Latest news with #JasonPhillips
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Industry Groups Call for Feedback on Revised API RP 1173 To Advance Pipeline Safety Culture and Recognize Continued Improvement
ST. PAUL, Minn., July 2, 2025 /3BL/ - Industry advocacy groups such as the GPA Midstream Association are inviting industry stakeholders to review and comment on the second edition of API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS). The revised edition of RP 1173 integrates updates aimed at enhancing clarity and effectiveness for organizations ranging from large to very small operators. The primary revisions in this edition, as currently drafted, include: 'The industry now has a key opportunity to actively influence the advancement of pipeline safety and help shape its future direction,' shares Jason Phillips, Consultant, Antea Group. 'Your input is essential to keeping RP 1173 practical, relevant, and effective in driving continuous safety improvement.' Industry stakeholders are encouraged to request access to view the proposed changes and to submit feedback during the open ballot period. To Participate: Review the proposed revisions and submit comments through the official ballot system accessed at: Your input plays a vital role in the ongoing evolution of this important safety framework. For more information, please contact Jason Phillips. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Antea Group
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Protecht CEO transition marks new chapter in company's growth journey
SYDNEY, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Protecht, a global leader in enterprise risk management software, today announces that David Bergmark will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July, following more than seven years in the role and over 25 years with Protecht as a co-founder. During his tenure as CEO, David has overseen the company's successful expansion into the UK and USA, led significant growth, and recently guided the business through a major investment from PSG, marking a new chapter in the company's evolution. "I'm incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished over the past 25 years," said David Bergmark. "From humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in enterprise risk management, we've built something truly special. This transition is a natural step forward for Protecht, and I'm confident we are well positioned for even greater success in the years ahead." David will remain actively involved in the business, taking on the role of Director and Strategic Advisor, and will continue to contribute to the areas he is most passionate about, particularly product innovation and customer relationships. David will also remain a member of the Board of Directors. From 1 July, Jason Phillips, Protecht's current Chief Operating Officer, will step into the role of CEO. With over four years at Protecht, Jason has played a pivotal role in scaling the business and driving its international expansion. He brings deep expertise in strategic operations, SaaS growth, and aligning teams across global markets to deliver strong customer outcomes. "I'm excited to continue working with our customers to make risk management more accessible and impactful across their organisations," said Jason Phillips, incoming CEO. "Our focus on innovation, particularly through AI-driven capabilities, will ensure we keep delivering solutions that help customers stay ahead in an increasingly complex risk environment. I'm honoured to lead Protecht into this next phase of growth." About Protecht With offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, and London, Protecht Group provides innovative risk management solutions, including the Protecht ERM (enterprise risk management) platform. Trusted by organizations across government, financial services, education, and other industries, Protecht empowers businesses to manage risk holistically, transitioning from spreadsheets and manual processes to efficient, integrated systems. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Protecht Group Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Science
- USA Today
Dr. Richard Larson's Model-Based Thinking Solves Everyday Problems
Jason Phillips Contributor Hear this story For more than five decades, Richard Larson, PhD, has shaped the field of operations research with a deep commitment to solving real-world problems. Since 1969, he has worked as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Though he is now retired, Dr. Larson's expertise has influenced urban emergency response systems, educational innovation and model-based thinking. An Invitation to Greatness The power of mathematics and analytics is the central focus of Dr. Larson's influential career. The field of operations research has broad applications, and throughout his career, he has served as a bridge between mathematics and practical problem-solving. The work he's done has impacted public policy and improved decision-making processes. Dr. Larson found inspiration in the mentorship of professor Al Drake, who invited him to attend MIT. The guidance he received led to a 54-year tenure at the prestigious institution. As a professor, he applied advanced theoretical knowledge in ways that impact cities and institutions worldwide. A Mathematical Model That Saves Lives Dr. Larson co-founded an applied research and consulting firm known over the years as ENFORTH Corporation and Q.E.D. The firm aims to share its work beyond the halls of academia. This endeavor reflects his focus on the practical implementation of ideas, as he believes research should contribute to tangible improvements in society. Dr. Larson's Hypercube Queuing Model, a sophisticated mathematical framework that optimizes emergency response systems, exemplifies this improvement mindset. This model improved how police, fire and medical services allocate resources. A key outcome of this project was faster response times in critical situations. A Champion for Open-Access Education A passion for education is an integral part of Dr. Larson's career. As a co-founder of MIT BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open-Source Science Or Math Studies), he seeks to make science and mathematics more accessible. This initiative, created alongside MIT professor Dan Frey and his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray, offers students worldwide free science and math video lessons. The program is one of the earliest large-scale open-source learning repositories and is available on YouTube. Dr. Larson has also been president of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS). These leadership roles embody his dedication to knowledge sharing within the industry. A Better Way to Make Decisions INFORMS published Dr. Larson's latest work, 'Model Thinking for Everyday Life," in 2023. This reader-friendly book encapsulates his lifelong interest in analytical reasoning. The guide is a resource on how structured thinking models benefit everyday decisions. Readers can use the information to refine their decision-making skills. Dr. Larson hopes to change how people approach personal and professional problem-solving. As he sees it, model-based thinking can lead to better business, government or daily life choices. Looking Ahead to Impact More Lives Even after retirement, Dr. Larson continues his involvement with the National Academy of Engineering and supports various charitable initiatives. At some point, he plans on expanding the reach of his book onto other platforms, such as Barnes & Noble. He aims to promote the adoption of mathematical models in everyday decision-making. For those aspiring to enter operations research or related fields, Dr. Larson advises staying open to new ideas and incorporating personal experiences into one's work. This acumen has helped him make life-changing contributions to emergency response optimization, open-access education and model-based thinking. Applying mathematical rigor to real-world problems solidifies his influence beyond academia. About Marquis Who's Who®: Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website,
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Entrepreneurs Can Build Lasting Trust to Gain a Competitive Advantage
Jason Phillips Contributor The modern consumer's demand for quality products and services hasn't wavered, but modern entrepreneurs find themselves confronting a new set of demands that previous generations of founders could not imagine. One of the most important of these consumer desires is to have an active relationship of constructive trust with the brands they consume. Years of Edelman Trust barometer Special Reports support this. In the 2025 report, more than 60% of respondents reported moderate or higher grievances: they believe that the businesses they deal with make their lives more difficult, not better. They see businesses as less ethical and less competent by default. As far back as the 2019 report, more than 80% of respondents said that trust in a brand was a prerequisite to purchasing decisions. To counteract these feelings, entrepreneurs and founders must do substantial work to build a positive, trusting relationship with their consumers before those consumers ever do business with them. Good value and salesmanship are no longer enough to get in the door. Furthermore, trust in today's marketplace isn't built through local networks or word-of-mouth alone. The digital age has reshaped expectations, requiring businesses to establish credibility on a global scale and deliver value consistently. Modern Trust Blends Transactions with Relationships Historically, trust was built through local networks, personal recommendations, and face-to-face interactions. While those methods still hold value, they no longer meet the demands of today's digital-first world. Modern trust requires entrepreneurs and their brands to focus on relationships rather than transactions. Customers now seek brands that reflect their values and invest in meaningful, long-term connections. Sharing insights, engaging transparently, and addressing challenges openly are critical to building the meta-relationships on which this trust is founded. By prioritizing relationships, businesses create loyalty and establish a foundation for lasting credibility. Entrepreneurs can also make impressions based on who they interact with and other brand narratives that they partner with. Medhat Zaki, the co-author of 'Beyond Recognition: The Art of Unshakeable Lasting Brand Trust' made just this observation when he began seeking these partnerships. 'The reason for this is that I had tapped into a trust network that had global recognition,' he says. 'This resonated with my audience and verified my expertise.' The Three Pillars of Modern Trust-Building Medhat Zaki has done a great deal of thinking and writing about trust, and for him, the new modern trust between entrepreneur, brand, and consumer comes down to three interconnected pillars. Authenticity Through Real Stories: Audiences want to see the people behind the brand, understand their values, and witness how they navigate challenges. Entrepreneurs that take to new media—whether that's social media, video-sharing programs, or some more personal way of sharing content—to share relatable stories about their struggles, growth, and resilience often connect more deeply with their audiences than those that project a flawless image. Consistency in Actions and Communications: Trust requires predictability. Regular engagement, clear messaging, and reliable quality establish a dependable brand experience. Brands must align their communications across platforms, maintain a consistent tone, and deliver value in every interaction. Consistency in fulfilling promises and offering actionable insights ensures long-term customer loyalty. The Value-First Mindset: Prioritizing audience needs over immediate sales transforms trust into a competitive edge. A value-first approach includes providing free resources, solving problems proactively, and investing in long-term relationships. Entrepreneurs who align their interests with their audience's priorities cultivate trust that leads to sustained growth. Don't think of trust as a tool to reach some other bottom line. Trust has to be the goal, authentically; if you try to make it a trick, there won't be trust. Build authentic, real relationships with smart consumers who come to care about your product, and you'll find the competitive advantage comes on its own. For more advice and insight from Medhat Zaki, you can find out more about the bestselling booklet, 'Beyond Recognition: The Art of Unshakeable Lasting Brand Trust' by visiting online retailers.
USA Today
18-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Giving Businesses a Voice Through Acumen Media's Sustainable Global Trade Initiative (SGTI)
Jason Phillips Contributor Hear this story For years, the conversation around sustainability has been dominated by a singular focus: going green. Companies across industries have scrambled to reduce carbon footprints, embrace renewable energy, and eliminate waste; all in pursuit of a more environmentally friendly future. While these efforts are crucial, one fundamental element has often been overlooked: economic sustainability. Without financial resilience, businesses cannot survive, let alone contribute to global progress. Acumen Media, an international media company specializing in thought leadership and storytelling through video, is launching its Sustainable Global Trade Initiative (SGTI) to address this gap. With the backing of research foundations as well as major global institutions, Acumen's initiative will shed light on the importance of sustainable global trade; not in the environmental sense, but rather with a focus on long-term economic viability. 'Sustainability isn't just about the planet; it's about people and prosperity, too. If businesses can't sustain themselves economically, their impact—no matter how green—won't last,' says Jack Boyson, Acumen's Chief Marketing Officer. Through a series of thought leadership-driven films, Acumen will highlight businesses worldwide that are striking a balance between economic survival and responsible growth. The campaign aims to educate both businesses and consumers on why companies make the financial decisions they do; decisions often misunderstood or unfairly scrutinized. Many regulations and supply chain decisions that may appear counterintuitive to the average consumer are often the result of necessary trade-offs between sustainability goals and economic practicality. For instance, plastic wrapping extends a cucumber's shelf life from a few days to several weeks, significantly reducing food waste. Such decisions are not to ignore sustainability but to find a balance between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility. Andy Chan, Acumen's Managing Director and a filmmaker, states, 'With SGTI, we want to show the human side of businesses: the real dilemmas, the unseen regulatory hurdles, and the calculated risks they take to remain sustainable in every sense of the word. Video storytelling is magical because it allows people to connect emotionally and understand complex topics in a simple, digestible way.' Through interviews, case studies, and in-depth video storytelling, SGTI will focus on sixteen key pillars that are critical to both economic prosperity and global trade sustainability. Compliance & regulation is one of the key pillars amongst them. Businesses must navigate an increasingly complex landscape of international trade laws and sustainability mandates. Understanding these regulations helps consumers and stakeholders appreciate the constraints companies operate within. Innovation is at the heart of economic growth, but companies often face challenges protecting their ideas while maintaining fair competition. That is why Acumen considers intellectual property as another key pillar. Ethical governance, on the other hand, plays a key role for any business, fostering transparency to further promote inclusivity and ensure trade is conducted ethically and equitably. Economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shifts threaten business continuity. Resilience & risk management as a pillar explores how companies prepare for and adapt to such risks. Acumen even understands that digital impact has been a key driver, and companies must balance technological transformation with responsible business practices. 'The more consumers understand the 'why' behind business decisions, the more balanced the conversation becomes. We're here to provide that perspective,' says Andy. Acumen truly believes that video is the key to making these complex trade issues accessible and compelling. With the rapid decline in attention spans and the dominance of digital media, businesses need more than just articles or reports to engage their audiences. 'Video allows people to see the human behind the business, to hear the conviction in their voice, to connect. People don't connect with corporations; they connect with people,' says Jack For small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, their video serves as a critical tool for brand credibility. Unlike established corporations with built-in reputations, SMBs must work harder to tell their story. Acumen's expertise in film production, distribution, and digital marketing ensures that these businesses can reach the right audiences with the right messaging. As per Paolo Emilio Zanini, CEO of Acumen, this SGTI is not just a one-off initiative. It is designed to become an ongoing movement. By continuously highlighting the challenges and triumphs of businesses navigating sustainable global trade, the company hopes to shift public perception and influence policy decisions. 'International trade doesn't just drive profits; it fosters peace,' says Zanini. 'When businesses collaborate across borders, it strengthens relationships between nations, creates economic interdependence, and reduces conflict. A thriving global economy isn't just good for businesses, it is good for society.' In a world where sustainability is often reduced to carbon footprints and recycling bins, Acumen is providing the missing half of the equation: a recognition that businesses must be economically viable to contribute to a better world. Through storytelling, video, and thought leadership, SGTI will ensure that businesses—large and small—have a platform to actually be understood. *Investing involves risk, and your investment may lose value. Past performance gives no indication of future results. These statements do not constitute and cannot replace investment advice.
