David Lidsky's Blog, page 228

Tiny homes: A big solution for disaster recovery

This growing industry can aid those suffering from recent fires by providing affordable, quickly-built, and sustainable housing.

Small dwelling units are booming as solutions for affordable housing, camping, and glamping. But of most interest, at present, is the opportunity this category provides as a source of transitional housing during times of climate crisis and regional disasters such as the L.A. fires.

Autodesk’s CMO says Nike was the big brand winner on Super Bowl Sunday

Dara Treseder breaks down why so many brands adopted a ‘safe’ approach during Sunday’s big game.

Super Bowl LIX had a clear winner on the field, but victory for brands was more hard-won. Many aimed for impact, but did they deliver? Autodesk CMO Dara Treseder offers hot takes on this year’s hits and misses from the big game’s ads. She joins host Bob Safian to break down what makes an NBDB (“never been done before”) moment, why so many brands adopted a “safe” approach, and what trends business leaders should note going forward.

Global sustainability models are broken

African merchants are paying the price.

Global sustainability models are failing. They’ve been designed to showcase ethical trade and environmental responsibility, but they fundamentally misunderstand how global supply chains operate—especially the critical, unseen work at the beginning of essential value chains such as critical minerals. 

What the White House’s new press credentialing policy means

This seismic shift in media means three things for companies.

The White House’s recent decision to grant press credentials to independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers marks a defining moment in the evolution of modern media. It acknowledges a reality that has been unfolding for years: How people consume information has fundamentally changed.

How to innovate diversity for a changing global world

Diversity does not look the same in each country or locale.

Diversity initiatives, often called DEI, are in the political and business crosshairs. In recent weeks, Meta, Walmart, Target, Ford, and McDonald’s are among global companies ending their formal DEI initiatives. Some of the bluster is performative. And yet, for many employees and global firms, there’s a sense that this is an opportunity to rebalance the goals and rethink the strategy by innovating diversity practices to better meet the global business goals.  

$143 for a dozen roses, a 20% markup on chocolate: Why this Valentine’s Day could break the bank

You may not be loving the price tags this holiday, thanks to inflation and a cocoa shortage.

The cost of Valentine’s Day may be a lot higher this year compared to last year. You’ve probably heard the price of eggs has skyrocketed, but if you haven’t already started shopping for your Valentine, be prepared for some sticker shock, especially for perennial favorites like roses and chocolates. Here’s why.

Disney is rebranding its employee resource groups—but not eliminating DEI outright

Disney is now joining the ranks of major employers that are shifting their DEI efforts.

In the aftermath of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI, leading companies across corporate America have been reevaluating their diversity programs. Disney is now joining the ranks of major employers that are shifting their DEI efforts, according to a memo obtained by Axios.

Full moon tonight: Here’s the best time to see the February 2025 Snow Moon

In parts of the country, such as the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, snow storms will prevent many stargazers from catching the Snow Moon. Talk about irony.

In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the middle of winter. According to NASA, this is why Native American tribes named this month’s full moon the Snow Moon. Historically, the shortest month of the year was also the coldest because of the heavy snowfall that occurred.

INTC stock price: Intel shares jump 8% after JD Vance vows to safeguard American chips from ‘theft and misuse’ at Paris AI summit

However, shares of Intel rivals Nvidia and Broadcom stayed relatively flat.

Shares of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) rose 8% on Tuesday after Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. will safeguard American artificial intelligence and chip technologies from “theft and misuse” by its “adversaries,” making a veiled reference to China. (The stock closed up by just over 6%.)

How AI is like magic for skilled trades training

The rising need for specialized training and upskilling isn’t being met today.

It’s no surprise that artificial intelligence is transforming the way we learn, but it also has the potential to add a sprinkling of magic to on-the-job training. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary is especially beneficial in the skilled trades. We’re already seeing social media inspire the next generation of tradespeople, and AI-based learning programs can help attract, develop, and retain young talent.