The Lawrence Energy Center in Kansas burns coal for electric power. A federal lawsuit filed by 11 Republican attorneys general claims institutional investors BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street committed antitrust violations to lower supply and increase the cost of coal. (Jill Hummels/Kansas Reflector) Major institutional investors have artificially lowered coal production and raised energy costs for consumers in an effort to lower global carbon emissions, a federal lawsuit claims. Republican attorneys general in 11 states, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, filed a joint lawsuit last month against BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street, claiming the organizations’ efforts to pressure coal companies to lower carbon emissions and respond to climate change amount to anti-competitive business practices. All three companies, the lawsuit says, have acquired significant shares in the largest publicly-traded coal companies to coerce their management. “For the past four years, America’s coal producers have been responding not to the price signals of the free market, but to the commands of Larry Fink, BlackRock’s chairman and CEO, and his fellow asset managers,” the lawsuit says. BlackRock is the world’s largest financial asset manager. The case was in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on behalf of the states of Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia and Wyoming. The case asks the court to find that the companies have violated federal antitrust laws and prohibit them from using their stock holdings in coal companies to limit output. In a statement, State Street called the lawsuit “baseless.” “State Street acts in the long-term financial interests of investors with a focus on enhancing shareholder value,” the company said. “As long-term capital providers, we have a mutual interest in the long-term success of our portfolio companies.” In 2020, Fink wrote in a letter to CEOs that “climate risk is investment risk” and announced efforts to “place sustainability at the center of our investment approach.” He said companies and investors had a meaningful role to play in the transition from fossil fuels and coal to clean energy. The following year, BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, acknowledging an “urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions” and committing to work to reduce carbon emissions. Black Rock and State Street also signed onto Climate Action 100+, a similar initiative where investors work with companies “on improving climate change governance, cutting emissions and strengthening climate-related financial disclosures. Burning coal produces carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas and a significant drive of climate change, scientists say. It also produces sulfur dioxide, particulates and other emissions that can be harmful to human health. Coal made up 19% of energy-related carbon emissions in 2022 and more than half of emissions from electric power companies, according to the Energy Information Administration . In a press release, Hilgers’ office accused the three companies of weaponizing their shares of the coal market. “Whether it comes from state or federal governments or the private sector,” Hilgers said, “the radical climate agenda harms Nebraskans.” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey vowed to “not stand idly by while these companies hamper energy production and raise prices for Missouri consumers.” Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office said in a press release that he was “taking further action to stop work corporatists and their left-leaning allies in government from driving up energy costs for hardworking Hoosiers.” “Coal has been the backbone of Indiana’s economic success for decades,” Rokita said. “The demand for electricity has gone up and these (environmental, social and governance) titans are reaping the benefits of these skyrocketed prices by keeping their thumb on production.” And Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said she would keep “fighting until we take down every cog of the woke machine and protect hardworking families and farmers.” “While Woke Wall Street lines its own pockets,” Bird said, “families and farmers are forced to pay the price.” This article first appeared in the Kansas Reflector , a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network. Originally published on nebraskaexaminer.com , part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange . Get local news delivered to your inbox!None
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NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global wine e-commerce market size is estimated to grow by USD 15.18 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.46% during the forecast period. Increasing preference for online shopping is driving market growth, with a trend towards increase in purchases of alcoholic beverages by minors. However, complex regulatory environment poses a challenge. Key market players include Bright Cellars Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp., DRINKS Insiders LLC, E vino Comercio de Vinhos SA, Flaviar Inc., Fratelli Wines Pvt. Ltd., Gifts Inc., GoBrands Inc., IBEROWINE GOURMET S.C., Living Liquidz, Naked Wines plc, RESERVEBAR HOLDINGS CORP., Retail Services and Systems Inc., SNAP41 Inc., The Wine Emporium, Uber Technologies Inc., VINELLO retail GmbH, Vintage Wine Estates Inc., Vivino Inc., and Wine Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Product Type (Still wine, Sparkling wine, and Fortified wine), Flavor (Red wine, White wine, and Rose wine), and Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Bright Cellars Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp., DRINKS Insiders LLC, E vino Comercio de Vinhos SA, Flaviar Inc., Fratelli Wines Pvt. Ltd., Gifts Inc., GoBrands Inc., IBEROWINE GOURMET S.C., Living Liquidz, Naked Wines plc, RESERVEBAR HOLDINGS CORP., Retail Services and Systems Inc., SNAP41 Inc., The Wine Emporium, Uber Technologies Inc., VINELLO retail GmbH, Vintage Wine Estates Inc., Vivino Inc., and Wine Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The global wine e-commerce market faces a substantial challenge with underage purchases of alcoholic beverages, which can negatively impact market growth. According to the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, underage drinking is a major public health concern, affecting over 200 million youth globally and costing the economy over USD400 billion annually. In the US, around 30% of online wine retailers lack age verification procedures. To mitigate this risk, wine sellers and retailers are implementing age verification software and third-party services. However, these solutions can be costly, making it a significant challenge for smaller producers and retailers. Therefore, addressing underage purchases is crucial for the growth of the global wine e-commerce market. The wine e-commerce market is experiencing significant growth, with increasing numbers of consumers choosing online platforms for their wine purchases. Commerces are providing a wide range of wines, from local to international brands, making it convenient for consumers. The trend of alcohol delivery services has also contributed to the growth of this market. Consumers can now order wines online and have them delivered to their doorstep. Additionally, the use of technology such as virtual tastings and personalized recommendations has made the wine buying experience more engaging and enjoyable for consumers. The convenience, variety, and innovative features offered by wine e-commerce platforms make them a popular choice for wine lovers. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This wine e-commerce market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Still wine- The still wine segment dominates the global wine e-commerce market, accounting for the majority of online wine sales. This segment caters to various consumer preferences, offering a wide range of wines from diverse regions and grape varieties. E-commerce platforms provide consumers with convenient access to a vast selection of still wines, including premium and high-end options. Subscription services enable personalized wine deliveries and expand consumers' wine knowledge. The preference for premium still wines is driving the growth of the global wine e-commerce market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Wine E-commerce Market represents a significant segment of the global alcoholic beverages industry, catering to the convenience needs of consumers in the digital age. E-commerce platforms enable the selection and home delivery of wines, reaching an expanding base of shoppers worldwide. The market encompasses various stakeholders, including wine sellers and retailers, who leverage internet penetration to expand their customer base. Online auctions provide collectors and enthusiasts with unique opportunities to purchase rare and premium wines. However, the online sales process raises concerns regarding underage purchases, a public health issue that necessitates age verification software. The complex regulatory environment, characterized by a patchwork of different sale and distribution jurisdictions, adds to the challenges faced by market participants. Market Research Overview The Wine e-commerce market is a thriving sector in the digital economy, offering consumers the convenience of purchasing their favorite wines online. This market caters to various segments, including red, white, rose, and sparkling wines, as well as organic and biodynamic options. E-commerce platforms provide extensive information on wine varieties, regions, and producers, enabling customers to make informed decisions. Shops offer various delivery options, including next-day and same-day delivery, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Selection is a crucial factor, with many stores offering a wide range of wines from around the world. Additionally, features like wine recommendations based on past purchases and ratings, as well as educational content, add value to the customer journey. Overall, the Wine e-commerce market is a dynamic and competitive space, driven by consumer demand for convenience, variety, and knowledge. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wine-e-commerce-market-to-grow-by-usd-15-18-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-online-shopping-preference-with-ai-redefining-market-landscape---technavio-302318985.html SOURCE TechnavioVision 2047 to Change Tirumala Into Model Pilgrimage Centre
NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into BioAge Labs, Inc. BIOA for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in BioAge, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc . Why is BioAge being Investigated? BioAge Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutic products for metabolic diseases, with a primary focus on obesity. The company's lead product candidate, azelaprag, is an orally available small-molecule agonist of the apelin receptor (APJ), designed to enhance weight loss. During the relevant period, the company stated that azelaprag was well-tolerated in 265 individuals across eight Phase 1 clinical trials and that following the company's IPO it was "well-equipped to advance our clinical programs[.]" The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed On December 6, 2024, BioAge announced that it discontinued its STRIDES Phase 2 trial for azelaprag, citing safety concerns, after liver transaminitis was observed in subjects receiving azelaprag. The company stated that the decision to discontinue the STRIDES Phase 2 study of azelaprag "became clear" due to "the emerging safety profile of the current doses tested[.]" This news caused the price of the company's stock to decline over 76%, from a closing price of $20.09 per share on December 6, 2024, to $4.65 per share on December 9, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in BioAge you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bioage-labs-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global precast concrete market size is estimated to grow by USD 21.87 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.11% during the forecast period. Growing urbanization and industrialization is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing investments in construction industry. However, lack of awareness regarding precast concrete poses a challenge. Key market players include Balfour Beatty Plc, Boral Ltd., CEMEX SAB de CV, Consolis Group SAS, CRH Plc, EBAWE Anlagentechnik GmbH, Elematic Oyj, Gulf Precast Concrete Co. LLC, Heidelberg Materials AG, Holcim Ltd., Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Kiewit Corp., Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Prilhofer Consulting GmbH and Co. KG, QUIKRETE Holdings Inc., Skanska AB, Spiroll Precast Services Ltd., The Wells Companies, Tindall Corp., and Weckenmann Anlagentechnik GmbH and Co. KG. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The global construction industry's growth is driven by infrastructure development and population movement into middle-income zones. Precast concrete plays a significant role in this sector, with increased demand for resources such as reinforced concrete, beams, columns, and structural building components. Technological innovation and skilled labor shortages influence the market. Key investments include roads, retail facilities, and transportation infrastructure, leading to increased spending on precast concrete products. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Precast concrete is a versatile building material, manufactured by casting concrete in reusable molds and transported for installation. Misconceptions about its use persist, with some preferring traditional materials like brick, stone, and wood. Precast concrete offers advantages such as durability, cost-effectiveness, safety, and design flexibility. Industries like dams, infrastructure, and industrial sectors benefit from its use in structures like factories, flyovers, and girders. Precast concrete's advantages extend to green building projects, noise-cancellation walls, and rail applications. Key players include manufacturers, institutional and private investors, and the manufacturing sector. Raw materials and process standardization contribute to profitability and high-quality control. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This precast concrete market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Non-residential 1.2 Residential 2.1 Building components 2.2 Transportation 2.3 Water and water handling 2.4 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Non-residential- The precast concrete market encompasses various non-residential sectors, including dams, commercial buildings, offices, hospitals, schools, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Precast concrete's advantages include time and cost savings, consistency in quality, and durability. Manufactured off-site, precast concrete products undergo controlled conditions, enabling faster construction and lower labor costs. Precast concrete's high strength and resistance to weathering make it suitable for long-lasting, heavy-use structures. Emerging countries and economies in the energy, industrial, and institutional sectors increasingly adopt precast concrete for infrastructural development. Key applications include dams, girders, flyovers, and rail applications. Precast concrete's design flexibility, process standardization, and compatibility with green building projects contribute to profitability. Raw materials and handling charges are essential considerations for manufacturers in the industrialized methods of precast concrete production. Precast concrete's versatility extends to falsework, fences, and noise-cancellation walls, catering to diverse customer needs and preferences. Private and public investments in infrastructure development further fuel market growth. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Precast Concrete Market plays a significant role in the infrastructure development sector, particularly in the construction industry. This market is characterized by the Precast Concrete Method, which prioritizes process standardization and high-quality control to ensure the production of consistent Precast Modules. Environmental conditions and work-zone safety are crucial considerations in this method, which employs material handling techniques and scaffolding for optimal efficiency. Reinforced concrete is a key building component in Precast Concrete construction, with applications ranging from residential projects to industrialization and urbanization efforts. Technological innovation and architectural innovation have further expanded the market's potential, with Precast Concrete being used in the construction of airports, transportation routes, and other large-scale infrastructure projects. Cement, a primary material in Precast Concrete production, is transported and handled efficiently to produce walls, beams, columns, stairs, and other building components. Water and waste handling are also essential aspects of Precast Concrete production, ensuring the sustainability and eco-friendliness of this construction method. Market Research Overview Precast concrete market encompasses a significant segment of the construction industry. With the increasing demand for infrastructure development and urbanization, the precast concrete market continues to grow. Precast concrete products offer several advantages, including faster construction times, reduced labor costs, and improved consistency. These factors have led to the widespread adoption of precast concrete in various applications, such as bridge decks, architectural structures, and drainage systems. The precast concrete industry comprises manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of precast concrete products. Key players in the market include Beams, Bridges, and Structures, Archtectural Precast, Carrigage, and Components and Panels. The market is driven by factors such as government investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, and the growing trend towards sustainable construction. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs and the need for specialized equipment and expertise remain. Despite these challenges, the precast concrete market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Non-residential Residential Product Building Components Transportation Water And Water Handling Others Geography APAC Europe North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
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For orchardist and Freshco director Greig Taylor there is nothing better than looking out over his orchard knowing he is growing apples efficiently and cost-effectively. He has called on technology and evolution to enhance effective water usage in his orchards and wants more people to understand how they do it. Taylor opened up one of his orchards to Hawke’s Bay Today earlier this year to help reassure the public that water was being put to good use and not wasted. “As water users, we feel there is a lack of understanding and a bit of education we can do.” At River Cottage Orchard on Davis Rd in Longlands, Hastings, Taylor is now seeing the impacts of his improved tree structures.
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Share Tweet Share Share Email For scholastic sports teams—whether at the youth, high school, or college level—fundraising can be a constant challenge. With budgets often limited and the need for resources like uniforms, equipment, and travel expenses, raising money can be a critical part of maintaining a competitive program. In 2025, one of the most innovative and effective ways for sports teams to engage their communities and raise funds is through a fully digital Pick a Date to Donate calendar fundraiser. This fundraising model offers numerous benefits for teams, combining the power of digital technology with the support of passionate fans. Here’s why sports teams should consider running a fully digital “Pick a Date to Donate” fundraiser in 2025: 1. Engagement with the School Community A key advantage of the Pick a Date to Donate model is its ability to engage the entire school community—students, parents, alumni, and local supporters. This fundraiser allows individuals to pick a date on a calendar, with each date associated with a donation that matches the number of the day. For example, day 10 represents a $10 donation. The dates could correspond to significant school events, game days, or personal milestones. For instance, fans can choose a date on the calendar that aligns with their child’s birthday or a memorable game in the team’s season. By involving the whole community, you not only raise funds but also foster a deeper sense of school spirit and support for the athletic program. This personal connection to the fundraiser makes it more likely that participants will share the campaign with others, amplifying its reach. 2. Low-Cost, High-Impact Fundraising A digital Pick a Date to Donate calendar fundraiser is a low-cost alternative to traditional fundraising events. Organizing physical events often involves significant costs, from booking venues to catering and printing materials. With a digital campaign, there is minimal overhead expense. You don’t need a physical location, and you can easily set up and promote the fundraiser using low-cost online platforms – in some cases, you can even run a completely free calendar fundraiser without any fees. The money you raise goes directly toward supporting your team’s needs—whether it’s for uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, or field maintenance—without the heavy costs that typically come with event-based fundraising, or the typical fees associated with alternative digital fundraising models. 3. Reach a Larger, Broader Audience One of the most significant benefits of a fully digital fundraiser is its global reach. While traditional fundraisers may be limited to local events or a physical piece of paper (for paper calendars), a digital calendar can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for scholastic sports teams with alumni or supporters who have moved away from the community but still want to stay involved and contribute. Fans can purchase or “sponsor” dates from anywhere in the world, whether they’re alumni living in another state or grandparents who want to support their grandchildren’s team. This expanded reach helps generate more donations, as it removes geographical barriers that often limit participation in fundraising efforts. 4. Customizable and Flexible A digital calendar fundraiser is highly customizable to reflect the brand of the sports team. You can adorn your digital calendar fundraiser with your team’s name, logo and colors to strengthen the connection between your team and its fundraiser supporters. The flexibility of the fundraiser allows for many different levels of contribution (dates 1-31), making it accessible to a wide range of donors—from parents to alumni to local businesses. This makes it easy to cater to different budgets while still raising significant funds. 5. Simple for Fans to Participate The ease of participating in a digital Pick a Date to Donate campaign is another compelling reason for scholastic sports teams to adopt this model. Fans simply select a date, make their donation and leave their name, and they’re done. The process is simple, quick, and can be done from the comfort of their homes—ideal for busy families who may not have time to attend physical fundraising events. With a few clicks, donors can make their contribution and feel a sense of pride in supporting the team. This simplicity leads to higher participation rates, especially when combined with social media sharing, which can amplify the campaign’s visibility. 6. Track Progress and Optimize the Campaign Digital platforms also offer valuable insights into how the campaign is performing. Teams can easily track which dates have been donated/sponsored, monitor donation amounts, and assess the overall progress of the fundraiser. This real-time tracking allows for quick adjustments to maximize the success of the campaign. For example, if certain dates aren’t selling as well as expected, teams can offer promotions or spotlight those dates in social media posts to encourage more donations. The ability to measure success and optimize the campaign in real-time ensures that fundraising efforts are as effective as possible. Conclusion In 2025, scholastic sports teams are facing new challenges and opportunities when it comes to fundraising. A fully digital Pick a Date to Donate calendar fundraiser is a cost-effective, engaging, and sustainable way to support your team. It engages the entire school community and removes geographical barriers, all while being easy to execute and monitor. By tapping into the power of digital tools, scholastic sports teams can raise vital funds while building school spirit and fostering long-term support from their fans . If you’re looking for a creative and efficient fundraising option for your sports team in 2025, a digital Pick a Date to Donate calendar is the perfect solution. Start planning your campaign today and watch your team’s support grow! Related Items: Calendar Fundraiser , Scholastic Sports Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
Imagine sitting in a café with a notepad and talking to a corporate senior who has been there, seen it, and done it. Over a cup of cappuccino, the senior narrates his wisdom about crafting a career that “doesn’t just pay but also gives you joy.” That’s how you could feel reading Pavan Soni’s Design Your Career: Lead Self, Lead Others, Lead Change — inspiring and actionable. Soni lays down six rules, and we explain them with examples. Rule 1: Life is long; pace it well: Imagine you’re at the starting line of a marathon race, and the crowd surges forward at the whistle. Do you sprint? Definitely not if you want to cross the finishing line. Similarly, find the deep motivations that drive you in a career — and pace yourself. Remember, he isn’t giving up when someone steps away from a high-stakes corporate job to mentor start-ups. It’s just pacing for the long game. For example, Dhoni gave up Test cricket in 2013 to prolong his career by a decade. Rule 2 : Deserve before you desire: You have to earn your seat at the power table. It doesn’t get handed out like in a dinner. Take a junior analyst who wants to lead strategy meetings, but his PowerPoint slides are full of errors, and he simply reads out from there. Obviously, he needs to master the craft. Similarly, if you want to sit in the corner room, first become indispensable. The book urges us to build credibility before seeking rewards. Rule 3 : Own your career, or somebody else will: Remember the gym coach constantly reminding you to attend practice? Or the mother who repeatedly follows up on her kid’s homework. In a corporate career, no one will set the pace for you. Instead, it is a long-term portfolio that you have to assiduously build. You have a combination of good stocks in a portfolio of stocks, and you don’t necessarily follow the trend. Similarly, treat your career as an entrepreneurial venture and stay away from the passive “go-with-the-flow” decisions. Rule 4: Focus on high-leverage activities: This one hits the bull’s eye if you’ve spent long nights in busy work that felt productive but wasn’t. Like the long hours you spent reading parts of a subject for the exam, but no question came from there! Soni talks about the ‘Zone of Freedom,’ a space where your choices make the most impact. He tells you to focus and shows you how to do it. For instance, delegate tasks that are outside your core zone. It’s like deciding not to wash your car but spending that hour learning a new skill. Rule 5: Think strategically, act decisively: Soni introduces “future back” thinking, where you imagine the future you want and reverse-engineer the steps to get there. It’s like a young designer sketching out her dream studio and then identifying the skills, networks, and portfolio pieces she’ll need. Stephen Covey wrote this three decades ago: Begin with the end in mind . The idea may not be novel, but many don’t follow it, so it needs repeating. Rule 6: Leadership is a choice, not everyone can make: Leadership is about taking responsibility. Leaders shield, support, and inspire. Imagine a manager who takes the blame for a missed deadline so her team can focus on solutions. Only some are destined to be CEOs. And not every need to. One of India’s best batters, Sachin Tendulkar, gave up captaincy. If your heart is there, go for it. If you think you are not cut for it, be the best in whatever you are now doing. Design Your Career doesn’t give you a checklist; it hands you a compass. It’s for those willing to take charge of their lives, make tough choices, and do the work. The reviewer is Director, ICFAI Group Comments