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Goldman Sachs Recruit Wants Women Leaders in the Boardroom


Women drive 70%-80% of consumer purchasing, and companies with at least one woman on their board have a higher return on equity than those that do not, the Women on Boards Project states on its website — yet women occupy just 20% of board seats globally and aren’t expected to reach gender parity for decades, according to a Deloitte report.

Cassie Burr, co-founder and executive director of the Women on Boards Project, is on a mission to change that. In February 2020, she and co-founders Sheryl O’Loughlin, Melissa Facchina and Kara Cissell-Roell launched the project to increase the number of women on the boards of private consumer companies.

Image Credit: Courtesy of the Women on Boards Project. Cassie Burr, co-founder and executive director.

A series of “interconnected” experiences helped set Burr on the path to co-founder and cultivate her commitment to uplifting women leaders.

A math major in college, Burr was recruited by Goldman Sachs and moved from Arizona to Utah to join the firm. “I was pulled into STEM-focused recruiting, women-focused recruiting,” she recalls. “I eventually helped build a training initiative globally [and joined] the leadership team of their women’s network. That helped me realize that capital markets are interesting, but what drove my passion was these human elements of an organization.”

Related: Goldman Sachs Will Pay $215 Million in Gender Discrimination Suit

From there, Burr joined an executive search firm in San Francisco, then became vice president of talent at consumer-focused private equity firm VMG Partners. The “concept of a talent partner was still quite novel” at VMG, and Burr had the chance to define what it meant in the context of the firm’s commitment to building organizations as diverse as its consumer base.

“[But] we don’t have a supply problem. There’s no dearth.”

Burr’s early professional experiences came to the fore when O’Loughlin, co-founder of organic food company Plum Organics and former CEO of Clif Bar, brought together Burr and several other women, including Cissell-Roell, Burr’s former boss at VMG, and Facchina, co-founder and general partner at Siddhi Capital.

They were all frustrated by the lack of representation of women in the boardroom, Burr recalls — and by the misguided focus on a “supply problem” with women leaders.

“We saw a lot of groups focused on what we would describe as the supply side,” Burr says. “[But] we don’t have a supply problem. There’s no dearth. There’s an incredible ecosystem of talented founders, CEOs and operators who would be amazing board directors if given the opportunity.”

Part of the issue has roots in the problematic phrase “board-ready,” according to Burr.

“There’s not a mystical threshold you reach that makes you ready,” she explains. “Every boardroom is completely different. What makes you an amazing candidate is going to vary depending on the investor, the stage of the company and what they’re trying to accomplish.”

Related: The Only Woman in the Room? That Was Me. Then I Built a Network of Career-Boosting Champions and Everything Changed.

“With private companies, you actually have more room for creativity.”

The Women on Boards Project launched with a consortium of investors dedicated to increasing the number of women in the boardroom: VMG Partners, City Capital, L Catterton, Swander Pace and more. During its first year, 20 companies committed to adding a woman or additional women to their boards.

Those initial days taught a couple of important lessons, Burr says: It’s challenging to conduct numerous board searches simultaneously, and broadening the definition of “board member” can help.

“It’s really hard to do 20 board searches at once,” Burr says. “It’s [also] hard to pick a moment in time and say, ‘We’re going to do it at that point.’ It’s driven by demand; it’s driven by open board seats, folks retiring or moving on. So the way we’ve evolved is more of an on-demand approach.”

Related: How We Increased Gender Diversity In Our Boardroom

When the demand for a new board member isn’t there — Burr admits a lot of conversations stalled when there wasn’t an open board seat and creating one would be difficult — reenvisioning what it means to sit on a private company’s board is paramount.

“With private companies, you have more room for creativity,” Burr says. “If we define that board member as someone who’s in the room, has a voice and is paid, then the piece of that equation that’s missing is voting rights, and that’s actually what matters least in private boardrooms. Very infrequently does anything ever come to a vote.”

“You want a board that represents the consumers that you’re serving.”

To date, the Women on Boards Project has helped connect 60 women with board roles, with 10 matches this year alone. The organization continues to recruit consumer investors as its sponsors. Strong word-of-mouth referrals across those investors’ portfolio companies and external entities help the project grow and hone its offering.

Needless to say, Burr knows what it takes to create a well-balanced board — and she suggests organizations keep two things in mind to do it effectively.

Related: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Boards

First, be critical of “onlyness” in the boardroom. You don’t necessarily want any one member to feel singled out, Burr says.

“In this context, I certainly mean the only woman, especially if your consumer is largely women — that’s problematic,” she explains. “You want a board that represents the consumers that you’re serving. You can also think about onlyness in other contexts, the only person of color. Again, especially if that’s a big target consumer, it’s hard to represent [those consumers] if you’re the only voice expected to speak on their behalf.”

Related: Board Diversity: Why It’s More Important Than Ever

And, once again, don’t let the reductive idea of “board-readiness” deter you from choosing a candidate who’s well-prepared in their own way.

“Don’t underestimate the grit, passion, energy and relevance of first-time board members,” Burr says. “These folks are often part of a leadership team of some of the fastest growing or newly acquired, most successful companies that will bring that incredibly relevant expertise to your boardroom.”



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Build Across Platforms with Visual Studio 2022 for Just $34.97


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

As a business owner, you know that having oversight or control over your software development process is important to staying ahead in a competitive market. Whether you’re looking to streamline your in-house development team or take on more projects independently, having the right tools is essential.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows, now available for just $34.97 through September 3, offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to help you and your team succeed.

With Visual Studio Professional 2022, you can develop applications across multiple platforms, including mobile, desktop, and web. Leveraging powerful tools like .NET MAUI and Blazor, you can build apps that work seamlessly on different devices and operating systems. This cross-platform capability allows you to reach a broader audience without the need for multiple development environments.

Features like IntelliCode offer AI-assisted coding suggestions, while CodeLens provides insights directly into your code, helping you understand code dependencies and impacts before making changes. Live Share enhances collaboration by allowing team members to work together on code in real time, regardless of their location. These tools collectively streamline the development process, reducing time and effort while improving code quality.

For businesses handling complex projects, Visual Studio Professional 2022 offers advanced features like debugging tools and the ability to test .NET and C++ applications across various environments. This ensures your software is thoroughly tested and ready for deployment, minimizing potential issues post-launch.

Highly regarded in the industry, it has received 5/5 stars from Microsoft Choice Software and 4.6/5 stars from Capterra and GetApp.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer to take the reins of your development process and drive your business forward.

Pick up Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows for just $34.97 (reg. $499) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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Popmenu Revolutionizes Restaurant Ops with AI Tech


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

If there’s one commonality among restaurant operators, it’s that there is just too much to do with too little time.

That’s why Popmenu is using AI and other innovative technologies to help restaurant operators regain more of life’s most precious resource: hours in the day.

Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy are co-founders of Popmenu, a SaaS company that helps restaurant owners navigate an increasingly complex and tech-driven industry landscape. They recently sat down with Shawn Walchef to record an episode of the Restaurant Influencers podcast.

Popmenu’s vision is not just about using technology but using it correctly. Tech should seamlessly integrate into the fabric of operations and be paired with valuable data to make life easier for restaurant owners.

In April 2024, Popmenu conducted a nationwide study of 1,000 consumers in the U.S. about their dining habits.

The company’s research found that consumers spend 10% less of their food budget on restaurants than they did previously — 30% now compared to 40% in 2022. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed said they are spending the same as before but are now tipping less.

Related: This Legendary California Fish Market Sold $30 Million in One Year Thanks to Viral Videos – Then Caught Amazon’s Attention

As the restaurant industry faces mounting challenges, Sweeney says he’s acutely aware that simply offering great food and service is no longer enough to keep the doors open.

Establishments that adapt to the times will continue to thrive. Great food and service should always be available, but now great technology should also be included.

“The restaurants that are doing the things they need to do to stay in front of consumers are hanging in there, or they’re growing,” Sweeney says.

Sweeney emphasizes that although, unfortunately, hospitality alone can’t guarantee success anymore, adapting to the times is essential. Restaurants that resist engaging with technology and digital marketing find it increasingly difficult to keep up.

“There are too many options out there staying in front of you all the time,” he says. “I think now, more and more, it’s kind of taking shape. [Restaurants] understand more about what they need to do. They’re believing.”

Related: This Fine-Dining Titan Understands the Power of Hands-On Experience and Diversification

AI Marketing

This understanding of the industry’s shifting dynamics fuels Popmenu’s innovations.

In that April 2024 survey, Popmenu found that most restaurant operators listed “creating marketing content” as one of their most time-consuming tasks. Three-fourths said they were open to using AI to help save time when making marketing content.

That’s where Popmenu’s AI-driven content calendar, designed to ease the burden on restaurant owners, can help. It pre-populates an entire month’s worth of digital content — social posts, emails and text messages — based on the restaurant’s activities and trends.

“It turns them into editor-in-chief,” Sweeney says, and allows restaurant owners to approve or edit content without starting from scratch.

The result? Faster, cheaper and more effective content that consistently outperforms manually created alternatives.

Sweeney proudly points out that Popmenu was already leveraging AI well before the rise of generative tools like ChatGPT, positioning it perfectly to integrate these new technologies.

Related: How This Couple Transformed a Gas Station Kitchen Into a Legendary BBQ Destination

In addition to digital innovation, Popmenu co-founder and chief operating officer Roy emphasizes the importance of industry events — such as the National Restaurant Association Show, where it erected its own speakeasy — for staying connected and visible in the industry.

“We do it to learn, to meet with as many people as possible, whether it’s partners or clients,” Roy says. “We love shows. I would do more of them,” he admits, recognizing the tangible benefits these gatherings bring, including the chance to interact directly with potential clients and partners.

Together, Sweeney and Roy are not just responding to the challenges facing modern restaurants — they are proactively leading the charge, equipping businesses with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a world where technology and engagement are critical to success.

“It is about getting in front of your fans and your potential fans as many times as possible,” Sweeney says. “Not being afraid, not being shy, not thinking you have to be perfect constantly.”

And when you add artificial intelligence into the recipe?

“The orders just follow.”

Related: If You Want to Make Millions, Ditch Your Polished Pitch and ‘Own Your Crazy’ Says This Legendary Branding Guru

About Restaurant Influencers

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.



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5 Money Insights I Wish I Knew About Navigating the Financial Landscape as a Black Woman


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Entrepreneurship is the greatest self-discovery adventure you could ever embark on. But even when you know so many things and are an expert on a subject, there are money insights only someone who has been there can tell you about, and financial growth’s key aspects are one of them.

When I started my financial education platform to teach women entrepreneurs about money, few entrepreneurs looked like me, and that limited my opportunity to examine and follow more than they did on social media. As a finance professional, I thought I could figure it out as I “had everything” I needed to grow financially without any hiccups on the way; after all, I went to university and have been involved with the finance world since high school, but I couldn’t be further from reality.

When you are a Black, brown or female entrepreneur of color, your financial journey is directly correlated to different factors like your identity, your and your family’s beliefs around entrepreneurship and money, and the way that you fit in all of those subconscious habits with money, including your relationship with money. But that is something no one is talking about, and it costs us years of trial and error that hinder our ability to grow a business and our confidence and create a strong basis as an entrepreneur.

Here are the five key insights I wish fellow entrepreneurs had shared about navigating the financial landscape as a Black founder.

Related: She Launched Her Black-Owned Beauty Brand with $1,500 in Her Pockets — Now Her Products Are on Sephora’s Shelves.

My relationship with money impacts financial growth

How we relate to money — the meanings, beliefs, interpretations and ways of doing that create what we call a relationship with money — are essential in your journey to grow financially as a Black female entrepreneur. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I didn’t fully grasp how my beliefs, perspective, and financial identity would influence my business decisions that were directly connected to money, like pricing, or those that indirectly had to do with money, such as showing up to promote my programs.

Take a moment to analyze: Are you one of those who go on automatic pilot, executing every strategy in the market, but have a hard time talking about money, looking for a proper way of pricing, seeing your bank account and doing money planning? Then, it’s time to look at your relationship with money.

Family’s beliefs around money and entrepreneurship need to be filtered

Your relationship with money, how you think about opportunities in entrepreneurship, how you manage money and many other skills you need when growing a business have been in the making since you were too little to remember. From the way you feel about money to the way you face risk, setbacks and other mental and emotional rollercoasters with money, you’ll need to become your best advocate when it comes to filtering the opinions or advice that comes from your close social circle that isn’t in alignment or doesn’t support where you want to go.

The best way to filter those views out is to assess, according to your vision and financial goal, what advice, beliefs, behaviors and opinions are useful to listen to (and will most likely support you in advancing toward your goal). If they are not applicable, then they will not have space for you to consider them.

For instance, what use can you find in “You have to give us family prices?” I haven’t seen any use for this opinion in my career. Instead, it is quite the opposite. It brings a lot of guilt and shame. Thus, it has been filtered out since year one of business.

Related: 5 Trailblazing Black Women Entrepreneurs Share How They’re Breaking Barriers — And How You Can Too

Having a community that supports is key

As an entrepreneur, you’re doing what most of the people we know are not, and to grow financially, you need to start having the proper discussions with the right people.

The matters that preoccupy your mind and the insights you may need to find a better, more cost-effective system or to get out of your head are found in a community.

Surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors who understand your challenges and can offer guidance, but most importantly, as a Black entrepreneur, a community that understands your unique challenges that go across putting yourself together and feeling the reality of paying the bills simultaneously. Join networking groups, listen to podcasts and join their community, attend industry events and participate in online forums that reflect what you want to become financially and where you want to take your business.

Financial planning is non-negotiable for financial growth

One thing I knew from school that this path only reconfirmed was that financial planning is not negotiable from the get-go if you want to grow. With your desire and motivation to grow your business, much of that emotional side of money gets triggered. It could be to buy that next course, subscribe to a platform, buy the next piece of equipment or spend on advertising when it wasn’t the right timing; for all of these cases and the ones, your money planning will be your best ally. It is essential to have a base where you can come to and ground yourself when those urges to make the extra purchase or the extra investment mean faster financial growth.

Don’t be overcomplicated. Just shift the focus from “I just need to make money” to assigning and tracking your numbers.

Related: ‘I’m Black. I’m a Woman. Let’s Talk About Raising Venture Capital.’

Your management goals are as important as your revenue goals

One of the habits I work the most on shifting with my community is to change the focus from a revenue-oriented way of thinking to amplify the spectrum and consider how you manage what you earn. As an entrepreneur, you get a lot of marketing, information and sometimes standards stressing revenue as the way to measure growth; however, learning how to manage that revenue that is not pocket money, a one-time off lucky shot or an “I’ll never have this amount of money again” becomes your financial key.

Balance your drive for revenue with a solid plan for managing and growing your business sustainably.



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Stay Protected on Public Wi-Fi with a VPN Travel Router for Just $159


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Maintaining a secure and reliable internet connection is essential for anyone with a digital presence. This becomes even more critical if you travel for work and rely on public Wi-Fi, which can be a breeding ground for unsavory characters. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs travel often and find themselves at the mercy of this type of connection.

While there are tips you can follow to use public networks safely, a tool like this Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router ensures you’re staying as safe as possible online, no matter where you are. It’s on sale for just $159 (reg. $219) with the code CONNECT, plus it ships for free.

Privacy and security.

Using public Wi-Fi can expose your data to various security risks. This portable VPN router provides military-grade encryption, ensuring your internet activity remains private and secure, no matter where your business takes you. It’s also decentralized, which means none of your data is stored.

This device also provides ad-blocking and parental controls, giving you complete control over your online experience. With the Deeper Connect Air, you can browse, work, and communicate with the confidence that your sensitive business data is protected. It’s also decentralized, which means none of your data is stored.

Global access, speed, and portability.

One of the more valuable features of the Deeper Connect Air is its ability to bypass geo-restrictions. This means you can access streaming services, websites, and content worldwide, regardless of location.

The Deeper Connect Air has 80,000+ nodes around the world and delivers a mighty 300 Mbps connection, allowing you to stream, browse, and work without frustrating slowdowns.
In addition, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to pack and carry, so you can take it with you wherever your work takes you. Keep it right in your bag with your laptop so you’re never without it.

The ultimate travel tool.

Whether flying off to a different country or working in a cafe down the road, this travel VPN router is a fantastic way to ensure you’re connected and secure.

Don’t miss this Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router for just $159 (reg. $219) with the code CONNECT through September 3, plus free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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Never Pay Full Price for a Flight Again


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, travel is often a necessary part of growing and expanding your enterprise. Whether you’re meeting with clients, attending conferences, or scouting new markets, frequent travel can quickly become one of your largest expenses.

That’s where Matt’s Flights Premium Plan could come in handy. A lifetime subscription is on sale for just $79.97 (reg. $1,800), which gives you access to exclusive flight deals, saving you up to 90% on both domestic and international flights. Just imagine the possibilities when you can travel more often for less, all while keeping your business budget in check.

You can think of Matt as your go-to source for the best flight deals. He constantly scours the skies, finding those rare airline errors and deeply discounted fares that others might miss. The moment he uncovers a deal too good to pass up, it’s sent directly to your inbox. It’s like having an expert in low-cost air travel working just for you, making sure you never overpay for a flight again.

Because travel planning can be tricky, especially when juggling multiple business responsibilities, Matt offers round-the-clock support to help you navigate travel uncertainties. Whether you need advice on booking, tips for finding the best routes, or help with a specific query, Matt’s one-on-one support ensures you’re never alone in your travel planning.

One of the most helpful features of this flight alert service is the custom search requests. Got a specific destination in mind? Need to fly on certain dates? With the Premium Plan, you can submit as many custom search requests as you like, and Matt will find the best airfare that fits your travel needs.

If you want to make the most of your travel budget, this is a good way to do it.

Get a lifetime subscription to Matt’s Flights Premium Plan for just $79.97 (reg. $1,800) through September 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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Gen Z and Millennials Redefine Vacation Goals, Skip Relaxing


Younger Americans think relaxing on vacation is overrated, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 Americans who travel (evenly split by generation) looked at how people of different ages vacation and found both Gen X (51%) and Baby Boomers (57%) prioritize relaxation when traveling, while Gen Z (54%) and millennials (45%) are more interested in making memories.

In fact, 29% of those who don’t prioritize relaxation when they’re away find it to be a waste of time — especially millennials (30%).

Related: This Former Flight Attendant and Her Roommate Started a Side Hustle With Just $2,000 Each. Then It Earned Them Nearly $600,000 — and Counting.

Conducted by Talker Research for Apple Vacations, the survey found that these preferences may change in the future, as 59% shared their vacation priorities have shifted as they got older.

A quarter of millennials reported that sightseeing is a thing of the past, and Gen Z is no longer prioritizing learning new things while traveling (28%).

Respondents from different generations recalled the average age they were when their vacation preferences changed. Gen Z preferences shift at age 18, while millennials see it at 27, Gen X at 38 and Baby Boomers at 54.

Something that won’t change is Americans’ love for traveling, with one in four (28%) sharing that traveling is a high priority for them these days.

Although millennials are most focused on traveling right now (38%), Gen Z (35%) is most likely to surpass the average number of trips taken annually.

Looking at the differences in how they enjoy this time away, results showed that Baby Boomers (74%) prefer domestic travel, while Gen Z (14%) is the most likely to enjoy international travel.

Family-friendly (33%) and tropical (27%) destinations are favored across the generations, but Gen Z (25%) and millennials (24%) also share a strong love for theme parks.

In addition to their top picks, Gen X (21%) and Baby Boomers (24%) are also drawn to small towns.

Related: Airbnb and Vrbo Often Have Wildly Different Prices for the Same Listing. This Entrepreneur Built a Platform to Find You the Best Deal.

“Relaxation looks and feels different for everyone,” says Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing at Apple Vacations. “I feel most relaxed when reading a great book on the beach, knowing that all I need is at my fingertips at an all-inclusive resort, but others feel renewed after a beautiful backpacking trip through the mountains, soaking up history in a big city. This is the beauty of travel: Your vacations can evolve with your preferences.”

Before their trip, Gen Z is especially keen on creating a vacation plan (60%) and Baby Boomers are the likeliest to go with the flow (40%).

Gen X (53%) and Baby Boomers (65%) who prefer going with the flow agree that this helps them avoid feeling rushed or tied to a plan.

Planners find comfort in mapping their day (56%) and say it helps them make the most of their time (54%).

Gen Z embraces the safety they feel when planning things out (46%), while Baby Boomers who prefer to plan ahead also enjoy the feeling of checking off things they want to do (50%).

When travel planning, millennials are most likely to use a travel agent (18%), while Gen Z leans heavily on social media for planning (55%) and inspiration (66%).

Older generations prefer to keep things more classic, with Gen X trusting word of mouth (44%) and Baby Boomers referencing travel magazines or websites for advice (34%).

Related: Her Private Chef Side Hustle Might Earn Tens of Thousands and ‘Seem Glamorous’ — But It’s Not for the Faint of Heart. Here’s an Inside Look.

Before vacationing, millennials are the likeliest to read restaurant menus (34%); instead, Gen X looks at pictures others have posted (36%).

Gen Z respondents are most likely to look at how much things cost and the currency exchange (49%), as well as the transportation options (43%).

Looking ahead, half of respondents plan to travel more as they get older.

Gen Z will take advantage of this the most (73%), planning to travel with their friends (43%), while Baby Boomers will travel to connect with other family members (20%).

Family is top of mind for those who traveled with their parents when growing up, with 77% planning to continue the tradition of traveling with their kids to bond (66%) and make new memories (65%).

“Getting out of the house and spending quality time with family while traveling is the best way to build memories,” says Michael Lowery, senior vice president and global head of consumer business units at Apple Vacations. “When traveling with a larger group with many ages to keep in mind, I always go for an all-inclusive resort because any worries about entertaining different ages are taken care of. Some guests may enjoy a day at the spa, and others can safely be thrilled with resort excursions and activities.”

See a complete breakdown of the survey results below.



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Curb’s Secret to Taxi Service Efficiency Through Analytics


This week on How Success Happens, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vishal Dhawan, the chief product and technology officer at Curb. With a distinguished technology and product development career, Dhawan has played a pivotal role in transforming the taxi industry. We delved into his career journey, the groundbreaking innovations at Curb and his vision for the future of urban mobility.

You can listen to our full conversation above, and below, I’ve pulled out three key takeaways that I found particularly inspiring.

Related: Entertainer and Entrepreneur Kevin Hart Talks His New Tequila Launch: ‘We Put in the Blood, Sweat, Tears and Energy’

1. Use data and analytics to innovate

Dhawan has seen the taxi industry evolve significantly over the past decade. Under his leadership, Curb has become a beacon of innovation, integrating technology to make taxi services more efficient and user-friendly. He explained how data analytics is crucial in optimizing ride-sharing services and reducing urban congestion.

Over the past 10 years at Curb, Dhawan has focused on building marketplace offerings on Curb’s robust foundation in payments and for-hire vehicle products. He has spearheaded the development of the largest mobility platform of licensed taxis in the U.S., connecting over 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 drivers across more than 65 cities. “We have created a platform that leverages data and analytics to ensure efficient ride-sharing services, significantly reducing urban congestion,” he noted.

2. Have a clear mission and prioritize the customer experience

One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was Dhawan’s overview of Curb’s innovative projects and the company’s commitment to its drivers. From its advanced dispatch system to electric vehicle integration, Curb is setting new standards in sustainable and user-friendly transportation. Dhawan highlighted Curb Flow, an innovative platform optimizing curbside space management to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.

“Curb Flow is designed to create an open network of ride demand sources, maximizing earnings and options for drivers and supply partners alike,” Dhawan says. He also emphasized the company’s dedication to ensuring fair wages, comprehensive support and advanced tools to improve the driving experience. “At Curb, our driver-first approach is at the core of our business, ensuring that our drivers are well-supported and motivated.”

Related: After Starting 5 Businesses, This Entrepreneur Found Unprecedented Success with Goodr. Here’s What He Did Differently When Starting the Eyewear Brand.

3. Innovate for the future with AI and machine learning

Dhawan shared an exciting vision for the future, focusing on cybersecurity and inclusivity in urban transportation. He elaborated on how Curb is leveraging machine learning and AI to enhance operations. These technologies enhance driver training courses, communication and incentive programs. “Machine learning helps us analyze driver behavior and performance, enabling personalized training modules and feedback systems,” Dhawan says. “Our goal is to create a safer, more efficient, and inclusive transportation system through advanced technology.”

Related: The 4-Time Founder Who’s Revolutionizing the Hair Industry Shares Her 3 Best Success Tips



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4 Core Strategies That Helped Me Turn Setbacks Into Success


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is similar to setting out on a road trip without knowing the directions. Every decision made at the wheel can potentially lead to new opportunities or present unforeseen challenges. As the founder and CEO of Mobile Clear Shield, I have navigated our company through the competitive and often turbulent auto accessories industry, where each strategic choice has significantly impacted our trajectory. This journey has been not only about managing a business, but also adapting to constant changes, seizing opportunities and learning from the landscape itself.

From the very beginning, our approach was to build not just a company, but a brand that stood for reliability, innovation and customer-centricity. This meant making decisions that were sometimes unconventional but always strategic, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term gains. The path has been paved with both successes and lessons, each teaching us more about the industry, our clients and ourselves. These are the core strategies that have fueled our growth and shaped our business philosophy.

Related: Want to Be a Successful Entrepreneur? Fail.

Selling profit, not product

When we launched, the industry was filled with generic offerings that failed to meet diverse needs. Observing this, we focused not just on creating another product but on crafting a solution that addressed a significant market gap. This approach was built on a foundation of enhancing dealership profitability by providing high-quality, versatile protection products suitable for any vehicle model. Our products weren’t just better; they were designed to help dealers maximize potential profits missed by other suppliers.

By adhering to this philosophy, we managed to expand our client base to over a thousand dealerships. This wasn’t achieved by undercutting on price alone, but by delivering a product that dealers could confidently sell to their customers, knowing it would fit perfectly and last longer than competing offerings. Moreover, our strategy of maintaining competitive prices despite offering superior products was made possible by leveraging economies of scale, allowing us to buy in bulk and minimize costs without sacrificing quality.

For entrepreneurs, it’s essential to identify gaps in the market where you can add distinct value. Understand your customer’s business model and pain points to tailor your offerings. This approach not only helps retain customers but also attracts new ones who are seeking solutions that others need to provide more effectively. It’s about creating a product or service that is integral to your customer’s success.

Prioritize exemplary client service

From the outset, our commitment to unparalleled client service has been a cornerstone of our business strategy. This means more than just meeting expectations; it involves anticipating and exceeding client needs wherever possible. We ensure that our team is always accessible and ready to address any concerns promptly, maintaining a strong presence at every dealership we serve.

Exceptional service should be the hallmark of any business aiming for long-term success. Invest in training your staff to handle various customer interactions professionally and empathetically. Regularly solicit feedback from your clients to improve your service continuously. Remember, satisfied customers are your best advocates in the marketplace.

Related: How Failure Promotes Success — and Why It’s Time to Move Away From Perfectionism

Resist the temptation to over-expand

The resistance to dilute our focus is one pivotal decision that has defined our business trajectory. Many businesses fall into the trap of over-diversification in an attempt to capture more markets. However, we chose to perfect a core set of offerings before slowly introducing additional products. Each new product underwent rigorous testing to ensure it met our high standards and seamlessly integrated with our existing product lines.

This approach has ensured consistency in quality and reinforced our brand’s value proposition. We focused on niche markets with products like our tempered glass, which offers superior protection and is also easier to install. By concentrating on a few high-quality products, we avoided the complexities and potential quality issues associated with rapid expansion.

When scaling your business, maintain a laser focus on your core offerings before expanding. Ensure each new product or service meets the market’s needs and aligns with your brand’s reputation for quality. Expansion should be strategic and not at the expense of what made your business successful in the first place.

Embrace failures as opportunities for growth

Throughout our journey, we have encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. Rather than viewing these as failures, we saw them as invaluable learning opportunities that shaped our strategic decisions and innovations. For instance, early challenges with product installations and managing detailed customer data spurred us to develop a proprietary software platform that has become central to our operations.

This software has allowed us to automate and streamline our processes, significantly reducing human error and improving efficiency. It handles everything from customer invoicing to detailed tracking of installations, proving to be a critical differentiator in our ability to scale effectively and maintain an edge over competitors. This system supports our operational needs and provides us with the agility to respond to customer needs with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Adopt a mindset that views failures as catalysts for innovation. Use the insights gained from each misstep to refine your strategies and operations. This proactive approach to problem-solving encourages a culture of continuous improvement and can lead to significant breakthroughs that might not have been discovered otherwise.

Related: Why Entrepreneurs Should Aim to Fail — That’s Right. They Should Actively Seek It.

Building a business with purpose and precision

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape requires a blend of innovation, focus and the willingness to learn from every situation. We have built our success on the principles of offering unmatched product quality, maintaining strategic focus and leveraging technology to enhance our operational capabilities. No matter the business, it’s important to embrace a similar mindset: Focus on what truly adds value, learn from every encounter and proceed with a clear strategy. This paves the way for sustainable growth and builds a legacy of excellence in an ever-evolving market.



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Take Control of Your Data with 2TB of This DropBox Alternative


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With all of your files residing digitally, the security and privacy of your data have never been more important. For those who handle sensitive information, relying on less secure cloud storage services can pose significant risks, which is why it’s advantageous to take a few minutes to ensure your storage solution is serious about security.

Internxt is a Dropbox alternative that offers a lifetime subscription to secure and privacy-centric cloud storage. Designed specifically with security in mind, it’s an ideal option for businesses and professionals who demand control over their data. A lifetime subscription to 2TB of space is on sale for just $129.97 (reg. $999), but there are other larger options available at slightly higher prices.

To appreciate the value that Internxt brings, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers of using traditional cloud storage providers. When you upload files to these platforms, you often give up ownership and control over your data.

Many traditional cloud storage services retain the right to access and manage your data. This means that your sensitive business information could be in the hands of a third party, with limited control over how it’s used.

Internxt says it offers a safer alternative by prioritizing privacy and security in every aspect of its service. Your files are protected with end-to-end encryption so that only you and authorized parties can access them.

This Dropbox alternative also has zero-knowledge storage, which means even Internxt’s servers cannot access your files. Its commitment to transparency can be seen in its open-source code, which allows users to verify its security measures—a level of accountability rare in the cloud storage industry.

And while security is a top priority, so is user experience. Internxt supports large file handling, quick and easy sharing, and fast performance across various devices and operating systems. Whether you’re working on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, it can integrate seamlessly into your workflow.

Invest in the storage solution Tech Radar called “A cloud storage provider that’s big on privacy and security” and have peace of mind moving forward.

A lifetime 2TB subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage is on sale for just $129.97 (reg. $999) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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