Global Insights Analyst

  After a year of unexpectedly strong growth, the U.S. economy is beginning to show signs of slowing down. The July jobs report revealed softer-than-expected figures, with the unemployment rate rising for the fourth consecutive month. This has led to a market sell-off and increased concerns that a recession may be on the horizon. In response to these recent developments, J.P. Morgan Research has raised the likelihood of a U.S. and global recession occurring before the end of 2024 to 35%, up from 25% in their mid-year outlook. This shift reflects growing uncertainties in economic indicators, as key aspects of the growth forecast are being challenged. Slower Labor Demand and Weakening Global Manufacturing Bruce Kasman, Chief Global Economist at J.P. Morgan, noted that recent data points to a sharper-than-expected weakening in labor demand, with early signs of job shedding emerging. Business surveys also suggest a slowdown in global manufacturing and in the Eurozone—regions that were ...

  Introduction Dre Villeroy is a dynamic entrepreneur who has redefined the landscape of finance and innovation with his ventures, including Beyorch, an investment firm that challenges traditional financial products, and 2YourTable, a unique platform offering personalized gourmet dining experiences. From humble beginnings in Vallejo, California, Dre’s path to entrepreneurial success has been anything but conventional. His story is one of self-taught expertise, resilience, and a deep commitment to both financial empowerment and societal impact. In this post, we’ll explore Dre Villeroy’s journey—from his early days as a self-starting real estate investor to founding innovative companies that aim to change the way people think about finance and food. Dre’s focus on both high returns and creating positive societal change sets him apart as one of today’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs. Background & Bio Dre Villeroy’s entrepreneurial journey began in Vallejo, California, where h...

  Introduction Chad Willis, the visionary entrepreneur behind Plus Brand Industries and All-Scratch Technology, is pioneering a new era of sustainable living with innovative solutions that revolutionize how we interact with consumer goods. Starting with a focus on sports nutrition, his journey has evolved into creating groundbreaking technologies designed to reduce waste and promote a healthier lifestyle. All-Scratch Technology, one of Willis’ standout innovations, allows consumers to personalize beverage packaging without disposable markers, ultimately reducing waste while enhancing convenience. In this post, we’ll dive into Chad Willis’ journey—how his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for sustainability, and commitment to family have led him to develop products that are set to change the way we think about packaging, consumption, and environmental responsibility. Background & Bio Chad Willis’ entrepreneurial instincts were shaped early in life. Before founding Plus Brand Indus...

  Introduction Abdullah Tariq , also known as Abdullah Tariq Jamal , is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey to success is a testament to the power of bold decisions and unconventional paths. As the founder and CEO of BestoPrint , Abdullah has led his company to new heights, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing commercial printing firms in the world. What makes Abdullah's story truly compelling is his decision to step away from traditional academia, forgoing college to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. This strategic pivot has paid off, with BestoPrint becoming a key player in the industry, serving Fortune 500 companies, and rapidly expanding its influence. Abdullah is not just a business leader; he’s a pioneer , and his journey is one of innovation, leadership, and diversification. This post will dive into Abdullah Tariq's career, his accomplishments with BestoPrint , and his role in driving business growth across various industries, including his work with cBeyond...

  Introduction At the intersection of mathematics, ancient philosophy, and modern science, Robert Edward Grant is pioneering new ideas and solutions to the growing concerns around data privacy and digital sovereignty . As the founder and CEO of Crown Sterling , Robert is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard personal data in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world. Robert’s career spans leadership roles in various prestigious organizations, and he is also a multifaceted influencer, sharing his knowledge through books, speaking engagements, and podcasts. With a vision to protect individual privacy in the digital age, he’s leading the charge to ensure that data privacy and ownership remain in the hands of the individual. In this post, we will explore Robert Edward Grant's innovative journey, his commitment to data sovereignty , and the groundbreaking work he's doing to revolutionize how we think about data protection and digital rights. Background & Bio Robe...

  Introduction Victoria Rader, Ph.D., is a transformational leader, an eight-time internationally bestselling author, and the founder of YU2SHINE . As a Possibility Coach® , she has made it her life’s mission to empower coaches, entrepreneurs, and spiritual seekers to unlock their true potential. Through her work, Victoria combines her expertise in personal development, spiritual growth, and energy healing to help her clients manifest miracles in their lives. Her approach focuses on clearing hidden blocks and patterns, leading to greater passion , peace , purpose , and prosperity . In this post, we will explore Victoria Rader’s extraordinary journey, her professional achievements, and how her work continues to make an impact in the fields of personal development and spiritual coaching. Background & Bio Victoria’s path to becoming a leading figure in personal development and spiritual coaching was shaped by a combination of personal challenges and professional success. During th...

  Introduction Imran Aftab, the visionary co-founder and CEO of 10Pearls , has led the company from humble beginnings to a global leader in digital transformation. Founded in his mother’s kitchen, 10Pearls now boasts over 1,400 employees and offices spanning four continents. Aftab’s dedication to balancing business growth with social responsibility has not only propelled 10Pearls to success but also earned him accolades as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Imran Aftab’s journey—from his early career in investment banking to his leadership of one of the most respected digital transformation companies in the world. Background & Bio Imran Aftab’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured early in life, but it was his experience in the corporate world that set the foundation for his success. Aftab earned his MS in Chemical Physics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and his BA in Chemistry from Bard College . His early career ...

  Introduction In the eleventh installment of our 50 Personalities Series , we are spotlighting Reid Hoffman , a pivotal figure in the world of technology and venture capital. Best known as the co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn , Hoffman has had a profound impact on the professional networking landscape. He is also a prominent venture capitalist, an influential thought leader, and a passionate advocate for political and social causes. From his involvement in high-profile startups like PayPal and LinkedIn to his recent ventures in artificial intelligence with Inflection AI , Hoffman continues to shape the future of technology and business. Background & Bio Born on August 5, 1967, in Palo Alto, California, Reid Garrett Hoffman developed a deep interest in technology and entrepreneurship from an early age. Hoffman attended the progressive Putney School in Vermont, where he engaged in activities like farming, which shaped his hands-on, practical approach to problem-...

  Introduction In the ninth edition of our 50 Personalities Series , we feature Robert Keane , the founder, chairman, and CEO of Cimpress , a leading global provider of mass-customized products and services. Keane's vision for leveraging technology to offer high-quality, customizable products to small businesses and individual consumers has revolutionized the printing and customization industries. Under his leadership, Cimpress has grown into a global conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands and more than 10,000 employees worldwide. Background & Bio Robert Keane’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 when he founded Cimpress with the idea of providing small businesses with affordable, high-quality marketing materials at low volumes and fast turnaround times. His vision was to use mass customization to meet the needs of small businesses, a sector often underserved by traditional printing companies. Keane’s early work as a consultant for Microsoft’s Publisher desktop pu...

  Introduction In the eighth installment of our 50 Personalities Series , we introduce Sara Mauskopf , the CEO and co-founder of Winnie , a groundbreaking childcare marketplace that connects parents to over 200,000 licensed daycare and preschool providers across the United States. As a former product leader at major tech companies like Twitter , YouTube , and Google , Sara’s career has been marked by a unique combination of tech innovation and a personal mission to improve the lives of families. Through Winnie, Sara has turned her vision of better access to affordable, quality childcare into a reality, reshaping the landscape of early childhood education. Background & Bio Sara Mauskopf’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship and tech leadership began in the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley. Before founding Winnie, Sara held product leadership roles at some of the biggest names in tech— Twitter , YouTube , Postmates , and Google . She honed her skills at the intersection ...

  Introduction In our seventh feature of the 50 Personalities Series , we spotlight Waqar Khan , a highly regarded entrepreneur, investor, and technology visionary who has made significant contributions to the tech industry. With an extensive career working alongside global giants such as Tesla , Huawei , and IBM , Waqar has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation. As the current CEO of Fog Communication , he is focused on creating groundbreaking solutions in stealth mode, while also investing in and mentoring a new wave of startup founders worldwide. Background & Bio Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan , Waqar Khan’s journey to becoming a tech mogul started with his deep passion for technology and innovation. He pursued a Master’s degree in Computer Science from DePaul University and went on to carve a path in the tech world by taking on key leadership roles in some of the most respected companies in the industry. Before founding Fog Communication , Waqar made his m...

  Introduction In the seventh post of our 50-part series, we highlight Jessica Chang, a visionary entrepreneur who is tackling one of the most pressing issues facing American families today: access to affordable childcare. As the CEO and co-founder of Upwards (formerly known as WeeCare ), Chang has made it her mission to expand access to quality childcare through innovative partnerships with employers, government entities, and childcare providers. Her work is not only changing the childcare landscape but also providing families with the support they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Background & Bio Jessica Chang’s journey into the world of childcare advocacy began with her own experiences as a mother of two in Los Angeles, California. Prior to founding Upwards , Chang was a preschool owner who became acutely aware of the challenges parents face when trying to find affordable, quality childcare. As she witnessed firsthand the struggles of other pare...