Cultured Focus Magazine Champions Diversity in the Arts

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

 

Cultured Focus Magazine is using its voice to put diversity front and center in the New York arts and film scene. As a media partner for Bronx World Film, Cultured Focus continues its mission to engage the New York community by celebrating diverse artist perspectives and films from around the globe.

This season, the magazine featured an interview with Bronx World Film’s Executive Director Walter Kromchal. The Bronx World Film Cycle Winter 2023 highlighted films from 49 directors from 25 different countries. Taylor Re Lynn, Founder of Cultured Focus Magazine, offered her take on the film program with a simple exclamation, “It was mind-blowing with the amount of diverse cinematic styles from around the world showcased — an event that I highly recommend, said Lynn.”

Out of the 49 directors who submitted films, half were women, and among the featured voices were Native American film artists, Bronx-based creators of color, and both up-and-coming and established creators from the Bronx. The festival also featured films of varying lengths and types – including features, featurettes, shorts, and micrométrages – highlighting the value of diversity in format along with artistic voice.

Cultured Focus Magazine first worked with Bronx World Film in 2022, covering the premiere of
Il Moro (Daphne di Cinto), an Italian language film centering around Alessandro de Medici, son of an enslaved African woman and Pope Clemente VII. Since then, their partnership has grown to further highlight poignant new international voices in film to New York.

Lynn created Cultured Focus to showcase diverse voices on a global platform. A New York actor, film producer and businesswoman, she has devoted her career to creating positive cultural change.

“Diversity is wealth, we must never forget that. – Italian Actor, Paolo Calabrese”

From behind-the-scenes interviews to global premiere’s to awards ceremonies, Cultured Focus Magazine is a community leader dedicated to promoting unique artists. The Cultured Focus Awards and Diversity in Film Symposium is an annual event to honor film industry leaders from diverse backgrounds and highlighting the value of their unique perspectives.

Last year’s awards were presented alongside the 79th Venice Film Festival in Italy, and honorees included Pino Calabrese, Evgeny Afineevsky, Daphne Di Cinto and Ainslee Alem Robson. The awards brought together artists from around the world to celebrate excellence in film. The Cultured Focus Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Pino Calabrese, captured the spirit of these awards, saying, “I would like to imagine a future in which each person could be represented on screen. Diversity is wealth, we must never forget that.” As Cultured Focus continues to expand its global footprint, Lynn wants her organization to play a key role in furthering representation.

Looking ahead, Cultured Focus will continue to promote and advocate for diverse voices and perspectives in the arts internationally. Upcoming events include the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where the magazine will bring their lens of inclusivity and centering diverse voices to one of the biggest international film festivals, among other cultural events.

Pop Artist MAK Catches New York by Surprise

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

MAK, also known as Matt Makovsky, is a fast-rising, futuristic pop artist out of Brooklyn, New York. MAK’s background is diverse. Starting out as an athlete who played the violin, he went on to play Division 1 football at the University of Pennsylvania and amidst his entrepreneurial journey in NYC, MAK decided to confront music head-on.

With innovation at the forefront of his process, MAK is quickly growing fans as he seamlessly blends progressive sounds and global music collaborators with infectious vocals and adept skills as a singer-songwriter. MAK is particularly known for crossing influences of pop, R&B, reggaeton, afrobeat and electro to make up his identity as a music artist.

Three years and three albums into his journey, MAK isn’t sitting back on his heels, and his latest release is no exception. A heartwarming tribute to his mother, “You’re The Reason” is now available on streaming platforms worldwide, and the full-length music video is live on YouTube. MAK credits his mom as the reason he’s developed into the evolving person and artist he is today. With powerful lyrics, infectious melodies and an anthemic synth-rock beat, this song tells the vibrant love story of a son and his mom. 

“I had never written a song dedicated to one person, and that challenge was quite daunting, but I didn’t go looking for this project; it became apparent that the most powerful love language I had to translate my feelings of gratitude to the woman who made me who was through this song,” MAK said. The lyrics are deeply personal while telling a universal story that anyone can relate to. “I wrote this song for my mom, but I realized along the way that it was not only for her and I – it could be your mom or anyone in your life that is the reason you are who you are.”

MAK has constantly been evolving as a music artist since he first teamed up with Grammy-nominated producer and friend Yonatan Watts on his debut album, Gravity (April 2020). The recording sessions took place between NYC & LA and not only established MAK’s retro-future pop sound but as a new artist to watch. “Same Old You,” the lead single, is an uber-catchy track about that moment you realize the person you love isn’t changing and you need to leave, now.

MAK’s sophomore album, Lucid Dream (2021), took on its name when MAK started having a series of lucid dreams that then turned into vivid chapters of a gripping sonic story. The album includes breakout singles “Dopamine” and “Sexed Up” and showed a rapid maturity in MAK’s skills and diverse sound.

Music is bringing MAK across the world as he continues to push boundaries and look for innovative projects. Currently, MAK and Madrid-based artist D Jam Saw are launching an ambitious cross-over album, mixing pop and reggaeton, half in English and half in Spanish. With three singles (Come Todo, Una Noche En Madrid, Demonia) under their belts, these two are poised to move the culture forward as they drop the rest of this universal project in 2023.

In addition to his musical talents, MAK is also known for the progressive and versatile fashion sense he brings to his style as a music artist. His Instagram page is filled with colorful and eye-catching photos, showcasing his bold and fearless style on TikTok as well. His visual identity is intrinsically tied to his artistry, and the authenticity MAK exudes is clear. “I love fashion,” MAK says. “It’s always been an expression of who I am, and as I delve deeper into that community and connect with New York-based and Latin designers, we are creating one-of-one custom pieces that are an extension of my music, the culture and the stories and personality behind it.”

With his unique sound and style, it’s clear that MAK isn’t stopping now. He will continue to take risks, push boundaries, and bring people and cultures together as he quickly moves his way up the list of innovative music artists to watch. You can catch all things MAK at https://www.returnofthemak.com/

HEAVEN’s Journey to Success, A Testimony of Passion and Perseverance in the Music Industry

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Hip-hop and rap fans are always looking for new talents that can bring something unique and fresh to the underground circuit. Breaking through the mold of up-and-coming artists in the indie scene is HEAVEN, a young rapper from New York who has captivated audiences with his catchy flow and distinctive style. However, his road to success was not an easy one, and HEAVEN encountered several obstacles and setbacks along his path to stardom before finally breaking through to a wider audience.

In 2016, HEAVEN turned to music to find solace following the loss of his older brother. Channeling his energy into mastering his craft, HEAVEN developed a unique style that caught the attention of fans in the underground music scene. Combining eclectic visuals with low-key beats that keep you on the edge of your seat, HEAVEN’s tracks and viral singles gained him a loyal following, but the recognition he deserved from major record labels was slow in coming. 

Despite this, HEAVEN never gave up on his dreams, continuing to create and produce his own music, and navigating the industry on his own. It was not until his first proper album, “Prime,” debuted at number 39 on the Billboard charts that HEAVEN gained the recognition he deserved. The success of his album brought him closer to a new phase of artistry and opened up opportunities for him to showcase his talent to a wider audience.

HEAVENWith his raw talent and dedication, HEAVEN’s influence on the music industry continues to grow. His latest album, “Planet 3,” has already gained 5,000,000 streams across platforms, solidifying his status as a rising star in the industry. His unique style and passion for music have inspired fans and aspiring artists alike, proving that hard work and perseverance can overcome even the greatest challenges.

Listen to HEAVEN’s single, “Kissed Her,” on Youtube.

Aside from his music career, HEAVEN is also an inspiration in the fashion industry. His fashion sense started at a young age, and he has since become a model and designer, developing a successful clothing line at the age of 13. Fans and fashionistas can check out his latest releases on his website, further showcasing his creativity and versatility in the arts.

HEAVEN’s journey is a testimony to the power of passion and perseverance, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. His story is an inspiration to those who struggle to find their place in the world, and his music continues to touch the hearts and minds of his fans. As HEAVEN continues to perfect his craft and bring his music to new heights, the future looks bright for this rising star in the music industry.

HEAVENTo stay up-to-date with HEAVEN’s latest releases and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow him on his socials at Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richforeveh/, Youtube https://youtube.com/@Richforeveh and Linktree https://linktr.ee/richforeveh.

Rapid Growth through Excellent Customer Service: Laser Facility Management’s Founder Bryan Kelley Explains

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Bryan Kelley, founder of Laser Facility Management, always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but he got into facility management by accident.

“For the longest time, I was not aware of the industry,” Kelley says. “In fact, I stumbled into it.” Raised by his mother and grandfather — who was a carpenter — he found himself helping with projects around the house. “I loved the varied work, and I loved a good challenge,” he adds. “What kid doesn’t want to play with power tools?”

Clearly, Kelley had found his calling. As an adult, he became the Operations Manager for a top-five Trek Bicycle dealer in Florida. Of his many responsibilities, he always enjoyed the challenge of building and maintaining new and existing locations. “That was when I realized I loved the facility management and construction industry,” he says.

Planning to move back to his home state of New York, Kelley applied for various roles within the facility management and construction industry. He was successful in securing a Facility Manager role with Michael Kors maintaining 350 stores on the national level. “That was my formal launch into the facility management industry,” he says.

Little did he know at the time that the seeds had already been planted for him to launch his own facility management company.

Founding Laser Facility Management

At Michael Kors, Kelley worked with numerous national vendors. “This was my first time working with them, and it was eye-opening,” he says. “I’ve always been a customer-service-focused individual, and the level of service was not meeting my standards. I respected the vendors for getting the job done, but I often asked for updates and when received, they would be fluff and often not answer my questions. There was a lack of authenticity and transparency.”

Still, Kelley didn’t foresee opening a facility management company. He had been staying in touch with his previous employer, who was an entrepreneur himself, catching up every four to six weeks on a personal level. “At one point, I said something to the effect of, ‘The opportunity in this business is huge. If we just took the customer service that you and I both live for and incorporated it into the facilities and construction world, we would be successful.’ I recall saying it in a joking manner.”

Kelley’s former employer and current co-founder knew a genuine opportunity when he heard it. “He said, ‘Let’s continue this conversation. Maybe we can do something.’”

Once the spark was lit, it couldn’t be extinguished. “From that point on, we talked about what we would do differently and how to execute those ideas,” Kelley says. “Through those brainstorming sessions, we came up with our name. The word ‘Laser’ comes from the idea that we give each client laser-focused attention.”

As a full-service facility management and construction company, Laser Facility Management provides an array of services including planned maintenance, restoration, project management, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, pest control, commercial cleaning, painting, flooring, and handyman services.  In short, the company can do anything and everything to keep commercial spaces functional, efficient, beautiful, and safe.

The secret to Kelley’s success: authenticity and practicality

When Kelley talks about facility management, his passion shines through. “I love how we get to solve problems, often behind the scenes,” he says. “Most guests shopping, visiting their doctor, dining in their favorite restaurant, or visiting any business have no idea our organization is behind the scenes, helping keep that business open and providing a safe and pleasant experience. I get excited about assisting small trade businesses throughout our coverage area to grow their business and support national or even global names. I love the diverse groups of people and various cultures we interact with every day.  Giving back is important to me, and my preferred way is through people.”

While leading his team, Kelley emphasizes authenticity, humanity, and checking one’s ego at the door. “We are regular people who happen to specialize in Facility Management and Construction services,” he says. “We get down to business, show up like normal people, and treat others as if they were a close friend or family member.”

Toward that end, Kelley has built his business around a unique set of principles. “Anything and everything we do starts with our core values,” he explains. The first is “Delight All,” which he defines as not only delivering “extreme satisfaction” to clients, but also “taking care of our vendors in the field.”

When asked to explain the second value, “Execute with Excellence,” Kelley explains “sweat the small details, leave no stone unturned, take responsibility, listen, be responsive, and follow up in a timely manner.” This goes hand-in-hand with the business’s next value: “Deliver on What You Promise.” “Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it,” he asserts.

The fourth value, “Help Others Be Successful,” Kelley describes as “being a mentor for team members, setting others up for success, assisting clients with creating and implementing creative solutions to reduce spend and increase experience, leveraging expertise and connections to help vendor partners grow their business, and volunteering when you can.”

Finally, the business’s last value is “Show Appreciation and Be Kind.” “Take the time to say thank you,” he says. “It means the world to others.”

Incredible customer service generates incredible growth

With ethics and standards like these, it’s not hard to see how Kelley has created a positive ecosystem at Laser Facility Management for team members, clients, and partners alike. As a result, his enterprise has grown at an impressive rate. 

At only five years old — an age that the majority of businesses don’t make it to — Laser Facility Management already operates in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and continues to expand aggressively. Having successfully entered multiple verticals in such a short time, Kelley is excitedly looking forward to the grand milestone of his company’s fifth anniversary.

How to Juggle a Full-time Job and Being a Content Creator

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Since the advent of social media, representatives from different industries have set out to create content that educates or entertains. From lawyers to teachers, influencers and content creators have been able to shine a light on hacks, insights, and behind-the-scenes information from their 9-5 jobs.

Corina Monroe, a dental hygienist from Savannah, Georgia, has taken her passion and experience in the dental field and turned it into a wildly successful content creation side hustle. She has amassed over 2.5 million followers on TikTok and 130,000 followers on Instagram by sharing tips and tricks for healthy dental hygiene and educating people on the dental world. Her accounts give a “day-in-the-life” look at working as a dental hygienist and have hit a niche that was before unexplored, leading to major success.

“I started to pursue social media on a serious level when I realized that there was a huge lack of dental knowledge in the general population,” says Monroe. “Those were the videos that took off, and I continued to create that type of content in hopes to educate.”

Monroe initially pursued dental hygiene work because it was “easy to be part-time,” anticipating that she may want to have a family one day and work fewer hours. However, she ended up falling in love with the job, added education and content creation to her schedule, and could not be happier about it. 

Balancing full-time work with content creation 

Being that “content creator” is a relatively new line of work and largely self-professed, the statistics on how many content creators there are can vary. According to some studies, there may be upwards of 50 million content creators out there, churning out content on subjects that run the gamut. Many of these content creators, like Monroe, work a full-time job in addition to their side gig. Juggling those two disciplines may seem difficult, if not nearly impossible, from the outside looking in. However, Monroe insists that with a little organization, it can be done — and done well.

Monroe relies on batching content in order to get as much content out as possible, consistently. “Mass producing your content — or as I like to call it, batching — is a great strategy when you are trying to grow your following,” she explains. “This means I will make many videos in one day (a batch) and then consistently post over the week and weekends a couple of times each day. Having a surplus of videos takes the pressure off of having to come up with new ideas and film a new video every day.”

By putting aside specific content creation times in order to make batch content, Monroe whittles her side-hustle time down to a few hours a week. That way, it doesn’t interfere with her full-time job and she can still grow her following and her platform. 

With any content creator, full-time or part-time, consistency is key. Along with consistency, Monroe stresses the importance of having a welcoming and attractive personality, as this is what draws people to check out the content in the first place, and what keeps them coming back.

Finding a niche was easy for Monroe, who was already working full-time as a dental hygienist and finishing up her Bachelor’s Degree in dental hygiene. She had a front-row seat to the ins and outs of the industry and was the perfect person to give a first-hand account on social media. 

“Finding your niche is important because this allows you to focus on one area of expertise rather than just posting a million different things in a million different areas,” says Monroe. “People who are interested in that niche will be drawn to your content and most likely follow you and remain following you because they enjoy your content.”

Educating the public and balancing passions 

Monroe’s social media platforms took off during the pandemic, beginning with her simply sharing advice gleaned from her time working in the dental office. Her popularity has grown such that she’s been asked to speak at dental conferences. Balancing her passion for dental hygiene education and her 9-5 as a hygienist hasn’t always been easy, but Monroe has the support of her employer and her family to rely on to keep both passions thriving.

“The biggest and most influential person in my life who helped me achieve success would be my husband, Jared. He has always been my number one fan,” Monroe explains. “He never doubts me. He continues to just tell me that I can do it and that I am the hardest worker he has ever known. That reassurance and his unwavering support keep me going, and really push me to continue to pursue my dreams and keep going when the going gets rough.”

Monroe is excited to be growing her content creation side hustle by partnering with companies that are, in her expert estimation, “changing the face of dentistry”. Continuing to travel and attend conferences with patients and other dental professionals has spurred Monroe’s plans for the future. Through connections made via the conferences, she has been able to expand her work to writing industry-related articles, a new venture that makes Monroe both nervous and excited.

Content creation can be an all-encompassing passion. But with organized batch-creation and strong engagement with people, one can both be a successful content creator and work a 9-5 that you love.

Women in Biotech: The Current Prospects

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

 

The biotechnology industry is an innovative and growing sector with the potential to transform the world we live in. It is a diverse field that offers many opportunities for women to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. While the field has traditionally been male-dominated, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the prospects of women in biotech.

The Need for Diversity in Biotech

Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and energy, among other fields. However, to achieve these breakthroughs, the industry needs diverse perspectives and expertise. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration among scientists, engineers, business professionals, and others. To bring diverse perspectives to the table, the industry needs to attract and retain women and underrepresented groups.

There is evidence that diversity in the biotech industry leads to better outcomes. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Diverse perspectives can also help biotech companies develop products that are more inclusive and better meet the needs of all people.

Advancements in Biotech for Women’s Health

The biotech industry has made significant strides in developing products that address women’s health needs. For example, biotech companies have developed treatments for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other women’s health conditions. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of biotech companies focused on women’s health, such as those developing treatments for endometriosis, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The biotech industry has also made advancements in fertility treatments. The development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has enabled millions of couples to have children. Biotech companies are also developing new technologies to improve the success rate of IVF and to reduce the risk of complications.

Women in Biotech Leadership Roles

Women are also making strides in leadership roles in the biotech industry. In recent years, there have been many high-profile women in biotech who have led successful companies.

For example, Brandy G. Robinson, a Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Executive, is a cross-functional global team leader and professional with a strong sense of initiative who is driven to seize opportunities and take on new challenges with diverse legal, compliance, and regulatory standards expertise. She is also an exceptional public speaker and lecturer in higher education.

In 2018, she switched career paths, pivoting into the biotech industry and diligently working her way to an executive role within three years, becoming the Head of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance of a publicly traded biotech company. This achievement was not only significant in that Brandy G. Robinson is a woman achieving such executive status, but also as a woman of color. In an April 2022 Pharmaceutical Executive report, it states that in 2021, “women of color represented only 5% of biotech and 4% of pharma line roles.”

The Role of Mentoring in Supporting Women in Biotech

Mentoring is critical for supporting women in biotech. Mentors can provide guidance, advice, and support to help women navigate the industry and achieve their career goals. Mentoring relationships can also provide networking opportunities and access to resources that can help women advance in their careers.

There are many organizations that provide mentoring programs for women in biotech. For example, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) offers mentoring programs for women in the life sciences industry. The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) also offers mentoring programs for women in STEM fields, including biotech.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance for Women in Biotech

Work-life balance is a critical issue for women in biotech. Like many industries, biotech can be demanding, requiring long hours and intense focus. Women in biotech may also face challenges related to family responsibilities, including childcare and eldercare.

The biotech industry can take steps to support work-life balance for women. For example, biotech companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours.

Companies can also offer on-site childcare or support for eldercare.

Education and training are critical components for supporting women in biotech. Biotech is a rapidly evolving field that requires professionals to stay up to date with the latest advancements and technologies. Women in biotech need access to high-quality education and training programs to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.

Education and Training Opportunities

There are many education and training opportunities available to women in biotech. Universities and colleges offer degree programs in biotechnology, biochemistry, and related fields. These programs provide students with a strong foundation in the science and technology that underpins the biotech industry.

Many universities and colleges also offer graduate programs in biotechnology and related fields. These programs provide students with the advanced skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in research and development, product commercialization, and other roles in the biotech industry.

In addition to degree programs, there are many professional development programs and training opportunities available to women in biotech. These programs can help professionals develop specialized skills in areas such as regulatory affairs, clinical trials, and manufacturing.

Professional Associations

Professional associations play an important role in supporting women in biotech through education and training. These associations offer a wide range of programs and services to help professionals develop their skills and advance their careers. For example, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) offers a variety of educational programs, including webinars, workshops, and conferences.

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) is another example of a professional

association that supports women in biotech. The HBA offers a variety of education and training programs, including a leadership development program that provides women with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers.

 

Mentoring and Networking

Mentoring and networking are also critical components of education and training for women in biotech. Mentors can provide guidance, advice, and support to help women navigate the industry and achieve their career goals. Mentoring relationships can also provide networking opportunities and access to resources that can help women advance in their careers.

Professional associations and other organizations often offer mentoring and networking programs for women in biotech. For example, the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) offers a mentoring program that connects women in STEM fields with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.

Supporting Women in Leadership Roles

Education and training are also critical for supporting women in leadership roles in biotech. Women in biotech who aspire to leadership roles need access to specialized training and development programs that focus on leadership skills, strategic planning, and decision-making.

Many professional associations and other organizations offer leadership development programs for women in biotech. For example, the Women’s Executive Leadership Program offered by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) provides women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in leadership roles.

Conclusion

The biotech industry offers many opportunities for women to develop rewarding careers. However, to succeed in the industry, women need access to high-quality education and training programs, mentoring and networking opportunities, and support for work-life balance.

Professional associations and other organizations play an important role in providing these resources and supporting women in biotech throughout their careers. With continued focus and investment, the biotech industry can become more diverse, innovative, and impactful, with women playing a critical role in its success.

Driving Digital Transformation: The Success Story of Ruffalo Noel Levitz in Higher Education

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) has been at the forefront of innovation and engagement in the higher education and non-profit industry for over three decades. The organization has helped over 3,000 educational institutions with their enrollment and retention strategies, in addition to generating over $200 million in annual fundraising for the institutions and foundations they serve. Over the past decade, RNL has grown through strategic acquisition, creating complexity within the operations team, technology stack, and overall ecosystem. As an industry leader in higher education, RNL brought Kader Sakkaria to lead the digital transformation for the organization.

The Challenge of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is a complex process that involves streamlining and integrating various aspects of an organization’s operations, from people and processes to technology and systems. For RNL, digital transformation was critical in optimizing its operations and technology stack to ensure continued growth and success.

However, digital transformation can be a daunting process for any organization. The process requires a significant investment of time, resources, and effort and involves several challenges, including:

  • Resistance to change: people naturally resist change, and digital transformation can create anxiety and uncertainty among employees and stakeholders.
  • Limited resources: digital transformation requires significant resources, including skilled personnel, technology infrastructure, and financial investment.
  • Complexity: it involves streamlining and integrating various aspects of an organization’s operations, which can be complex and challenging to implement.
  • Cybersecurity concerns: as organizations move towards digital platforms, cybersecurity becomes a significant concern, and organizations must invest in robust security measures to protect their data and systems.

Leadership Considerations

Kader Sakkaria joined the team as the Chief Digital and Technology Officer in September 2020, bringing extensive leadership experience in business, IT, and portfolio management from his time at BMO Harris Bank. Together with his team, Sakkaria created operational alignment and streamlined the technology ecosystem to drive effectiveness, efficiency, outcomes, performance, and collaboration. He took several steps to ensure the success of the digital transformation, including:

Aligning the reality and priorities of the organization

The RNL team brought the collective operations and IT/Engineering team together to openly discuss the challenges, needs, barriers, and considerations. They were honest and transparent about the constraints, considerations, and timeline. As a team, they prioritized the strategies and focused on:

  • Ensuring the least amount of disruption for their partners
  • Driving the greatest amount of performance, outcome, and improvement
  • Increasing the level of employee satisfaction and engagement

Auditing the processes, systems, and reporting

The team used internal and external (such as Brillio and PwC) teams to challenge the status quo. They documented the existing process with workflows and visuals to help identify areas for improvement or change. They shared the documentation and outcomes with the combined team to ensure transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continued refinement.

Creating cross-functional teams to expedite innovation and success

The RNL team challenged cross-functional teams to live their values – be dynamic, empowered, and authentic. They gave them the autonomy to make recommendations that informed people, processes, systems, KPIs, and outcomes.

Curating organizational connections, collaborations, and relationships

As situations or challenges arose outside the priorities, they intentionally brought various and differing team members into the conversation. They facilitated connections across multiple teams to infuse differentiated perspectives, expertise, problem-solving skills, and personalities to drive meaningful change and transformation. They leveraged war rooms, as needed, to allow for creativity, challenge, ideation, problem-solving, and focus.

Hosting Show and Tells across the entire organization

The RNL team recognized that their rapid rate of change could create confusion or frustration for other teams. They hosted weekly all-department meetings to give everyone from their collective team, from sales to account management to finance and accounting to human resources and beyond, the information they needed to understand the implications of the digital transformation. They highlighted and celebrated the collective team’s various improvements, changes, outcomes, and successes.

The Lessons Learned from Digital Transformation

Throughout the digital transformation process, RNL’s leadership and teams learned several valuable lessons that can guide other organizations as they embark on their digital transformation journey. These lessons include:

Prioritization is critical

Staying hyper-focused allows everyone to succeed, even when saying no has ripple effects within the organization. Leaders must prioritize their strategies and focus based on shared commitments, such as ensuring the least disruption for their partners, driving the greatest amount of performance, outcome, and improvement, and increasing employee satisfaction and engagement.

Intentional and proactive communication is hard

Communication is key, but ensuring that information is shared and, more importantly, translated in a way that everyone can and will consume it is overwhelming and a full-time job. As leaders, we must be empathetic and thoughtful about how and when we communicate to ensure it lands. We must connect the dots for our teams, especially when asked to multitask in an ever-changing environment.

People make a difference

Everyone wants to be successful, but leaders must remove barriers and help their teams succeed by giving them the support and resources they need and being decisive and honest with decisions. Some people are motivated differently, so taking the time upfront to understand the various teams’ needs, desires, and motivations is crucial. Cross-functionally facilitating relationships and connections helps drive engagement, satisfaction, creativity, friendships, and commitment to a positive and solution-oriented culture. Our teams can help us realize digital transformation; they need space and grace to do it.

The Importance of Digital Transformation

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation has become more than a buzzword. It’s a critical step for organizations looking to stay competitive and relevant in the digital age. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for digital transformation, forcing organizations to move online and adopt digital technologies to survive and thrive.

Digital transformation helps organizations streamline operations, optimize the technology stack, and drive effectiveness, efficiency, outcomes, performance, and collaboration. It also allows organizations to stay agile, adapt to changing market conditions, and take advantage of new opportunities.

In the case of RNL, digital transformation has helped the organization create operational alignment, streamline its technology ecosystem, and drive collaboration and innovation. By investing in its digital transformation, RNL has set itself up for continued growth and success in the years to come.

Digital transformation is a complex process that requires leadership, strategy, resources, and commitment. Leaders must prioritize their strategies, communicate effectively, and give their teams the support and resources they need to be successful. They must also understand that people make a difference.

How this Nano-Fulfillment Automation Solution is Revamping eCommerce in 2023

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

 

eCommerce has grown in leaps and bounds these past several years. From mobile commerce, and hyper-personalization, to optimized supply chain management, the skyrocketing consumer demand and the emergence of tech breakthroughs have made leaders pull their best cards and keep up with the competitive business ecosystem.

One of the biggest tech advancements that reshaped the direction of eCommerce, particularly in nano-fulfillment centers, is automation. These small warehouses, typically less than 10,000 square feet, leverage automation to improve the speed and accuracy of the picking, packing, and shipping processes.

The sector’s evolution then and now is night and day. In fact, a survey shows that 80% of warehouses lacked any form of automation back in 2021, and only 5% of warehouses have utilized sophisticated automation and robotics technologies in the last decade. But as the benefits of these game-changing solutions have become more evident, organizations now scour left and right for the most cutting-edge solutions to employ in their warehouses. 1MRobotics, an Israel-based tech company specializing in automated hyperlocal logistics infrastructure, is steps ahead of the game to ensure operational efficiency in the eCommerce industry.

1MRobotics, established in 2021, is a company that develops state-of-the-art technologies to enable more industries and sectors to implement lights-out automation. The team is composed of experienced experts and industry professionals who have worked for distinguished organizations such as Magic Leap, Elbit Systems, Allot Communications, and Bringg, among others. They have a wealth of collective experience from companies in various stages, from the initial stages of establishment to M&A. With diverse backgrounds in enterprise sales, hardware and software development, robotics, and electro-optics, the team brings a range of cross-functional expertise from Israel and other countries.

Sourced Photo

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

The Plug-and-Play Automation Solution

1MRobotics has developed robotic nano-fulfillment centers that are specifically designed to meet the ever-increasing need for fast delivery and to facilitate rapid expansion and optimal unit economics. Currently, most last-mile facilities operate manually and inefficiently, but 1MRobotics aims to provide a “plug-and-play” automation solution for last-mile fulfillment in almost any category, resulting in lower costs and reduced environmental impact.

These systems can be shipped globally in standard shipping containers and are ready to operate immediately upon arrival. The units can be deployed either as standalone facilities within the containers or within any retail facility, providing 1MRobotics with the flexibility to position its units anywhere in the world. By offering full automation and a modular approach, 1MRobotics allows for fast deployment on a global scale while also ensuring a significant reduction in operational costs.

Meet Genesis and Flexsis

1MRobotics currently offers two types of solutions: Genesis, which is a fully automated facility, and Flexsis, which is a collaborative automation solution.

Genesis is a lights-out facility that provides end-to-end automation to a variety of sectors without the need for human intervention. It offers an independent picking and packing process and is well-suited for industries such as retail, CPGs, consumer electronics, beverages, and products that have similar sizes and shapes.

Flexsis, on the other hand, is designed to meet the specific needs of businesses with more extensive and diversified product assortments. It is suitable for a range of industries, including quick commerce, convenience stores, manufacturing lines, distribution centers, and warehouses for picking and packaging. By implementing Flexsis, companies can reduce the number of required employees and streamline their operations.

The company’s innovation offers the potential for on-demand delivery to several industries, benefiting both businesses and their customers or employees. The customers or employees can receive what they require promptly, while the business can become more efficient and profitable. This is all made possible by their hyperlocal infrastructure. As their systems continue to evolve, what is currently considered a high standard will eventually become the standard practice.

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Inspiring Story of Anthony Fate Lynch and Keepsake Memories LLC

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

In order to honor African American and Caribbean cultures across the city, Anthony Fate Lynch, the founder of Keepsake Memories LLC, has been quietly expanding a funeral industry empire that has emerged as New York’s best-kept secret. Mr. Lynch started his company from scratch after leaving the music business more than a decade ago, motivated by the sudden and tragic deaths of his uncle Edgardo Rodriguez, his grandmother Lutty Soto and his stepfather Paul Reed. Mr. Lynch has turned tragedy into triumph through his business, Keepsake Memories LLC, by offering distinctive funeral services that pay homage to African American and Caribbean cultures all over New York City. In addition to other keepsakes, his business offers funeral programs, slideshow presentations, photo boards, and live-streaming funeral / memorial services. As a result, the Caribbean and West Indian communities throughout the five boroughs have come to rely on his company for these services. 

Lynch

Mr. Lynch, who is Puerto Rican and West African, recognizes the value of upholding cultural traditions, and he has established himself as a dependable and sympathetic funeral planner for families from all walks of life. His creations have been prominently displayed in Caribbean neighborhoods. When asked about his personal journey and the factors that contributed to his success, Mr. Lynch states, “I just wanted to be the person that I needed when I lost my family.”. 

His business stands out in the sector thanks to his strong work ethic and dedication to undercutting his rivals’ prices. With his affordable and individualized funeral planning and keepsake services, he has outcompeted bigger businesses like Staples despite being a small business owner. Leading funeral homes, including Guarino Funeral Home in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn and James Romanelli Funeral Home in Ozone Park ,Queens have praised him for his dedication and reputation for excellence, making him and his business their go-to planner and printer. 

Keepsake Memories LLC

According to Anthony F. Lynch, “My mission is to provide families with individualized and compassionate service that enables them to truly honor the life of their loved one in a manner that reflects their unique personality and cultural traditions.”. In addition to keepsakes and funeral planning, he also provides an obituary writing service. He works with families to create heartfelt and significant tributes to their loved ones by having an eye for detail and a passion for capturing the distinctive qualities of each individual.

Mr. Lynch continues to work toward being a one-stop shop for all funeral needs in the community as he looks to expand into repast event spaces and collaborate with regional community chefs. Keepsake Memories LLC has become the go-to company for funeral planning and keepsake services in New York City thanks to its founder’s dedication to excellence and passion for supporting families during a trying time. “I believe that every life is worthy of celebration, and I am honored to work with families to erect a permanent memorial to their loved one,” says Anthony F. Lynch. 

Thanks to Anthony F. Lynch’s exceptional work and devotion to his craft, he has garnered much recognition. Lynch has received Google’s 5-star rating, making Keepsake Memories LLC  the sole 5-star provider of funeral planning and mementos in New York City. His efforts have been recognized by his colleagues in the funeral industry in addition to being valued by his clients. 

 “Mr. Lynch is a true professional who has a deep understanding of the importance of funeral services in the grieving process,” says one funeral home owner who has partnered with Keepsake Memories LLC. “His commitment to providing personalized services that honor the cultural traditions of the families he serves is truly remarkable.”

The ultimate objective of Mr. Lynch’s business, which he continues to expand, is to continue offering families compassionate, individualized funeral planning assistance. With a mix of Puerto Rican and West African ancestry, he is uniquely qualified to comprehend the needs of various communities and assist families in creating heartfelt memorials for their loved ones. 

I am committed to providing the highest level of service to every family I work with, says Anthony F. Lynch. It is an honor to be able to offer some consolation and support during such a trying time because I am aware that losing a loved one can be one of life’s most trying experiences. “. 

The success of Keepsake Memories LLC is a true testament to Mr. Lynch’s commitment and labor of love, and it is a shining illustration of the beneficial effects that small businesses can have on their local communities. 

For more information on Keepsake Memories LLC and its full range of services, visit their website at www.keepsakememories.com.

From Latvia to Global Recognition: A Leading IT Company Setting the Standard in Web and Mobile Development

NY Weekly Staff on March 28, 2023

Interview with CEO & Co-Founder of AKitoGroup – Alexander Kvasa

1. Tell us in brief about AKItoGroup. How did it begin the journey?

The company is more than 10 years old, but it has been developing dynamically for the last 4 years. Around 4 years ago, I made the decision to initiate a meaningful project aimed at transforming lives for the better and supporting individuals in attaining their desired goals and needs. Presently, I am pleased to observe that we have successfully proceeded with our objective. Our modest yet ambitious idea has expanded globally and is empowering individuals to excel in their passion. This is the mission we have committed to.

2. What strategies do you employ to offer guidance in AKitoGroup, and how do you contribute to managerial tasks?

As the CEO and Co-Founder of the company, I am responsible for making crucial corporate decisions and overseeing the management of company resources and operations. Generally I’m not participating in micromanaging my team. Instead, I prefer to hire and entrust specialists who have my confidence. This is one of the key factors that can significantly impact a company’s success.

3.What approach do you employ to ensure timely delivery of custom software and mobile app development projects for your clients?

There are several key factors to consider when managing software and mobile app

development projects, including:

  • Risk management: creating a risk matrix to anticipate and address potential delays and obstacles
  • Planning intermediate releases and utilizing iterative development: breaking down projects into milestones or sprints with regular demos to track progress and stay on track
  • Effective team management and advanced task planning, with the ability to quickly scale up the team as needed
  • Task management tools: breaking down features into smaller tasks with clear deadlines and estimates to better monitor progress and identify bottlenecks
  • Scope management: managing change requests and prioritizing the project backlog to ensure that the team stays focused on the most important tasks
  • Regular communication, such as daily stand-up meetings and progress reporting, to provide quick feedback on progress and any challenges that arise.

4. Give us a brief about AKitoGroup achievements in the Industry?

AKitoGroup has developed very dynamically over the past 4 years. The main achievement for us is our satisfied customers from all over the world! In terms of awards, Clutch has ranked us among this year’s top 15 local companies in Web Development, Mobile Development and IT Services. Also, the press began to write about us more often and include our company in the tops of their lists.

5.Before selecting a platform for web and mobile application development, what are the critical factors that should be taken into account?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a platform for web and mobile application development, including:

  • Technology stack: the programming languages, frameworks, and libraries that the platform uses
  • Geographic location: the countries where the service will operate, as the choice of server type may depend on the location
  • Architecture: the platform’s overall design and structure
  • Scalability: the platform’s ability to handle increasing traffic and usage over time
  • Security, reliability, deployment, and rollback simplicity: ensuring that the platform provides a secure and reliable environment, with straightforward deployment and rollback processes (ideally with zero downtime, such as with Google App Engine’s flexible environment)
  • Additional services that may be required for the project
  • Cost: the financial implications of using the platform
  • Comprehensive documentation: clear and accessible documentation to help developers use the platform effectively.

6. When aiming to achieve client satisfaction, how many key factors AKitoGroup typically focus on?

When it comes to achieving client satisfaction, there are several key factors to consider,

including:

  • Quality: ensuring that the final product or service meets the highest standards
  • Accessibility: providing easy and efficient communication channels, even for offshore development companies
  • Meeting requirements: not just following client instructions, but also analyzing their needs and goals to offer the best possible solutions
  • Emotional aspect: creating a positive collaboration experience by avoiding rude behavior and misunderstandings that can damage business relationships
  • Overall, these four factors are critical for ensuring client satisfaction.

7. What are the primary drivers that set your company apart from competitors when it comes to corporate strategy?

Our company’s standout feature is our team of reliable and skilled specialists, who possess a creative mindset and a commitment to helping clients. We are proud to have built a strong and cohesive team. Additionally, we never experiment on our clients; we reserve experimentation for our internal projects when we want to test new technologies or approaches. This ensures that our clients always receive tried-and-true solutions.

8. What kind of talent and expertise do you have in emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and big data?

New-age technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and big data are rapidly transforming both industrial and consumer sectors. From retail to healthcare, and from finance to logistics, these advanced technologies are finding their way into every business domain, providing new and intelligent approaches to operations.

At AKitoGroup, we have extensive expertise in developing web and mobile applications that leverage emerging technologies to provide businesses with a smart and innovative way to engage with their target customers. Our solutions are designed to blend the latest technological advancements with industry-specific requirements to deliver optimal results. Key trends driving the growth of new-age technologies include innovation, voice user interfaces (VUI), smart interactions, standardization, and more. We stay at the forefront of these trends to ensure our clients receive the most advanced and effective solutions for their Businesses.

9. What is your minimum budget requirement?

We do not have a minimum budget requirement for taking on projects, as we believe in helping people start something they find important, regardless of their budget constraints.

10. As someone who has been in this industry for a considerable amount of time, what is the most important advice you would like to give to entrepreneurs that they should take seriously?

It’s important to focus on the end goal. When considering what’s more important – the process or the outcome – always prioritize the result. There is only one outcome that will align with your objectives, and that is what you must strive for. While it’s possible to exceed your initial expectations, you should never lower the bar you’ve set for yourself. There are many paths you can take to achieve your goals, as long as your actions comply with social norms and the law. Just like how there are multiple ways to solve a math problem, it’s not essential which route you take as long as the result is accurate

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