Néstor Aguilera is a journalist based in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuadortv international news editor, anchor, reporter.

Television, radio, media training, video package.

Verónica Espinoza, owner of an electrical store

10 Oct 2024  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Business Challenges

Verónica Espinoza, the owner of an electrical store in Quito, discusses the challenges of operating her business in the 21st century, highlighting the inconvenience of relying on a generator to keep her store open.

Tags:

Business Challenges

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Mindaugas Ausra is a journalist based in Vilnius, Lithuania. He has been working in news media organizations for more than 6 years. At the moment he is a TV producer and business reporter in the National Broadcaster LRT.

The 'Michelin' Curse: Why Award-Winning Restaurants Close?

01 Oct 2023  |  Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija  |  Lithuanian  |  Business Challenges

Research indicates that restaurants awarded Michelin stars face higher closure rates due to increased expectations and pressures. A study of New York restaurants from 2000 to 2014 found that 40% of Michelin-starred establishments closed by 2019. Business psychologist Laura Rimkutė explains that the prestige of a Michelin star brings heightened expectations and stress, leading to burnout. The award also attracts more attention, changing clientele and increasing costs. Additionally, competitors may copy successful strategies, intensifying competition. The phenomenon is not limited to the culinary world, as award-winning entities in other fields also face similar challenges.

Tags:

Business Challenges Michelin Stars Restaurant Industry

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I’m a television host and producer, award-winning public speaker, TEDx host, and international print journalist.
In addition to hosting and producing a live talk show in Ottawa, I write regularly for BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, ELLE, every major daily newspaper in Canada, and corporate ...

The new influencers: three women who are transforming the commercial real estate industry

31 Dec 2022  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Women in Business

Three influential Canadian women in commercial real estate—Marion LaRue, Patricia Phillips, and Diana Hoang—share their experiences, challenges, and advice for future generations. They discuss the industry's pressing issues, such as rising construction costs, labour shortages, and the need for more women in the workforce. Each highlights their significant projects, including the Richmond Olympic Oval and The Dorian hotel, and emphasizes the importance of diversity, mentorship, and innovative practices in overcoming industry challenges.

Tags:

Industry Challenges Women in Business Commercial Real Estate

Balanced

Factuality Scale

GM Baloch
Reporter  Broadcast Journalist  Research Professional

Voice of America Urdu 
Contributing Correspondent (Pakistan Desk)
Feb 2024 - Present

Researched and produced investigative reports for VOA's Urdu platform, focusing on South Pakistan.

Print & Digital Media (2020 – 2024):
...

My Vote, My Future

25 Nov 2024  |  وی او اے  |  Urdu  |  Business Challenges

The article discusses various socio-political issues affecting the youth in Pakistan, including Pakistan-India relations, unemployment, brain drain, political culture, corruption, business challenges, higher education, governance, and youth participation in politics. It features discussions led by host Muhammad Saqib on the Voice of America's election show 'My Vote, My Future', exploring the perspectives and challenges faced by young Pakistanis.

Tags:

Business Challenges Pakistan-India Relations Unemployment Brain Drain Political Culture Corruption Higher Education Good Governance Youth in Politics

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

A remote - working journalist, copywriter and editor with the dry wit of a Londoner and the keen grammatical eye of a former teacher. Proficient in digital and print media, I also build content strategies and create B2B and B2C content. Writing about travel, luxury products, popular culture, ...

CLEARSTEM founders Kayleigh Christina and Danielle Gronich on the role co-founder therapy has played in their success

17 Oct 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Business strategy

CLEARSTEM co-founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina have embraced co-founder therapy to navigate the challenges of their growing business. They credit therapy with helping them improve communication, align their vision and strategy, and make better decisions. The therapy has been so beneficial that they now have a therapist on retainer for their entire team. Dr. Becky Spelman, a psychologist and founder at Private Therapy Clinic, supports the idea of co-founder therapy, highlighting its benefits in conflict resolution and goal alignment. CLEARSTEM, founded in 2017, has expanded with a Telehealth Wing to provide comprehensive lab testing. The article discusses the importance of addressing issues promptly, cleaning up any tension, and acknowledging each other's contributions within a business partnership.

Tags:

Startup challenges Communication in business Business strategy Co-founder therapy

Matthew Birch is a journalist based in Memphis, United States of America.

The Inflation Threat

14 Feb 2024  |  HPAC Magazine  |  English  |  Small Business Challenges

The article discusses the impact of inflation on small businesses, highlighting the challenges faced by business owners like Frank and Tom. It shares the story of Jim, an electrician who successfully navigated inflation by quickly adjusting prices and offering wage increases. The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring trends, responding swiftly to cost increases, and hiring professional advisors to mitigate the effects of inflation. It also provides practical tips for small businesses to protect themselves from inflationary pressures.

Tags:

Small Business Challenges Inflation Economic Trends

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Marshall Bwanya is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Edgars Stores delists from ZSE, sets sights on VFEX bourse

27 Mar 2024  |  Zimbabwe News Now  |  English  |  Business Transition

Edgars Stores Limited, a leading clothing manufacturer and retailer in Zimbabwe, has delisted from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) as of March 27, 2024, and plans to list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), which operates in US dollars. The move aims to leverage the stability and international reach of VFEX amid economic challenges, including high inflation and competition from the informal market. The transition follows a recent leadership overhaul and is seen as a strategic effort to navigate economic instability and enhance the company's long-term stability.

Tags:

Economic Challenges Business Transition Stock Market

Informative

Factuality Scale

Alexandra Byers is an award-winning multiplatform journalist based in Kampala, Uganda. Prior to making the move to East Africa she spent two years producing investigative and breaking news with the CBC News Investigative Unit and CBC News Network in Toronto, Canada. She shoots with a Canon 70D and ...

BMC Minerals cancels Yukon drilling program this year, blames red tape

12 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Regulatory Challenges

BMC Minerals has canceled its drilling program in Yukon for the year, citing slow regulatory processes as the reason. CEO Scott Donaldson emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in the permitting process. The Yukon Chamber of Mines expressed concern over the lengthy and cumbersome regulatory environment, attributing delays to changes made by Bill C-17 in 2017. The Chamber is working with the Yukon government to address these issues, warning that prolonged processes could deter companies from investing in the region.

Tags:

Business Strategy Regulatory Challenges Mining

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Pedro Carvalho is a Photographer and Cinematographer based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The End of the 'CEO Era'

05 Jan 2024  |  Jornal Expresso  |  Portuguese  |  Business Management

The role of a CEO, particularly in publicly traded and larger companies, has become increasingly complex. Beyond managing business growth and stakeholder returns, CEOs now face geopolitical uncertainty, government regulation and intervention, inflation, high interest rates, rising populism, cyber attacks, and advances in artificial intelligence. Additionally, they must manage reputation risk, comply with demanding governance codes, and meet endless sustainability disclosure requirements.

Tags:

CEO Challenges Business Management

Duncan Graham is a journalist based in Malang, East Java, Indonesia.

Incredible attrition: dire warning for small business

22 Nov 2024  |  Michael West  |  English  |  Small Business Challenges

Small businesses in Australia, particularly in the hospitality sector, are facing significant challenges due to high inflation, increased costs, and regulatory burdens. P&V Liquor co-founder Mike Bennie highlights the high attrition rate and reduced consumer spending. A survey by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveals that over a third of small business owners have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, exacerbated by overwhelming regulations. The ACCI calls for policy changes to alleviate the regulatory pressures on small businesses.

Tags:

Small Business Challenges Economic Conditions Mental Health

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Nick Gutteridge is a freelance journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Some of my companies may not survive Labour, warns Gail’s chairman

29 Nov 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Luke Johnson, chairman of Gail's, warns that some of his companies may not survive under Labour's proposed workers' rights reforms, which he criticizes for imposing significant burdens on businesses. The reforms, led by Angela Rayner, aim to enhance job security and flexible working but face backlash from business leaders concerned about increased costs and union powers. Andrew Griffith, shadow business secretary, calls for a delay in the bill, citing inadequate impact assessments. The Regulatory Policy Committee also criticizes the government's assessment of the bill's impact. Business leaders fear the reforms could deter hiring and strain small companies.

Tags:

Political Impact on Business Business Challenges Workers' Rights

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View

Abdulwasiu Hassan is a multimedia journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Why Nigeria needs to ease domestic haulage

16 Oct 2023  |  Botswana's struggle to have greater share of its diamond  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Nigerian business owners face significant challenges with domestic haulage costs, which are often higher than international shipping costs. The Nigerian government is promoting rail transport to reduce logistics costs, but stakeholders remain skeptical about its effectiveness. The current state of roads and inadequate storage facilities further complicate the situation for importers and exporters.

Tags:

Business Challenges Logistics Transportation

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Justin Heifetz is a freelance journalist in France with more than a decade of experience in reporting, writing and editing.

Based out of Marseille, he covers news and social affairs with a focus on immigration, crime and human rights.

His work can be found in VICE, CNN, Anthony Bourdain: ...

Running a Uyghur Restaurant in Beijing Is No Easy Feat

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Ayniwaer, a Uyghur man originally from Xinjiang, has successfully established a medium-sized restaurant called Crescent Moon in Beijing despite significant challenges. The article highlights the cultural and social difficulties Uyghurs face in China, including discrimination and government restrictions. Despite these obstacles, Crescent Moon has become popular, especially among foreigners. The narrative underscores the resilience of Ayniwaer and his daughter Myra in maintaining their cultural identity and business in a competitive and often unwelcoming environment.

Tags:

Business Challenges Ethnic Minorities Cultural Integration

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Akila Jayawardena is based in Colombo. An independent photojournalist, visual storyteller, and artist. Akila represents the fourth generation of photojournalism in Sri Lanka.
Akila started his career in photojournalism in 2017 as a freelance photographer at Ceylon Today, one of the main English ...

Nelson: The Vintage Barber Of Chatham Street

17 Dec 2022  |  Roar Media  |  English  |  Business History

The article profiles Nelson Fernando, the owner of Lord Nelson Salon, a historic barbershop in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Established in 1928 by Fernando's father, the salon was once a bustling hub for foreigners, including sailors and statesmen like Prince Philip, Dr N M Perera, and Sir John Kotelawala. However, the business has faced decline due to various factors, including the civil war, changes in the area, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Fernando remains hopeful, relying on the loyalty of long-time patrons and the dedication of his family to continue the salon's legacy. The salon's future is uncertain, but the determination to persevere is strong.

Tags:

Economic Challenges Business History Cultural Heritage

Kate Johnson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She covers lifestyle trends in wellness, spirituality, food, leisure and technology. She has an MA in International Journalism with distinction from London's City University and has written for Vice, BBC Good Food, Stylist and Positive ...

I'm a passionate journalist with a multimedia approach to news reporting and storytelling. I believe that news content must be direct, accurate, and informative. 

With experience across digital, print, and broadcast media, I strive to engage and inform diverse audiences through compelling ...

Local is lekker: Here are your most loved local businesses

12 Dec 2023  |  The Citizen  |  English  |  Local Business Support

Santam's fourth Most Loved Local report highlights the importance South African consumers place on supporting local businesses, with 97% endorsing this sentiment. The report, based on a survey of 2,400 South Africans, revealed Johannesburg-based Meatongrant as 2023's Most Loved Butcher and Menlo Paint and Hardware as the Most Loved Building Supplies. Both businesses have faced challenges such as load shedding and economic hardship but have managed to maintain customer loyalty. Santam CEO of Broker Solutions, Fanus Coetzee, emphasized the significance of a robust SME sector for job creation and economic growth. The report also noted the financial strain on consumers, with two-thirds affected by economic difficulties. Coetzee stressed the importance of customer experience and value for money in making a business 'most loved'.

Tags:

Economic Challenges Local Business Support Energy Crisis Consumer Behavior

Marian Männi is an award-winning journalist editor, and producer. She has mostly worked with Estonian and English language media. Marian is an avid fighter for justice and human rights. Marian has worked with Greenpeace, Reporters Without Borders and Transparency International. She co-founded the ...

The challenges facing female entrepreneurs in Moldova

29 Apr 2024  |  Emerging Europe  |  English  |  Challenges in Business

Female entrepreneurs in Moldova face unique challenges due to societal stereotypes and expectations. Anna Sîrbu, who transitioned from a marketing job to running Moró Atelier, highlights the difficulties and eventual success in her entrepreneurial journey. Viorica Cerbusca of Yep!Moldova notes a shift in mindset post-war, with more women pursuing their passions despite societal constraints. Ana Bradu, founder of Green Pack Moldova, and Maria Ginga, a game designer, share their experiences of overcoming societal pressures and finding purpose in their ventures. Support systems like Dreamups and government initiatives are fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Tags:

Challenges in Business Female Entrepreneurship Moldova

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Olivia McGill is a freelance journalist, editor, content writer and comms and PR expert based in Dublin, Ireland.

How Viridian will bring Irish video games to the next level

27 Feb 2023  |  Think Business  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Thomas Cashman, director of Dublin-based Viridian Software, discusses his journey in the video game industry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creativity. Despite facing significant challenges, including financial constraints and a lack of local support, Cashman has managed to sustain his company through resilience and strategic pivots. He highlights the need for better support for game developers in Ireland and shares lessons learned from his experiences. Cashman remains optimistic about the future, aiming to secure funding for a new game project and expand Viridian Software's impact globally.

Tags:

Business Challenges Video Game Development Entrepreneurship

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Akanda Muhammad Jahid is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Small businesses navigated difficult times in 2023

03 Jan 2024  |  www.thedailystar.net  |  English  |  Small Business Challenges

Small businesses in Bangladesh faced significant challenges in 2023, with sales plummeting and profits shrinking due to inflation and increased production costs. Entrepreneurs like Arifa Yasmin Mayuri and Maksuda Khatun reported a drastic drop in sales and difficulties in maintaining operations. The SME sector, which contributes to 25% of the GDP, requires special government assistance, improved banking facilities, and subsidies to survive the economic crisis, as suggested by experts from the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Research and Policy Integration for Development.

Tags:

Small Business Challenges Economy Inflation

Factual

Factuality Scale

Kelvin Ogome is a Freelance Journalist based in Nairobi: working in Eastern Uganda, Kenya and the Great Lakes region.

Tax hikes meant to save Kenyan economy are 'sending businesses broke'

27 Jan 2024  |  RFI  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Kenya's recent tax hikes, aimed at stabilizing the economy, have led to significant business closures and downsizing due to high operating costs. President William Ruto's tax reforms, intended to reduce borrowing, have been unpopular among businesses and families facing rising costs. While some government officials defend the tax increases as necessary for economic growth, critics argue they deter investment and fail to address corruption. International bodies like the IMF and World Bank support the tax overhaul, but public protests and skepticism about political accountability persist.

Tags:

Business Challenges Kenyan Economy Taxation

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Roger Russell is a Director / DOP / writer / journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Uncertainty surrounds the Corporate Transparency Act for accountants and small biz

01 Mar 2024  |  Accounting Today  |  English  |  Legal Challenges

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled the Corporate Transparency Act unconstitutional, affecting small businesses and professionals. The ruling applies only to the National Small Business Association's members, but the government has appealed, potentially fast-tracking the issue to the Supreme Court. Legal experts anticipate more lawsuits challenging the Act's constitutionality. Accountants face uncertainty over whether assisting clients with compliance constitutes unauthorized legal practice, affecting their malpractice coverage. The Act's unsettled status leaves companies uncertain about compliance timing, with additional rules proposed for real estate and investment advisors under the Bank Secrecy Act.

Tags:

Small Business Compliance Legal Challenges Corporate Transparency Act

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Reliable professional journalist based in central Florida. I report for NPR and its central Florida affiliate, covering  daily news and am a strong feature reporter. Gathering audio--be it through tape syncs, vox pops, or live, one-on-one interviews--is my forte. I also have strong editing skills.

The Financial Journey of Black Women Entrepreneurs

31 Aug 2023  |  Word In Black  |  English  |  Small Business Support

The article discusses the growth of Black women entrepreneurs in the United States, highlighting their success in starting businesses at a higher rate than white women and men. Despite an 18% increase in Black-women-owned employer businesses from 2017 to 2020, these businesses face challenges such as financial hardship, with 92% reporting serious issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alima Redding, a senior vice president at Wells Fargo, emphasizes the importance of capital and coaching for the longevity of these businesses. She shares her personal connection to community entrepreneurship and outlines how Wells Fargo supports small businesses in Philadelphia and Baltimore through partnerships with CDFIs and internal resources. Redding also offers advice to Black women entrepreneurs on knowing local resources, building relationships with bankers, being financially prepared, and caring about the community they serve.

Tags:

Economic Challenges Small Business Support Financial Education Entrepreneurship

Stefan Stevanovic is a photo/video journalist based in Serbia, Belgrade.

Firewalk Studios Waiting In Layoff Limbo After Concord Flop

20 Sept 2024  |  flipboard.com  |  English  |  Business Challenges

Firewalk Studios is facing uncertainty and potential layoffs following the commercial failure of their game, Concord. The game is described as a major flop in the gaming industry, impacting the studio's stability and future operations.

Tags:

Business Challenges Gaming Industry

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Tatira Zwinoira is a journalist based in Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe.

Choppies mulls Zim exit

29 Oct 2024  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Business

Choppies Enterprise Limited, a Botswana-based retailer, is considering exiting Zimbabwe due to financial stress caused by the instability of the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. The company, which operates 30 stores in Zimbabwe, cites economic challenges such as high inflation, unemployment, and foreign currency shortages as factors impacting its operations. Choppies' CEO, Ramachandran Ottapathu, highlights the company's strategy to reduce debt and exit loss-making areas, with Zimbabwe being a significant concern. The economic situation in Zimbabwe, including declining GDP growth and agricultural output, further exacerbates the challenges faced by Choppies.

Tags:

Economic Challenges Business Currency Instability

Informative

Factuality Scale