Oona Metz, a Boston-based psychotherapist with 30 years of experience helping women navigate divorce, is the author of the book Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women publishing in 2026. She shares that women are using the pivotal personal decision to get a divorce as a launching point to upskill, change careers or start purpose-driven businesses, as an evolution of their identities. 

Some people seek deeper meaning, while others realize they just want to have some fun. For example, Kristina Rajzer, based in Slovenia, posted recently on LinkedIn about how her own divorce stripped down her life as a strategist and in its place, she found a new passion—“I did the only thing that felt alive. I bought a DJ set.” 

Whether your new personal reinvention translates to a full career trajectory pivot or whether you simply develop a new work-adjacent hobby, divorce can be the inciting incident that pushes you toward the career you’ve been dreaming of.

Using emotional reinvigoration to go for your dreams

For some, divorce pushes them to head out on their own, whether it’s to become a consultant, contractor or freelancer or to build their own business. “I was head of brand marketing at The Knot when I was going through my divorce,” says Amanda Goetz, author of Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and (Actually) Love What You Have. “Post-divorce I built and sold a VC-backed consumer packaged goods business, wrote a book and built a portfolio career before taking a new CMO position,” showing that not all career pivots after divorce move you into an entirely different field, but rather some push you to accomplish your individual dreams.

“There is a ‘phoenix rising out of the ashes’ emotional bump that you get when you come out of the emotional fog of divorce,” Goetz adds. “I also was able to fully focus on my career when my ex had the kids because he now had to take up the cognitive load of raising them.” 

Like Goetz, Metz shares that many of the clients she’s worked with find themselves looking at those career changes toward the end of the divorce process. This is a mix of financial uncertainty and the emotional expenditure it takes to actually get divorced. “So a lot of times people have to wait till the dust settles,” she says.

Clearing out toxicity during career reinvention for women after divorce

Metz sees not only women reinventing themselves, but also “renegotiating boundaries” in their lives and relationships. “Not only the relationship with their spouse, but also their relationship with other people—I’ve seen people decide to leave an abusive or critical spouse, and then they kind of realize ‘Oh, my boss is like that too. I’m also going to leave my boss.’ They realize there’s so much relief in leaving an abusive marriage that they [ask] what other relationships they’re going to clear out of now too.”

Metz has especially seen a rise of people who want to move into helping roles, such as becoming therapists themselves or even coaching others through divorce. For example, after her own divorce, Olivia Howell, CEO of Fresh Starts Divorce Registry, established a network of vetted, helpful resources, which includes Metz, for those going through divorce. Doing so enabled her to build a new career for herself.

Changing work responsibilities to accommodate emotional turmoil

It can be almost impossible to maintain work responsibilities during the toughest days of divorce. It’s a struggle Chedva Ludmir, CEO and founder at Consider Labs in Tel Aviv, knows well. She says as someone who’s a part of an “ultra orthodox” religious community, she was essentially excommunicated when she got divorced.

“I didn’t anticipate this happening to this extent, and as someone who considers herself quite resilient, I also didn’t expect how much this would affect my work. Not only did I find it hard to lead the agency in the direction I already plotted and strategized, I also found it next to impossible to focus on strategic work,” she says. “Even when I eventually did, my confidence was so shattered that I couldn’t pitch myself or the agency to new clients and even turned down opportunities that arrived at my door, referring them to colleagues because it was hard for me to see myself as an expert, despite many years of experience and proven success.” 

She had to postpone the next season of her podcast, for example, because she couldn’t picture talking to an audience while going through that. Instead, her career changed in that she “focused on very execution-oriented, tactical projects” for a time. 

She calls her work life before her reinvention a “very scary” time.  She eventually took time off to work on a book and also birthed a new business called Consider Labs.

“For the first time in my life, as someone whose work has always been inherent to my sense of self, I lost interest in work—and at the time when I most needed to make a living.… During that time, I did a lot of work reminding myself that my identity is more than my career and also more than that time in my life.”

She’s not alone—research found that almost 44% of people getting divorced reported a negative impact of the experience on their work. But the impact isn’t permanent. The research also showed that work engagement and performance improve a year after the divorce.

Financial independence after divorce

While sometimes people reinvent themselves out of a drive to pursue a passion, others are simply trying to make more money at a time when financial stability is top of mind. Metz says she’s seen multiple women who have been trying to figure out how to make money after being stay-at-home moms prior to their divorces because “women do lose financially during divorce.” 

While some of them head back to school, Metz hopes women will consider the cost of making a career change, as sometimes more schooling means multiple years with little to no income. “You have to really be realistic about how much it’s going to cost you,” she says. “Do you need to go back to school in order to achieve this or do you need to start at the bottom of the pile and work your way up in a new career? That can cost money.” She notes that self-employment can come with its own costs that people should consider too.

A successful life after divorce

While it might seem a daunting road ahead, building a new career path during or after divorce may not be as arduous as you think.

Ludmir says, “I’ve gone through a few career pivots and reinventions prior to this one, but this one was the easiest and the most embodied of all of them because I didn’t have the added pressure from a spouse who doesn’t get what I do professionally. Also the hard career decisions seemed so much easier in comparison, and I’ve risen from the divorce someone who trusts herself more implicitly—making it easier to explore this reinvention.”

Photo by Moon Safari/Shutterstock

The post Career Reinvention After Divorce: Turning a Life Change Into a Career Pivot appeared first on SUCCESS.

Reclaiming focus in the age of overflowing inboxes

Fyxer AI is designed to address this imbalance. By intelligently organizing, prioritizing and assisting with responses, it reduces the cognitive load associated with managing a high-volume inbox. Instead of reacting to emails as they arrive, leaders gain a structured, considered view of what genuinely requires their input.

Professionals are realizing that the challenge is no longer simply responding to email but maintaining clarity and momentum amid constant digital demands. The inbox has become the heartbeat of daily work, yet it often beats too fast. AI offers a way to restore rhythm: not by replacing human judgment, but by handling the repetitive, reactive tasks that consume valuable attention.

Americans are drowning more than ever in admin, according to a Fyxer survey of 1,000 workers. Six in 10 say endless emails, meetings and coordination leave them burnt out, while more than half admit these tasks chew up over a quarter of their day. Almost three-quarters say AI assistants could free them to concentrate on the work that counts. 

What sets Fyxer AI apart is that it doesn’t just see emails as a queue to clear. It reads the room. It understands who’s getting in touch, why it matters and how urgent the situation really is. So instead of you trawling through threads and mentally ranking what to deal with first, it does the groundwork for you. It can draft a considered reply, highlight what needs your input and quietly handle the rest.

There’s a small adjustment period where Fyxer gets to know you: the people you correspond with most often, the cadence of your responses, the messages you typically prioritize. Once it has that context, its recommendations and draft replies start to feel intuitive rather than automated. 

Getting started with Fyxer AI

First, you’ll want to connect your inbox and calendar. According to Fyxer’s Help Center, you can get set up in just a few minutes by linking your Gmail or Outlook account and your calendar. The process is straightforward: give the required permissions, allow Fyxer to access incoming emails and meeting invites and you’re off. Setting this up early means Fyxer can begin working—sorting your inbox, identifying what needs a reply and capturing meeting data from day 1. 

Once Fyxer is connected, the next step is to let it study your style and start adapting. The Help Center instructs you to customize things like how your inbox is categorized, turn on conversation view and define your preferred tone and labels. Fyxer drafts responses on your behalf, but it learns from how you edit them: The more you review, tweak and send, the better it becomes at matching your voice. 

Most users begin their mornings with a quick review of the system’s “To Respond” view, where messages have already been sorted and prioritized. Instead of confronting a wall of unread emails, there’s a clear sense of what genuinely needs attention. After meetings or calls, Fyxer provides summaries and suggested follow-ups, making it easier to close loops rather than letting conversations drift.

For teams, adoption can be gradual. Shared settings and organizationwide reference documents help ensure the system understands internal language, roles and recurring communications. Multiple inboxes and calendars can also be connected, allowing Fyxer to manage coordination tasks that often get pushed to the side.

Taming the email avalanche: Fyxer frees leaders to focus

Glenn Sanford, CEO of eXp World Holdings and leader of SUCCESS® Enterprises, has noted that this cognitive load is one of the most persistent drains on productivity for ambitious professionals. The difficulty isn’t email itself but the ongoing effort of separating signal from noise in a fast-moving environment.

He says, “Email is the bane of any busy achiever. The signal-to-noise ratio is low and most of the tools out there don’t help that much. Fyxer, on the other hand, is the most intuitive AI platform I’ve found that truly increases my effectiveness by both sorting emails that are important and drafting high-quality responses with often no need to edit. Reducing cognitive load in a world full of noise, finding the right emails and drafting the right responses to those emails is truly Fyxer’s superpower.”

Inbox chaos doesn’t have to rule your day. By handling routine tasks, highlighting what truly matters and learning to match individual communication styles, Fyxer allows leaders to reclaim time for strategic thinking and crucial decision-making.

Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock

The post Inbox, Upgraded: How Fyxer AI Tames Email Overload appeared first on SUCCESS.

That might sound unsettling, but it’s also empowering. Because, unlike a static document, your online presence is alive and evolves every time you share a thought, publish a project or respond to someone else’s ideas. The question isn’t just what you’ve done anymore, but what your digital self says about how you think, what you value and how you show up in the world.

Your online footprint is becoming your most valuable credential

Powerful online tools now help connect your name with your ideas, projects and achievements across the web. For professionals who want to grow, this creates unprecedented opportunities to share work, find collaborators and build meaningful networks. Think of the internet as a dynamic portfolio that reflects your evolution and distinct voice. 

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are giving everyday people the tools to look expert, polished and credible online. These platforms are now using AI to pull together a person’s top work, achievements and online presence into clean, searchable summaries. That means when someone searches your name, whether it’s a hiring manager or a collaborator, they’re more likely to see the highlights, not the noise. It’s helping people showcase what matters most about their mission and skills, without having to constantly micromanage their footprint.

Being findable is just as important as being knowledgeable

Personal brand PR strategist Michelle B. Griffin says AI is quickly becoming the core force behind who gets recognized online. “Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Perplexity and Gemini now surface experts based on clarity, credibility and visibility. It’s not about posting the most; it’s about connecting the dots between a clear profile, credible mentions and valuable content that reinforces your authority,” she advises. “In many ways, PR and earned media are becoming digital proof points that AI uses to identify and recommend trustworthy experts.”

Experts suggest treating your digital footprint as an ongoing conversation instead of a carefully curated showcase. Sharing what you’re learning often connects more meaningfully with audiences and employers than listing accomplishments alone. Authenticity tends to outshine perfection, and sometimes that means being open about the setbacks or missteps that shape your progress. Demonstrating curiosity, crediting others’ ideas and engaging openly in professional discussions are now seen as key indicators of credibility in an online world that rewards genuine participation over self-promotion. 

Algorithms reward profiles that are relevant, active and credible

Your personal profile can live almost anywhere online, but no platform offers a better place to sharpen your image, tone and trajectory than LinkedIn. “Every thoughtful post, every article you publish, every meaningful comment or conversation you spark adds to your ‘expertise footprint.’ On LinkedIn, content that invites genuine interaction (comments, discussion) boosts how the algorithm sees you. On Google, content that’s truly helpful and original helps you show up when people search your name or your topics,” says Aliza Licht, founder of Leave Your Mark and the author of On Brand. 

“The algorithm aims to surface people who match the needs of recruiters or platform members. In practice, this means that your content and profile must appear relevant, active and credible. According to recent guidance, LinkedIn is giving more weight to ‘experts’ who regularly post insights, commentary or helpful industry content,” she adds. 

An SEO mindset can transform your LinkedIn visibility

Bhavik Sarkhedi is a personal branding expert, award-winning digital marketer and SEO consultant. According to him, getting LinkedIn right means seeing it as a portfolio, not a resume. “Everything should start with an SEO mindset,” he advises. “Optimize your headline, about section and experience with niche-relevant keywords. Activate creator mode and align your content pillars with your expertise.” 

LinkedIn likes this approach because it can clearly see what you do and what you share. When your profile is optimized with the right keywords and your content matches your expertise, it’s easier for the platform to connect you with the right people. Using creator mode and consistent content pillars shows you’re active and relevant, which the algorithm favors. Essentially, the more your profile looks like a portfolio of your work, the more LinkedIn pushes it in front of the right audience.

Creator mode boosts engagement and visibility for professionals

Sarkhedi is convinced that content remains the king currency for showcasing your brand online. He says, “Every post, comment and share either builds or erodes your brand equity. The right mix of storytelling, value and vulnerability shows depth, not desperation. Algorithms thrive on engagement loops; humans respond to resonance.” 

Content is the lifeblood of your personal brand. Every post, video, comment or share tells a story about who you are, what you know and what you stand for. Whether it’s a visual, text or short-form interaction, content creates the proof points that define your brand online. It demonstrates your ideas and highlights your growth. 

Posts with images, documents or videos tend to get way more engagement on LinkedIn than plain text updates. Multi-image posts, for example, average about 6.6% engagement, while text-only posts are closer to 4%. Enabling Creator Mode can also be helpful. LinkedIn says that content from creators using this feature sees a nearly 30% increase in engagement. 

Show your human side: Setbacks and curiosity count online

Be intentional and authentic in everything you share. Don’t post just to fill a feed, focus on content that showcases your expertise, tells a compelling story and sparks meaningful interactions. Mix up your formats: post articles, videos, documents and thoughtful comments. Engage with others, give credit where it’s due and don’t be afraid to show the human side of your journey. Every thoughtful interaction builds your professional presence and reinforces your credibility over time.AI now plays a central role in determining who gets seen and recognized online. Platforms like LinkedIn, Google and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini analyze your content, profile and activity, surfacing those who demonstrate credibility and an obvious niche. That means your effort isn’t just reaching people, it’s signaling to today’s algorithms that you’re an expert worth noticing.

Photo by Josep Suria/Shutterstock

The post Your Digital Footprint Is Your Resume Now: Here’s How to Optimize It appeared first on SUCCESS.

“I remember going to bookstores with my mom and being like, ‘Why would somebody come here?’” he says, laughing.

Those who meet Brunson today might find that hard to believe. As the multihyphenate founder of a robust roster of companies (most notably the sales software company ClickFunnels), he’s a New York Times bestselling author and bona fide bibliophile. In the past three years alone, he’s purchased more than 18,000 books.

Today, these tomes are (literally and metaphorically) the story behind his success.

It began in college, after he started his first business selling “How To Make A Potato Gun” DVDs online, earning roughly $1,000 a month in 2005. At a marketing seminar, the speaker asked who had read Think and Grow Rich, a 1937 personal development book by Napoleon Hill.

“Everybody’s hands went up except for mine,” Brunson recounts. Then and there, he connected the dots: “Everyone in here is making money. They all have a business. They’ve all read it. I should read it.”

Think and Grow Rich would be the first of many, many personal development books and similar publications (including early editions of SUCCESS® magazine) Brunson would read and own. So began a career of learning, experimenting and sharing. He recalls poring over endless pages and sitting through countless seminars in search of just “one little nugget.”

But if it was the books that got him interested, the real-life applications of their lessons are what hooked him—after finding one idea in a book, and applying it to his new business, he increased sales by 30% (when he realized that “one little nugget”) could dramatically change one’s chances of success. “I thought, I just gave myself a 30% raise by taking one idea and applying it,” he says. “Then, I became obsessed.”

Game changer

After learning and testing, and more learning and testing, Brunson sought a way to share his findings. Enter: ClickFunnels, an all-in-one online marketing and sales platform. In partnership with entrepreneur Todd Dickerson, Brunson co-founded the software company in 2014, providing a streamlined solution to the very obstacles he had faced in launching and growing his own online sales ventures.

“It was just us testing these different things on a sales page, and learning what would get more people to buy,” he explains. “And it’s crazy, because [it was] the exact same product—exact same everything—but by tweaking a headline or the color of a button, I could go from 3% to a 9% [conversion rate]. I can triple my money from the exact same amount of effort…. That’s how I [became] obsessed with this. Learning that game and how you make these little tweaks and how big of an impact that has. It’s like a little hinge that swings this huge door [open]. It makes the game really fun.”

Today, ClickFunnels helps entrepreneurs apply best-in-market strategies to scale their success online. The company, which hit $100 million in annual revenue within three years of launching—all without any venture capital backing—allows users to create sustainable, successful customer journeys using the “funnel mindset”: attract, sell, upsell, ascend, repeat. “I remember in the early days, I had a mentor who said this one time, and it became my mantra. They said, ‘You’ve got to figure out how to give yourself a raise every day,’” Brunson explains.

With the success of ClickFunnels, his empire grew to encompass numerous other companies, as well as a podcast, social media channels and books, all of which are conduits for sharing these insights. He explains the different mediums are not just different steps along the same customer journey; they’re unique avenues for him to refine his messaging.

“That’s how I look at all the social media platforms. It’s my spot for me to test my material,” he explains. “I’m testing it on Instagram in 60-second reels. Then, on my podcast, I’m going to tell a 20-minute version of it…. I’m trying to see what landed and what didn’t make sense. And, that way, the message gets clearer and clearer.”

With this approach, he proposes that social media engagement may lead to the purchase of a book, which might lead to attending an event, which ultimately can result in the customer signing up for coaching. “That’s where I think the value is, is in the human connection,” he says. “Let’s give them an experience that changes their lives.”

Build it and they will come

It’s why Brunson is building a 20,000-square-foot center near Boise, Idaho, that’s one-part library, one-part museum and one-part event space—a modern-day interpretation of Hill’s dream of a “School for Success.” A place where “all the greatest thought leaders of our time will have a chance to leave a legacy behind for the future,” as Brunson describes it in the pitch video on SecretsOfSuccess.com/atlas.

What will fill such a space? A $12 million (and growing) book collection.

Shortly after unlocking a love of reading, Brunson also discovered another obsession: eBay. “Obviously the greatest site on the entire internet,” he says, laughing.

The successful search for and acquisition of a first edition Book of Mormon sparked a love for owning key historical books, which in turn led to buying an entire collection of Hill’s works, including the manuscripts of unpublished books, signed first editions, early issues of SUCCESS® magazine and other first works in the field of personal development. Brunson also acquired a galley copy (as in, pre-first edition) of Think and Grow Rich for $1.5 million alone. The seller had amassed the collection over more than 20 years; it was so large it required a private plane to transport the entirety of it from Arkansas to Idaho.

With this collection as a base, Brunson describes a vision of a center where people can come (in person and, in the future, via virtual reality devices) and explore all the teachings of the philosophers and thought leaders that came before.

Take Elsie Lincoln Benedict for example. Her book, How to Get Anything You Want, was one of a series of 12 tiny blue books that came with the collection. Benedict was a suffragist leader and famous lecturer, drawing record-setting crowds in the 1920s and 1930s to hear her insights on everything from global matters to emotion and motivation. She would ultimately speak to an estimated 3 million people in her lifetime.

Now, Brunson’s team is republishing How to Get Anything You Want for modern readers. “It’s one of the most timely, fascinating, coolest books I’ve ever found,” Brunson says.

But before there was Benedict, there was Orison Swett Marden, the founder of SUCCESS® and another hero of Brunson’s. After prolifically authoring dozens of books, Marden launched SUCCESS® magazine in 1897 with much of the same style of content you see today: explorations on personal growth, leadership and business insights, and interviews with influential men and women.

“It literally shifted the country. No one was talking about personal [development]…. And then the magazine showed up, and it was the first time someone was speaking success principles into the minds of America as a whole. And I don’t think people understand how big that was,” Brunson explains. “From that, all these other people sprouted up, like Napoleon Hill and Elsie Lincoln Benedict…. But it was the founder of SUCCESS® magazine [who] literally launched this… and changed the country.”

Brunson has almost every issue of SUCCESS® that was published in the 1800s (and is attempting to collect all of them), as well as photographs, signatures and original artworks that became SUCCESS® covers.

It’s works like these that Brunson hopes to preserve and share for future generations through the library. He points to the fact that, back then, these authors didn’t have much proof of their theories; but today, we’re gaining the tools to explain the science behind things like mindset or the subconscious. Access to these early materials shines a light on the genesis of many of today’s philosophies, now proven by science.

“That’s why I’m collecting Napoleon Hill and Orison Swett Marden and all these people who have had such a big impact on me that nobody else even knows about,” Brunson explains. “I need to tell these stories and get them out there…. We’re trying to bring these people’s legacies back, extending those legacies.”

The next chapter

But there’s another book on Brunson’s radar right now as well—his own next publication. Following three previous bestsellers, DotCom Secrets (2015), Expert Secrets (2017) and Traffic Secrets (2020) (as well as 11 privately published books on marketing and sales), Brunson has now set his sights on helping entrepreneurs navigate the deeply personal aspects of success and failure.

“I was an athlete growing up, so, in my mind, success was equal to accomplishment, right?” he says. Eventually, that would change. “I remember Tony Robbins said something to me. He said, ‘Success without fulfillment is ultimate failure.’”

To a high achiever, with eyes always set on the next medal, it can be a tough truth to accept. But the other option is burnout. And Brunson has seen it—in himself and others. “I’ve been on both sides of it. I’m not perfect, but I feel like I’ve got really good balance in my life where I feel fulfilled. I’ve got a great marriage and family; I’ve got a great business, so I’m trying to help people [by telling them], ‘Here’s the things you need to be successful and here’s how to not burn it down.’”

It’s through understanding of one’s subconscious, and one’s mindset, that Brunson says entrepreneurs can achieve success with fulfillment. He says the brain is such a powerful tool for success, but we’re not really given any kind of operating manual for it. He hopes that, with the book, he can simplify things.

“I feel like that’s the place I can be the most efficient in helping [entrepreneurs] right now,” he says. Readers can pick up the book and plug in any goal: win a state title, start a business, fix one’s marriage. “You can take the framework and plug in whatever you are trying to be successful in.”

Success is scientific, he explains—but fulfillment, now that’s an art. “Achievement plus fulfillment equals success…. What is the yin-yang of those two things? It’s the science and the art…, and I think it’s the blend between those two that make you actually successful.”

And while he shares these musings across different platforms, both print and digital, he says he finds books to be one of the most—if not the most—impactful formats. “In the last 20 years, I’ve launched so many courses and products and software, but when I meet somebody at the airport or in a weird place, they’re always like, ‘I read your book. It changed my life’…. They always come back to the book. There’s something about the written word,” Brunson says.

It’s all part of the same vision: resurfacing and republishing works otherwise lost to the archives. Publishing new works. And proving that maybe reading really is the key to success—or at least a step along the way. “I want some kid like me a hundred years from now to find my book on eBay and read it and have it change his life.” 

Discover more by subscribing to SUCCESS+ to read the print issue in its entirety and so much more.

Photo By Erin Blackwell

The post Russell Brunson’s Next Chapter: Preserving the Secrets of Success for the Next Generation appeared first on SUCCESS.

When it comes to starting a new business venture, time and budget are not always on your side. This is why many side hustlers turn to no-code app builders, potentially reducing app development time by up to 90% compared to traditional coding methods and saving up to 70% on development costs.

With the help of the right platform, you can launch your very own app without having to write a single line of code. There are countless no-code app builders available now, but knowing which one to choose can be the difference between a basic app and a professional online presence that maximizes your chances of success.

How no-code builders have changed the world of app creation

For budding entrepreneurs who are looking to bring their new side hustle idea to life, the addition of no-code app builders has changed the landscape. 

Having the opportunity to create fully functioning apps without any prior web design or development experience means that the opportunities available are vast. Previously, the creation of an app would’ve been incredibly costly—a huge barrier for many who are only just starting out.

For side hustlers, being able to use no-code tools means they can bring their vision to life through pre-built templates and drag-and-drop interfaces, creating professional-looking apps in a fraction of the time as a custom-built one. 

5 no-code app builders to bring your idea to life

If you are ready to turn your side hustle idea into a reality, let’s get started! Creating your very own app is the first step in bringing your side hustle to life and getting your name out there.

Here are five of the most effective no-code app builders so you can establish which is the most suitable for the nature of your very own app.

1. Glide

Glide is an ideal option for service-based businesses as it helps create functional solutions that improve daily operations.

At a basic level, Glide uses your existing spreadsheet system to structure your app and bring your historical data across. You can adjust the design to manage the way your data is presented and add new features to automate processes and improve the functionality. 

This is a particularly effective solution if you run a service-based business that uses booking systems or inventory management. Since it can create aesthetic interfaces that can be used with ease, the everyday running of your business can be enhanced without the need for expensive software solutions.

As you can see from the image below, Glide apps can be set up to create a clean interface that prepares you to facilitate the growth of your side hustle. Being able to efficiently manage your business, however quickly it takes off, is a big weight taken off your shoulders.

2. Hostinger Horizons

Apps that allow users to track their progress are becoming increasingly popular, and if you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon, Hostinger Horizons should be your go-to app builder.

Whether you’re creating an app that helps people meet their fitness goals, keep on top of their finances or manage their to-do lists, Hostinger Horizons makes it as simple as possible to create a new app (without the need for any coding whatsoever).

Unlike many of the older app builders out there, this one uses AI to generate web apps in just minutes. You type your idea in, along with any requirements you have for your app, and it will generate a solution that you can then edit to fit your own preferences. Since Hostinger specializes in web hosting, they also offer a range of cheap hosting plans.

Nowadays, AI is opening up endless opportunities, and utilizing the opportunity to create AI-powered apps before they become commonplace can help you get ahead of the competition and make your mark.

3. Bubble

If you are looking to build an SaaS app, Bubble is likely to be your no-code builder of choice. It’s suited to more complex workflows as it offers more advanced features and customization options in comparison to other builders.

Being ideal for apps that offer each user the opportunity to log into their own personal account and access your service, Bubble makes it possible to set up individual dashboards with varying monetization features.

Although many users consider Bubble a little trickier to get used to than other no-code platforms, it is best matched to those looking for full flexibility. From the initial architecture of your app all the way to the individual workflows, you will be in charge of selecting the features you wish to include.

If you’re looking to create a quick app from a simple drag-and-drop template, Bubble is not for you, but if you want to create a more advanced app with custom workflows, the platform can be incredibly rewarding.

4. Softr

If you are looking to create an app to sell your own goods, Softr is a great platform to consider. The interface is ideal for setting up e-commerce apps, offering a range of templates and features that cater to store owners.

There are various ways to display your product offerings in an aesthetic manner that will make it easier for shoppers to browse through your range and add products to their cart. Softr also makes it easy to manage the checkout process and handle payments safely and securely.

From a backend perspective, orders and inventory can be managed within the same app. Your existing data, whether stored on Airtable or Google Sheets, can be connected to keep all workflows in one place and ensure it doesn’t need to be duplicated across different platforms.

5. Appy Pie

When you’re in the initial stages of bringing your side hustle to life, it can be an overwhelming process. If you’re just starting out and want a quick and easy no-code app builder, Appy Pie is most likely to be the go-to.

It has been designed to help complete beginners and small businesses grow, using a simple drag-and-drop interface that helps you customize pre-built templates to create an app that suits your requirements. From restaurants and stores to dating apps and taxi booking systems, there are templates available for all kinds of business ventures.

Unlike many of the other app builders mentioned above, Appy Pie has more limited options. Since it aims to provide startups with an easy platform, there are fewer customizable features, meaning if you want to bring a precise vision to life, it may not be the platform for you.

Why now is the time to make your idea a reality

If you have been sitting on an idea for a potentially great new business venture, don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Creating an app is the first big step when it comes to launching your new business. Having the opportunity to build a fully functioning app in as little as a few days and at a fraction of the cost means you can make your mark in a competitive landscape and start to build your online presence.

By picking the best no-code app builder for the nature of your business, you will have access to all the tools and templates you need to get started and kick off your side hustle.

Photo by Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

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That’s why I’m so excited to share this issue of SUCCESS® Digital Edition.

This edition is designed to give business owners the insights and tools they need to make an impact: from starting a nonprofit, to giving back in meaningful ways and aligning with causes that reflect their values. Whether you’re just beginning your philanthropic journey or looking to expand how you contribute, this issue is filled with strategies and stories that will inspire action.

Our cover star, Rory Vaden, is a shining example of this mindset. Known worldwide as a bestselling author and thought leader, Rory is also deeply committed to serving others. His dedication to multiplying time and influence goes beyond business—he channels it into giving back and creating a ripple effect of generosity. Rory’s journey reminds us that when we align our talents with a cause greater than ourselves, we magnify not only our impact but also our sense of purpose. Turn to page 18 for his story.

As for me, giving back has always been at the heart of what I do—literally and figuratively. Throughout my time in media and through my own storytelling platform, RedLilyLife.com, I’ve been passionate about amplifying people’s voices. My passion is and always will be helping others tell their stories for the greater good—to help heal themselves during times of transformation and to reach the audiences who need to hear them most. As someone who also gives back through avid mentorship programs, I have come to understand how powerful it is when business leaders lead with purpose. My mission is to shine a spotlight on meaningful stories and inspire individuals and organizations to create lasting change.

If you’re a professional in your industry or an entrepreneur, then you know it’s easy to focus solely on growth metrics and bottom lines. But giving back doesn’t take away from success. In fact, it enhances it. Leading with purpose builds trust, strengthens communities and leaves a legacy that lives far beyond us.

So, as you read through this issue, I encourage you to ask yourself one question: How can my success help amplify someone else’s story, opportunity or life? The answer, I believe, is where your true legacy begins.

With gratitude,

Kerrie Lee Brown

Editor-in-Chief

SUCCESS® Enterprises

Photo by ©Chermetra Keys. Enjoy free access to read the SUCCESS® Digital Edition in its entirety at SUCCESS® Labs.

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The difference usually comes down to small, deliberate choices that shape how they work, rest and reset. These are the kinds of habits that don’t just boost output for a day, they rewire how you approach time, energy and attention. And while they may sound simple, the most successful people swear by them.

1. Use routines, rituals and recovery to your advantage 

Everyone talks about routines, but the ones that really work aren’t borrowed from a book or a podcast. They’re designed around your energy, your work patterns and, crucially, your recovery. Top performers build rituals that refresh the mind as much as they organize tasks. 

A short meditation, a quiet walk or a pause to reflect before tackling emails can do more for productivity than hours of frenetic effort. Routines become powerful when they’re personal: tested, refined and centered on sustaining energy instead of just filling the day.

Unlike many leaders who roll out of bed and dive straight into emails or back-to-back meetings, Google CEO Sundar Pichai takes a slower, more intentional approach to his morning routine. He usually wakes between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., and instead of rushing to his phone, he starts with a cup of tea and a newspaper. While he may glance at multiple news outlets, Pichai tends to stick with a single stream of reporting, keeping his mornings calm and uncluttered.

Breakfast is just as simple and grounding: toast, eggs (often an omelet) and more chai. Since Pichai doesn’t consider himself a morning person, he leans on simple rituals like tea, reading the paper and eating breakfast to gently transition into the day and keep early chaos at bay. On Mondays in particular, he uses this time for big-picture thinking, mapping out three to five priorities that will define his week. 

By carving out mornings for reflection and non-urgent tasks, Pichai ensures that when it’s time to tackle the heavy lifting, he’s already operating from a place of clarity and focus. It’s a reminder that calm, deliberate routines, not frantic multitasking, are often what power high-stakes decision-making at the top.

Smart move: Build your day around your natural energy peaks. Start with low-stakes, restorative activities in the morning, schedule demanding work when your focus is highest and protect sleep and recovery as nonnegotiables. 

In the sports world, recovery is everything. Without proper nutrition, sleep, focus and relentless discipline, even superstars blessed with golden talent can see their edge slip away. The mantra of treating the body like a temple runs through the careers of some of the greatest athletes of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo is famous for his near-obsessive approach to sleep cycles, diet and recovery routines.

Similarly, LeBron James has become a symbol of longevity in basketball, investing millions annually in his body through cryotherapy, personalized training and carefully managed rest. Their commitment shows that peak performance isn’t just about talent on game day, but about how fiercely you protect and restore the body every other day of the year.

 “When you are younger, you think you’re going to have power forever. You think you are unbreakable,” Ronaldo told the WHOOP Podcast in May. “You have to be smart and do things in a different way.” Ronaldo says he listens to his body and adjusts his routine, schedule and demands based on how he feels each year. He prioritizes recovery above everything else, following a strict principle: For every hour of training, he ensures an equal hour of rest. “It’s (about) quality of life too, but the most important thing is consistency. If you have consistency, you’re going to be good in the future or better than the other ones,” Ronaldo advises. 

And that insight can be applied to any person in any industry.

2. Leverage automation to learn faster and work smarter

The most successful people don’t just work harder, they work smarter, trimming tasks that don’t move the needle and automating repetitive work wherever possible. Almost any process you do more than once is a candidate for automation in today’s AI age—no matter your occupation. 

Automation isn’t about replacing human talent; it’s about empowering it. By letting digital agents handle the small, repetitive tasks, professionals gain more time to focus on meaningful work. Familiarity with these tools positions you for a future where they become standard, seamless and ever-present.

Under CEO Satya Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has embraced a future where automation isn’t just a tool, it’s a whole new way of working. Nadella has pushed his employees to rethink the very structure of daily operations, making sure the AI technologies and products they sell to millions worldwide are just as powerful for his internal teams in reaching even greater horizons. 

He believes AI agents aren’t just useful for collaborating, streamlining and supporting workflows; they can be just as effective as any colleague in leveling up your skills and wisdom.

Microsoft has rolled out numerous transformative internal AI solutions such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, which assists with drafting documents and summarizing content; Power Automate, which handles repetitive workflows; and Viva Insights, which provides data-driven recommendations to help employees work smarter and manage their time effectively. 

Smart move: Don’t just set it and forget it. Test different AI workflows, measure results and refine your approach. Familiarity and adaptability with AI will make these tools second nature, boosting productivity long-term. 

3. Step outside the workflow to grow

Real growth often comes when you step out of the relentless cycle of emails, meetings and deadlines. Science shows that our brains need downtime and novelty to form new connections—what some psychologists call “diffuse thinking.” By deliberately carving out time to read, explore or simply experience life differently, you give your mind the space to see patterns, make connections and spark ideas you’d never notice in the middle of a busy workday.

Bill Gates used to regularly disappear into a secluded cabin in the Pacific Northwest. It became his famed “Think Week”: a period of deliberate isolation where he surrounds himself with books, papers and ideas he wouldn’t normally encounter in the rush of daily meetings and emails. 

No phone calls, no distractions, just Gates and a mountain of reading material to fuel hours of uninterrupted thought. It’s here that he would digest research, challenge assumptions and let his mind wander freely, often leading to breakthroughs that would ripple across Microsoft and his philanthropic work. 

“Think Week is a time when I can be creative and push my own thinking. It’s a time to step outside the day-to-day demands of my job and really focus on the big picture,” Gates told Ashore in 2024. During these retreats, he made some of his most significant breakthroughs, including developing Microsoft’s first internet browser, often spending days in complete solitude and deep concentration. 

Just as Gates retreats to his cabin for Think Week, many top performers recognize the value of stepping away from the relentless cycle of emails, meetings and deadlines. One such example is Elon Musk, who, despite his high-profile ventures, has spoken about the importance of solitude and deep focus.

He has been reported to dedicate specific days of the week to different projects, a strategy known as “themed days.” For instance, he might allocate two days to Tesla, two days to SpaceX and so on. This method allows him to immerse himself deeply in each project without the distraction of multitasking, enhancing productivity and innovation. For heightened focus during major decisions, Musk retreats to a small, solitary home close to his SpaceX factory, cutting off distractions entirely. 

Reflection sessions matter because they unlock a different mental gear—one tuned to connection, perspective and long-range insight. You can tailor them to your goals, whether that’s mastering new skills, exploring ideas or strategizing for the future, helping you return to your work sharper and more creative. Give yourself the time and space, and it could turn out to be the best decision you ever make. 

Smart move: Spend dedicated time alone or in quiet environments to analyze your goals, strategies and decisions. Uninterrupted reflection allows your brain to make connections and see patterns that the daily grind rarely permits. 

For all their differences, these top performers are united by a refusal to let the day dictate their direction. They build routines that preserve their sharpest hours, enlist technology to free their focus and carve out space to think beyond the urgent. What looks from the outside like productivity tricks are in truth philosophies of attention. And perhaps that is the quiet lesson: The most influential thought leaders are those who have mastered not just their schedules, but themselves.

Photo by Photo Agency/Shutterstock

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Generative AI is changing how creators work, and Adobe is at the heart of it

This year, Adobe is stepping into a new chapter, one driven by some of the most exciting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence yet. According to Adobe’s global survey of 16,000 creators, 86% are already using generative AI to improve their workflows. At this year’s Adobe Max conference, held in Los Angeles this week, that momentum was front and center. 

Adobe’s research also highlights just how transformative AI has become for entrepreneurs’ livelihoods in the digital age. According to the survey, 76% say generative AI has helped grow their business or personal brand, while 81% credit it with enabling them to make content they couldn’t have created otherwise. All of Adobe’s new AI tools this year are designed to help creators and entrepreneurs make their work look better, more accessible and ready for the future.

Adobe Firefly becomes an all-in-one hub for creative workflows

Adobe’s upgraded Firefly platform has evolved into an all-in-one home for ideation, creation and production, uniting cutting-edge AI models with professional-grade tools across video, audio, imaging and design. The goal is to give creators a seamless, intelligent workspace that bridges the gap between concept and completion, whether they’re storyboarding ideas, generating visuals or finalizing content for publication.

Firefly now supports complete video workflows, thanks to a suite of new studio-quality AI tools. Generate Soundtrack (public beta) uses Adobe’s commercially safe Firefly Audio Model to instantly produce fully licensed, original instrumental music that syncs perfectly with footage. Generate Speech (public beta) can also now turn simple text into expressive, multilingual voice-overs with natural pacing and tone, making high-quality narration easier than ever.

The new Firefly Video Editor (private beta) takes things even further with a web-based multitrack timeline for generating, trimming and sequencing clips. Then there’s Prompt to Edit, powered by the Firefly Image Model 5, which lets users describe edits in plain language and see them come to life instantly. And for brainstorming or pitching ideas, Firefly Boards brings collaborative ideation into a shared space, complete with new creative tools like Rotate Object, which can transform flat 2D images into 3D visuals. 

Adobe and YouTube’s new collaboration empowers creators to make standout Shorts

Adobe is also teaming up with YouTube in a major move to bring professional-grade editing power to one of the world’s biggest creative platforms. The partnership will integrate Adobe Premiere’s video tools directly with YouTube Shorts, giving creators a more seamless way to produce and publish short-form content. A new “Create for YouTube Shorts” space will soon launch inside the Premiere mobile app, and even more useful, it’ll also be accessible straight from YouTube. 

Through this collaboration, YouTubers will gain access to Adobe’s most signature editing tools, along with exclusive effects, transitions and customizable templates tailored for vertical video. 

How Adobe’s AI assistants are making Photoshop, Premiere and Express smarter

Additionally, Adobe is bringing a wave of fresh AI innovation to its Creative Cloud apps, making everyday creative work faster and smarter. In Photoshop, the popular Generative Fill feature now taps into partner models like Google Gemini 2.5 Flash and Black Forest Labs FLUX.1 Kontext, letting users add, remove or tweak content with simple prompts while keeping every detail of the scene perfectly intact. Over in Premiere Pro, the new AI Object Mask (public beta) can instantly detect and isolate people or objects in a frame—a huge time-saver for color grading, blurring or adding visual effects. 

Looking ahead, Adobe is betting big on conversational AI with tools that understand plain language and make creative work feel more natural and intuitive. The new AI Assistant in Adobe Express (public beta) lets anyone go from idea to finished project in minutes simply by describing what they want to make. Meanwhile, the AI Assistant in Photoshop Web (private beta) can handle routine editing tasks on its own, freeing up creators to focus on design and direction rather than repetitive tweaks.

With Project Moonlight (private beta), Adobe connects AI assistants across different apps, offering a creative co-pilot that understands your workflow and leverages ideas from your social channels to accelerate content creation. Soon, conversational interfaces will even extend beyond Adobe’s own ecosystem, with third-party previews allowing direct interaction through platforms like ChatGPT. 

Adobe Creative Cloud plans now include AI-powered tools for every creator

Adobe’s latest updates are all about saving time for what really matters—the creative part. Tasks that once took hours can now happen in minutes, leaving more room for storytelling, brand-building and those moments of imaginative genius no algorithm can replace. Whether you’re polishing a video, putting together a campaign or just playing with new ideas, Adobe’s tools are starting to feel less like software and more like a true creative partner. And getting started couldn’t be easier. Many of these new AI features, from Firefly to Adobe Express and Creative Cloud staples like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro, are included in Adobe Creative Cloud plans, complete with generative credits for Firefly’s AI tools. New to Adobe? You can jump in with a free trial or start with Adobe Express, a simple web-based platform now powered by personalized AI Assistants.

Photo from adobe.com

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The servant leadership theory was first introduced in a 1970 essay called The Servant As Leader by Robert K. Greenleaf. Greenleaf developed the concept from an idea in Hermann Hesse’s The Journey to the East, in which a seemingly minor servant turns out to be the driving force and the true leader of a group of travelers. The novel’s plot sparked something in Greenleaf’s mind. He realized the need for a similar “serve-first” mindset in modern corporate leaders.

Put simply, a servant leader is driven by the urge to serve others (employees, team members, customers, and so on). They strive to empower and enhance the experiences of the people they lead. In turn, it can lead everyone to perform better and contribute to overall organizational growth. Learn more about this leadership style, its advantages, and how you can start to become a servant leader in the sections below. 

How Does Servant Leadership Differ from Traditional Leadership?

A traditional leader rests at the top of an authority ladder with their followers below them. However, a servant leader does away with this hierarchy by distributing power among the team. Therefore, it’s not just the power distribution that differs, but also the way the two types of leaders perceive themselves and the people they lead. 

This fundamental difference leads to many other differences between servant leadership and traditional leadership. This is especially apparent in the following aspects:

1. Area of Focus

A servant leader’s primary focus is on the growth of the team members—for example, the people who make up the organization. A traditional leader, in contrast, tends to focus mainly on organizational and personal growth.

2. The Definition of Success

For a servant leader, overall growth or success happens when relationships within the team thrive and every team member grows personally and professionally. However, a traditional leader often measures success with end results like sales and profits. 

3. Collaboration vs. Instruction

A servant leader typically leads by collaborating with their team. They tend to discuss challenges, brainstorm ideas, and give others autonomy in operations and decisions. A traditional leader, though, might rely more on giving instructions and less on teamwork.

4. Service vs. Self

Serving others lies at the core of the servant leadership style. A servant leader puts others’ needs first. A traditional leader may be driven by personal ambitions and material desires, so they might focus on their own growth first.

5. Decision Making

Making important decisions also tends to be an exercise in teamwork for a servant leader, as they include and consider feedback from their team before making big decisions. A traditional leader usually doesn’t involve their team in most decisions. 

Theoretical Styles vs. Real-Life Application 

While these differences distinguish the servant leadership style from a traditional leadership style, remember that these are basic concepts. There are also other specific leadership styles. People may lean toward or strive for a specific type over others, but they may not exhibit only one specific style. They may also blend characteristics of the different types to find a leadership style that works best for them and their team. 

Servant Leadership Characteristics and Traits

The main idea behind servant leadership is to improve others’ lives in such a way that they naturally do their best work and help bring the entire team forward. Here are some must-have soft skills a servant leader tends to possess:

1. Empathy

The ability to empathize with others is central to any act of true service. After all, it’s only when you understand and relate to others’ feelings, needs and problems that you can address them properly. This is why a servant leader—or anyone who aspires to be one—must be empathetic so they can truly care enough to help others grow. Empathy is also a core component of high emotional intelligence, which can be crucial to good leadership. 

2. Self-Awareness

Being aware of your values, ethics, and vision is important for every leader. However, it’s especially important in servant leadership, since the core purpose here (serving others) is deeply rooted in ethics. Servant leaders are aware of their purpose and principles, which help them lead with integrity and clarity. 

3. Conceptualization

Traditional leaders might fall prey to a myopic view of growth by focusing on short-term goals. But a serve-first mentality helps you zoom out and think long-term. Servant leaders thus have a broad vision about the future. They work towards building an overall culture that supports long-term goals for the organization.

4. Foresight

Foresight isn’t some uncanny power to see the future. It’s the ability to predict a feasible future outcome by analyzing the past and understanding the present condition. Because servant leaders are also open to your team members’ foresight, this process can be easier. It’s rooted in the intuitive mind and desires a positive future not only for business success, but the well-being of the team. 

5. Commitment to Growth

You might be thinking: Isn’t this a generic leadership quality? Well, yes and no. A servant leader is committed to the growth of the people as much as the organization. The commitment goes beyond professional growth. They understand the interplay between work and personal lives and, thus, do their best to enrich both aspects.

Servant Leadership Principles to Follow

Besides having the characteristic traits of being a people-first leader, it’s also important for those who aspire to be a servant leader to exhibit these traits via some defining actions. Here are some key servant leadership principles to strive for:

1. Actively Listen to Your People 

Much of servant leadership is about nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Everyone freely shares their ideas and opinions not only because they want to but also because their leader listens to and values them. This is why you, as a servant leader, must be an active listener who cares.

2. Give Your Team Members Space to Heal 

This comes straight from empathy. Everyone is struggling with some things—from old wounds to current sufferings to future fears. A servant leader understands that this common thread of pain and the urge to heal binds us all together. They see their leadership as an opportunity to heal themselves and others, be it by the way they treat and support their team or any support programs they offer in the organization.

3. Work Towards a Shared Vision

We’ve already talked about conceptualization, but it’s of little use until the big picture you see for the organization aligns with what your team members see. Unfortunately, that doesn’t tend to happen naturally. That’s why servant leaders must effectively persuade teams to work towards a shared vision.

Note that in this leadership style working towards a shared vision is not instructing, dictating, or ordering. Instead, it involves explaining your plans, taking in your team’s feedback, addressing their concerns and discussing your ideas (including suggestions from the team).

4. Be a Steward (Not a Boss)

Since a serve-first approach does away with hierarchy, your role as a servant leader is to handle responsibilities like a steward, not a boss. So while you do your best to serve your team for the greater good of everyone, don’t try to exercise power or control over them. Don’t be the boss others “have to” follow. Try to come off as a fellow team member first, cultivating mutual trust with your members so they support you in your endeavors.

5. Build a Community (Not a Following)

While community-building is another key leadership quality, it takes a more central role in servant leadership. Everything you do and practice as a servant leader, including all the qualities and principles we just discussed, is fueled by an underlying purpose of giving back to the people. This purpose naturally instills a strong sense of community that drives everyone forward, and your central role is to hold everyone together.

Learn How to be a Servant Leader: Top Servant Leadership Examples

While Greenleaf published his essay in 1970, the values of servant leadership existed long before that. Several world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela, have successfully—and popularly—embodied the “serve-first” mentality for uplifting people. 

The business world hasn’t been bereft of examples, either. Let’s look at some of the most successful servant leaders in business who have used this leadership style successfully:

1. Susan Wojcicki: Former CEO of YouTube

Susan Wojcicki joined Google as its 16th employee in 1999. She played a huge role in building AdSense, Google Analytics, Google Books and even Google Video. She influenced some of Google’s most pivotal decisions, including its 2006 acquisition of YouTube, before serving as YouTube’s CEO from 2014 to 2023.

Wojcicki’s leadership style revolved around inclusion, diversity, and empathy—some of the key principles of servant leadership. Under her leadership, YouTube launched the Partner Program to monetize creators. She also influenced Google’s decision to increase maternity leave from 12 to 18 weeks. 

2. Howard Schultz: Former CEO of Starbucks

When Schultz became the CEO of Starbucks for the second time in 2008, the company was struggling due to a global financial crisis. He brought back focus to quality and purpose while also deepening his relationship with employees. 

Schultz took a lot of unique steps during his leadership, such as the New Orleans conference of store managers that involved 50,000 hours of community service. Starbucks also introduced health benefits and training to its employees, aiming to empower them to become responsible towards the company’s values.

3. Herb Kelleher: Former CEO of Southwest Airlines

Herb Kelleher was the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, later becoming the CEO and even the chairman emeritus of the company. He put his employees first and believed, “If you treat them well, then they treat the customers well, and that means your customers come back and your shareholders are happy.” 

Southwest is known for having a productive workforce and top customer service ratings. The company has also been profitable for 46 consecutive years, and much of the credit goes to Kelleher.

Benefits of Servant Leadership

Servant leadership benefits employees, but also, organizations. It has multiple benefits, including the following:

1. Builds a Strong and Supportive Culture

Leadership style significantly affects organizational culture, and a serve-first leadership approach helps build a positive culture that is centered around mutual support and trust.

2. Improves Employee Engagement

According to a study on servant leadership, this leadership style improves employee engagement via some key factors. These include things such as employee empowerment, teamwork, and a positive workplace climate. 

3. Boosts Employee Performance 

Servant leaders play a crucial role in promoting a healthy work environment where employees feel valued and satisfied. Research suggests that such a positive work environment can make a real impact—improving employees’ performance and commitment levels.

4. Strengthens Collaboration 

As mentioned earlier, servant leadership is not the traditional top-down leadership style; it thrives on teamwork and support. The result tends to be an organization where processes are smoother and faster since collaborations come more naturally to everyone.

5. Improves Employee Retention 

Turnovers can represent a significant cost to companies, but servant leaders can help mitigate this. Findings from a study on turnover rates suggest that employees working with a servant leader are less likely to leave the organization. 

Challenges and Disadvantages of Servant Leadership

While servant leadership can bring great positivity and growth to a team or organization, being a servant leader isn’t always as easy as it might appear in theory. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lack of Authority Can Backfire

Most people enjoy having a leader who acts like a peer or friend rather than a traditional boss. But not everyone may respect that person. Some may misuse their servant leader’s support and care simply because they aren’t serious or committed to their work. 

What you can do:

• Be supportive but clearly communicate your expectations.
• Be empathetic but also hold others accountable.
• Be a steward, but an assertive one.

2. Roadblocks in Decision Making 

While involving your team in decision-making processes can have positive outcomes, it may come at the cost of speed. Having more people involved means more diversity in ideas. This could potentially lead to more conflicts and hence more time to finalize a well-rounded decision.

What you can do:

• Leave teamwork for high-stakes decisions.
• Create fixed systems and timelines for the decision-making process.
• Delegate conflict resolution to others.

3. Empowering Employees Might Lead to Overwhelm 

You might have the best of intentions to give your team members new responsibilities and experiences. However, employees may get overwhelmed with or feel afraid of taking on important roles. Such resistance can leave your members uncomfortable and pressured, which is the opposite of what you might want.

What you can do:

• Clearly communicate your intentions.
• Don’t just delegate; guide them along the way.

4. Serving Can Take a Toll on the Leader

Since servant leadership is rooted in service, servant leaders may fail to focus on their own well-being and growth. You might have everyone’s back, but not your own. You might encourage work-life balance while you stay up late. You might feel drained listening to everyone, yet take their problems too personally.

What you can do:

• Establish clear boundaries, roles and schedules for yourself and others.
• Lead by example; strive for the same balance you promote for others.
• Support yourself the same way you support your team. 
• Practice good self-care consistently. 

Incorporating a Servant Leadership Style 

It’s obvious by now that leading with a “serve-first” mindset isn’t easy. Even the term “servant leader” sounds a bit contradictory. Yet, the logic behind being a servant leader and the benefits that follow are real. We can see this from leaders like Schultz, who have used this approach successfully.  

If this is an approach you’d like to utilize, start by understanding this leadership style and its key characteristics. Develop these traits, look at leadership examples, and follow the tips above to implement a serve-first leadership model. As you continue to grow and learn, you may find that being a servant-minded leader provides greater benefits than you imagined. 

Photo from fizkes/Shutterstock.com

The post Best Servant Leadership Examples to Model in 2026 appeared first on SUCCESS.

This year was no different, except for one very meaningful twist. I had the chance to speak on stage alongside a good friend of mine, Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey. Starkey is a global leader in hearing technology, expanding their devices beyond amplification to improve customers’ quality of life through an experience designed to affect all aspects of hearing and its derivatives in improving mental health. 

What does that all mean? Well, Brandon got to explain it to me on a big stage using phrases like, “The ear is the new wrist.” 

Now, Brandon had never been to SXSW before, but he told me he wanted to experience the culture and learning—while taking the opportunity to introduce his innovation. I said, “I know the SXSW team well! Let me show you what it’s all about.”

Tens of thousands of people come to SXSW to learn something new from the world’s top experts. And there I was, one of the speakers, learning from my friend. During that session, Brandon dropped a quote that’s been rattling in my head ever since. 

He said: “I always talk about challenging our ‘because.’ I will ask leaders and managers, ‘Why do we need to do it this way?’ The last answer I want to hear is, ‘Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.’”

That hit me hard. Because if there’s one thing that kills innovation faster than anything else, it’s comfort. It’s the belief that the way something has always been done is the way it should always be done. That mentality doesn’t leave room for growth, for disruption—or for vision.

Brandon and his team at Starkey are not just selling hearing aids. They’re selling the future. That’s what blew my mind.

In the same way that Apple in the 1980s wasn’t just selling computers—they were selling a new way of thinking, a new way of living—Starkey is doing the same with their mission of destigmatizing hearing aids by helping us understand that hearing is health. You may see it as a medical device; Brandon sees it as a tool for optimization—a fusion of best-in-class artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and smart tech that is helping people hear, connect and live better every day.

It’s that shift in perspective that draws me in. Because as entrepreneurs, creators and leaders, it’s not just about what we’re selling today. It’s about seeing what our product means for tomorrow. It’s about understanding that when we communicate our vision, we’re not just closing a sale—we’re opening minds.

The thing is, I’m still learning. I treat every stage I walk on to, every conversation I have as a classroom. And when I learn something valuable, I believe in passing on that knowledge. Because that’s how we all grow. That’s how we all become teachers.

So, the next time you’re pitching your product, building your brand or planning your next move—ask yourself, “Am I selling a thing, or am I selling the future?” Because once you start thinking like that, everything changes.

Stay hungry. Stay curious. And always challenge your “because.”

This article original appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of SUCCESS® magazine. Photo courtesy of Daymond John; ©Starkey/Courtesy of Daymond John

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