestyle brand, illustrates the practical impact of precise attribution. Traditional agencies might optimize for cost-per-click or cost-per-impression metrics, but RSN8’s approach focuses on customer lifetime value and true incremental revenue. This methodology enabled Talentless to achieve sustainable growth while maintaining profitable unit economics, a combination that eludes many direct-to-consumer brands.

The “Navy SEAL” Approach to Growth Marketing

RSN8 Media’s positioning as the “Navy SEAL team of growth marketing” reflects their operational philosophy: small, highly skilled teams executing complex missions with precision. Unlike traditional agencies that scale through junior-level media buyers, RSN8 operates with senior-only teams that function as extensions of their clients’ marketing departments. This structure allows them to maintain the strategic depth typically found only in-house while providing the specialized expertise that most brands cannot afford to develop internally.

The agency’s growth trajectory—120% year-over-year revenue growth while remaining fully bootstrapped—demonstrates the market demand for this approach. They have partnered with over 100 brands in three years, including household names and emerging disruptors across industries. Their client roster spans from Marshmello’s MelloGang merchandise to Manuka Doctor’s premium New Zealand Manuka Honey, each requiring different strategic approaches but benefiting from the same analytical and executional precision.

This success reflects broader industry trends toward accountability and measurable performance. Venture capital funding for direct-to-consumer brands has contracted significantly since 2021, forcing companies to focus on profitable growth rather than growth at any cost. RSN8’s methodology aligns perfectly with this shift, providing brands with the confidence to deploy marketing budgets where they drive the most impact.

Their recognition as Triple Whale’s 2025 Agency Partner of the Year, following their Triple Whale 2024 Rookie Agency of the Year finalist status, validates their approach within the performance marketing ecosystem. Triple Whale’s platform serves thousands of direct-to-consumer brands agencies, making their achievement even more impressive given the competitive environment where only agencies delivering measurable results achieve top ratings.

Building for the Long Term

Shayan Doosty envisions RSN8 Media as a lasting, respected brand, one built to thrive through growth and endure beyond any eventual acquisition. That long-term focus informs how the agency nurtures client relationships and refines its approach. Preserving boutique service and analytical rigor remains central to RSN8’s identity, even as it scales.

The company’s methodology signals a shift from intuition-driven marketing to performance rooted in measurable outcomes. Traditional agencies often prioritize creative output and media buying while treating attribution as an afterthought. RSN8 flips that model, placing attribution accuracy at the core of its strategy.

The payoff is clarity. With 99.8% attribution accuracy, RSN8 gives brands a reliable foundation for making strategic decisions and allocating budget effectively. While global platforms function similarly across regions, the agency adapts its models to local consumer behavior, maintaining precision across diverse markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of Europe.

RSN8’s consistent results and platform recognition have sparked interest from potential acquirers. As the marketing tech sector consolidates, holding companies and private equity firms increasingly prioritize agencies that can deliver measurable, data-backed performance. RSN8’s ability to demonstrate both technical depth and ROI positions it well in that evolving landscape.

Doosty remains focused on sustainable growth over rapid expansion. He has emphasized maintaining RSN8’s high service standards and values, even as the agency explores new opportunities. That approach has been key to the agency’s evolution from a two-person startup to a high-performing, award-winning firm trusted by more than 100 brands with over $1 billion in media spend managed.

RSN8’s growth story illustrates how technical innovation and data transparency can reshape a mature industry. More than improving marketing efficiency, their model helps businesses think and act more strategically by finally knowing which dollars drive real growth.

NEXT: The Masati Transmutation: Soul-Level Frequencies, Stories, and Soundwaves of Awakening 

Top 7 Passive Income Trends in 2025: Earn Without Lifting a Finger 

Posted on by Shivani Ghadage

In 2025, passive income isn’t just smart. It’s a luxury, achievable strategy. With the coordination of AI, automation, and digital platforms at our fingertips, nowadays Earning money no longer means working around the clock; it’s about quality and smart work. Whether you are a student, freelancer, or aspiring entrepreneur, new tools and technologies are making it a piece of cake to build income streams that run on autopilot. Here we don’t need a big investment, just the right mindset with a fully planned path along with the willingness to start. From the apps that earn while we & the world sleep to the digital products that sell themselves, the future of earning is here. Get ready to make your money work for you. Let’s explore the top trends. 

AI-Powered Content Creation: Turn Your Ideas into Income 

In 2025, the digital economy is going through a big change that combines knowledge with ease of access. The truth is that professional writers, designers, and developers are still very important when it comes to making digital content good. They are irreplaceable because they can think strategically, bring ideas to life in creative ways, and build things that are deep. But what’s different? It’s how we make things and who gets to help. 

Smart tools like ChatGPT, Jasper AI, and Sora have made it possible for anyone to make content, not just professionals. These platforms have made it easier and faster than ever for students, solopreneurs, creators, and small business owners to turn their ideas into real things. 

Print-on-Demand Stores: Build a Brand Without Stock or Stress 

Just Imagine You are running your own merchandise business without ever touching inventory or worrying about shipping. Same, Wise, that’s exactly what print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printery offer. You can also experiment with trending quotes, seasonal themes, or niche artwork. The more unique your product, the more likely it is to stand out. You simply need to upload your design on the products like T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or tote bags, and the platform takes care of the remaining things, from production and packaging to delivery. Even if you are from a non-design background, tools like Canva and Mid journey can help you create stunning, aesthetic artwork using just simple prompts and templates. No graphic design skills are needed. Start small, stay creative, and let the platform do the heavy lifting while you build your passive income brand. 

YouTube Automation: Earn from Content Without Ever Being on Camera 

In 2025, you don’t need to be a YouTuber to make money on YouTube. With YouTube automation, you can build an entire channel without showing your face or using your voice. Using AI voiceovers, stock videos, and freelance editors, creators are launching faceless channels that run almost on autopilot. Popular topics like motivational quotes, top 10 lists, finance tips, and health facts continue to attract millions of views. What’s the best part? Some creators are earning over $2,000/month without ever recording a single clip themselves. If you’ve got ideas and vision, the camera doesn’t need you; your content does. 

Fractional Real Estate: Smart Investing, One Step at a Time 

In India, platforms like Grip Invest and Jupiter Edge are making this opportunity accessible, transparent, and fully digital. It’s not about owning an entire building; it’s about owning a piece that works for you. Start small. Think big. Let your money grow while you focus on your future. Many platforms offer properties vetted by experts, and investors receive regular updates and rent payouts directly to their accounts. It’s a hands-off, secure way to start building wealth through real estate even as a beginner. 

Conclusion 

The world of passive income isn’t reserved for the wealthy anymore. It’s open to anyone with vision and initiative. With the right tools, a smart mindset, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can earn while you sleep, study, or build your dream business.