Joeri Billast

Efficado

This is for tech scale-ups who don't want to hire a full-time marketing director:
- I work with you as a part-time CMO who is a fully integrated part of your team.
- I am responsible for developing the marketing strategy and driving the implementation
- I lead building teams and systems and own outcomes.

Founder & Fractional CMO (chief marketing officer)

Get ready for some high-energy, no-BS conversations with top marketing leaders and tech entrepreneurs from every corner of the world. We’re diving deep into Web3, Crypto, Blockchain, AI, Digital Twins, and the Metaverse. It’s all about real insights and actionable strategies to keep you ahead of the game.

👉 Podcast ranked in the top 5% globally. 
👉 Sponsored by Consensus 2024 and CoinDesk!
👉 Check it out: www.cmo-stories.com

Host of the Web3 CMO Stories podcast

JUMP

Collaboration with the SkyClub for my Web3 CMO Stories podcast
Contributor on JUMP Nation

Content Contributor

Web3 Doers

Web3 Doers Pro Member

CoinDesk

Collaboration for Consensus 2024 on my Web3 CMO Stories podcast

Collaboration Partner

Presence

Technology & Innovation Strategist

Rutgers Business School

Course: Marketing in the Metaverse
Module: Metaverse Use Cases & Business Models
Place: Tangra Metaverse

Guest Speaker

Cloudalize

Cloudalize’s full-stack GPU-powered Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) operates as a state-of-the-art DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service) platform, designed to deliver exceptional performance for complex AI and 3D/CGI workflows. With a 12-year partnership with the market leader in parallel computing, Cloudalize has meticulously refined its cloud stack to ensure dynamic balancing between performance and resource utilization. This allows the platform to handle diverse end-user workloads within a single system, providing a high return on investment (ROI) and a faster time-to-value for clients.

A key differentiator of Cloudalize’s DaaS offering is its commitment to customization. Understanding that each client has unique requirements, Cloudalize provides tailored solutions, whether clients prefer hosting their private clouds in their own data centers or using Cloudalize’s infrastructure.

As industries move into an era shaped by AI, IoT, and machine-generated data, technologies such as interactive digital twins and spatial intelligence are becoming critical. Cloudalize’s DaaS platform is at the forefront of driving this transformation, empowering organizations to leverage these innovations efficiently.

Business Intelligence Project Manager

Voka - Kamer van Koophandel Vlaams-Brabant

Mentor - PLATO Entrepreneurs

Rotary International

President Rotary Club Boutersem Bierbeek

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝟑 𝐂𝐌𝐎 | 🚀 Leading B2B Metaverse & AI Marketing Innovations | 🎧 Host of Top 5% Global Podcast on Web3 | 🎤 Keynote Speaker | ✍️Bestselling Author

Hey there! I’m Joeri Billast, also known as ‘The Web3 CMO.’

🌿 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
I’m thrilled to launch Sintra Synergies, where technology and leadership meet nature. This is a movement for leaders who want to harness the power of AI and Web3 without losing sight of what really matters: 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. If you’re tired of the same old grind and ready for real transformation, this is your chance: www.sintrasynergies.com

🎧 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝟑 𝐂𝐌𝐎 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
In my Web3 CMO Stories podcast, I talk to the game-changers, creators, and innovators shaping the future of business. We get into the real stuff. No fluff. Ranked in the top 5% globally, I’m proud to say that it’s become a go-to resource for anyone serious about growth. This isn’t your typical business podcast. It’s about diving deep into what really works.

📚 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫
I don’t just talk about marketing; I live it. My book, "The 5K Challenge for Solopreneurs", hit #1 on Amazon for a reason: because I’m obsessed with making sure that every entrepreneur can access the tools they need to succeed. I’ve spent years pioneering new strategies (hello, LinkedIn Live streams before they were cool!) and quadrupling client revenues. Marketing is my playground, and I’m always on the hunt for the next big opportunity.

🗣️ 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
I’ve had the honor of speaking to audiences around the world, breaking down complex ideas into real, actionable insights that people can use right away. I don’t do theory. I do practical, human-centered strategies that actually move the needle. Whether I’m moderating a panel on AI and leadership or delivering a keynote on Web3, I’m there to cut through the noise and give people real value.

𝐒𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮?
If you’re running a B2B tech scale-up, launching your next big thing, or just trying to keep up with the insane pace of digital transformation, I’m here to help. Let’s connect for a virtual coffee, dive into your marketing, and figure out how to get you where you need to go. Without losing your mind in the process. I believe in real conversations. Not just business talks, but how-do-we-make-this-work-for-you kind of conversations.

Let’s not just tell your story, let’s shout it from the digital rooftops. If you’re tired of blending in and you’re ready to stand out, let’s make it happen. The world’s changing fast. Don’t let it leave you behind. 🌍✨

Fractional CMO (chief marketing officer)

♈️ For tech scale-ups who don't want to hire a full-time marketing director 
♈️ I help them as a part-time CMO during a couple of days per week or per month

🎙️ Tomorrow in Lisbon, I’ll be moderating the 𝐖𝐞𝐛 𝟒.𝟎: 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐈 panel at the Caffeine AI event in Lisbon.

We’ll dive into how agentic AI, Web3, and low-code innovation are reshaping how we build, lead, and collaborate.

Joining me on stage:
 🔥 Ethan Pierse – Author of The AI Solopreneur Economy, helping creators and solopreneurs scale with AI.
 ⚡ Marco Bettiolo – CTO & Co-Founder at Sensay, transforming enterprise knowledge through AI-powered digital replicas.

As always, I’ll bring the storytelling perspective from my Web3 CMO Stories Podcast, turning complex tech into clear, actionable insights for marketers and founders.

📍 Lunar Strategy: The Crypto Ecosystem Growth Agency, Lisbon
 🗓️ Sunday, Nov 9 — 19:15–19:45
 🎥 Media & interviews on site — Sold-out event!

If you’re in Lisbon for #WebSummit, let me know!

I’ll share highlights, takeaways, and photos from the panel on my feed and on my blog and/or podcast.

Tiago Anton Zachary

🔥 The Web3 CMO | Helping Brands Win with Trust, Tech & Smart Visibility | Fractional CMO | Author of “The Future CMO”

I visited the retreat venue in Sintra today 🌱🏰
It exceeded every expectation 🤩

A private villa overlooking Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
Glass meeting room. Garden paths. Chef-prepared meals.
A place designed for deep work and big conversations.

This is where the Sintra Synergies – Future CMO Retreat will take place on 8–11 April 2026.

Featuring Mark Schaefer as special guest, the most trusted voice in marketing.
He helps you rise above the noise! This is a unique opportunity to meet Mark in person and exchange ideas.

I’m now opening the early-decision spots for the retreat
Here’s a first look. See link in first comment.

#sintrasynergies

No time to rest after #WebSummit.
Today I planned two new Web3 CMO Stories episodes at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes for #CCCCLisbon2025.

It is one of the most beautiful venues in Lisbon. I was also here earlier this year for NFC Summit and MEMECON, and it always has the same mix of history, energy and good conversations.

Today that feeling came back. Creators, founders and influencers everywhere. People with strong ideas and stories that stay with you.

Thank you to Kiki, Nicole, Fatema and Miguel from Luna PR for the smooth coordination on a busy day.

Two new episodes are coming soon and I am looking forward to sharing them.

If you already listen to the podcast, let me know in the comments.
And if you decide to subscribe after this post, tell me that too. I’m curious who the regular listeners are.

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Great networking & podcasting day at Web Summit!
Highlights include:
☑️ IRL meeting with Márlyson, a fellow member of the EVOLVE Commerce Club
☑️ Recording of 2 Web3 CMO Stories episodes in the #WebSummit official podcast booth with Jo and Carlos
☑️ Catching up with Nicole after her performance at the Pitch Stage about Mark3t, signing her copy of my book and meeting her 2 team mates Cristina and Radhika

Who will I see tomorrow?

Just wrapped my 10th Web Summit. And on Tuesday I tried something new.
I dropped three copies of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙈𝙊 around the venue.
A small guerrilla experiment… just to see what would happen.

Yesterday, I received a message from Lina:
“I think I found your book.”

Today, we met in person and took this photo.

She told me how she discovered the book, why she decided to message me, and how a simple yellow sticky note turned a random moment into a real connection.

I also got to meet her husband Karolis, founder of AnotherPay (he also turned out to be active in the Web3 niche). Another awesome conversation, and another unexpected link in this huge Web Summit maze.

And honestly… this is why I love this event.
Not the big stages.
Not the hype.
But the serendipity.
A book hidden on Tuesday.
A message on Wednesday.
A great conversation on Thursday.
One book found.
Two brilliant people met.
A story I won’t forget.

#WebSummit #TheFutureCMO #GuerrillaMarketing

SEO is shifting to GEO. AI is rewriting marketing playbooks and team structures. 

Want the real play-by-play from #WebSummit with nearshoring lessons you can use today? 

Listen now to the latest Web3 CMO Stories podcast episode with Jo Smets, founder at BluePanda Solutions and president at Câmara de Comércio Luso-Belga-Luxemburguesa.

Find the link in the first comment.

🎙️ Excited to join this brilliant lineup tonight at Caffeine AI Lisbon.

We’ll explore how AI starts to design the internet itself: from autonomous creation to new forms of trust, work, and storytelling.

I’ll be moderating the “Web 4.0: Designed by AI” panel alongside Ethan Pierse  and Marco Bettiolo  

Instead of talking about hype, we’ll look at what’s already changing:
- How agentic AI is reshaping creative work
- How brands can stay human when automation takes over
- And how builders and marketers can think beyond the buzzwords

📍 Lisbon, today, 19:15 @ Lunar Strategy: The Crypto Ecosystem Growth Agency  
🎥 Full house expected. I can’t wait to share key insights after the panel.

#AI #Web4 #WebSummit

graphical user interface, website, timeline

Ever wished meetings remembered themselves? 

I talk with David Shim, CEO and co-founder at Read AI, on turning calls, emails, and files into a living system of record that powers a digital twin of your work. 

Curious how it boosts focus and output? 
Listen now to the latest Web3 CMO Stories podcast episode on Apple, Spotify etc... And tell us your biggest meeting pain point.

PS: Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends 🎉

I just found out something unexpected 🤩

While I was doing follow-up for my Sintra Synergies retreat, I noticed my book 'The Future CMO' had been included in a recommended reading list for marketers.

"37 Books That Should Be on Every Marketer’s TBR List in 2026" by Content Marketing Institute (author: Ann Gynn)

So I took a closer look at the list… and realised something special.

These aren’t random authors.
These are people I’ve learned from, collaborated with, interviewed on the podcast, shared mastermind calls with, or exchanged ideas with over the past years.

Seeing The Future CMO featured next to books by:

• Mark Schaefer – whose thinking shaped entire chapters of my own work
• Joe Pulizzi – who gave half the industry permission to write their first book
• Ann Handley – the reference for clear, human writing
• Brian Piper – who raised the bar for higher-ed content strategy
• Robert Rose – always sharp, always original
• A. Lee Judge – who helped me rethink marketing alignment
• Erika Heald – bridging content and AI in a way many talk about but few execute
• Jim MacLeod – whose list inspired this post and who finetuned my own book cover
• Brendan Schneider – leading the way in school marketing
• …and many more I’ve personally sat down with on Zoom, in LinkedIn groups, and in real-world events

That hit differently.

I’m grateful for the work these authors put out and the conversations we’ve had.
And I’m proud that The Future CMO is now part of the same shelf.

If you’re looking for strong marketing reads for 2026, these books are a great place to start.
I know the authors. I know the value.
And I can vouch for every one of them.

📚 Which book from the list have you already read?

"Most wallets out there are so complicated, they’re intimidating…
 people are afraid of losing their assets.”

RYO’s new Life Wallet was created to fix exactly that.

It’s a non-custodial, all-in-one digital lifestyle hub designed to feel as familiar as the apps people already use, but fully powered by Web3 in the background.
From one simple dashboard, you can:
✅ manage your digital keys to RYO, ETH, USDT and more
✅ chat with friends who also use Life Wallet
✅ send digital assets instantly
✅ check market rates
✅ connect directly to social platforms
✅ (in Japan) buy or cash out crypto through the only FSA-licensed crypto ATM network
✅ soon: shop on the Global Mall and use RYO Pay for stable, real-world purchases

And the best part?
“It’s something your family, your grandparents, your mother and father can actually use.”
That’s the essence of RYO: making Web3 simple, human and usable for everyone.
Here’s a short clip from my conversation with Lani Dizon, co-founder and president of RYO Digital about why the LIFE Wallet matters.

🎧 Full episode with Lani Dizon: see link in the comments

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: The Future CMO (ebook/audiobook)

The CMO role is fundamentally changing in 2026. Are you ready?

Stop trying to be a superhero.

The new CMO playbook isn't about 'doing it all' but about three strategic choices that make the difference:

✅ Strategy → no chaos, but direction
✅ Storytelling → no noise, but relevance
✅ Smart visibility → no vanity metrics, but impact

That's the essence of The Future CMO.

An anti-burnout manifesto for marketing leaders who want to win in 2026 with systems instead of stress.

🎁 Leave a comment below if you would like to receive the ebook and/or audiobook for free.
⏰ This action is valid until Cyber Monday

Bonus: If you want to take your marketing team to the next level in 2026, I have room for one advisory engagement. Interested? Send me a DM.

Grateful for strong partnerships 💪🙏

With the Thanksgiving conversations still echoing across my feed, I wanted to share something I’m truly grateful for.

A special thank you to RYO Digital for backing the Web3 CMO Stories podcast and for believing in Sintra Synergies' vision from day one.

Partnerships like this are the engine behind everything I create: trust, long-term thinking, community, and shared momentum.

🌿 The Future of Wellness Meets Web3

During CCCC I had the chance to speak with Dirk, co-founder of CUDIS, and ask him one simple question: “What is CUDIS?”

CUDIS is building the next generation of wellness wearables on Solana, helping people live healthier while keeping ownership of their data.
Think of it as the Web3-native evolution of Oura: a ring that tracks your sleep, heart rate, stress, steps and activity… and also rewards you for healthy habits.

Some personal context:
I was already wearing a CUDIS ring during my keynote in Cairo.
At CCCC I received a new blue edition from Dirk, a design that immediately starts conversations. The original ring now fits perfectly with my partner Kim, who prefers a more elegant style.

In the video, Dirk explains the full vision behind CUDIS in his own words.
If you're interested in longevity, wellness tech, AI coaching or the intersection of health and Web3, this project is worth following.

Should I record a podcast with the CUDIS co-founder(s) Edison and/or Dirk?
Curious what you think.

👉 See in the first comment: my personal link, including a 10 percent discount.

🚨 AI won’t wait for you. 

Learn why building direct audiences is the safest move now, how to out-connect algorithms, and the first step to find your tilt. 

Ready to own your future instead of renting it from platforms? 

Listen now to the latest Web3 CMO Stories podcast episode with Joe Pulizzi and tell us your tilt.

PS: Just wrapped up #WebSummit. Now getting ready for #CCCCLisbon2025. If you will be there, let me know 🙌

🔥 Apparently the work is landing.
I’m nominated for the BitMart Global Influencer Awards 2025.

I didn’t build content for attention.
I built it to help founders, marketers and builders navigate a noisy AI + Web3 space with clarity and trust.

Being nominated here is a signal that the message is resonating.
If you’ve benefited from the interviews, frameworks or insights I share, you can support the nomination via the link in the comment section.

Either way, I’ll keep doing exactly what I’m doing.
Better content. Bigger conversations.
More clarity in a space that desperately needs it.
Let’s keep building.

Big career move on your mind? 

Learn how vetted community, warm referrals, and expert-led meetups accelerate transitions without the cold pitch. 

Would you join an invite-only network to gain access and clarity? 
Tune in to the latest Web3 CMO Stories podcast episode with Carlos Monteiro from EVOLVE Commerce Club on Apple, Spotify or another podcast audio app.

While I’m recording podcast episodes at Web Summit, I’m excited that my guest episode on Park Howell’s leading brand storytelling podcast came out in the meantime.

Of course we talked about my new book The Future CMO and Park’s ABT model, applied on my website.

See the link in the first comment to listen to the episode and read the blog article!

🅱🅻🅰🅲🅺 🅵🆁🅸🅳🅰🆈 starts early.

I just released a special edition of my LinkedIn Newsletter with all details about The Future CMO Retreat in Sintra, with special guest Mark Schaefer.

The first 4 participants get a free upgrade to a Superior Room with castle views.

Only 12 seats total.

If you want priority access, read it here 👇

Over the past months, I’ve had many conversations with marketers, founders and creators who feel the same pressure: AI is changing everything Marketin

Open article: Black Friday Starts Early: The Future CMO Retreat Is Now Open by Joeri Billast • 2 min read

Black Friday Starts Early: The Future CMO Retreat Is Now Open

I’m opening Black Friday early.

For The Future CMO Retreat, the first 4 people who join get upgraded to a Superior Room with castle views.
No extra cost.
Same price.
Better experience.

There are 11 rooms.
When the 4 upgrades are gone, they’re gone.
I’m not adding more.

If you want one of the Superior Rooms, DM me and I’ll send the details.

Retreat:
8–11 April 2026
Sintra, Portugal
With Mark Schaefer as special guest

Favikon analysed my year as a creator.

According to their AI model, my content positions me as “The AI-Web3 Wizard.”

Then I saw something that made me smile. Apparently, I mentioned Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Schaefer and Dennis Yu so often that they became my “best buddies.” Not wrong. They shaped my thinking in different ways.

And the creator personality analysis?
“Launching, inviting, expanding.”
That part feels right. It reflects exactly how 2025 unfolded.
Let’s keep building in 2026.

PS: Last day to get the ebook and/or audiobook version of The Future CMO for free. Leave a comment below or send me a DM.

Ranked #1 LinkedIn HR Creator (Global), #2 Female Creator (US) | Positioning Companies & Founders to Attract Talent, Capital & Credibility | 100M+ Organic Reach | Ex-Amazon, Cognizant, Labcorp

Hiring. Visibility. Credibility.

The three levers every founder, CEO, coach, or consultant needs to scale.
The problem? Most get them wrong.

That’s where I come in.

I built 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 to help seed to Series B startups, lean teams, and high-stake leaders attract the right talent, amplify their brand visibility, and build credibility that wins capital and clients.

What sets us apart?
We operate at the intersection of AI, recruitment, and brand strategy turning overlooked processes into growth systems.

Here’s what that looks like in numbers:
✔ 3,000+ hires placed globally across industries
✔ 250,000+ resumes reviewed with precision at scale
✔ 100M+ organic impressions without ad spend
✔ 150K+ community grown organically on LinkedIn
✔ 50K+ subscribers of our Li Newsletter: Incredible Edge
✔ Worked with enterprises like Amazon, Cognizant, Labcorp
✔ Partnered with unicorns like Atlan & Domino Data Lab
✔ Executed brand collabs with Lovable AI, Emergent AI, Gusto, Replit Agent 3, Gamma & GoPerfect
✔ Been named Favikon’s #1 HR Voice (Worldwide) and #2 Female Creator (US) - April'2025

But metrics are just the proof. The real outcome is this:

💡 Founders who save time and scale smarter.
💡 Executives who become visible authorities.
💡 Startups that attract capital and top talent on autopilot.

If you’re still struggling to hire right, stand out, or get noticed, it’s not because you lack potential.
It’s because you’re playing the wrong game.

My work is helping you change that.

📩 DM me or reach out: bookings@proven-patterns.com

Let’s build what they can’t ignore.

💜

Kumud Deepali R.

Every company talks about retention.
 Few talk about why people actually stay.

In an AI-driven world, it’s easy to think algorithms, automation, and analytics hold the answers.

But after seeing how teams grow (and fall apart), here’s what I’ve learned:
People don’t leave jobs. They leave environments that stop respecting them.

Here’s what actually makes people stay:
↳ A manager who listens before reacting
↳ A team that celebrates wins and supports through losses
↳ A workplace that invests in learning, not just output
↳ Leaders who give feedback with empathy, not ego
↳ A culture that values growth over grind

Because no one walks away from a place where they’re:
 ✅ Respected
 ✅ Well-paid
 ✅ Growing

AI can predict turnover.
AI can track engagement.
AI can automate reviews.

But AI can’t create belonging.
 That still takes humans.

Reality is:
 • Respect costs nothing.
 • Fair pay is strategy, not charity.
 • Growth is the best retention policy.

So while the future of work is powered by AI,
 the best workplaces will still be built on R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

What’s one thing your company does that actually makes people want to stay? I’d love to hear the real examples, not the brochure ones.

👉 Follow for more thoughts on people, culture, and the real future of work.
🔁 Repost to remind leaders: AI can enhance work, but only humans can make it meaningful.

200K+ LinkedIn & Newsletter Community | Helping Founders and Leaders Scale with LinkedIn Growth, Talent Acquisition/Hiring & Brand Partnerships | AI-Savvy - Human-First Approach | Neurodiversity Advocate

Hiring for attitude > Hiring for experience.
And more leaders need to say this out loud.

Over the years, one truth has become unmistakably clear:
👉 Skills can be taught.
👉 Mindset is much harder to change.

You can train someone on tools, processes, and systems…
But you can’t teach someone to be kind, collaborative, or solution-oriented if they’re rooted in negativity.

When you hire people with:
✨ A positive mindset
✨ A willingness to learn
✨ A team-first attitude

You’re not just filling a role, you’re strengthening your culture.

What do you value most when hiring, skills or mindset?

Behind every resume you reject is a story you'll never hear. I have heard them. 

A mother who practiced her interview answers at 2 AM while feeding her baby.

A father who took coding classes during lunch breaks to provide a better future.

A graduate who worked three jobs to pay for the degree on that page.

That "gap year/years"?
↳ Cancer treatment
↳ Caring for aging parents
↳ Rebuilding after loss
↳ Taking care of a child with disability. 

That "job hopping"?
↳ Escaping toxic workplaces
↳ Chasing growth opportunities as family size and expenses increased
↳ Following life's unexpected turns

So hiring team....before you say:
"Not enough experience"
"Over-qualified"
"Not the right fit"

Remember:
This isn't just a document.
It's someone's hopes, dreams, and future.

The most important qualifications don't fit on a resume:
• Resilience
• Determination
• Heart

📄 Next time you or AI reviews a resume,
Look beyond the bullet points.
There's a human story waiting to be heard.

💭 What's the story behind your resume?
Share below 👇
♻️ Hit repost and add me to your network. I’ll keep you updated on what’s changing in careers and hiring.

Some of the world’s greatest innovations were born from rejection.

Visionaries who were underestimated went on to reshape entire industries.
🚗 Toyota rejected a mechanic’s new design idea- he built Honda instead.
🐂 Ferrari dismissed advice from a tractor maker- he built Lamborghini.
🏎️ Lamborghini refused to fund an engineer’s carbon-fiber project- he built Pagani.
💻 HP turned down a computer idea from their own engineer- he co-founded Apple.
🎮 Nintendo walked away from a Sony engineer’s disc-console concept- he built PlayStation.
📼 Blockbuster laughed at a founder looking to partner- he built Netflix.
Rejection isn’t a dead end. It’s a redirection.

Sometimes the “no” you hear today becomes the reason you build something the world can’t ignore tomorrow.

If you’re working on something bold and people don’t get it yet…
Keep going.

What’s one rejection that pushed you toward something better? Share your story below. 
Repost as someone might need this reminder to keep going. Thanks!

Visual Credit: Chandrakumar K. Pillai

Rejection Leads to Big Things

Kindness is not a weakness, it’s a leadership advantage.

In a world that often rewards speed, competition, and “winning at all costs,” kindness can feel underrated.

✔️ Kindness builds trust.
✔️ Kindness strengthens teams.
✔️ Kindness fuels collaboration.
✔️ Kindness creates leaders people want to follow.

Some of the strongest professionals I know are the ones who choose empathy even when it’s not the easiest option.

Let’s stop treating kindness like a liability.
It’s a skill.
A strategy.
A strength.

Imagine what our workplaces would look like if kindness was the standard, not the exception.

💬 How has kindness positively impacted your career, life or workplace?

Kumud Deepali Rudraraju, SHRM CP

Applaud yourself, even for the smallest wins. Because progress doesn’t always look like big milestones.

Sometimes it’s:
 ✨ showing up when you didn’t feel like it
 ✨ learning a new skill one tiny step at a time
 ✨ choosing growth over comfort
 ✨ getting back up no matter how many times things didn’t work out

Small wins build momentum.

Momentum builds confidence.

And confidence builds the kind of results everyone else eventually notices.

But you don’t need the applause of others to validate your journey. Start by giving it to yourself.

Celebrate the small stuff, it's the fuel that gets you to the big stuff. What small win are you celebrating today?

The next level in your career doesn’t always come with a new title.
Sometimes, it just brings peace. 🌿

Lately, I’ve realized something surprising, about 7 out of 10 people I speak to have forgotten why they started working in the first place.

They’re caught in routines.

Meetings, reports, promotions, repeat.

Year after year, chasing a version of success someone else defined for them.

It reminds me of how we were once sent to school; same time, same classes, same expectations. Only now, we call it a career.

But somewhere in the process, many of us stopped asking:
 👉 What’s the purpose behind all this effort?
 👉 What does “next level” really mean to me?

For me, the answer changed over time. It used to be about growth, then recognition… but today, it’s about peace; doing meaningful work without losing myself in it.

The truth is, the most important part of your career can’t be measured on a payslip or written in a job title.

It’s the fulfillment, freedom, and calm you feel when your work finally aligns with your values.

So as you plan your next move, remember:
You don’t always have to climb higher.
Sometimes, you just have to come home to yourself. 

♻️ Repost, 👍 like and connect with me as I share with you daily uplifting life and career oriented posts! 

#CareerGrowth #PurposeDriven #MindfulLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #PeaceOverPressure #LinkedInCommunity

✨ Say yes, and let growth catch up later.

How many times have we held ourselves back because we didn't feel “ready enough”?

Reality is, nobody ever feels 100% ready. Confidence is built after taking the leap, not before.

Some of the biggest milestones in my journey came from saying yes first:
Yes to roles I’d never done
Yes to projects that felt intimidating
Yes to challenges that forced me to level up
Every “yes” stretched me. Every stretch expanded my capability.

🔥 Growth is uncomfortable. But that discomfort is where transformation begins.

So here’s a gentle reminder for anyone hesitating today:
Don’t wait for perfection. Say yes. Show up. Learn on the way.

What’s one opportunity you said “yes” to before you felt ready?

What if the most important subject in school isn’t math, science, or reading… but empathy?

Since 1993, Denmark has required every child aged 6-16 to take a weekly empathy class.

Not as an add-on. Not as a nice-to-have.
As a core part of education.

The outcome?
🌍 Among the lowest bullying rates in the world
🌱 Consistently high kindness and well-being scores
🤝 A culture where emotional intelligence is as valued as academic achievement

It raises a powerful question for all of us; parents, leaders, educators, and employers:
Are we teaching the next generation how to understand each other, not just outperform each other?

In a world driven by competition, Denmark chose connection. And it’s paying off.
Imagine if more school systems did the same.
Imagine if more workplaces did the same.
Empathy isn’t soft.
Empathy is a skill.

And it might just be one of the most future-proof ones we can teach.

Should empathy be a required part of education or maybe even workplace everywhere? What do you think?

Put a ❤️ on this post if you believe empathy should be mainstreamed in both school and work, and repost to help spread it.

People don't quit jobs. They quit broken promises.

Here's what really drives talent away:

1. Managers Who Don't Lead
↳ Taking credit, not responsibility
↳ "Do as I say" instead of "Let me show you"
↳ Focused on control, not growth

2. Toxic Cultures
↳ Politics over performance
↳ Blame games instead of solutions
↳ "That's how we've always done it"

3. Micromanagement
↳ Trust is just a word on the wall
↳ Every decision needs approval
↳ No room to breathe or innovate

4. Zero Recognition
↳ Achievements go unnoticed
↳ Extra effort = Extra expectations
↳ Praise in private, criticism in public

5. Poor Communication
↳ Decisions made in black boxes
↳ Feedback is a yearly event
↳ Transparency only when convenient

6. Growth Dead Ends
↳ Learning = Your problem
↳ Promotions based on tenure
↳ Skills rot while promises don't

7. Rigid Work Rules
↳ One-size-fits-none policies
↳ Flexibility = Physical presence
↳ Life adapts to work, never reverse

8. Human → Number
↳ Metrics over meaning
↳ Burnout is a badge
↳ Personal crisis? Use PTO

Reality:
Great talent doesn't leave great environments.
They leave leaders who don't create them.

For Leaders:
Which of these are you guilty of?
(Be honest, we all have blind spots)

🎯 For Companies:
Your "retention strategy" is broken if you're:
• Exit interviewing instead of stay interviewing
• Fixing symptoms instead of systems
• Hoping free lunch beats toxic culture

Which one of these hit hardest for you?

Drop your thoughts below, or add your own to the list.

If you believe culture > perks:
🔁 Repost to spark reflection.
🔔 Follow for more no-fluff insights on leadership, culture, and talent that actually sticks.

FACT: Having a good manager is a blessing.

Not the kind you appreciate only during appraisal season…

But the kind that shapes your career in ways you don’t fully realize until much later.

A good manager doesn’t just assign tasks.
They mentor, guide, empower, and protect their team.
They create an environment where you feel safe enough to try, fail, grow, and shine.

If you’ve ever worked under a truly great manager, you know the difference:
 ✔️ You learn faster
 ✔️ You feel valued
 ✔️ You’re trusted
 ✔️ You’re motivated
 ✔️ And most importantly; you become better, not just as an employee, but as a person

Great managers don’t just lead teams.
 They build people.
 And that’s rare.
 And worth celebrating.

🔁 Repost this to appreciate great managers
👥 …and tag a manager who made a real difference in your journey.

Image Credit: Daksh Sethi

What if the real measure of success isn’t what we achieve, but how human we choose to be?

Every day, we get countless opportunities to show who we really are;
in how we help, how we listen, how we show up, and how we choose compassion even when no one is watching.

Kindness doesn’t need an audience.
Empathy doesn’t need a reason.
And humanity doesn’t need a perfect moment, it just needs intention.

What inspires me most is seeing ordinary people choose to act with extraordinary heart. Not for praise. Not for credit. Simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Imagine what our workplaces, communities, and world would feel like if more of us made humanity a daily habit.
A little more care.
A little more patience.
A little more giving.

It adds up.

Humanity matters. Practice it every single day.

If you believe the world needs more humanity, drop a ❤️ or repost this message to help it reach someone who needs the reminder today.

AI isn’t just creating new tools, it’s creating entirely new careers.

And as I move deeper into my own AI journey, I want to take you with me.

If you're building a team, hiring talent, or planning your own career path, understanding this new landscape is no longer optional. It’s a competitive advantage.

Here's a breakdown of emerging AI roles that are essential for building the future of AI-driven systems:

AI Roles:

1. Model Manager
Oversees development, deployment, and performance of ML models.
Tech Stack: Python, TensorFlow, Kubernetes, Docker.

2. ML Engineer
Designs, develops, and deploys scalable machine learning solutions.
Tech Stack: Python, PyTorch, AWS/GCP, SQL.

3. Data Engineer
Creates and maintains data pipelines for model training.
Tech Stack: Python, Spark, Kafka, AWS/GCP.

4. AI Architect
Designs scalable AI systems integrated with existing infrastructure.
Tech Stack: Python, Kubernetes, Microservices, Docker.

5. Data Scientist
Analyzes data to build predictive models and generate insights.
Tech Stack: Python, R, TensorFlow, Hadoop.

6. AI Developer
Develops AI applications, integrating ML algorithms into production.
Tech Stack: Python, Java, TensorFlow, Kubernetes.

7. Decision Engineer
Builds systems to automate decision-making using AI models.
Tech Stack: Python, ML frameworks, Cloud platforms.

---

Emerging AI Roles:

8. Analytics Engineer
Transforms data into actionable insights using analytics tools.
Tech Stack: Python, SQL, Tableau, Apache Airflow.

9. AI Product Manager
Manages the lifecycle of AI-driven products, bridging technical teams and stakeholders.
Tech Stack: Jira, Python (basic), Agile methodologies.

10. UX Designer (AI)
Designs user interfaces for AI applications, ensuring seamless AI-powered experiences.
Tech Stack: Figma, Adobe XD, HTML/CSS, JavaScript.

11. Head of AI
Leads AI strategy across the organization, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Tech Stack: Leadership tools, Cloud platforms, Project management software.

12. D&A and AI Translator
Translates business needs into technical AI solutions, bridging the gap between teams.
Tech Stack: Python, SQL, Jira, Agile.

---

Must-have AI Roles:

13. AI Risk and Governance Specialist
Ensures compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory standards for AI systems.
Tech Stack: Compliance tools, Risk management software.

14. Model Validator
Validates the accuracy and reliability of ML models in real-world environments.
Tech Stack: Python, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow.

15. Prompt Engineer
Optimizes large language models by fine-tuning prompts for better performance.
Tech Stack: Python, NLP frameworks, Hugging Face.

16. AI Ethicist
Ensures AI systems are fair, transparent, and ethically sound.
Tech Stack: Ethical guidelines, Compliance tools.

If you want to stay ahead of the AI curve, follow along. Let’s navigate the AI era together.

Which of these roles fascinates you the most, or aligns with your next career move? Comment below.

#AI

📌 The Reality Behind "AI Engineer" Job Descriptions
Scrolling through job posts lately feels like reading the requirements for an entire Data & AI department squeezed into a single role.

Too often, companies are looking for one person who can:
🔹 Build backend systems
🔹 Develop full-stack applications
🔹 Architect data pipelines
🔹 Manage databases
🔹 Run MLOps and CI/CD
🔹 Ship deep learning models
🔹 Handle cloud infrastructure
🔹 Optimize GPU workloads
🔹 Maintain Kubernetes clusters
🔹 …and write documentation on top of it

🚫 This is not an “AI Engineer.”
✅ This is a full Data, ML, and Platform team.

When organizations overload a single role, a few things happen:
1️⃣ Product delivery slows down
2️⃣ Burnout skyrockets
3️⃣ Security gaps emerge
4️⃣ Knowledge becomes siloed
5️⃣ Retention drops

In the era of AI transformation, building the right team matters more than ever.
A successful Data & AI function requires specialization, collaboration, and clear role boundaries.

If you're a recruiter or hiring manager, consider:
What skills are actually essential for the role?
Which responsibilities belong to other teams?
How can you design a role that sets someone up for success?

The future of AI isn’t built by unicorns.
It’s built by well-structured teams. What do you think? Do join the conversation in the comments below.

Respect isn’t a reward, it’s a habit.
Some of the most impactful people I’ve met weren’t the ones with the highest titles, the longest résumés, or the loudest voices.

They were the ones who showed kindness without conditions.
In a world that often measures worth by position, pay grade, or pedigree, choosing to respect someone simply because they’re human is a quieter, deeper form of leadership.

Reality is: 
 You never know the story behind a person.
 You never know the battles they’ve fought.
 And you never know how far a moment of respect can go.

Make it a habit to value people before you evaluate them.
Everything else comes after.

What’s one small act of respect you believe the workplace needs more of? 🙏
Repost if you share this sentiment.

Will AI make us forget about books?

I hope not. Because I already regret how little I read today. Some days, I catch myself relying on AI summaries, bite-sized content, and quick insights… and I wonder if we’re slowly losing the one habit that made us truly wise: reading real books.

There was a time when I could finish a book in 3 hours. And honestly, those were my smartest years.

Not because I had more information. But because books shape you differently. They make you think slower, deeper, and more honestly.

AI can give you answers. 
But books give you perspective.
AI can save you time.
But books give you wisdom.

Here’s a quiet reminder, for you and for me:
📚 Go back to books.
 Slow down.
 Read deeply.
 Let your mind stretch again.

Because the easiest way to grow…
is still sitting quietly on your shelf.

What book made you wiser than any life experience ever did?
Repost to remind someone, maybe you that reading is still one of the purest ways to grow. Don’t let it slip away.

Big thanks to Ankur Warikoo (5X Best Selling Author) for the wonderful visual and recommendations.

20 Books to Understand the World 

Everyone talks about mindset like it’s an accessory.

Something you put on in the morning and forget by lunch.

Reality is you live inside your mind 24/7. It’s your permanent address.

So ask yourself, 
If your thoughts were a home… would you want to live there?

Most people don’t.

Because they fill it with things that don’t belong:
 • “I’m not good enough.”
 • “What if I fail?”
 • “Everyone else is doing better.”

And yet, they wonder why they never feel at peace.

And the wrong questions we often ask ourselves:
 ❌ “Why can’t I be like them?”
 ❌ “What’s wrong with me?”
 ❌ “When will I finally be enough?”
Try swapping them for these:
 ✅ “What’s one thing I’m proud or grateful of today?”
 ✅ “What would I tell a friend who felt like this?”
 ✅ “What’s one small thing I can control right now?”

That’s how you start making your head a nice place to be. Not through toxic positivity. But through daily rewiring, one kinder thought at a time.

 So build something beautiful.

What’s one small way you make your mind a nicer place to be?

Repost as someone might need this reminder today! 
Follow me, (Kumud Deepali R.) for daily self reflection posts!

200K+ LinkedIn & Newsletter Community | Helping Founders and Leaders Scale with LinkedIn Growth, Talent Acquisition/Hiring & Brand Partnerships | AI-Savvy - Human-First Approach - Neurodiversity Advocate

Inspiration didn’t die with success.
It died the moment we started believing that only the people “on top” had stories worth telling.

Inspiration isn’t always about winning.

It’s about helping.
🔹 The mentor who stays late to guide someone new.
🔹 The parent who rebuilds from zero again.
🔹 The friend who keeps showing up when it’s hard.

We don’t talk enough about those kinds of stories.
The quiet ones.
The real ones.

Not every chapter needs to scream achievement.

Some are just about healing, growing, or giving.

So if your story doesn’t move you anymore, rewrite it.
Not to impress others,
but to remind yourself that you still care.

Inspiration isn’t about being untouchable.

It’s about being human enough to lift others while you rise.

👉 What part of your story are you rewriting right now?
 Drop it below, your next chapter might inspire someone else to start theirs.
♻️ Repost to inspire others. 

Image Credit: Sarah Blakely

A friend called me after a job interview, upset and confused.
She’d made it to the final round.
She nailed every question.
But the feedback?

“You’re not a good cultural fit.”

She asked what that meant.
They couldn’t give a clear answer.

Here’s the thing; “not a good fit” often isn’t about culture at all.
It’s about comfort.

She had opinions.
She asked questions.
She set boundaries.

And that made them uncomfortable.

Here’s what that hiring manager didn’t understand:
 • Great hires bring new perspectives, not just agreement
 • Boundaries aren’t barriers, they’re signs of self-awareness
 • Culture fit shouldn’t mean “think like us”, it should mean “add to us”

The irony?

Companies keep saying they want innovation, but filter out anyone who might challenge the status quo.

If you’re hiring stop looking for clones.
Start looking for catalysts.

How do you define a good cultural fit in a workplace? Share in the comments below. 

👉 Follow me for more insights on leadership, hiring, and building teams that grow, not just agree.
♻️ Share if you’ve ever heard “not a good cultural fit” after staying true to your values.

Image Credit: Stefanie Costi

🚀 The Future Isn’t Coming… It’s Already Knocking.

Looking at this visual breakdown of what may happen in our lifetime, one thing becomes clear:

We’re living through the most disruptive era in human history.

Some predictions that stand out:
🔹 Money will be fully digital and cash will disappear.
🔹 AI will become our closest companion, not just a tool.
🔹 Phones may last for years on a single charge.
🔹 AI will automate most of the tasks humans do today.
🔹 Real-time translation will erase language barriers.
🔹 Humans will walk on Mars.
🔹 The world’s first trillionaire will emerge.
🔹 Self-driving cars will replace human drivers entirely.
🔹 Almost every home will have a personal robot.
🔹 Space tourism will become normal.
🔹 Global population will start shrinking.
🔹 Massive data centers will orbit Earth.
🔹 Living past 100 will become common.
Whether these excite you or terrify you…
they will redefine how we work, live, and connect.

The real question is:
👉 Are you preparing to adapt, or waiting to be disrupted?

Because one thing is certain:
The future won’t wait for any of us.

💬 Your turn: Which prediction do YOU think will happen first?

❤️ Drop a heart if you liked this post
🔁 Repost to inspire someone today

Image Credit: evolution ai (Instagram)

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