2016 has been Collective’s busiest and most productive year to date. As we head into 2017 with a continued passion for action and change, we want to look back at the past year and share some of our favorite events, reports, and stories: JANUARY 5 Ways to Become a Sustainability Ambassador By Charlie Matthews We kicked off 2016 with a Beyond Business as Usual Forum. Over 50 young professio…
In a previous post, we looked at the potential future of energy, environmental, and sustainability under a Trump presidency. In our discussion, we highlighted Trump's potential impact on the Paris Agreement, the EPA, and major regulations like the Clean Power Plan, and had a recurring conclusion — the environment will likely take a back seat to coal and natural gas jobs. Our analysis was very A…
What is the best design? How do you create the perfect product? How do you engage your audience and generate user uptake? These are questions that all entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations ask themselves when conceptualizing new products or services. It is the ability to tap into the fundamental motivation of consumers that dictates whether or not a product “works”, and for some it remain…
Consumer-based companies have long predicted that the future of consumerism rests in the wants and needs of the next generation. China, however, is presenting an entirely different story. The Chinese market suggests that the elderly are the next big source of consumers, and are spending in new and unique ways. Not only are the elderly in need of community center clinics and nursing homes, but are…
“Your employer branding is not what you tell them it is, it’s what they tell you it is” This is how a recent employer branding seminar began in Shanghai. The premise was to understand the current trends in job seekers’ perceptions of employers, expectations, and preferences from an employer, and how firms can create effective KPIs for employer branding. While the issues of gender equality and…
Be it through the movement from a manufacturing-based economy to one based on services, the movement of millions of people into the city, or through the increased presence of technology, the very nature and future of work is changing. For firms, this will require a change not only in how they attract and retain labor, but in how offices are designed and built for a more flexible labor force. Fo…
For decades, company executives have given speeches pitching to investors, engaging consumers and suppliers, and inspiring employees. But as the pace of the world and technology has moved on the style and embracement of such new techniques for engagement seem to have lagged behind. Living in a world filled with daily frustration, people – especially the Millennials – are constantly searching fo…
With China’s desire to shift from “made in China” to “created in China”, the movement away from labor-intensive industries towards new, innovative, and highly efficient manufacturing has begun. Additionally, the existing Chinese workforce is more expectant and empowered than ever, demanding increasingly higher wages – wages that are some of the highest in the Asian region. As many consider the…
Someone has to get the ball rolling. Any and all progressive change requires intentional action from human beings, especially in terms of maximizing efficiency and sustainability in your firm’s operations. Now is no time to be passive, and this is the exact value of the sustainability ambassador — inspired individuals at all levels of leadership and influence who can pioneer your firm’s futur…
None can deny the critical importance of China’s market to global corporations and their leadership. With a population of over 1 billion consumers, China has become a proving ground for CEOs, an integral influencer in the international stock market, and the country where corporations learn to prototype innovate products for a massive, diverse base of customers and clients. Above all, China's hi…
With China’s desire to shift from “made in China” to “created in China”, the movement away from labor-intensive industries towards new, innovative and highly efficient manufacturing has begun. Coupled with this, the existent workforce are more expectant and empowered than ever, demanding increasingly higher wages - wages that are some of the highest in the Asian region. With some considering…
For firms and organizations looking to join the ranks of other industry leaders and assume the mantle of social responsibility, the first key step is engaging and uniting your most valuable resource: your employee base. Consider every interested employee in the process, they bring a level of diversity in departments, expertise, and interactions with outside stakeholders. Joining their talents and…
Allergies: The Problem Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide, with prevalence of the whole population by country ranging from 10-40%. A number of triggers, such as food, dust and pollen, are responsible for allergic reactions, activating symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, or on the skin. Even beyond physical effects ranging from mere irritation to anaphylactic reactio…
In an historical decision last week that shook the world, the United Kingdom voted through referendum to "Brexit", or leave the European Union, giving rise to numerous political, economic, and social implications. The social implications were already visible on a personal level over the weekend, as many people living in the UK — particularly ethnic minorities and foreign workers — have experienced…
On Wednesday I attended Plasticity forum in Shanghai, an event hosted by Doug Woodring that focuses on the plastics industry bringing together professional, experts and stakeholders from around the globe to promote and discuss the future of plastics and its progressive management. Despite a host of interesting talks I wanted to share with you the theme of a conversation that I had with the seni…
