Of the many dark gifts Showtime's eerie hit series "Yellowjackets" serves up for us, the juiciest this season is by far the music.

At 360 frames per second, the Samsung Odyssey G6 OLED is fast enough to show me just how bad I really am at Overwatch 2.

Jared Isaacman is leading three other privately trained astronauts on a SpaceX vehicle for Polaris Dawn, a mission that will include a daring spacewalk.

MacworldThe next major cycle of Mac upgrades involves the M4 chip and itsstarting soon, according to reports. All of the M4 Macs arent being released at the same time, however, and since Apple doesnt really stick to a set schedule like the iPhone or Apple Watch, it can be confusing to figure out when each Mac is coming and what kind of upgrades will be available.If the rumors are correct, every Mac in Apples lineup will get an update within the next 12 months. Heres a guide for when each model will get the M4 chip, and what else to expect from each upgrade.M4 MacBook AirThe MacBook Air will wait until 2025 for its M4 upgrade.The MacBook Air will wait until 2025 for its M4 upgrade.FoundryThe MacBook Air will wait until 2025 for its M4 upgrade.FoundryFoundryRelease date: The M4 upgrade for the MacBook Air looks like an opportunity for Apple to set a regular release period for the companys most popular Mac. The M4 MacBook Air is expected to ship in the spring of 2025, about a year after Apple released the M3 MacBook Air.The M1 Air was released in November 2020; the M2 Air in July 2022; the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air was released in June 2023. The M4 Air release is a chance to establish a spring cycle for the MacBook Air that Apple could make a regular event. Design: Apple wont change anything about the MacBook Air design. The current design was introduced in 2022 and it wont change for several more years.Chip: The 2025 MacBook Air will have a base M4 chip, similar to that used in the iPad Pro. Benchmark results show that the M4 offers a 20 percent improvement over the M3 it will replace.Features: Apple is not expected to upgrade the Liquid Retina display, change the port configuration (MagSafe 3, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack), or upgrade the camera or speakers. Wi-Fi 7 support is possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Find out the latest about the M4 MacBook Air.M4 MacBook ProThe MacBook Pro will get its M4 upgrade this fall.The MacBook Pro will get its M4 upgrade this fall.FoundryThe MacBook Pro will get its M4 upgrade this fall.FoundryFoundryRelease date: The fall timeframe seems to be what Apple has settled on for MacBook Pro releases. Apple will likely release the M4 series of MacBook Pro this fall, in October or November. That would be about a year after Apple released the M3 MacBook Pro lineup. Design: Apple wont change anything about the MacBook Pro design. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro design was introduced in 2021. This design will be in place for a few more years.Chip: Apple releases the MacBook Pro with three versions of its M-series chip: A base chip, a Pro chip, and a Max chip. The M4 Pro and M4 Max will be variants of the base M4, implementing more CPU and GPU cores and more unified memory. The M4 chips will offer a 20 percent improvement over the M3 chips they replace.Features: Apple is not expected to upgrade the Liquid Retina XDR display, change the port configuration (MagSafe 3, two or three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, HDMI, an SDXC Card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack), or upgrade the camera or speakers. Wi-Fi 7 support is possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Find out the latest about the M4 MacBook Pro.M4 iMacThe iMacs M4 upgrade is scheduled for the fall.The iMacs M4 upgrade is scheduled for the fall.FoundryThe iMacs M4 upgrade is scheduled for the fall.FoundryFoundryRelease date: Reports indicate that Apple will release the M4 iMac this fall, in October or November. That would be about a year after Apple released the M3 iMac. The M3 iMac replaced the M1 iMac, which was released in May 2021. Apple could be taking this opportunity to establish a fall release cycle for the iMac.Design: Apple wont change anything about the iMac design. The current 24-inch iMac design was introduced in May 2021, and it will almost certainly remain in place for a few more years.Chip: The 24-inch iMac features base M-series chips, so the new iMac will have the base M4. Benchmarks have shown that the M4 offers a 20 percent improvement over the M3.Features: Apple is not expected to upgrade the Retina display, change the port configuration (two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports (two additional USB-3 ports, and gigabit ethernet on the mid-and high-end models), and a 3.5mm audio jack), or upgrade the camera or speakers. Wi-Fi 7 support is possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Rumors say Apple could release a new iMac with a display as large as 32 inches and a higher-end M4 chip. Its unlikely that such an iMac is ready for this fall, though Bloombergs Mark Gurman recently reported that its unclear if that will be an M4 product or something that comes the following year or later.Find out the latest about the M4 iMac.M4 Mac miniThe M4 Mac mini may have a new, smaller design than the current M2 Mac mini (above).The M4 Mac mini may have a new, smaller design than the current M2 Mac mini (above).FoundryThe M4 Mac mini may have a new, smaller design than the current M2 Mac mini (above).FoundryFoundryRelease date: Reports indicate that Apple will release the M4 Mac mini this fall. It will replace the M2 Mac mini, which was released in January 2023. And the M1 Mac mini was released in November 2020. Apple could be taking this opportunity to establish a fall release cycle for the Mac mini, but based on the history of the product, the company doesnt seem to believe that a regular release cycle is necessary for this product.Design: The Mac mini will undergo a drastic change, according to Gurman. It will get even smaller, with a footprint about the size of the Apple TV. This would make the Mac mini more of a competitor to the Raspberry Pi, a small PC thats often used in special setups.Chip: Apple currently offers the Mac mini with a base or Pro M-series chip, and this will continue with the new design. According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, the Mac mini with a base M4 chip will ship immediately, while the M4 Pro model wont be available until late October.Features: The smaller design could mean that the Mac mini doesnt offer some of the ports the current Mac mini offers. Gurman reported that Apple has tested three models that have at least three USB-C ports, a power connector, and an HDMI port. And while Gurman didnt say so, the USB-C ports are probably also Thunderbolt ports.The current M2 Mac mini has a gigabit ethernet port, USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The latest rumors dont say whether the alignment will change. While the ethernet and audio jack are likely to stay, Its possible that Apple will drop the USB-A ports. Wi-Fi 7 support is also possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Find out the latest about the M4 Mac mini.M4 Mac StudioThe M4 Mac Studio is scheduled for a 2025 release.The M4 Mac Studio is scheduled for a 2025 release.Willis Lai/FoundryThe M4 Mac Studio is scheduled for a 2025 release.Willis Lai/FoundryWillis Lai/FoundryRelease date: The Mac Studio will not get an upgrade to the M4 until 2025, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. The current Mac Studio was released in June 2023 at WWDC, while the first Mac Studio was released in March 2022. So, it appears that the M4 Mac Studio wont arrive until spring 2025 or at WWDC 2025 in June.Design: The Mac Studios design will be only three years old by the time it is updated to the M4, so it wont change and will maintain its design for several more years.Chip: Apple outfits the Mac Studio with Max and Ultra M-series chips. So, the 2025 Mac Studio will likely have M4 Max or M4 Ultra chips. The current Mac Studio features M2 Max and Ultra chips, so the jump in performance should be impressive.Features: Apple probably wont change anything about the ports. On the back, the Mac Studio has four Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, two USB-A ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the front of the Mac Studio is an SDXC Card slot; the Mac Studio Max has two USB 3 ports, while the Mac Studio Ultra has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. Wi-Fi 7 support is possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Find out the latest about the M4 Mac Studio.M4 Mac ProThe design of the Mac Pro hasnt changed since 2019, and its not expected to do so.The design of the Mac Pro hasnt changed since 2019, and its not expected to do so.FoundryThe design of the Mac Pro hasnt changed since 2019, and its not expected to do so.FoundryFoundryRelease date: The Mac Pro will not get an upgrade to the M4 until 2025, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. The current Mac Pro was released in June 2023 at WWDC. The M4 Mac Pro wont arrive until spring 2025 or at WWDC 2025 in June.Design: Though the design of the Mac Pro is 11 years old, no reports of a redesign have been made. The Mac Pro is made to accommodate internal expansion cards, so if a redesign is in the work, it will keep the tower form factor, which separates it from the Mac Studio.Chip: Apple uses Ultra versions of its M-series chip for the Mac Pro. The current Mac Pro has a M2 Ultra; the upgrade in 2025 will be a M4 Ultra.Features: No reports have been made about the Mac Pros features, and, likely, Apple wont change anything about the slots, ports, or chassis. Wi-Fi 7 support is possible since the Wi-Fi Alliance made the standard official at the beginning of January.Find out the latest about the M4 Mac Pro.

Data encryption is critical. Whether youre using a PC provided by your employer or working from your own personal computer, encryption ensures that thieves and anyone else who might get their hands on your PC cant view any sensitive private data.Storage encryption can be complex on Windows PCs. This guide will tell you everything you need to know, including the difference between traditional BitLocker encryption and new Device Encryption, how to ensure your PCs data is safe, and how to encrypt removable devices just in case.Ill also explain what you need to know about recovering from BitLocker encryption errors. When the CrowdStrike meltdown occurred, many people booted their PCs only to see a blue screen that demanded a BitLocker recovery key. Hopefully, this wont happen to you. In case it ever does, you should be prepared.Want more Windows PC tips? Come check out my free Windows Intelligence newsletter for three new things to try every Friday and a free in-depth Windows Field Guide e-book (a $10 value).What is BitLocker?BitLocker is Microsofts storage encryption technology. First introduced in Windows Vista, its still part of Windows 11 and Windows 10 today. BitLocker is designed to encrypt entire volumes. In other words, BitLocker is designed to encrypt entire partitions on your hard drive.When activated, BitLocker stores your PCs files on disk in an encrypted manner. Think of them as being stored in a scrambled form a thief cant just pull your PCs storage drive out and access your files. Theyll need the encryption key to access them.BitLocker is often configured to function in transparent mode, automatically unlocking itself when you boot your computer. This uses the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) hardware in your computer to unlock the drive. The TPM stores the encryption key and provides it only if the Windows operating system doesnt appear to have been tampered with.This technology is a critical way for businesses to secure their companys data. Thats why businesses will often enforce BitLocker usage on their managed PCs. But its also a useful way for individuals to secure their personal data. If someone does get their hands on your laptop, they wont be able to access the files without the key. Even if they boot the laptop up, theyll need to sign into your Windows user account to access your files.If you ever have an issue with BitLocker, you will be asked to provide a BitLocker recovery key. If you set up BitLocker yourself, Windows prompted you to store it somewhere safe. If you set it up through your workplace, they have a copy. A copy will be stored with your Microsoft account in some situations, too.BitLocker vs. Device Encryption: Whats the difference?Back in the Windows 7 days, BitLocker was only offered on Professional, Enterprise, and Education versions of Windows. The average PC running a Home version of Windows didnt have access to a built-in storage encryption technology.Thats somewhat true today. The full version of BitLocker, also known as BitLocker Drive Encryption, is only available on Professional versions of Windows and higher. If youre an individual who wants access to the full BitLocker set of tools on your PC, youll have to pay to upgrade to the Professional edition of Windows 11 (or Windows 10) if your PC came with the Home edition.However, starting with Windows 8.1 and carrying on to Windows 10 and Windows 11 today, Microsoft began offering something called Device Encryption or BitLocker Device Encryption. This technology uses BitLocker under the hood. It doesnt offer the full set of BitLocker configuration options, though, and it only works if a PC has the right hardware a TPM 2.0 chip, for example, which is one of the hardware features officially required for Windows 11.Device Encryption is designed to just work on the average modern PC. It only works if you sign into Windows with a Microsoft account or a work or school account. If you do, Windows will automatically activate Device Encryption (assuming your PC has the right hardware), protecting your files with encryption.Since youve signed in with a Microsoft account, a work account, or a school account, Windows will back up your BitLocker recovery key to your Microsoft account or your employers or schools systems. This ensures the average PC user will have a way to access their recovery key if they ever have an error.For the average person, that Microsoft account requirement is something to be aware of. If you choose to sign into your PC with a local user account, you wont be able to use Device Encryption. For optimal security, you will want to sign in with a Microsoft account or pay for a Professional edition of Windows and use the full BitLocker experience.How to check if your PCs storage is encryptedFor these methods, youll want to be signed into Windows with an Administrator account. The options may not appear if youre signed in with a Standard user account.To check for Device Encryption on Windows 11, open the Settings app, select Privacy & security, and then click Device encryption under Security. If Device Encryption is active, it will be set to On.The Settings app will only show a Device encryption option if your PC supports it.Chris Hoffman, IDGOn Windows 10, open the Settings app, select Update & Security, and click Device encryption in the left pane. If Device encryption is active, you will see a message saying Device encryption is on.If you do not see a Device encryption option in the Settings app at all, your PC doesnt support it or youre signed into Windows with a Standard user account.If your PC has Device Encryption, the only option is to turn it On or Off.Chris Hoffman, IDGYou can also look in File Explorer. Look under This PC and check the icons for each drive in your computer. If you see a padlock in the drives icon, its encrypted in some way either with BitLocker Drive Encryption or with Device Encryption.Windows will show a lock icon next to encrypted drives.Chris Hoffman, IDGYou can control BitLocker options and see whether a storage device is encrypted by opening the classic Control Panel window, selecting System and Security, and then clicking BitLocker Drive Encryption or Device Encryption. You will see one of the two options here, depending on which technology your PC has.BitLocker Drive Encryption offers more options than Device Encryption.Chris Hoffman, IDGHow to encrypt a removable driveIf you have a PC with the full BitLocker Drive Encryption experience not the Device Encryption feature found on Home editions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 you can also encrypt removable storage devices. This uses a feature called BitLocker To Go, and it can be used with USB flash drives, SD cards, and external hard drives.To do so, open the Control Panel, click System and Security, and select BitLocker Drive Encryption. Youll see an option to encrypt a removable drive under Removable data drives.How to find your BitLocker recovery keyBitLocker should normally just work. Most people will hopefully never see a BitLocker recovery key blue screen at boot. However, CrowdStrikes extreme failure caused this screen to pop up on millions of PCs. It may also be caused by a hardware problem or if you need to pull a storage drive from one computer or access it on another.In this case, youll need your BitLocker recovery key. If you use a device managed by your employer or educational institution, your work or school systems will have the recovery key backed up, and you can request it from them.If you sign into your PC with a Microsoft account and Windows automatically enabled Device Encryption, you will need to access it from Microsoft. Visit Microsofts BitLocker recovery key page and sign in with your Microsoft account to find it.If you set up BitLocker Drive Encryption yourself, Windows prompted you to save and store a recovery key as part of the setup process. You may have printed it on a piece of paper or stored it on a USB drive.If your PC is working fine, you can also create a backup copy of your recovery key at any time. To do so, open the Control Panel, click System and Security, and select either BitLocker Drive Encryption or Device Encryption. From this window, youll find links to back up a copy of each drives recovery key.Microsoft has a detailed guide on finding your BitLocker recovery key. If youve lost all copies of the recovery key and your PC is asking for it this may happen if you set up BitLocker yourself on a personal PC and then didnt print the recovery key or lost your backup copies of it you wont be able to access the files on your PC. You will have to restore your files from any backups you might have.What about VeraCrypt and TrueCrypt?If youd like to encrypt a Windows PCs storage but you dont want to use BitLocker for some reason, you can turn to an open-source alternative. This was more common before Windows offered built-in Device Encryption on modern PCs, as people with Home versions of Windows could encrypt them using this software without paying to upgrade to a Professional edition of Windows.Years ago, TrueCrypt was the go-to solution for this. The TrueCrypt project shut down in 2014, warning that the software was not secure as it may contain unfixed security issues and recommending Windows PC users switch to BitLocker.The nature of these alleged security issues was never fully explained. The successor, VeraCrypt, took the projects code and built on it, fixing security issues and continuing to develop it. The code has been independently audited, and issues found were fixed. If you are going to use an open-source drive encryption tool on Windows, you should likely go with VeraCrypt.I recommend most people use some form of BitLocker BitLocker Drive Encryption or Device Encryption if possible. BitLocker is integrated with Windows, and it should work well. You are more likely to experience data loss or other problems or incompatibilities with a third-party solution like VeraCrypt.Everyone should have encryptionUltimately, basic storage encryption is a necessity on any modern PC unless you have a desktop PC that stays locked up in a secure office, perhaps. But the average laptop needs this feature for data security. A lost laptop shouldnt be a major data security concern, whether youre using a computer from your employer or your own personal PC.Every other modern platform Android, ChromeOS, macOS, and iOS offers storage encryption by default. With Device Encryption, Windows 11 now offers encryption on most new devices by default. That will be even more true in the fall of 2024, when Windows 11s 24H2 update will enable Device Encryption on more PC hardware configurations.Want more Windows analysis that cuts through the jargon and explains what really matters? Check out my free Windows Intelligence newsletter Ill send you three things to try every Friday. Plus, get free copies of Paul Thurrotts Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (a $10 value) for signing up.

With only 6 hours left in its presale, investors scramble to secure PlayDoge (PLAY) tokens, the hottest meme coin and play-to-earn game, before they hit exchanges.This retro-themed P2E game has generated significant buzz and is poised to make a splash in the crypto market.While PlayDoges presale draws to a close, other trending cryptocurrencies, Pepe Unchained (PEPU) and Crypto All-Stars (STARS), have also been making headlines.Both coins have shown promising developments, making them worthy of attention for investors.PlayDoge (PLAY)PlayDoge, a top crypto presale project of 2024, is nearing its conclusion after months of successful fundraising. So far, it has raised over $6.3 million, a significant achievement for a meme coin project.With the presale wrapping up soon, the countdown has begun. In just 6 hours, on August 26th at 10 am UTC, the presale will close. This marks the final opportunity to purchase $PLAY tokens at the presale price of $0.00531 each, with investment options including ETH, USDT, BNB, or credit/debit cards.Following the presale, the token will be listed on a DEX, with potential CEX listings later in the year if everything goes as planned.POV: You after the presale. Lambo is on pre-order. Dont fumble this opportunity.LAST CHANCE TO BUY! PRESALE ENDS TOMORROW https://t.co/JT0VEofqf2 pic.twitter.com/oTSRlaCZw9 PlayDoge (@PlayDogeGame) August 25, 2024PlayDoge is stepping into the crypto gaming world, mixing nostalgia with blockchain tech. Imagine a virtual pet game that merges Tamagotchi and Doge memes for a fun experience.Heres the exciting partplayers can earn crypto rewards while playing. The idea is straightforward: take care of a digital Doge by feeding it, playing with it, and making sure it rests. If the Doge is neglected, it might run away.Showing your Doge love and playing retro-style mini-games earns $PLAY tokens, which are real crypto tokens you can cash out when the full game launches. PlayDoge offers a nostalgic experience, with a monthly leaderboard tracking top pet owners and rewarding them with bonus $PLAY tokens.PlayDoge isnt just about pet care and retro gaming. It also features a staking system that has attracted investors. Users can stake their $PLAY tokens on either the BNB Chain or Ethereum, earning annual yields estimated at 72%.Players have two ways to earn $PLAY by playing the game and staking tokens. The PlayDoge community on X and Telegram is growing as more people learn about the project.Visitplaydoge.ioto participate in the $PLAY token presale.Pepe Unchained (PEPU)Pepe Unchained, inspired by the Pepe meme, is set to transform meme coin development on Ethereum. The project has raised over $10.5 million in its ICO, with growing enthusiasm from experts as the ICO continues to reach new heights each week.$PEPU tokens are currently available for $0.0093105 each. Investors can easily purchase $PEPU using ETH, BNB, USDT, or credit/debit cards. With no minimum investment required, both casual investors and large-scale players have access to this opportunity.Pepe Unchained aims to solve problems faced by many meme coin developers and investors on Ethereum. $PEPUs blockchain will provide transaction speeds 100x faster than Ethereum, which currently handles only 15 transactions per second.In addition to faster speeds, Pepe Unchaineds Layer 2 will feature lower gas fees, making it more attractive for traders to invest in meme coins and allowing them to retain more of their profits.The project also includes a dedicated blockchain explorer, which will help developers and users navigate the blockchain more efficiently. With these features, $PEPU is evolving from a simple meme coin into a powerful utility-focused project.The $PEPU community has quickly expanded, now with over 11,000 followers on X and 6,000 members on Telegram. The projects bold vision has resonated with its audience. Pepe Unchained also provides significant staking rewards for early supporters, with staking available since the presale began.The distribution of $PEPU token rewards occurs at a rate of 608.82 $PEPU tokens per ETH block, with rewards disbursed over two years and claimable once the claim period begins.As of now, the staking APY (annual percentage yield) is close to 189%, though it will decrease as more investors contribute their tokens to the pool. Approximately 847 million tokens have already been staked. The project has also undergone two audits by SolidProof and Coinsult.To take part in the $PEPU token presale, visitpepeunchained.com.Crypto All-Stars (STARS)Just days after launching, the Crypto All-Stars presale has already surpassed $750,000 and is quickly approaching the $1 million mark. The projects native token, $STARS, is currently available at $0.0013966 per token.With the price set to rise soon, theres an opportunity to join early and potentially see significant gains. The Crypto All-Stars team accepts a variety of payment methods, including ETH, USDT, BNB, and credit/debit cards. Potential investors can visit our guide onhow to buy Crypto All-Stars tokens here.The project launches MemeVault, an innovative platform for staking favorite meme coins and earning substantial rewards. MemeVault streamlines the staking process by providing a single platform where all rewards are paid in $STARS, removing the hassle of managing multiple protocols.At launch, users can stake 11 popular meme coins, including Pepe, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Floki Inu, Based Brett, Mog Coin, Milady, Turbo, Toshi, Coq Inu, and Bonk.Built on Ethereums ERC-1155 token standard, MemeVault ensures secure staking for any ERC-20 token, paving the way for future expansion and benefiting the entire meme coin community with more rewards.MemeVault can change the way staking and passive income work for meme coins by letting users stake top meme coins, which might raise market demand. Plus, $STARS token holders get a 3x bonus on their staking yield, encouraging them to hold tokens longer and possibly driving up demand.Even though MemeVault hasnt launched yet, $STARS tokens can already be used in the projects native staking contract, which currently offers an impressive 1,916% APY, though this will decrease as more users join the staking pool.The excitement around Crypto All-Stars continues to grow, thanks to its unique approach to helping meme coin enthusiasts maximize their gains in one place.To take part in the $STARS token presale, visitcryptoallstars.io.RelatedWill PlayDoges Tamagotchi-Inspired Features Drive a 1000x Surge Upon Launch?PeiPei 16% Jump Could Lead to a Record-Breaking Rally as Pepe Unchained Presale Surges to $10 MillionThe post Last Call for the Newest Play-to-Earn Crypto as ICO Ends in Less Than 7 Hours appeared first on ReadWrite.

While the world watched and waited to see if President Joe Biden would drop his reelection bid last month, I imagined his internal struggle and thought, I totally get it. I may not be a global leader, but I empathize with the challenges of succession and succession planning.As a cofounder and, until recently, CEO deeply passionate about the executive coaching company I created seven years ago, Ive grappled with some intense soul-searching about passing the torch. Weighing personal ambition against the health of the organization when I stepped away, had I greased the leadership pipeline for a smooth transition that wouldnt erode my reputation or company?Whether talking about American politics or corporate America, there are plenty of ways to fumble the torch-passing, including indecision, waiting too long, and not planning for it.In the business world, where theres been a surge in CEO turnovers, succession planning is still spotty. Planned CEO successions accounted for just 23% of all outgoing CEOs in Q2 2024, according to the latest quarterly turnover index from leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates. This is striking considering that nearly 80% of incoming CEOs were internal promotions.The cost of no planWhats at stake? There are cultural costs, with employees and clients becoming worried about the companys stability. Theres the time suck of selecting and onboarding a successor. And there are significant financial costs. According to a Harvard Business Review analysis, failure to nurture leadership pipelines and succession practices leads to excessive executive turnover and destroys valueclose to $1 trillion a year among the S&P 1500.Youd think that as the founder of a coaching platform focused on helping leaders grow as individuals, in teams, and in life, I would have had a succession plan from the start. However, it came to me only two years ago, as I was interviewing a candidate for COO. It wasnt until late in the process that I realized I was actually interviewing my replacement, and I needed to let her know.Once she accepted the role, we devised our plan to ease her in. I wouldnt train or teach hershe already had the ability, skill set, and drive. My job was to help her hone those skills, to coach her into a new role . . . to coach myself out of a job.Whether you are a CEO or a manager helping your team grow into their next role, you need a succession plan. Here are my tips for coaching someoneeven yourselfinto a new role.Be painfully self-aware and embrace your weaknessesIn corporate America, were taught to showcase, even grandstand, our greatest strengths. When presenting to the C-suite or raising capital, we believe leaders must display neither fear nor flaws. Fearing our weaknesses actually creates vulnerability, stifles long-term growth, and limits success. As leaders, we need to be so painfully aware of our weaknesses that we can compensate by hiring people with complementary counter-strengths. If ego gets in the way, we need to remember our goal: to prepare for the future growth of the company, not our own personal ambition.Share the plan up front with your intended successorWhen you find someone you trust to take on the new role, its important to be direct and explain your intent. When I hired my successor, it was the first time I had expressed out loud that I may not be the right person to take our company into the future, and I wanted to hire strategically for the good of the company. If youve already hired your successor, or you come to see that someone on your team may be the best suited for that role, bring them into your plan. It may feel uncomfortable opening upespecially if, like me, you havent shared these vulnerable thoughts with anyonebut its critical to ensure your goals are aligned.Work together; Do trial runsRather than being forced into a rapid transition, give yourself time to work with your successor through the process. This is where the coaching happens. Both individuals learn from each other and build a foundation for the handover. For more than a year, my successor began taking on more decision-making and directing the company, while I observed and focused on other aspects of the business. And when she came to me with a different approach or idea, I learned to step back and allow her to take the lead. I gave her increasing autonomy and offered guidance as needed.Talk about ita lotGreat transitions start with open, honest lines of communication. Ongoing conversation throughout the process enables you to achieve a transition with fewer obstacles, fewer misunderstandings, and more clarity. You must be willing to ask really difficult questions up front and genuinely listen, even when doing so is uncomfortable.Announce your plans but be coordinated about itNobody likes a surprise. I only recently informed the board about our transition plan. I was nervous theyd feel I was abandoning the company. Instead, they clearly understood and appreciated the healthy process wed put into action. They were confident in my successors ability because they knew her, worked with her, and trusted her. And they were confident I was doing what was best for the companys future. After receiving board approval, the CEO and successor should work together to announce the news to the internal team.A transition isnt a one-time event. Its an ongoing process, with twists and turns along the way. These same steps can be applied to any role. After all, the best way to get a promotion is to bring in others to do your job so that you can be more available to work above your role. When you think about it that way, we should always be coaching our way out of our jobs.

Architecture studio Snarkitecture has updated the New York offices of legal firm Jayaram Law, adding elements with wavy cutouts and furniture from a new collection with Made By Choice.The overhaul of Jayaram's 3,800-square-foot (353-square-metre) space in Manhattan's Flatiron District forms part of the company's artist residency program and continues a longstanding relationship with Snarkitecture.A continuous, wavy wooden edge forms a portal into the Record Room at Jayaram Law's officesThe studio, founded by artist Daniel Arsham and architect Alex Mustonen, reimagined the offices as a collaborative space for creative work and made multiple interventions to the layout."Our approach was to unify the space and create a layout emphasising openness, flexibility, and scattered moments of reflection and privacy," said the team.Snarkitecture reinterpreted "the ubiquitous stud wall as an elevated millwork piece" to create the freestanding structureA key decision involved bringing warmth to the industrial-style space, which features exposed ceilings and concrete tile flooring.This was achieved by introducing wood, acoustic panels, rugs, curtains, and upholstered pieces "that added more comfort and softness to the space".A window provides a view from the workspace into the Record Room, which displays various Snarkitecture ephemeraAt one end of the floor plan, Snarkitecture built a room using a simple wooden framework to create a library and display area."One of our key design moves is reinterpreting the ubiquitous stud wall as an elevated millwork piece," the team said.In the centre of the offices is a lounge area known as The CommonsThe semi-enclosed space, named the Record Room, has a window that looks onto the open-plan workspace and is accessed via a portal with a continuous wavy outline."We wanted this room to feel unexpected and immersive, thus creating a theme around a 'Listening Lounge', featuring an environment with wood shelvings, a record player, and vinyl records," Snarkitecture said. "Its shelves also host archival items, publications, design objects, and ephemera from Snarkitecture and Jayaram."The open workspace is furnished with long desks that together create room for 24 to 32 peopleOther stud-wall elements with amorphous cutouts form moveable display cases and room dividers, used particularly to define a central lounge known as The Commons.Wavy edges are also found on the Autex acoustic panels hung vertically in rows from the white-painted ceiling above the seating area.A conference room was created by merging three smaller private offices"It is a comfortable spot with low lounge seating, lush greenery, and an area rug that creates a space for collective gatherings and intimate conversations," said Snarkitecture.On either side, communal workspaces with 15-foot (4.6-metre) custom birch plywood tables accommodate 24 to 32 people.Acoustic panels were added above the lounge area to dampen the sound in the industrial-style spaceAlong the perimeter is a glass-fronted conference room that was created by combining three private offices into one space.Built-in millwork provides a TV niche for conferencing and stores general office supplies, while a curtain wraps the space to dampen echoes.Read: Snarkitecture uses recycled materials for Pharrell Williams' streetwear brand store in MiamiThroughout the Jayaram offices, Snarkitecture included furniture from its new collection in collaboration with Finnish brand Made By Choice.Pieces including dining chairs, lounge chairs, small round tables and a large conference table all feature the studio's signature wavy edges and cutouts.Several furniture pieces from Snarkitecture's collection with Made By Choice can be found throughout the officeSeveral works from Snarkitecture's Broken & Sculpted Series created with the Italian brand Gufram are also dotted around the office.The pink, broken mirrors introduce hints of colour, while the studio's Slip chairs with wonky legs and a slanted seat for Portuguese brand UVA add even more whimsy.Pink mirrors from a collaboration with Gufram introduce hints of colourSince starting Snarkitecture in 2008, Arsham and Mustonen have worked with brands including Kith, Billionaire Boys Club, COS and Caesarstone on retail interiors and immersive installations.In New York City, the studio has previously filled a gallery with lights that resemble "large lollipops" and created an exhibition space at Hudson Yards to allow the public to explore its experiments.The photography is by Harlan Erskine.The post Snarkitecture overhauls New York law offices using "elevated" stud walls appeared first on Dezeen.

The Core Jacket worn by French farm workers and laborers as a daily hardy piece of outerwear in the late 19th century has had many forms of fashion in the last century. Now Vollebak has combined this famous workwear with the ancient Japanese Edo embroidery technique known as Sashiko, which means little stabs, for a modern iteration.This combination of clothing from two different worlds results in the Sashiko Chore Jacket which is attractive to look at, warm during chilly days and lasts for a long time owing to its premium material.Designer: VolleybakThe uniqueness of the jacket doesnt end there as it is woven from a 5.5km of meta-aramid thread intricately shaped in a V-pattern. These patterns are a detour from the original lighting or arrow shapes used in the Edo embroidery. Vollebak has crafted the jacket with consideration towards longevity and roughness of use as the stitching is denser towards the hem as compared to the elbows. This enhances the movement around joints and provides strength in the high-tension sections.The single long armid fiber used in the making is highly resistant to fires and durable enough to take on the odd cut from a Swiss knife. Other than that the maker uses high-quality Japanese jacquard cotton dyed in indigo. The material is then meticulously cut sewen and reinforced in the sashiko stitching method, following the body contours for a universal fit. Two angle pockets and chest pockets are added to the clothing. Thereafter, the jacket is washed to get the classic faded denim aesthetic.Although the pattern of the stitch is different from the traditional knit method, the white stitch on the blue or gray backdrop (depending on the color you choose) is the classic sashiko combination. Its like a Sierra of blue mountains with snow-clad tops on The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. For the eight buttons, Volleybak uses premium buffalo imitation bio-resin material.Sashiko Chore Jacket is available in two colorways Blue Edition and Grey Edition for a price of 695 (approximately $920). The reinforced kimono-style collar of the Grey edition adds to the style while the blue edition goes for a more conventional collar style. Yes, the price is exorbitant but the attention to detail in making the jacket, especially the reinforced 1 million high-strength stitches, truly speaks about its exclusivity.The post Japanese-style Volleybak Sashiko Chore Jacket is reinforced with 1 million high-strength stitches first appeared on Yanko Design.

Teach it how to play Carrion next.Gamers can do the same thing, of course, and nobody claims they're intelligent.