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A few years ago, I was in the middle of an important client meeting when my phone started vibrating. Buzz. Buzz. Not wanting to be impolite, I kept my focus on my client. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Finally, I excused myself, peeked at my screen, and saw a string of texts from my son, increasing in urgency. The last few read simply: MOM. MOM. MOM. As the mother of three teenage boys, I had gotten texts like these before. There was no way to know how badly my son needed me: Was he just locked out of the house? Or was this a true, red-alarm emergency? In the end, he was fineno blood or broken bones, no panic attacks or thoughts of self-harm. But as a parent and caregivers, these are the moments that send your heart rate through the roof. In the conference room that day, I was in two places at once. And I felt like no one else could know. That was the day I realized Id gotten something important wrong about parenting. When my boys became teens, I figured the hard part was over. But in fact, it was just beginning. At exactly the moment our kids are going through some of the toughest years of their livesfacing bullying, pressures from social media and mental health challenges in record numbersbenefits and support programs for parents tend to disappear. In place of paid parental leave, pamphlets on feeding and sleep training, and friends and colleagues asking how were doing (and how they can help!), we face an endless stream of advice that only reinforces the sense of shame that so many of us feel: Heres how to get your kid into a top college! Heres how to turn your angsty teen into a happy, healthy, successful adult! Often implicit in all of this is possible judgment (or the feeling of being judged) that if our kids are struggling, its our fault. That with enough screen time monitoring and elbow grease, these challenges can be optimized away. But parents dont need more advice. They need recognition and support. In recent years, the U.S. has made great strides in acknowledging the importance of supporting new parents. Thanks to tireless advocacy, policies like paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and flexible schedules have gone from fringe family issues to core economic ones. Theyre discussed on presidential debate stages, integral to competitive benefit packages, and a key part of any serious conversation about the cost of living. The data on the economic impact of raising healthy kids in psychologically safe, loving environmentsand giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to do thisis undeniable. And research has shown employers with strong policies can see the positive impact on their businesses firsthand, in the form of improved employee productivity, better recruitment and stronger retention. Of course, were nowhere near where we need to be; paid leave and affordable childcare remain inaccessible to too many. But we have changed the conversation around how we acknowledge, value and support parents of young kidsand with it, the lives of millions of people. Now its time we did the same for all parents and caregiversfinding new and better ways to support people whose sleepless nights dont involve changing diapers but, instead, comforting a teen who may be suffering from depression or anxiety. Solutions wont look the same as they do for new parents, and if history is any guide, public-sector reform is a long way off. But the first step toward meaningful change is to explore ideas that have a good track record in other contexts and a high likelihood of success. This is where business leaders can lead the way. We can start by recognizing that parents of kids at any age are still, and forever, parents. We can offer schedule flexibility for caregivers of all types. Robust coverage for mental health treatment. Family leave that includes caring for teens in crisis. Tools for team leaders. And resource groups for parents and caregivers of adolescents. Small changes, like explicitly and proactively stating that caregiver leave can be taken to help a child going through a mental health crisis, can go a long way. Beyond corporate policies and benefits, supporting parents and caregivers of teens means building a culture of genuine interpersonal support and understanding, where employees feel welcome and included. You dont need a handbook to do that: No matter where you sit, you can be part of that change today. I wonder what would have happened around that conference table if, instead of reacting with embarrassment and trying to split my brain in two, I had simply told my client that my teen was in distress and needed me. It might have created a moment of connection and understanding. It might have made my client think about their own experiences, or that of parents on their teams. By normalizing these conversations and supporting caregivers all the way through their journey, we can make a lasting difference for kids and familiesand for businesses and society along with them.
Category:
E-Commerce
A child-size table and small chairs make up the centerpiece of a playroom. It’s where children do crafts, host tea parties for their dolls, play hide-and-seek, and build forts. So it makes sense that people buy a lot of them: By 2030, Americans will spend an estimated $12 billion on play tables. [Photo: Bauen] The market is flooded with sets, ranging from inexpensive ones like Ikeas $50 version to more design-forward varieties like Lalos $300 set. Still, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Lynn and Cassidy Rouse believe theres room in the market for a better-designed version. More specifically, they wanted to create a set that was indestructible, easy to assemble, usable indoors and outdoors, and even portable. And they wanted to create chairs that were almost impossible to tip over. The Rouseswho have two young childrenspent two years designing a play table and chairs, exploring hundreds of prototypes and materials, until they arrived at their final design: a whimsical-looking set made from recyclable plastic. The product has already won an iF Design Award. This week, theyre launching a $649 play table and chair set through their new brand, Bauen. Over time, they expect to redesign other children’s furniture. A Packed Market Child-size furniture has been around since the 18th century, when well-to-do families wanted to give their children opportunities to play and develop. Today such items are a staple of childhood. But when the Rouses scoured the market for a play table for their kids, they found most options lacking. Thanks to the rise of cheap, mass-produced furniture, you can find many affordable options from Target, Walmart, and Amazon. The problem is that most of them are made of inexpensive materials that break easily. When we spoke to experienced parents, they said that they had gone through several sets of play tables, Cassidy says. It’s become a norm to get an inexpensive play set and expect to throw it out after a few years. If you have a second child, you just buy a whole new set. [Image: Bauen] Outdoor play sets are slightly more durable, since they are made using heavy-duty plastic, but they’re often designed like picnic tables, and don’t look good indoors. So you end up buying two setsone for indoors, and another for outdoors, he says. Today, thanks to improved child-safety laws, companies need to follow regulations when designing furniture for kids. After receiving reports of injuries, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission established a rule that chairs marketed for children younger than 5 must go through a stability test issued by a third-party testing agency. The test involves putting the chair at an incline to show that it will not easily tip over if the child sits too far back or leans to one side. But in focus groups, the Rouses heard parents say their kids frequently tipped over in play chairs, partly because often they often sit quietly at the table, instead playing vigorously and leaning backward at an unsafe angle. We didn’t think the standard accommodated the way children actually interact with this furniture, Lynn says. [Image: Bauen] Redesigning a Classic So they set out to create a better product, starting by designing a chair that is more tip-resistant than others on the market. When you first see the chairs, their proportions look a little comical. They have a very wide seat, a very short 8-inch back, and thick legs (a now patent-pending design). All of this creates a low center of gravity, which makes them harder to tip over. Most children’s chairs are designed like smaller versions of adult chairs, Cassidy says. But we had a breakthrough when we realized that toddlers don’t need a large, supportive back; their bodies are often leaning forward to see what is in front of them. By creating a wide seat and a low back, the chair is much more stable. [Image: Bauen] Rethinking the chairs led the Rouses to rethink almost every aspect of the set’s design. They wondered whether it was possible to create furniture that would look good indoors but also be practical outdoors. They ended up using polyethylene, a type of durable plastic thats often used to construct outdoor furniture. They sourced it from a company whose products are deemed toxin-free by the EU, which has higher product safety standards than the U.S. [Image: Bauen] Despite being plastic, the set doesn’t look like a traditional picnic table and chairs meant for the backyard. The furniture has interesting curves. Depending on how it’s styled, it can look fun and cartoony in a kid’s bedroom, or sleek in a modern home. But when the sun comes out, you can easily carry the set out to a deck or garden, so kids can eat and play outside. After trying out many other products on the market, the Rouses discovered things they disliked and avoided them in their own design. For instance, they didn’t like the way liquid would spill right off tables, so they designed raised edges so spills would stay contained. Lynn found it annoying that many chairs were not large enough for adults to sit on. We wanted it to fit an adult bottom, she says. That way you can sit with your child at the table. But you can also bring it to the bathroom and sit on it while giving your kid a bath. [Image: Bauen] Finally, they wanted to make the set easy to assemble. The chairs don’t require any assembly. For the table, you only have to attach the legs. It doesn’t require any tools, and it takes less than two minutes. Importantly, the table is designed to be disassembled easily so you can store it and transport it. You might want to bring it on holiday with you, Lynn says. The Bauen set is certainly thoughtfully designed, but its also much more expensive than other kids furniture on the market. At $649, it is more than double the cost of the Lalo set, which is already considered expensive. The table will likely be appealing to affluent, design-conscious parents. But the Rouses are also trying to make the case that their product is much more durable than others on the market, so its a good value for money.
Category:
E-Commerce
We live in an era of rapid technological change, where the rise of AI presents both opportunities and risks. While AI can drive efficiency and innovation, it also increases the temptation for leaders to prioritize short-term gainsautomating decisions for immediate profit, optimizing for productivity at the cost of employee well-being, and sidelining long-term sustainability. Organizations that focus solely on AI-driven efficiency risk creating burnt out workforces, extractive systems, and fragile organizations that cannot withstand economic, social, or environmental disruptions. To build resilient organizations that can weather the future, leaders must embrace regenerative leadership. This requires shifting from exploitative business models that prioritize efficiency to people-centered leadership that actively seeks to restore and enhance resources, whether human, environmental, or technological. Regenerative leaders recognize that AI should augment human potential, not replace or exploit it. They create strategies that use AI to enhance long-term human, business, and environmental well-being rather than diminishing them. The key principles of regenerative leadership A regenerative leader creates sustainable systems. Unlike traditional leadership, which focuses on efficiency, profit, and centralized control, regenerative leadership nurtures ecosystems. Here are the key principles a regenerative leader follows: Systems Thinking: Sees organizations and ecosystems as interconnected, ensuring decisions benefit the whole rather than just isolated parts. Living Systems Approach: Draws inspiration from natures regenerative cycles to create adaptive, self-renewing teams and businesses. A self-renewing team is one that continuously learns and evolves. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Aligns business and leadership goals with meaningful long-term impact. Human Well-being: Prioritizes employee and stakeholder well-being including creating psychological safety and a collaborative environment. Resilience & Adaptability: Leads with agility in uncertain times, designing organizations that can thrive in change. Regenerative Value Creation: Moves beyond extraction of resources, talent, and energy to creating lasting value for people, communities, and nature. Collaborative & Decentralized Power: Encourages participatory leadership, where teams self-organize and contribute to a larger mission. Regenerative leadership in action Heres how different companies have implemented regenerative leadership: Business Strategy: Companies like Patagonia and Interface have pioneered sustainable business practices that go beyond carbon neutrality and actively regenerate ecosystems. Both companies saw improved brand loyalty, cost savings, and competitive advantage from these efforts. Patagonias ethical stance boosted sales, making it one of the most trusted brands globally, while Interfaces sustainable innovations led to higher efficiency, lower production costs, and increased demand for eco-friendly products. Corporate Culture: Microsoft prioritizes employee well-being through flexible work policies, continuous learning programs, and mental health support. This fosters a positive work environment that enhances engagement, productivity, and ultimately long-term business success. Community Impact: The Hershey Company has made significant strides in community impact through its commitment to sustainable cocoa sourcing and education programs. These programs ensure a stable supply chain, enhance brand trust, and meet consumer demand for ethical products, driving long-term success. Developing regenerative leadership skills Regenerative leadership is not an innate talent but a skillset that can be cultivated. Here are some suggestions for becoming a more regenerative leader: 1. Expand awareness to think in systems, not silos. Regenerative leaders recognize that businesses must work in harmony with both the environment and human nature. Companies like Patagonia restore ecosystems through regenerative practices. They emphasize that great leadership works with natural flows rather than imposing rigid control. By shaping organizations that evolve organically, like ecosystems, leaders cultivate resilience, innovation, and lasting success. 2. Practice deep listening to lead with empathy. Success will start with deep listening to employees, customers, and stakeholders. The Buddhist concept of mindfulness will remind leaders to be present, ask the right questions, and cultivate trust, creating cultures where innovation thrives. 3. Embrace a growth mindset to stay adaptive. Regenerative leaders will see challenges as opportunities for reinvention. The Zen principle of Shoshin (beginners mind) will encourage curiosity, adaptability, and a culture of continuous learning, ensuring organizations do not just survive but evolve. 4. Foster collaboration and build networks, not hierarchies. The best leaders will empower teams, encourage co-creation, and shift from competition to co-elevation. By fostering inclusive, participatory decision-making, they will build self-renewing, resilient organizations. 5. Measure impact beyond profits. Success is more than profitsit includes ethical usage of technology, employee well-being, biodiversity restoration, and community impact. Regenerative leaders track holistic KPIs, driving sustainable business transformation. The future of leadership is regenerative By embracing regenerative leadership, leaders will move beyond short-term survival tactics and instead drive innovation, resilience, and long-term success while creating lasting positive impacts. This approach will become an ongoing practice of learning, adaptation, and alignment with the broader ecosystems of business, society, and technology. The choice will be clear: Leadership must not only sustain but regenerateleveraging AI and emerging technologies as forces for good.
Category:
E-Commerce
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