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There’s a reason MacBooks are so popular among entrepreneurs. They’re an excellent choice if you need a reliable computer for everything from basic browsing to more demanding productivity tools. MacBook prices are a common barrier, particularly for startups, but this one just went on sale. Instead of paying $1,499 for a MacBook Air, you can get it for only $509.97.

Why get a MacBook?

This MacBook uses Apple’s M1 chipset and offers up to 3.5x faster performance compared to Intel-based models. If you’re used to a little lag every time you boot up QuickBooks, this may help. The 8-core GPU significantly boosts graphics performance, too. Design work, presentations, or even video editing may be easier on this computer.

Battery life is essential for busy professionals, but this Mac doesn’t disappoint. With up to 18 hours of video playback, this MacBook Air makes sure that you won’t be scrambling for an outlet during long meetings or business trips. Plus, the fanless design keeps it running quietly while you’re in a focused work session.

Savvy business owners know to be suspicious of a deal that seems too good. Here’s why this computer is marked down.

This particular MacBook Air is a Grade “A” refurbished model, meaning it’s in near-mint condition with minimal signs of use.

March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the cutoff to get a MacBook Air on sale for $509.97.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3″ (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) – $509.99

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

For professionals who are on the move, staying connected, productive, and entertained shouldn’t break the bank. Whether you’re catching up on work, streaming your favorite shows, or tuning into a podcast during a flight, you need tech to keep up with your busy lifestyle. That’s where this refurbished Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021) + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones bundle can help.

For a limited time, you can grab this travel-ready, grade-A refurbished duo for just $239.99 (reg. $499) with free shipping.

Power through your day

Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, the iPad 9 delivers the speed and power you need for multitasking, whether you’re responding to emails, editing documents, or unwinding with a Netflix binge. The 10.2-inch Retina display provides crisp visuals, making it perfect for video calls, creative projects, and presentations. With 64GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for apps, files, and downloads—so you can work (or relax) without interruptions.

No travel setup is complete without great audio, and the Beats Flex Wireless Headphones deliver just that. Designed for comfort, durability, and convenience, these lightweight earbuds offer up to 12 hours of playtime—enough for a cross-country flight or a full workday of virtual meetings.

Thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, you’ll get a stable Bluetooth connection with fewer dropouts. The magnetic earbuds snap together when not in use, pausing your music automatically to save battery. With on-device controls, you can adjust volume, take calls, and activate Siri without reaching for your device.

All the extras you need are included

This bundle doesn’t stop at just an iPad and Beats headphones. You also get essential accessories such as a case, screen protector, and stylus—so you’re ready to go right out of the box.

This refurbished bundle, which was inspected and cleaned to be in excellent working order, is grade A, meaning it is in near-mint condition.

Don’t miss this Apple iPad 9th Gen + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones bundle while it’s still available for just $239.99 (reg. $499) with free shipping.

Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021) 64GB (Wi-Fi Only) Silver + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones Refurbished Bundle – $239.99

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

The average salary of a software developer is around $132,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means outsourcing your coding can cost a pretty penny, and it may be time to learn to do it on your own. When you’re ready to get started, Microsoft Visual Studio Pro is where you’ll want to work.

This app is ready to help you boost your productivity and write your own high-quality code, and a lifetime license is just $27.97 — $471 off the usual price — now through March 30 while supplies last.

Work smarter, not harder with this coding helper

Microsoft Visual Studio Pro is a software development tool that is ready to help you take your coding to the next level. You can use it to create apps, websites, or even software systems, ultimately saving you a fortune as it helps you tackle things yourself without hiring people.

Once you’ve learned to write and edit code, you can turn to Microsoft Visual Studio to help you write, edit, and debug on the same platform. It’s a 64-bit IDE (integrated development environment) that comes equipped with built-in integrations and helpful tools so you can tackle projects both large and small.

Microsoft Visual Studio helps you build across languages, allowing you to work with C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, and more. And Intellicode is there to help you type less and code more. It’s kind of like auto-complete for coding.

A debugger can identify and fix the errors in your code, which really helps those who are newer to coding by making troubleshooting easier. The app also includes CodeLens, which shows you recent changes, authors, tests, and commit history so you have a comprehensive overview of your codebase.

Take advantage of this limited-time sale on Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows, now just $27.97 (reg. $499).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As cyber threats develop, it’s important to take steps to protect your business. Benign things like ads could be hiding phishing schemes, and malware is only getting more advanced. If you want a simple way to help protect your business, use AdGuard. Their new Family Plan lets you protect nine different devices from malware, ads, and more, and it’s only $15.97 for life.

How does AdGuard work?

AdGuard comes with a comprehensive suite of tools that are designed to keep your business secure. It blocks all types of ads including pop-ups, banners, and video ads so your team can safely browse without distractions, the company says.

But the real value comes in its ability to protect your data. With AdGuard’s privacy protection, you can keep sensitive company information safe by blocking trackers and activity analyzers, ensuring your business’s online footprint remains secure.

Beyond ad-blocking and privacy protection, AdGuard safeguards your business from malware and phishing sites, preventing harmful attacks on your devices and data, the company says. For businesses with families, the parental controls allow you to make sure that your team members’ devices remain safe from inappropriate content, too.

Use code FAMPLAN by March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a lifetime subscription to AdGuard for $15.97.

AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription – $15.97

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Can you keep your job and start a franchise?

It’s a good question that many people don’t even think to ask. But the answer is yes.

This is what is commonly referred to as being a “semi-absentee owner.” It’s a fancy way of saying that your role as a franchise owner is part-time. Most semi-absentee owners have another commitment, typically a corporate job. But some people own multiple businesses and take on semi-absentee roles in all of them. Others are partly retired and make a little money with a franchise as a side hustle.

So what does semi-absentee ownership look like?

It can differ greatly from one franchise to the next. The first thing to know is that “semi-absentee” is one of the most poorly defined terms in the industry. If you ask 10 franchisors to define it, you will likely get 15 different answers. Second, their policies about it are all over the map. For example, not every franchise is open to it, while other brands seriously focus on it; some even have a fairly even split between semi-absentee and full-time owners.

Related: Want A Side Hustle? These 10 Franchises Can Be Run Part Time

Confusingly, these differences are not industry-specific. You could find two franchises that do the exact same thing — and while one of them loves semi-absentee owners, the next requires every owner to work full time. Even when franchises allow semi-absentee owners, there are usually major differences in what that means. For one brand, you might have to commit to 10 hours per week; the next may require 20 to 25 hours per week. Again, this can happen with two franchises that are similar in just about every other way. You might also run into a franchise that says it is open to semi-absentee owners but doesn’t really have any experience with that model.

Unfortunately, information about semi-absentee ownership is not something that you can typically get with a Google search. To find out where a franchise stands, you pretty much have to talk to them. Or you can get guidance from a franchise coach who has a deep understanding of the space and can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the options.

What’s the big appeal?

Most people who go the semi-absentee route have financial reasons. In some cases, it’s simply an extra revenue stream. In others, it’s a step toward the freedom of becoming your own boss. Maybe you’re the breadwinner of your household and find it too difficult to ditch your steady paycheck and jump straight into business ownership, but you still have the goal of gaining more control over your life. For you, owning the franchise as a secondary revenue stream and growing it to the point where you feel safe leaving your job can lead to your eventual exit strategy from the corporate world.

Another inviting scenario is using semi-absentee ownership as a strategy to diversify your financial assets. Whether you have a good job that you plan to stay in or are an entrepreneur juggling multiple ventures, a semi-absentee franchise is a way to have an impact on the return you get on investments. People with this mindset see a 401(k) or stock market investment as a conservative option — but one which they have no control over. A franchise, however, is completely within their control. There is the potential to reap higher rewards than if the return is left up to the volatile market.

Related: 25 Top-Ranked Franchises You Can Run as a Side Hustle

Are you cut out to be a part-time owner?

There are a few things to think about here. How big of a control freak are you? Do you always have to make every single decision, regardless of how big or small it is? Can you delegate, or are you a micromanager? Can you multitask? Do you really have the time to commit to the franchise? And, more importantly, will you commit that time?

As a semi-absentee owner, your main role will be managing the manager who runs the day-to-day operations of your franchise. If you are not comfortable with this, then semi-absentee ownership is not for you.

If it still sounds like a possibility, consider the following:

#1. Time

I’m the founder and CEO of FranCoach, a company that helps aspiring franchisees find the right brand for them. When our team talks to clients about semi-absentee ownership, one of the biggest topics we discuss is time. How many hours a week can you dedicate to your franchise? This does not mean being physically present at the location (if there is one) — it just means that, if you say that every day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. you are going to focus only on your franchise, can you really do that?

Again, most of this time can be remote. Semi-absentee ownership could look like checking sales metrics on your laptop while sitting on your couch in the evening, or ordering supplies while you sip coffee on your patio on a Saturday morning. But either way, you have to put in the required amount of effort.

At a minimum, I would say that an aspiring semi-absentee franchise owner should be able to dedicate 10 hours per week to the franchise. Again, much (and sometimes all) of this can be remote.

Related: You Can Earn Full-Time Profits With This Part-Time Work — Just Don’t Call It a Side Hustle

#2. Accessibility

You will have to hire a manager, but if they need you, how quickly can you reply? If they call you at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday, how often will you be able to answer the phone? If you cannot pick up, how long will it take you to shoot them a text? An hour? A day? A week? It doesn’t matter what the answer is, as long as it is honest. The crucial thing here is to make sure that proper expectations are set for everyone involved.

While most people could reply to a call, text, email, or Slack message within an hour or two, we have worked with a few clients who cannot always be that responsive. For instance, we had an airline pilot who became a semi-absentee franchise owner. I really want to believe that he was not up there in the cockpit flying the plane while making calls and texting people about his franchise. Everyone knew that while he was flying, there was no way he would be available for his manager. Other days, when he was not working, he would be very involved with the business. His particular accessibility needs had to be considered in finding the right franchise — one that had systems in place to make this semi-absentee ownership model possible.

#3. Owner goals

After you get a handle on the amount of time per week you can honestly commit and your accessibility, then it’s crucial to consider what you want to do. Just like an owner who will work full-time in their franchise, you also need to think about the “Get Out of Bed Test.”

Maybe you really love connecting in the community and networking. Well, some of your 10 hours per week might be spent getting out there and doing that type of work for your franchise. On the other hand, maybe that sounds awful — and in that case, you might hire a general manager who is good at networking.

Maybe you are more operations-driven, so much of your time will be focused on general oversight of the business and keeping a close eye on the financials. Whatever the case — hey, you’re the boss! — it is crucial to be honest with yourself about what you want to do, what you enjoy doing, what you don’t enjoy doing, and if you can accommodate everything as a semi-absentee owner.

#4. Future role

It’s also important to think through what will likely happen in a few years — and if those options sit right with you and fit into your long-term life plans. Say, for example, your franchise grows to the point where you feel safe leaving the corporate world, or that among your multiple businesses, you now want to spend more time running this one. Then what? Do you meet with your manager, the person who worked like crazy to build your franchise to the point where you can quit your job, and say, “Thanks for everything, but I’ve got it from here…you’re fired!”? I mean, you could. But typically, that is not the right thing to do.

Generally, there are two paths — and in both, the manager stays on. In the first, the owner keeps everything running smoothly with the existing franchise and then finds a second franchise to launch. Perhaps they run that second franchise full time, or perhaps they hire another manager and essentially become the semi-absentee owner of two franchises. The more common path is that the owner focuses on growing the existing franchise and adding more locations or territories. At that point, the owner may choose to be much more hands-on and dive into the minutiae, but usually, they will stay at a high level, managing all of the pieces on the board.

If all this sounds attractive to you, and you end up deciding to be a semi-absentee owner, then you’ll join many others who have found it a successful and fulfilling path. Because the details differ greatly from one franchise to the next, it’s important to find the model that best aligns with your ideal role, available time, and accessibility as an owner. There’s one that’s exactly right for you.

This essay was excerpted from the book Becoming a Franchise Owner by Tim Parmeter. Buy a copy at amazon.com.

Related: The Top 10 Franchises That Can Be Run Part-Time From Home or Through a Mobile Unit

Here’s How One Couple Does It

When Varune and Karie Maharaj bought a Bodybar Pilates franchise in Katy, Texas, they knew nothing about Pilates. They hadn’t ever even taken a class.

So why’d they buy? The franchise allowed semi-absentee owners, which they needed to be because Varune works full time in the energy industry and travels often, while Karie has paused her career to raise their three daughters ages 6 to 13. Also, the couple had been living in Trinidad, where they’re from, and could only fully move to Houston nine months after the business opened as they awaited the necessary paperwork and appointment to immigrate.

They became semi-absentee owners in 2023. And today Varune puts in about 15 hours a week and Karie 20, mostly working on the big-picture aspects of the business, like strategy, retention, and member appreciation. In March, they’re opening their second studio. Here’s how it’s going.

Are the hours what you expected to put in?

Varune: The thing we learned is that to get the business off to a great start, you have to put the work in up front. Regardless of if you’re semi-absentee or not — but particularly if you are looking to have a business on the side where you don’t have to dedicate full-time hours to it — you do need to put the time in and get this thing up and running. There were times we were in the studio every day at the beginning. Now there are many days we never go in.

What would you advise someone considering semi-absentee ownership?

Karie: If anyone is thinking about a franchise, do so carefully; don’t rush into it. Understand what you’re signing on for, because a lot of franchises do not provide the support that Bodybar does. Speak to other studios or other franchisees there. Look at the infrastructure that’s in place and make sure you understand the numbers.

And what have you learned about being semi-absentee owners?

Karie: One of the biggest things that people, I think, overlook when they expect to be semi-absentee is the dependence on their staff. Our staff is like our family. They are treated that way, and their opinions matter. We are constantly trying to develop them. It’s not just about coming and answering the phones at the front desk, right? We give them opportunities outside of that to build their skills.

Varune: You have to have good people. When you get the right people in there, you can be as absentee as you want.

Related: This Franchise Type is the Perfect Blend of Flexibility and Profitability for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tiffiny Consoli is thriving in the pool industry. She was the first-ever Pool Scouts franchisee, and now operates a $3 million business with 23 vehicles and 19 routes in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area.

Given her success, people are sometimes surprised to learn: At the start, she knew nothing about pools.

Instead, Consoli came from a career in retail management. She loved customer service, but wanted to run her own business. She started looking for a franchise to buy, and in 2016, she took the leap and joined Pool Scouts. As she’d discover, a lot of her old skills proved valuable in her new business — often in ways she didn’t necessarily expect. Here, she explains how she learned the ropes, and why she believes the home services sector is an excellent fit for women entrepreneurs.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

You were Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the confidence to dive into a field that you had no experience in?

I first looked at a Mosquito Joe franchise, which at the time was owned by [parent company] Buzz Franchise Brands. The timing and what they had available in my area didn’t work for me, but when I went in to talk to them, I gained a lot of confidence. They had great people working for them. About a year later, they said they were starting Pool Scouts and I called them immediately. I was the first one in the door.

Did your background in retail management help you as a new franchisee?

As a store manager, I had a budget to adhere to throughout the year, and was reporting to a director that held me accountable to those numbers — but I also had customers coming in the door every day that I wanted to satisfy. I learned a lot in terms of working with people, understanding the importance of relationship building, and managing financials.

Related: The One Factor the Top Franchises of 2025 Have in Common

What were some of the hardest lessons you learned in the early years of running your franchise?

First, you’ve got to get customers. But you also have to have employees to support those customers. Now you’ve got to hire, but you have to train those employees and maintain them year after year. And if you are in a seasonal business, it’s hard. In the beginning, I didn’t realize those things would be so challenging.

What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees when evaluating opportunities?

I think it’s important for people to connect really well with their franchisor and believe in the brand itself. There has to be synergy there. I think some franchisees miss the fact that you’re responsible for the success of your business. The franchisor is not responsible for that. They will give you the template to be successful, but at the end of the day, it falls on you to do everything they have set out for you to do.

Related: After Decades of Hard Work, This Couple Is Living the Entrepreneurial Dream. Here’s How They Achieved Generational Wealth

If someone was considering the pool service industry, what would you tell them?

The industry has a lot of growth potential. There are lower startup costs with service businesses, and it gives you the flexibility to be where you need to be every day. So I think that makes it more accessible for women and those that are balancing a career and family.

What’s your biggest piece of advice to potential franchisees?

Don’t do it just because you think you’re going to make a lot of money. It requires so much determination and tenacity that it better be something you really enjoy doing.

Related: 6 Intriguing Statistics About Women in the Franchising Industry

Is your startup in trouble? Pivoting can be one of the most difficult things to execute, whether it’s in life or when running a company. It takes courage to acknowledge when you may be fighting a losing battle and when to cut those losses. The other option, however, is to go down with the sinking ship. If that’s not for you, then here are some tips.

The first time I had to pivot in business was in 2014, when after a few years of trying and just a few weeks of runway remaining, my team and I faced an existential risk — our ratings platform, Bugscore, had little adoption. We had spent years conceptualizing and building this global ratings platform. With a shoestring budget of just under $400,000, financed largely by us and a few angels, it was always a long shot — to allow anyone to rate anything (even people). There were some highs; for example, brainstorming at Home House members club in London with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales about integrating with his company, or bagging a multi-year SaaS contract for Bugscore 360 with Ernst & Young (Germany). Alas, these highs didn’t translate to enough revenue to sustain the vision.

In fact, they fed our confirmation biases associated with the project, delaying the inevitable. Holding on to a bad project isn’t dissimilar from holding on to a bad investment, something my former colleague at Goldman Sachs, Elsa Rocha, very aptly covers in her article on investing biases and relationships.

Our infinite thirst to succeed was met with the reality of dwindling financials, and by the summer of 2014, we had a few weeks of budget remaining before the lights went out. With stagnant user acquisition figures and risk of financial oblivion, fundraising discussions became almost impossible as the abyss drew us closer by the hour.

So instead of pushing ahead, we shut it all down and focused on solving a problem we knew well. Part of what was paying the bills on the side was financial trading. The sector was suffering a growing problem of broker fraud, and many clients in our shoes were getting fleeced. Our pivot was to repair that very problem, and it monetized quickly, paving the way to our biggest success yet.

Here are some lessons and tips.

Related: Knowing When — and How — to Pivot Is Key to Your Business’ Survival. Here’s What You Need to Do.

Embrace failure

Visionary management teams are good, but grounded ones are better. The statistical likelihood that your startup will succeed is under 10% over 10 years. Let that sink in; your first startup, for factors either in your hands or outside, will likely fail. You are taking the road less travelled, and many known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns lurk. This is not to say close shop at the first sign of rejection, but if after a few years you are banking one win for every nine rejections on various KPIs, it’s time to consider if this idea is the hill you want to die on.

Life is short. It is okay to fail once, even twice, before finally succeeding. Don’t take it from me — take it from arguably the most successful entrepreneur of our time, Jeff Bezos. Whether it’s kozmo.com or pets.com, he knows a thing or two about failure. Lastly, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to pivot.

Communicate consistently

We kept all investors in our project abreast of all good and bad news regularly. Don’t sugar coat anything; there is no need for that, and it’s self-defeating. The more you inform and make people understand the headwinds you face, the easier it is to organically execute a pivot. If a pivot involves a new company and receiving new money, make your previous shareholders whole. Even if you don’t legally have to, morally you should, as they were your earlier backers.

Hedge bets

Focus is key when hacking growth. One product idea or service offering executed well beats being everything to everyone. That being said, if you’re backing the wrong horse, you’ll fail. If you are a young startup, cash-strapped and bootstrapping your way to break even, it may not be a bad idea to keep a lookout for solving monetizable problems on the side. For us, it was financial trading in an inherently morally bankrupt industry (FX). We turned what we did internally into a service for beleaguered traders, and it grew quicker than expected. Keep that third eye open for opportunities, as it could mean your survival.

Related: Worried About the Market? Here’s How Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, and Harvard University Protect Their Portfolios

Pivot purposefully

Pivot with purpose and into something you know and are skilled at. Don’t pivot into another grandiose idea or, worse, just an iteration of your already struggling idea. Otherwise, you will run out of whatever money and time you have remaining.

Research and develop

Once you have pivoted and steadied the ship, it is a good idea to spend time and money on research and development (eg. today, we spend around 12% of turnover on R&D). Usually, this should be on something related to what your core revenue driver is. For us, it was studying smart contracts in the blockchain — something that was revolutionary in 2015/2016. Had we not done this, we wouldn’t have been able to take the company to the next level. In the 80s, Nokia was primarily known for selling rubber products, cables and consumer electronics. However, behind the scenes, they had an R&D division working on mobile phone technology. In 1987, Nokia launched the Mobira Cityman, one of the first handheld mobile phones. Everyone doubted them. Nokia’s then CEO, Jorma Ollila, decided to pivot the entire company towards mobile phones. The rest is history.

Prioritize health

Running a startup is similar to navigating a large city without GPS, without much fuel and in the middle of rush hour. It will test your resolve, patience, finances and emotional reservoirs more than climbing any corporate ladder. It is not a feat for the fainthearted. It will take a toll on your health in ways you may not imagine. Whatever activity brings you peace, may it be some sport, yoga or hobby, do it and prioritize it. If your health fails, everything you are working for is irrelevant in the long run.

My wake-up call on this front came in 2016. I would laugh at a friend of mine who would play the flute to relax. The joke, as it turns out, was on me. It took me almost seven years to recalibrate after burning myself out, using a combination of intense physical exercise, some martial arts and meditation. I had to do this while continuing to build, but I should have started much earlier.

Related: Stressed and Exhausted? More Than Half of Founders Say They Never ‘Switch Off.’

When we back entrepreneurs these days, we prefer those who have failed a few times, pivoted and survived rather than one-hit wonders who don’t know how to switch gears when the going gets tough. Those who have embraced failure, pivoted and survived are likely to be far more grounded and bankable, in our experience. They will likely have less ego, be quicker to pivot in future projects and far easier to work with. Ergo, more investible. Whether it is Netflix, Nokia, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube, all of these giants have had to pivot once to become what they are today.

So, if they did, what are you waiting for?

Grandma calls them “role models.” Politicians call them “DEI hires.” We call them “rebel archetypes” — rogue, defiant and unstoppable pioneers revolutionizing systems, defining power and building the queendom for all.

In the mind’s eye of these entrepreneurs, investors and leaders, every month is a celebration of Black history; every day is a fresh opportunity to elevate the voices of powerful women around the world. Below are 10 wild and unruly tips from global legends to challenge all rebels, underdogs and allies to flip traditional business narratives and make every day International Women’s Day.

Related: Being Daring and Disruptive is How Great Pioneers Conquer Their Industry

Wild and unruly way #1: Embrace the hot mess

Entrepreneurs who embrace imperfections and remain flexible are better equipped to navigate an ever-changing business landscape. By accepting that not everything will be flawless from the outset, you can focus on iterative improvements and adapt more quickly to market feedback. This mindset allows for greater creativity, resilience and, ultimately, sustainable growth.

One rebel archetype I personally admire, Máirín Murray, CEO of TechFoundHer, says that her team is championing a new way of innovating. “One of the biggest shifts we’ve embraced is the bold call to ‘F*ck Perfection.’ Instead of getting trapped in impossible standards, we encourage women to jump in, create something real and learn on the fly — setting their own rules as tech entrepreneurs.”

Wild and unruly way #2: Follow the path of the unicorn

As an entrepreneur building the empire, you must spend time with rebel archetypes who have already been where you are going. Seasoned mentors can offer firsthand perspectives on navigating challenges and reducing potentially expensive errors. With this invaluable support, you’ll receive advice, networking opportunities and resources to effectively manage the intricacies of developing a prosperous enterprise.

Another rebel archetype I admire is Shelin David, CEO of Shebacks.me, who says, “Find mentors who are already where you want to be. Experience is an underestimated asset, and learning from those who have walked the path before you — whether in business, career transitions or navigating complex challenges — can accelerate your own journey.”

Wild and unruly way #3: Sleep your way to the top

We’re talking about REM here, so get your mind out of the gutter. Entrepreneurs must prioritize self-care activities, particularly sleep, to sustain the energy, focus and resilience required to succeed. Research consistently shows that adequate sleep enhances cognitive function, decision-making and creativity — critical skills for navigating the complexities of running a business. By making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, you will avoid burnout, maintain peak performance and ensure you are physically and mentally equipped to lead your ventures effectively over the long term.

Flossie Hall, CEO of Stella Foundation, is another rebel archetype I admire. Hall says that strategic rest is a leadership skill, not a weakness. “I used to glorify burnout, believing that constant hustle equated to success. Now, I fiercely protect time for activities that reset my mind — whether it’s playing golf, stepping away for a walk or unplugging for deep thinking. Ironically, stepping away often leads to my biggest breakthroughs.”

Wild and unruly way #4: Strategically hob-nob

First, do your research. Then, only accept meetings and participate in educational programs with investors and partners who have shown a proven interest in companies like yours (e.g., the stage of the company, the geographical location and, very importantly, the gender and race of the founder matches well with what the investor or partner historically supports). Next, interact daily on LinkedIn. Virtual networking will open doors and help you build long-lasting relationships vital to your entrepreneurial success.

Another rebel archetype I admire, Joy Fairbanks, the founder and Managing Principal at Fairbanks Venture Advisors, says she has seen tech serve as an equalizer for diverse founders and investors. “Technology may be leveraged to boost what you know, who you know and increase the chance of success for people who have been on the fringes of tightly knit relationship networks.”

Related: 7 Entrepreneurial Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Wild and unruly way #5: Become a serial entrepreneur

By engaging in a dynamic cycle of starting, scaling, exiting and recreating multiple ventures, you can build business empires on your own terms. Statistics show that serial entrepreneurs have a higher likelihood of success in subsequent ventures. With this approach, you’ll leverage your accumulated experience, network and resources to forge a golden path to financial freedom.

I also admire Mirela Sula, another rebel archetype who’s the founder and CEO of Global Woman Club. Sula says they are witnessing a powerful shift — more and more women are starting their own businesses, scaling them, exiting and then creating and recreating again — building empires on their own terms. “We are living in a time of massive transformation, and women everywhere are stepping up, taking control of their financial futures and making bold, strategic moves. By embracing equity, we are building a future where women don’t just participate in the economy; they lead it.”

Wild and unruly way #6: Manifest winning

Dwelling on issues and constraints can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Smart business owners spot problems and quickly focus on solutions, leveraging their resources to build the queendom for all. Stay focused, constantly learn, and remain flexible, and you will unlock your full potential to achieve incredible success despite all odds.

One rebel archetype I personally admire, Amy Wagner, CEO of American Financial Partners, says the next generation of leaders — women and men — are shifting the conversation from barriers to results. “True success comes from surrounding yourself with people who share your relentless drive. You don’t break barriers by seeing them — you break them by charging past them, again and again, together.”

Wild and unruly way #7: Talk incessantly about cash

As a kid who grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I met people who viewed wealth as inherently bad. It was as if they were proud of their self-imposed lack, judging and complaining about anyone who dared to express a commitment to financial freedom. This is a backward and limiting approach. The most successful business minds talk openly about finances and frequently discuss investment opportunities to build wealth.

Silvia Mah, PhD, the founder of Stella and CEO of SheInvests! is another rebel archetype I admire. Mah says that many people who become accredited investors, for example, after successfully exiting a startup, “have not had the opportunity to ‘sit around the dinner table’ and openly discuss finances — let alone portfolios, exits and failures. One of the most valuable ways investors can support each other is by intentionally carving out time to share experiences and lessons learned.” In other words, talk straight and talk often about money!

Wild and unruly way #8: Wear the blindfold

As a female founder, I’ve been advised that my red jacket makes me look unapproachable, my T-shirt, jacket and jeans are too informal for a pitch day and I look “cute” in my lawyer suit. Brilliant ecosystem builders focused on profitability should employ creative strategies to eliminate bias so that businesses are evaluated based on factors other than how a female founder looks.

Another rebel archetype I personally admire, Naseem Sayani, Venture Partner at How Women Invest, says adjustments can be made to directly affect unconscious bias and expand discussions so that deep-seated pattern recognition doesn’t drive decision-making. She suggests “removing team pages from pitch decks before kicking off a screening process so that bias can’t interfere with assessing quality of the business idea, setting up red team/green team exercises on deal flow so that reviews are forced to take sides to fully test the merits from two points of view before making decisions and bringing diverse Limited Partners into deal reviews to expand the range of experience looking at deal opportunities.”

Wild and unruly way #9: Shout, “Eureka!” when spotting a gold mine

A significant portion of high-net-worth individuals are not actively engaged in startup investing due to a lack of awareness. By sharing investment opportunities with friends, you can potentially secure funding for your new venture while helping people learn to diversify their investment portfolios by supporting the growth of innovative businesses, creating a win-win for everyone building the queendom.

Julie Castro Abrams, Managing Partner at How Women Invest and CEO at How Women Lead, is another rebel archetype I admire. She says she hears, “No one ever invited me,” on a regular basis. “Women themselves, fully occupied in their own powerful operational roles, aren’t always aware of the huge opportunities available to them in the early-stage sector. Our community members are excited to learn about the ways they can change the trajectory of a company as investors, advisors and strategic connectors, so we never stop telling them what a difference it makes for them to join in.”

Wild and unruly way #10: Aggressively build the queendom

Business leaders must stop waiting for traditional systems to change and start building new ecosystems, bypassing the old guard entirely. Take charge and begin raising capital on your own terms.

Another rebel archetype I admire, Kelly Ann Winget, the founder and CEO of Alternative Wealth Partners, says we have to stop playing defense. Women, LGBTQ+ founders and diverse entrepreneurs often feel like they have to prove why they deserve capital when some of the worst business ideas in history have been funded without question — just because the founder looked the part. “So instead of trying to justify our existence, we should be thinking bigger and being more aggressive in where we raise capital from and how we structure deals. Embrace the reality that the money isn’t going to move itself. If we want change, we have to build it ourselves. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Related: The Challenges in Getting Funding for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses, And How to Solve Them

Wild card tip: If you want to change the world, make a movie

Creating movies, even short films, is a powerful way for entrepreneurs to connect with audiences, build brand loyalty and share deep insights into a company’s values and mission beyond products and services. You can hone your storytelling skills, improve your ability to communicate complex ideas and develop a memorable brand identity through filmmaking that sets you apart in a crowded marketplace, ultimately driving engagement and fostering business growth.

Another rebel archetype I admire, Catherine Gray, General Partner at Silicon Valley Women Founders Fund and Producer on the International award-winning documentary film, Show Her the Money, says she leverages filmmaking to create a positive impact in both entrepreneurship and investing. “It encourages more women to invest in venture capital and encourages more men to invest in women.”

Gray’s film shares a powerful message on a global scale: Women tend to be more profitable and thus make a good investment, and having women build wealth through venture capital helps the economy at large, positively impacting future generations.

AI startup Sensay published what it says was the world’s first job advertisement for a Full Stack Developer (AI Agent) last month on LinkedIn, asking for fully autonomous AI to create code, test and fix software bugs, and write technical documentation.

But they aren’t looking for a human to fill the role. Instead, the startup is looking for human developers to submit fully functional code that it can use — and it intends to pay those developers an unspecified annual salary, open to negotiation, for their work creating the AI agent.

Sensay creates lifelike digital replicas, AI clones of real people, to carry out tasks on someone’s behalf, like sending emails, writing chat messages, and participating in video calls. The company says it works on over half a million interactions every day.

Related: AI Agents Can Help Businesses Be ’10 Times More Productive,’ According to a Nvidia VP. Here’s What They Are and How Much They Cost.

But although the job is asking for AI applicants, Sensay told Entrepreneur it isn’t expecting AI to respond to the posting.

Sensay’s job posting is unique from the tens of thousands of job postings for human AI engineers because the startup only wants the software of the AI agent, not the full-time talents of the people who built it.

Related: What You Need to Know About ‘AI Agents’ and Why We Are One Step Closer to The Jetsons

“This is an exciting moment for Sensay,” said Founder and CEO Dan Thomson stated in a press release. “By bringing on board our first AI employee, we’re taking a big step toward a future where AI and humans work together as colleagues and collaborators.”

The non-human AI agent would operate on its own and be tasked with helping build other AI. The job posting had over 100 applicants at the time of writing. It asks for an AI program with proven software development capabilities, especially in AI and machine learning, and a track record of puzzling out complex development challenges.

Sensay intends to embed the AI agent into their communication channels, like email, WhatsApp, and Slack, so that it can respond to feedback, suggest ideas, and contribute to software development like an actual employee.

The company better make sure their new hire doesn’t create its own LinkedIn profile, though.

Related: ‘More Soul-Crushing Than Ever’: Popular Hiring Platform Finds Around 20% of Its Postings Were ‘Ghost Jobs’

According to a report earlier this year from 404 Media, LinkedIn has identified and deactivated two accounts labeled as AI “co-workers.” The accounts had the flair #OpenToWork, which is used on LinkedIn to signal to employers that someone is open to new job opportunities.

Reddit users were quick to point out that job applicants face many hurdles on the way to landing a job, including fake job listings — and now they have to compete with AI applicants, too.

According to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence survey, American workers feel less confident about their job security now than they have in the past five years.