Some would argue that how a person starts the day is a critical process for overall productivity. Whether it’s a gym routine or roasting your favorite coffee blend, the morning typically sets the tone for how people kick off their day. Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan begins his busy days by delaying his morning brew and opting instead to start with a moment of reflection through meditation. Narasimhan’s future plans for the global coffee brand include more than his approach to each day. He intends to fully immerse himself in the organization’s inner workings to “earn his green apron.”

Solo Ceesay is the CEO & Co-Founder of Calaxy. — Since I was a boy, I wanted to be a successful businessman. I vividly remember trying on my father’s oversized pastel suits, donning the ubiquitous business look of any dapper-dressed African man of the ’90s. Even before I could form full sentences, I was primed and driven to work in business. With motivation and determination aplenty, my actions were encouraged by relentless sideline cheering from my mother yelling, “You’re a king, Solo!” Just over a year ago, I took a bet on myself. A bet that a then-26-year-old Black kid could make something out of nothing. And while you could call this journey just about everything but easy, the reality is that raising $26 million with Calaxy was the easy part. The sacrifices I’ve made, the friends I’ve lost, the lack of idols to look up to, and making the decision to take a nose dive into a world of uncertainty are all invariably more difficult for those who look like me. From having to...

The Associated Press (AP) has a new woman in charge! According to the company, Daisy Veerasingham has been appointed to president and CEO. She will become the first woman to hold the title since AP was first established 175 years ago. A first-generation British national of Sri Lankan descent, Daisy Veerasingham is the first woman, first person of color and first international citizen to lead The Associated Press. https://t.co/ErMNYOeuox — Kat Stafford (@kat__stafford) August 3, 2021 Veerasingham, who is AP’s current executive vice president and chief opertaing officer, will succeed AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt who will remain in the role throughout the end of the year before he retires. “In Daisy Veerasingham we have chosen a proven leader with a deep understanding of how AP operates and a clear vision for the future. She appreciates the crucial role AP plays in providing journalism and services that are indispensable to the news industry,” said Steven R. Swartz, chairman of the...

In honor of Black History Month, we here at AfroTech, wish to recognize the efforts of Black scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs. Throughout history, Black American accomplishments have revolutionized not only our country but the world at large. While there are many more, here are 28 Black pioneers in science, technology, and business today you should know about: Asmau Ahmed, Founder of PlumPerfect     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Next IT Girl (@thenextitgirl_) Asmau Ahmed is a Senior Strategist that has led corporate strategy and digital innovation for established and emergent organizations in a number of industries including financial services, and consumer retail.  She thrives on identifying and growing (digital) companies that have the power to transform the way everyday people do everyday things. With experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, she has honed her skills in assessing the business viability and risk profile and in...

The days where employees tiptoe on the outside of the inner circle of highly-ranked executives are long gone. Now, as founders, CEOs, and small business owners, let’s stay true to only being as good as our team by actively engaging with our employees. According to Gallup, employee engagement not only increases company morale but also increases productivity and boosts profitability by 21 percent. To began interacting with your employees, follow the tips below: Don’t Hide in Your Office Many CEOs have an open-door policy, but true employee engagement happens when you actually come out of your office. Sometimes an open-door policy is not enough, and in certain situations, it can be counter-intuitive to the CEO and employee’s relationship. According to CBS News , a Cornell University professor actually thinks an open-door policy could deter employees from communicating with higher-ups. Think about it — who would want to knock on the door of the boss who is rarely seen and gives off an...

Uber confirmed on Monday that Bozoma Saint John stepped away from her role as chief brand officer for the popular ride-sharing brand after about one year. Her next step will be as Chief Marketing Officer at Endeavor, where she will be able to use her knowledge and network connections within both the entertainment and marketing fields. Endeavor is a staple in the entertainment industry, and as CMO, Saint John will work across all of its portfolio companies, including IMG and WME. Saint John told TechCrunch that she wasn’t actively looking to leave Uber, but that Endeavor reached out with an opportunity she didn’t want to let slip by. “Sometimes people think [pop culture] is superficial,” she told Megan Rose Dickey . “These are where the stories that are being told are created. If we can help influence that, then that’s so much better for the entire narrative of what we need to get across.” Saint John joined Uber after her role as head of consumer marketing at Apple. “I want to thank...