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Theres a great clip from the Today Show back in 1994. Anchors Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel are trying to figure out what, exactly, “the internet” is. They’re confused by an email address. Theyre not quite sure what @ means. Its funny now, but also a reminder of how big changes often start. I think well look back on the early days of stablecoins the same way. Dubbed stablecoin summer, it sounds like nothing more than a fad right now. However, its actually the beginning of a long-overdue upgrade to how money works for everyone, not just for finance nerds or crypto bros. What’s different this time? Stablecoins are digital dollars that move at internet speed. Thanks to the GENIUS Act, they now have a formal regulatory framework in the U.S., including access to the Feds payment rails. Translation: These dollars are just as legitimate as the ones in our bank accountsbut theyre faster, always on, and programmable (meaning they can be engineered to do specific things based on milestones, such as send money only when an electronic signature is completed). Its tempting to frame this all as a Wall Street or capital markets story. And full disclosure, there is a big capital markets story and I am a student of financial history and fintech. My college thesis was on mortgage markets and I spent years at fintechs SoFi, Brex, and now Figure. But Im also a person with a mortgage and young kids, and what excites me most is how this plays out in real life, with real life impact. Here are five ways this shift to stablecoins is changing how we save, spend, and invest. 1. Paycheck stability With stablecoin-based payroll, you can get paid the minute you clock out. No processing delays. No Friday-to-Monday gaps. According to Korn Ferry, there are currently more than 80 million gig workers in the U.S., and projections indicate that over 50% of the workforce will be involved in the gig economy by 2027. Stablecoins will be a game-changer for gig workers, freelancers, and anyone juggling multiple income streams. While there are other innovations in real-time payments that could theoretically bring paycheck stability, it is the programmable nature of stablecoins that makes this innovation most likely. Online verifications could be done automatically (such as hours worked, compliance, etc.) which would enable payroll software to release funds instantly, post shift or employment period completion. 2. Borderless money movement Ever tried wiring money overseas? The fees, the delays, the confusion, the currency conversionnone of it makes sense in a global, connected world. With stablecoins, you can send money across borders in seconds. Whether its friends splitting a vacation rental in Berlin or getting funds to a cousin in Bogota, the experience is ultra-smooth. And, theres no arbitrary ~3% penalty just because someone lives in a different country. 3. Your money, your hours If you want to shift cash into a yield account on a Saturday night or rebalance your investments before the market opens, stablecoin makes that possible. Tokenized assetslike on-chain Treasuries or private creditdont need to follow Wall Streets calendar. You move when youre ready, not when the bank is. That kind of flexibility starts to feel really important when the system stutters, like it did in 2023 with the fall of SVB, First Republic, and Signature Bank. When those banks froze, people realized just how fragile their financial options really were. Stablecoin plus self-custody gives people back some control. 4. Yield that doesnt hide behind glass For years, banks have borrowed money for next to nothing, then loaned it back at higher rates. Its the oldest play in finance, and the least transparent. Now, platforms like Aave, Compound, and Democratized Prime let stablecoin holders tap into real yields, without the middlemen. Its a more transparent and low-cost system, where your money can finally pull its weight. 5. AI and stablecoin One additional opportunity looks beyond present-day needs. In AI, there is a lot of talk about autonomous agents that will do tasks for humans (search the internet, buy an item when the price drops, or plan a trip). These agents will need to be able to pay for things we approve of on our behalf, and therefore they will need programmable money that works around the clock (as these agents are always on). They will need stablecoin. The beginning of something better Stablecoins arent here to replace the dollar. Theyre here to make it more useful, with less friction, more control, and fewer delays. Its akin to deciding between snail mail and a text. The rails of money are finally catching up with the rest of the internet. Years from now, just like that clip from the Today Show, well laugh at how uncertain this moment felt. But right now, were at the part where things start to click. No one wonders what @ means anymore. And soon, no one will wonder why their paycheck hasnt cleared yet. Michael Tannenbaum is the CEO of Figure.
Category:
E-Commerce
As the world muddles its way through this period of profound uncertainty, design must assume yet another mandate. Well beyond surface aesthetics and smooth usability, good design today calls for empathy, adaptability, resilience, and accountability. This new paradigm asks more of designers and challenges them to imagine solutions to pressing challenges. Through my work with iF Design, I have the privilege of engaging with extraordinary changemakers and thought leaders around the world, and what I see is a powerful and evolving imperative: Design must be human-centered, environmentally responsive, and future-focused. The insights that follow offer examples of this new paradigm in action. I hope the expert perspectives spark a renewed sense of optimism about the future and deliver hope for designs power to drive meaningful change. A new era of design is here, and its up to companies and designers alike to embrace the opportunity. Empathy Great design solves human problems; but to solve these problems, we must first identify them. Sure, technology and creativity are crucial, but the first step is always empathy. This goes beyond simply asking what users want; it involves getting immersed in their experiences, listening to their stories, observing their behaviors, and uncovering unspoken pain points and aspirations. This insight can then inform design choices, ensuring that products, services, and spaces feel intuitive, supportive, and resonant for the community(ies) that use them. Richard Trigg is a longtime design leader, UX strategist, and design partner at Tangent in London. When I asked how he defines great design, Trigg responded that his approach is all about empathy. He added, Ive worked across every kind of design from brand communications to digital products, but the thread that ties it all together is empathydesigning experiences that help people complete their goals while supporting business objectives and increasingly, the planet too. Adaptability Today, the world moves at an even faster pace than just a few years ago, and design is no exception. In this rapidly shifting landscape where AI and other emerging technologies threaten domination, and cultural sensitivities shift with the tides, adaptability is essential. Weve seen once cutting-edge designs become obsolete almost overnight and award-winning creative cancelled without warning. These examples underscore just how quickly technology can reshape society, and how anything that fails to take the future into consideration risks being left behind. Adaptability isnt just a competitive advantage. Its the foundation of lasting impact. The most successful designs are responsive, and account for the inevitability of change. Moreover, great design historically and now again increasingly, is built to be repaired, reused, and updated versus discarded. Kenny Arnold, a circular designer at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, believes this will continue to be an important trend in design. However, companies should be able to clearly explain and provide evidence of how they incorporate circular design attributes into a product, (e.g. provide spare parts, easy repair, product as a service, etc.). By embracing flexibility and continuous evolution, we can create real solutions that remain relevant and create less waste. Resilience Among the areas of design most impacted by the climate crisis is our built environment. Increasingly, architects, urban planners, interior designers, and landscape architects have a growing urgency to respond and anticipate whats still coming. As Achim Nagel, architect and managing director of Primus Developments, a German real estate development company focused on creating sustainable and innovative residential and commercial buildings, says: I strongly believe that right now, we have a historical chance to develop completely new ideas and designs that help us form a safer and more resilient habitat for mankind. Perhaps not sophisticated and elegant in the ways we think of design today, but definitely NEW. Lisa SanFilippo, also an architect and now the senior design specialist in sustainability at market leader Turner Construction, describes the mandate as she sees it: Ultimately, resilient design is about anticipating disruption and responding in a way that protects people, supports recovery, and reduces long-term impact. Its not about overbuilding. Its about designing smarter, planning earlier, and making decisions that reflect both climate reality and human priorities. In both cases, were talking about a shift from short-term cost to long-term value, serving people and the planet in a risk-informed way. Accountability According to Harvard Business Review, while 65% of consumers say they want to buy purpose-driven or sustainable brands, only about 26% actually do.We spoke about this issue with Joe Brown, founder, publisher, and editorial director of one5c, an action-oriented sustainability and climate action publication. Companies, no matter who runs them, are ultimately beholden to the people who use their products. When consumers prioritize sustainability, it pushes companies to respond. But the products need to exist first. Rightfully, Joe calls this a chicken-and-egg issue where designers must create options consumers are eager to choose. Enter design. If consumers are ready to hold themselves accountable, its time for designers to do the same. In recent years, major brands have paid lip service to sustainable initiatives, recognizing environmental consciousness as a powerful value-add in todays market. Yet, as statistics show, many consumers are unwilling to sacrifice quality, functionality, aesthetic appeal, or affordability for the more sustainable alternative. The solution is clear: Designers must make sustainability a nonnegotiable in every design, while businesses must figure out how to make it profitable for shareholders and safe for workers. Exceptional design and responsibility can not only coexist, but must. Accountability from designers and their management will not only help the planet and consumers, but will future-proof leading companies. Final word A simple answer to the environmental crisis posed by harmful, short-lived products is the principle of fewer, better which was of course, the core philosophy of Bauhaus and other great design movements throughout time. This proposition calls for designs that are empathetic, adaptable, resilient and accountable to people and planet, our present and shared future. May the design and business worlds be inspired to rise to the challenge. Lisa Gralnek is global head of sustainability and impact for iF Design, managing director of iF Design USA Inc., and creator/host of the podcast, FUTURE OF XYZ.
Category:
E-Commerce
There comes a time in every companys journey when they need help sharing their story. And choosing the right partner to help tell that story is an important decision. Selecting the ideal PR agency isnt just about finding the firm with the best reputation. The right partner will understand your business, align with your values, and act as a strategic advisor in helping you navigate the media landscape, build connections, and uncover opportunities. When theres alignment in communication style, industry expertise, and shared vision, your PR efforts become more impactful. It also becomes more efficient and authentic. Here are four ways to ensure alignment. 1. Should I choose a generalist or specialized agency? Determining whether to partner with a generalist agency or one thats specialized for your industry is an important first step. My advice is to consider your elevator pitch. When explaining your company to others, how long does that elevator ride need to be? If you can explain what you do in 10 floors or less, a generalist agency could be a safe option. However, if that elevator ride is going to the top of a New York City skyscraper, you probably want to consider a specialized agency. The more complex or niche your business, the more important a specialized communications partner becomes. Successful communication today requires partners who are industry experts willing to see both the familiar and the unfamiliar in new ways, Sarah Biller, cofounder of Fintech Sandbox told me. I look for professional communication agencies whose teams can synthesize information and make substantive connections that may not be immediately obvious to others in the industry. Youll want a team that talks your talk and has the ability to accurately translate your messaging to journalists, your target audiences, and other key stakeholders. 2. Whats the business value? More and more, clients need to tie communications and marketing efforts directly to sales and company revenue. The right agency partner will work with you to develop tailored strategies and KPIs that align with your broader business goals, and theyll act as an extension of your team to help you track toward success. Whether creating a bespoke media relations plan or building a targeted paid social campaign, youll want a partner who understands the tactics that are most likely to drive meaningful impact. Be wary of agencies that equate PR with press releases only. Often, the media outreach around an announcement is more impactful than the press release itself. Look for a partner who will brainstorm with you and think through how to make your biggest moments even bigger. 3. Are they well connected? Connections are important. When choosing an agency partner, evaluate their industry ties. The more niche your industry, the more important this becomes. Without deep industry relationships, surface-level PR tactics may not be enough. First, consider the agencys relationships with reporters. Do they have close connections with publications and journalists of value to your business? Understanding what media are looking for and which publications will be most impactful is essential. Equally importantthough often overlookedis an agencys connectivity to industry conferences and events. A partner with a close pulse on the most impactful events for your industry can guide you on which are worth attending, speaking at or sponsoring, ultimately saving you time and money. And finally, consider broader connectivity in your industry. Relationships are the foundation of business, and you never know what connections could be built through your agencys network. 4. Do our cultures align? The right communications partner will become a valuable extension of your team. Its important to know and trust the people on the other side of the table (or computer screen). As you evaluate potential agencies, try to get a sense of how their team operates and thinks. Youll want a partner whose working style and values align with yours. Culture clashes dont work for anyone. You should be able to rely on your agency if things go south. Youll spend a considerable amount of time together, so ensuring culture alignment must be a priority. Choosing the right PR partner requires research, due diligence, and thoughtful evaluation. But when you find a partner that truly aligns with your companys vision and goals, you open the door to meaningful collaboration and powerful opportunities. By using the considerations outlined above as your guide, youll be well on your way to finding the right communications partner for your business. Grace Keith Rodriguez is CEO of Caliber Corporate Advisers.
Category:
E-Commerce
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