Latest news with #LauraScott

Associated Press
14-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ADAPTOVATE Strengthens Global Leadership with Key Promotions in Australia and Asia
Laura Scott and Brigitte Odgers-Jewell appointed Managing Directors and Partners to accelerate innovation and transformation across key markets. 'I've been lucky to work with teams and clients across Southeast Asia who are navigating big shifts — in technology, in talent, in how businesses grow.'— Brigitte Odgers-Jewell, Managing Director and Partner, Asia SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, July 13, 2025 / / -- Global management consultancy ADAPTOVATE has today announced the promotions of Laura Scott as Managing Director and Partner in Australia and Brigitte Odgers-Jewell as Managing Director and Partner in Singapore. These appointments underscore ADAPTOVATE's commitment to bold, innovation-driven leadership, meeting rising demand for agile, AI-enabled, and digitally transformative solutions across its global client base. With operations spanning Australia, Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Poland, ADAPTOVATE continues to scale its executive capabilities to support clients facing increasingly complex and fast-moving business environments. Laura Scott joins fellow Managing Director and Partner David Gumley in leading ADAPTOVATE's Australian and New Zealand operations. She brings with her deep expertise in helping organisations embed agile ways of working, adopt emerging technologies, and deliver large-scale enterprise transformation. Brigitte Odgers-Jewell takes on the strategic role of Managing Director and Partner for Southeast Asia, where she leads strategic consultancy efforts across the region. Her experience spans multiple industries and markets, with a focus on fostering high performing, engaged, and agile cultures that evolve to meet organisational priorities. Both leaders have a proven track record of driving measurable impact for organisations facing disruption. Their expertise includes leading enterprise-wide transformations, AI adoption, digital innovation, and embedding agile operating models that enable businesses to thrive amid uncertainty. 'Brigitte Odgers-Jewell and Laura Scott have each spent years building our business with discipline, clarity, and consistent results,' said Douglas Ross, Founding Partner at ADAPTOVATE. He continues, 'Their appointment to Managing Director and Partner is not just deserved, it's essential to the further success and growth of ADAPTOVATE globally.' These appointments highlight ADAPTOVATE's dedication to leadership deeply embedded in delivery. Both Scott and Odgers-Jewell have been instrumental in the success of complex transformation projects, leading multi-disciplinary teams, accelerating time-to-impact, and embedding lasting change for clients. Previously recognised by the Financial Times and Statista as a High Growth Company in Asia-Pacific, ADAPTOVATE continues to demonstrate its ability to scale both client impact and internal talent. – ENDS – Spokesperson Quotes Attributable: Laura Scott, Managing Director and Partner, Australia: 'I'm excited to be stepping into the Managing Director, Partner role for ANZ as we are at a pivotal moment, not just as a business, but as an industry. Clients are moving faster, expectations are rising, and the old models of consulting are being redefined.' 'I'm looking forward to leading the ANZ team by embracing innovation, embedding AI thoughtfully, and delivering transformation in ways that are faster, more adaptive, creating meaningful impact for our clients, our people and industry.' Brigitte Odgers-Jewell, Managing Director and Partner, Asia: 'I've been lucky to work with teams and clients across Southeast Asia who are navigating big shifts — in technology, in talent, in how businesses grow. What excites me most right now is the opportunity to lead transformation in a way that's grounded in real people, solving real problems. 'At ADAPTOVATE, we're not just delivering solutions, we're building the capability for our clients to keep evolving long after we've gone. That's the kind of impact I want to lead — practical, empowering, and built for the pace of this region.' Shannon Muscolino Ardent Communications email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poll: Almost two-thirds of Utahns support contentious ‘Utah Fits All' school voucher program
While the fate of the Utah Fits All Scholarship program will likely be decided by the Utah Supreme Court, the divisive school voucher program appears to have fairly wide public support. In a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute Poll conducted last month, 805 Utah registered voters were asked if they support or oppose 'Utah Fits All.' Almost two-thirds — 62% — responded positively. Meanwhile, 31% voiced opposition — while 8% responded, 'Don't know.' In 2023, the Utah Legislature created the 'Utah Fits All Scholarship,' which allows parents to apply for up to $8,000 in state funding that can be used for homeschooling, to attend private school, or toward other education providers. Some have argued the scholarship takes money away from the public education system. Others say it allows parents more flexibility in determining their children's education. While over 60% of poll responders voiced some level of support for 'Utah Fits All,' only 28% said they 'strongly support' the program. The other 34% 'somewhat support' it. On the flip side, 16% of poll responders were in the 'strongly oppose' camp — just a single percentage point more than those who 'somewhat oppose' the 'Utah Fits All Scholarship' program. The results of the recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll seem to reflect the divisiveness regarding school vouchers across the country. Locally, the program has faced spirited debate at the Utah Capitol, across the opinion pages and inside the courtrooms. In 2023, the state was sued by the Utah Education Association and several individual plaintiffs after the school voucher program was enacted — giving eligible K-12 students up to $8,000 a year for private school tuition and other costs. Utah Fits All went into effect last fall. The teachers union and its fellow petitioners argued that the program violated the Utah Constitution because it diverts income tax revenue to fund private schools. In April, 3rd District Judge Laura Scott ruled that the school voucher program currently being utilized by thousands of Utah children was, indeed, unconstitutional. The judge said that because the Utah Fits All program is created by the Legislature and a publicly funded educational program, it must satisfy the constitutional requirements applicable to the 'public education system' set forth in the Utah Constitution. The Legislature, added Scott, does not have the authority 'to circumvent these constitutional requirements by simply declining to 'designate' the program as part of the public education system.' The judge agreed with the union and other plaintiffs in her April ruling, saying the program violated sections of the state Constitution that require the state to fund a public education system open to every student that is free of charge, and to use state income tax to fund public schools and to support children and people with disabilities. Proponents of the program had argued the program did not affect the state's system of public schools, but was in addition to that constitutional requirement, and that it cleared the bar of using income tax to support children. Scott would later rule that the school voucher program could continue pending the expected defendants' appeal before the Utah Supreme Court. The judge also ruled, in May, on a couple of outstanding 'claims for relief' issued by the plaintiffs. Scott's follow-up actions essentially allowed the defendants in the case against Utah Fits All — which includes Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown — to move forward with the appeals process. Since last month, the Utah Fits All Scholarship program has been administered by Odyssey, a national technology company. During this year's Utah legislative session, some new funding guidelines and accountability guardrails were put in place under HB455. Homeschooled 'Utah Fits All' students 5 to 11 years old will have access to $4,000 a year, while those 12 to 18 years old will get $6,000. Private school students are still eligible for $8,000 a year, the previous amount available to all. The new law also limits extracurricular expenses to 20% of the scholarship amount and limits physical education expenses to an additional 20%.


New York Post
05-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
What are Americans' morning struggles?
Two in five Americans are 'bad' at mornings, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed 38% agreed with this sentiment — and respondents get out of bed later than planned an average of eight times per month. Advertisement For one in 10 respondents, this happens more than 20 times per month. When they're rushing through their morning routine, after staying in bed longer than planned, respondents were most likely to skip eating breakfast (41%). But others will neglect their personal hygiene: 16% will skip showering, while 11% will go about their day without brushing their teeth. 5 The average alarm user sets two alarms in the morning, and a fifth will hit snooze at least three times before they actually get up out of bed according to new research. Ana Blazic Pavlovic – Advertisement Commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also looked at respondents' alarm habits. Less than half (43%) use an alarm to wake up in the morning — and for these respondents, the results revealed their first alarm goes off at 6:33 a.m. Younger generations were more likely to rely on an alarm: While just a fifth (19%) of baby boomers set an alarm, 63% of Gen Z and millennials do the same. Across ages, the average alarm user sets two alarms in the morning, and a fifth will hit snooze at least three times before they actually get up out of bed. 5 The survey revealed that less than half of the people who participated (43%) use an alarm to wake up in the morning SWNS Advertisement The survey also split respondents by early birds and night owls to see how that impacts their alarm habits and their sleep overall. Two-thirds (67%) of early birds who use an alarm said it's 'very effective' at getting them out of bed on time — compared to just half (52%) of night owls. Early birds were more likely to use a 'standard' or preset alarm sound (70% vs. 58%), while night owls were more likely to have an 'annoying' sound — like a fire alarm or honking cars — to wake them up (20% vs. 12%). Unsurprisingly, night owls were more likely to struggle to get out of bed on time (54% vs. 17%). Night owls were also more likely to say their body needs more sleep than they're currently getting (70% vs. 55%). That's despite the two groups getting about the same amount of sleep — right around six and a half hours per night. Advertisement 'Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, quality sleep is non-negotiable,' said Laura Scott, Director of Brand Marketing at Avocado Green Mattress. 'Your natural sleep rhythm should be supported — not disrupted — by an environment designed for deep, restorative rest.' 5 51% of Americans are 'bad' at sleep due to their own anxieties keeping them awake. SWNS The top reason Americans aren't getting enough sleep? Their own worries are keeping them up (51%). That was followed by a sleep condition (like insomnia, sleep apnea, etc.) (30%) and nightmares or stress dreams (20%). Also in the top five was an uncomfortable bed or mattress making it more difficult to sleep (19%) and loud noises outside (14%) keeping respondents awake. 5 Sleep conditions, nightmares, uncomfortable mattresses, and loud noises are other significant sleep deterrents. Prostock-studio – While night owls (35%) and early birds (37%) were almost equally likely to struggle to stay asleep, night owls were more likely to face other difficulties. This included going to bed later than they 'should' in the evening (48% vs. 24%), struggling to fall asleep (44% vs. 27%) and staying in bed longer than they 'should' in the morning (25% vs. 8%). Advertisement 5 Creating a stable sleep habits is very important for daily living. Elnur – 'So many of us lie awake at night, our minds racing with worry or stress,' said Scott. 'That's why it's so important to create sleep spaces and habits that are calm and supportive — so you can wake up feeling like yourself again.' Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 9–15, 2025.

Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
What are Americans' morning struggles?
Two in five Americans are "bad" at mornings, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed 38% agreed with this sentiment - and respondents get out of bed later than planned an average of eight times per month. For one in 10 respondents, this happens more than 20 times per month. When they're rushing through their morning routine, after staying in bed longer than planned, respondents were most likely to skip eating breakfast (41%). But others will neglect their personal hygiene: 16% will skip showering, while 11% will go about their day without brushing their teeth. Commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also looked at respondents' alarm habits. Less than half (43%) use an alarm to wake up in the morning - and for these respondents, the results revealed their first alarm goes off at 6:33 a.m. Younger generations were more likely to rely on an alarm: While just a fifth (19%) of baby boomers set an alarm, 63% of Gen Z and millennials do the same. Across ages, the average alarm user sets two alarms in the morning, and a fifth will hit snooze at least three times before they actually get up out of bed. The survey also split respondents by early birds and night owls to see how that impacts their alarm habits and their sleep overall. Two-thirds (67%) of early birds who use an alarm said it's "very effective" at getting them out of bed on time - compared to just half (52%) of night owls. Early birds were more likely to use a "standard" or preset alarm sound (70% vs. 58%), while night owls were more likely to have an "annoying" sound - like a fire alarm or honking cars - to wake them up (20% vs. 12%). Unsurprisingly, night owls were more likely to struggle to get out of bed on time (54% vs. 17%). Night owls were also more likely to say their body needs more sleep than they're currently getting (70% vs. 55%). That's despite the two groups getting about the same amount of sleep - right around six and a half hours per night. "Whether you're a morning person or a night owl, quality sleep is non-negotiable," said Laura Scott, Director of Brand Marketing at Avocado Green Mattress. "Your natural sleep rhythm should be supported - not disrupted - by an environment designed for deep, restorative rest." The top reason Americans aren't getting enough sleep? Their own worries are keeping them up (51%). That was followed by a sleep condition (like insomnia, sleep apnea, etc.) (30%) and nightmares or stress dreams (20%). Also in the top five was an uncomfortable bed or mattress making it more difficult to sleep (19%) and loud noises outside (14%) keeping respondents awake. While night owls (35%) and early birds (37%) were almost equally likely to struggle to stay asleep, night owls were more likely to face other difficulties. This included going to bed later than they "should" in the evening (48% vs. 24%), struggling to fall asleep (44% vs. 27%) and staying in bed longer than they "should" in the morning (25% vs. 8%). "So many of us lie awake at night, our minds racing with worry or stress," said Scott. "That's why it's so important to create sleep spaces and habits that are calm and supportive - so you can wake up feeling like yourself again." Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 9–15, 2025. We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are: Traditional online access panels - where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic - where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan. Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value. Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample. Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes: Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access. The post What are Americans' morning struggles? appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge rules on outstanding matters in Utah school choice legal battle — clearing way for appeals
In the ongoing legal battle to decide the fate of the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, a judge Monday ruled on a pair of outstanding issues that were preventing the case from moving on to the expected appeals process. Last month, 3rd District Judge Laura Scott ruled that the divisive school voucher program currently being utilized by thousands of Utah children was unconstitutional. In her April 18 decision against the program, Scott said that because the Utah Fits All program is created by the Legislature and a publicly funded educational program, it must satisfy the constitutional requirements applicable to the 'public education system' set forth in the Utah Constitution. The Legislature, added Scott, does not have the authority 'to circumvent these constitutional requirements by simply declining to 'designate' the program as part of the public education system.' A few days later, Scott decided the school voucher program could continue pending the expected defendants' appeal before the Utah Supreme Court. On Monday, Scott ruled on a couple of outstanding 'claims for relief' issued by the lawsuit's group plaintiffs that includes the Utah Education Association and several individuals. 'Given its ruling that the Program is unconstitutional under article X and article XIII of the Utah Constitution, the court concludes that Plaintiffs' Third Claim for Relief and Fourth Claim for Relief are moot,' wrote the judge in her ruling. However, Scott still opted to formally rule Monday on the two claims that she did not address last month 'for purposes of completeness for appeal.' In other words, the defendants in the case against the school voucher program — which includes Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown — can now move forward with the appeals process. The two outstanding plaintiff claims focused primarily on the legality of the Utah Fits All Scholarship program being managed and overseen by private entities. Scott dismissed both claims Monday after articulating lengthy legal analysis in her ruling. 'The court concludes that these claims are not independent and/or alternative grounds for declaring the Program unconstitutional,' the judge wrote. 'Accordingly, the court dismisses Plaintiffs' Third and Fourth Claims for Relief.' The state was sued by the Utah Education Association, along with plaintiffs Kevin Labresh, Terra Cooper, Amy Barton and Carol Lear, in 2023, after the school voucher program was enacted. The Utah Fits All Scholarship program gives eligible K-12 students up to $8,000 a year for private school tuition and other costs. It went into effect in the fall of 2024. The teachers union argued the program violated the Utah Constitution because it diverts income tax revenue to fund private schools. Scott agreed with the union and other plaintiffs in last month's ruling, saying the program violated sections of the state Constitution that require the state to fund a public education system open to every student that is free of charge, and to use state income tax to fund public schools and to support children and people with disabilities. Proponents of the program argued the program did not affect the state's system of public schools, but was in addition to that constitutional requirement, and that it cleared the bar of using income tax to support children. Scott's ruling Monday on the two previously outstanding plaintiffs' claims comes days after the state filed an unopposed petition for permission 'to file interlocutory appeal' with the Utah Supreme Court. The petition revealed the urgency likely shared by both parties to move the case forward through the legal process for final disposition. 'While the district court said it would decide Plaintiffs' third and fourth claims in the near future, the case will still not be final and eligible for direct appeal until the lower court orders relief,' read the petition. 'And no party wants that to happen yet — before this Court can review and decide the merits — given the stakes of enjoining the Program: stopping educational benefits for thousands of Utah children and voiding part of teacher salary raises.' Scott's ruling Monday essentially addresses the issues raised in the interlocutory appeal, pending a response from the Utah Supreme Court.