Professional societies can provide valuable opportunities for networking, resume building and professional development through conferences, workshops and seminars, writes Jessica Vélez, of the Genetics Society of America. Vélez offers tips for choosing and joining the right society, such as considering cost, field-specific organizations and development programs.

If you want your team to hear and understand what you're trying to communicate and not roll their eyes, then avoid trite, dismissive or insincere phrases such as "We're a family," "We hear you," or "We're tightening our belts," says communication coach Joel Schwartzberg. "Being direct makes a significant difference in your impact, especially when you're communicating solutions and their intended effects," says Schwartzberg.

Organizations struggling to bring workers back to the office are turning to workplace designers, such as UK-based Area, to create unique spaces that are functional and engaging. Samantha House, creative director of Area, says that offices designed around Star Wars and Monopoly themes are not just playful and fun, but support important workforce needs. "The biggest mindset shift is probably around the purpose of the office," says House. "It's less about the tasks people do and more about who they connect with and the experience the space delivers -- designing offices as places for community and culture, not just productivity."

Despite policy rollbacks and defunding by the Trump administration, corporate sustainability jobs remain a secure career path for new graduates. According to PwC's 2025 State of Decarbonization report, the demand for sustainability roles in companies is driven by investor interest and public sentiment. While some major companies have relaxed their sustainability goals, the overall trend is positive, with 37% of companies strengthening climate commitments and ensuring a stable job market.

Standing in line and trying out new rids during a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World taught Fred Ende, director of curriculum and instructional Services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., some new leadership lessons including how waiting can lead to better decision-making, how worrying about what might happen can make you miss what's happening in the moment and knowing when to walk away. "It's better to delegate or walk away from something when we start to feel as if we may no longer be what the situation needs (or when we feel our ability to be helpful is waning)," Ende writes.

From SmartBrief sister publication Kiplinger: Retirees with sufficient savings who don't need their Social Security benefits can still claim them and donate the money to charity, says Ken Robinson, a certified financial planner with Sax Wealth Advisors. "Instead of your benefit making an immeasurably small difference to Social Security, every dollar you give to, say, your local food bank can create three meals for people facing food insecurity," Robinson says.

Sobrino de Botín, situated near Madrid's Plaza Mayor, holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest restaurant, having operated continuously since its founding 300 years ago. Now it faces a challenge from Casa Pedro, which claims to have been established in 1702. Casa Pedro has found documents dating back to 1750, but it still needs to prove continuous operation from 1702 to secure the title. Both establishments are family-owned and offer traditional Castilian cuisine.