Some of the most well-known venture capital firms in the world—Lightspeed, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and General Catalyst—have made a quiet yet fundamental change to how they operate. They’ve restructured themselves as Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). On paper, that sounds like a minor regulatory update. In practice, it’s a clear sign that the old rules of venture capital no longer work the way they used to.

For decades, venture capital followed a predictable model. Raise a fund, invest in early-stage startups, help them scale, and exit through an IPO or acquisition within about ten years. But over the past decade, everything about that model has been stretched to the point of breaking. And these RIA conversions are the strongest signal yet that some of the world’s most astute investors are taking action to stay ahead.

In recent months, the United States has entered a new era of economic uncertainty driven by shifting tariff policies. From broad import levies to unpredictable changes in trade agreements, the tariff landscape is creating ripple effects far beyond global trade. These changes are beginning to reshape consumer expectations in ways brands cannot afford to ignore.

There comes a moment when you have to take a gamble. A risk. You know the feeling. It starts as a quiet whisper, a subtle pull toward something bigger, something uncertain. At first, you try to ignore it. It is easier to stick with what is comfortable, what is known. But the voice does not go away. It lingers, nudging you, reminding you that there is more out there waiting for you.

Stepping outside our comfort zones and taking a risk can often lead to incredible growth and unexpected opportunities. While playing it safe might feel secure, it often limits our potential and keeps us from discovering our true capabilities.

“You’ll never be old and wise if you’re never young and crazy.”

This saying captures the essence of living a fulfilling life and achieving greatness. It reminds us that the path to wisdom and success is often paved with bold decisions, daring adventures, and sometimes, a little bit of craziness. This philosophy is as relevant to our careers as it is to our personal lives.

In a world that often dictates our paths, it’s easy to find ourselves trapped in the expectations and norms set by others. Yet, Steve Jobs, in his iconic commencement speech at Stanford University, distilled a powerful truth that resonates deeply: our time is finite, and living a life dictated by others robs us of our true potential and fulfillment. This wisdom is particularly poignant when it comes to finding our career purpose. 

Regarding groundbreaking innovations, industries like entertainment, finance, and e-commerce usually steal the limelight. However, a quieter yet equally potent transformation is unfolding in an unexpected arena: the field services sector. At the heart of this change is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a technology that’s infusing new life into old practices, leading to improved efficiency and customer delight. Let’s embark on a detailed exploration of the myriad ways AI is reshaping the world of field services.

Google just dropped a major tech bombshell with its new quantum computing chip, Willow, and it’s got everyone talking. This chip isn’t just another piece of fancy hardware—it’s a massive leap forward in solving one of quantum computing’s toughest challenges: error correction. And while that might sound super technical, what it really means is that quantum computing is getting closer to being practical and useful in the real world.

One area that’s going to feel the impact big time? Artificial intelligence (AI). AI already powers so much of our world, from the smart assistants we chat with to the algorithms that recommend what to watch or buy. But as AI gets more advanced, it also needs more raw computing power to keep up. That’s where Willow and quantum computing come in, ready to unlock a whole new level of possibilities.

Customer acquisition costs (CAC) are higher than ever, making it increasingly difficult for companies to justify pouring resources into strategies focused solely on acquiring new customers. In today’s competitive landscape, getting customers in the door is just the beginning of the battle. The real challenge lies in keeping them. This is where the importance of customer retention comes into play, and one of the most effective ways to achieve it is by investing heavily in solid after-sales support.

When companies market their products, they often focus on the cutting-edge features, sleek design, and innovations that set them apart. But one critical element that often gets overlooked in the sales pitch—an element that could be the key to keeping customers happy and coming back for more—is your after-sales customer experience (CX).

While flashy features and competitive pricing may get customers in the door, what happens after the sale determines whether they stay loyal to your brand. A smooth and proactive after-sales customer experience is one of the most valuable yet misunderstood aspects of any brand’s offering. It could be the hidden gem that turns one-time buyers into long-term advocates.