BUSINESS AND MONEY
Effective communication forms the backbone of any team’s success, but it becomes more complex in multicultural environments
Inclusive global teams are a cornerstone of success in today’s interconnected world. Organizations with diverse talent pools outperform their competitors, foster innovation, and better address the needs of a global customer base. However, creating these teams requires more than simply hiring people from different countries. It demands intentionality, clear strategies, and ongoing support.
David Hao, a lawyer and innovator with global business experience, explores practical steps to build inclusive global teams, highlighting challenges businesses face and how to overcome them. From communication barriers to fostering a sense of belonging, every component plays a role.
Understanding the Value of Diversity in Global Teams
Diversity in global teams represents an opportunity to bring together individuals with unique perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches.
“When a team consists of people from different backgrounds, it drives broader thinking and sparks creativity,” says David Hao. “However, diversity doesn’t automatically produce results. It requires thoughtful management to harness its potential and ensure differences are respected.”
Research shows that diverse companies are more innovative and financially successful. Teams made up of individuals with varied cultural insights are better equipped to tackle challenges. They can identify solutions that resonate across different markets and demographics. By promoting diversity from the beginning, organizations position themselves as forward-thinking and adaptable.
Setting the Foundation for Inclusion
Inclusion is what transforms a diverse team into a unified, high-performing group. Without inclusion, diversity becomes a ticking time bomb, with misunderstandings and friction undermining collaboration. At its core, inclusion means everyone feels valued, heard, and able to contribute.
To lay the groundwork, organizations must commit to fostering a culture that respects each team member’s input. This starts with leadership. When leaders prioritize inclusiveness, it influences…
CURRENT EDITION
RH
WASHINGTON BUREAU
ICE Removes Criminal Alien Wanted for Drug Trafficking in Costa Rica
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Josseth Santos-Fonseca, 30, a citizen of Costa Rica, to
U.S. Special Ops Conduct Combined Training With Panama, Formalize Commitment
Recent security engagements between U.S. and Panamanian forces culminated in the first official U.S.-Panama special
U.S. Home Prices Show Steady Gains in December 2024

S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) announced the latest results for the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices, revealing a 3.9% annual gain in U.S. home prices for December 2024. This marks a slight uptick from the previous month’s 3.7% annual increase, indicating a consistent upward trend in the housing…
Corporate Philanthropy Sees Shift in Strategy Amid Political Landscape Changes

In a dramatic response to recent shifts in the U.S. policy landscape, corporate philanthropy leaders are reevaluating their strategies for the upcoming year, prioritizing economic opportunity and education while scaling back initiatives focused on racial and gender equality. This trend emerges from a recent survey conducted by The Conference…
Land and Lot Supply Healthiest in Years as Market Sees Mixed Growth Trends Across Major Metropolitan Areas

The New Home Lot Supply Index (LSI – single-family vacant developed lots reflecting rate absorption via housing starts) for 4Q24 loosened quarter-over-quarter for the second quarter, while lot supply tightened year-over-year.
“Land and lot supply is at the healthiest levels we’ve seen in years,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist…
A Global Shift: Why Under-45s Are Driving the Future of Investing

In recent years, young people have become increasingly interested in investing worldwide. However, whether they have access to the right tools and educational resources to navigate this landscape effectively remains uncertain. Currently, 70% of retail investors are under 45, likely due to the growing number of technological advancements…
Law Firm Takes on Extortion and Blackmail Scam Epidemic

It is an insidious problem – and it comes from people’s own computers and phones. It lives in their office and in their pockets. Online blackmail and extortion is where someone – generally through the internet – obtains sensitive information about an individual and uses that information to obtain…
Q1 2025 U.S. common dividend increases were $19.5 billion, up 37.0% from $14.2 billion in Q4 2024 and down 14.1% from $22.7 billion in Q1 2024
S&P Dow Jones Indices announced the indicated dividend net changes (increases less decreases) for U.S. domestic common stocks increased $15.3 billion during Q1 2025, compared to the $11.7 billion increase in Q4 2024 and the $16.0 billion increase in Q1 2024. Increases were $19.5 billion versus $14.2 billion for Q4 2024 and $22.7 billion in Q1 2024. Decreases were $4.2 billion compared to $2.5 billion in Q4 2024 and $6.7 billion in Q1 2024.
For the 12-months ending March 2025, the net dividend rate increased $52.7 billion compared to the net $42.8 billion for the 12-months ending March 2024. For 2024 it was up $53.4 billion, 2023 was $36.5 billion, 2022 was $68.2 billion, and in 2021 it was up $69.8 billion, with the 2020 net change negative as 43 S&P 500 issues suspended their dividends at -$40.8 billion. Increases for the 12-month March 2025 period were $68.2 billion versus the previous $68.1 billion, and decreases were $15.6 billion compared to $25.2 billion in the previous period.
“Dividend growth typically is strongest in Q1, as most companies finish their fiscal year and prepare for their shareholder meeting. For Q1 2025, growth, while noticeably slower, did continue and was in line with…
Boardsi is redefining board recruitment and fostering dynamic, representative governance
Board recruitment has traditionally been an exclusive process, favoring well-connected individuals within select networks. This approach has limited diversity and innovation, preventing fresh perspectives from shaping governance. Boardsi is challenging this outdated model by broadening access to leadership roles. By emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility, Boardsi is redefining board recruitment and fostering dynamic, representative governance.
The Traditional Barriers in Board Recruitment
For years, board recruitment has been shaped by exclusivity and a lack of diversity. This traditional model has limited opportunities for talented professionals outside elite circles, hindering organizations from tapping into a full spectrum of ideas and expertise.
Board positions have historically been granted based on personal connections rather than merit. Recruitment has relied on closed networks, where the same individuals are repeatedly selected, leaving highly qualified candidates without access. This system prioritizes familiarity over capability, leading to blind spots in decision-making and excluding voices with specialized knowledge in emerging industries. Those without access to prestigious schools or influential circles are often overlooked, reinforcing a cycle of homogeneity that stifles progress.
“A lack of diversity in leadership leads to groupthink and weakens decision-making. Homogeneous boards struggle to understand diverse customer bases and market complexities, missing opportunities for growth,” says a
Offshore Broker Transforms Wealth Management for a Global Audience

Offshore Broker is at an inflection point within the world of global finance. It is inviting all interested parties to shield their assets through offshore trusts, companies, and multi-currency banking services. Offshore Broker was established by marketing and business strategist Connor Steens and private banking expert John Evans. The…
Middle-Class Financial Resilience Shows Promising Signs Despite Ongoing Challenges

The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) has released its Financial Resilience Index for January 2025, revealing a cautiously optimistic outlook for middle-class households as they navigate ongoing financial pressures. The Index is a critical tool that assesses how well these households manage economic challenges and plan their…
New Research Links Urban Sprawl to Reduced Intergenerational Mobility for Low-Income Families

Urban sprawl is not just unsightly. It could also be impeding intergenerational mobility for low-income residents and reinforcing racial inequality, according to a series of recent studies led by a University of Utah geographer.
One analysis of tract-level Census data co-authored with a former economics graduate student in Utah’s College…
U.S. Home Prices Show Slower Growth in October 2024, Led by New York With 7.3% Annual Increase

S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) released the October 2024 results for the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices. The leading measure of U.S. home prices recorded a 3.6% annual gain in October 2024, a slight deceleration from the previous annual gains in 2024.
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price…
Global Light Vehicle Sales Projected to Reach 89.6 Million Units in 2025 Amidst Economic Uncertainty and Policy Changes

Global new light vehicle sales in 2025 are expected to rise 1.7% year-over-year, to 89.6 million units, according to a new forecast by S&P Global Mobility.
The global auto sector remains focused on managing production and inventory levels in response to regional demand patterns, which include slower growth in key…
For many homeowners, roof maintenance often takes a backseat—until an issue arises. However, neglecting regular roof inspections can lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Recognizing this, Goldstone Contracting Inc., a veteran-owned and family-operated roofing company, is stepping up to assist Maryland homeowners with free roof inspections. With over two decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and transparency, helping homeowners identify potential problems before they escalate.
Goldstone Contracting proudly serves homeowners across Gaithersburg, MD, Silver Spring, MD, Baltimore, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD, Annapolis, MD, Bowie, MD, and Crofton, MD, ensuring that residents in these communities have access to reliable roofing solutions.
The Importance of a Free Roof Inspection
A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting a home from the elements, but many homeowners are unaware of the early warning signs of roof damage. Goldstone Contracting’s free roof inspections provide a thorough assessment to detect issues such as:
- Leaks and Water Damage: Undetected leaks can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and expensive interior repairs.
- Storm and Hail Damage: Even minor storm damage can weaken a roof’s structure and shorten its lifespan.
- Aging or Damaged Shingles: Missing, cracked, or curling shingles can compromise the integrity of the roof.
- Structural Weaknesses: Inspections can reveal problems that may not be visible from the ground, preventing future costly repairs.
By identifying these issues early, homeowners can take preventative action, avoiding major repairs or replacements down the road.
Insurance-Paid Roof Replacements – A Cost-Effective Solution
Many homeowners may not realize that their homeowner’s insurance…
Consumer Confidence Drops Sharply in December, Raising Recession Concerns

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® declined by 8.1 points in December to 104.7 (1985=100). The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—fell 1.2 points to 140.2. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—tumbled 12.6 points…
Survey Reveals 72% of Americans Plan to Tackle Debt and Improve Financial Habits in 2025

In a new survey conducted by BadCredit.org, a leading financial resource helping those with subpar credit make informed decisions to brighten their financial future, 72% of consumers indicated they intend to pay off their debt partially or completely in 2025. The survey invited 500 adults in the United States…
Discretion and Detail: The Principles Behind Private Listings, by Harold Clarke

Privacy in high-value real estate transactions has increasingly become a top priority for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI). Harold Clarke, the founder of Private Listings, has built a platform that addresses these concerns through discretion and meticulous attention to detail. Private Listings operates on a principle of confidentiality, offering properties…
This approval encompasses both the Residential & Nonresidential and Commercial & Industrial programs, enabling Veregy to offer enhanced solar solutions across New York State
Veregy, a leading decarbonization company, has proudly announced its approval as a participating contractor in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) NY-Sun Incentive Program. This significant endorsement allows Veregy to provide enhanced solar solutions through both the Residential & Nonresidential and Commercial & Industrial programs, marking a pivotal step in expanding solar energy accessibility throughout New York State.
Achieving this status involved a rigorous application process, during which Veregy successfully demonstrated compliance with all necessary program requirements. As a participating contractor, Veregy is committed to adhering to NYSERDA’s stringent quality assurance standards for projects that receive NYSERDA incentives.
“We are honored to be recognized by NYSERDA as a participating contractor,” stated Caleb Benham, Senior Account Executive at Veregy. “This approval reflects our commitment to delivering top-tier solar solutions and our dedication to supporting New York’s clean energy efforts. We look forward to empowering more organizations with sustainable energy options through the NY-Sun program.”
The NY-Sun Incentive Program aims to lower the financial barriers to solar energy adoption by offering incentives and financing that make solar-generated electricity more affordable. With this approval, Veregy can apply these incentives directly to project costs, allowing clients in sectors such as K-12…
EDITOR'S
CHOICE
U.S. Auto Sales to Reach 1.23 Million Units in February 2025, Indicating Mild Recovery Amid Economic Uncertainty
How Sequoia Group’s Technology is Easing Warehouse Pressures in a Demanding Marketplace

With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $6.09 trillion in 2024, warehouses are under unprecedented pressure to meet consumer expectations for rapid delivery. Sequoia Group addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced technologies to enhance supply chain and distribution efficiency from A to Z.
Employing artificial cloud-based solutions to…
The Crypto Gift Card Boom: Why ASII is a Stock to Watch

The future of payments is here, and it’s powered by cryptocurrency and digital gift cards. For investors looking to capitalize on the next big thing, Accredited Solutions, Inc. (OTC:ASII) is emerging as a breakout player in this high-growth market.
GlobeTopper: The New Subsidiary Driving Explosive Growth
Through its new subsidiary,…
USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong to Strengthen Infrastructure Initiatives in Türkiye, Egypt, and Bulgaria With New Grant Agreements

U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong will travel to Türkiye, Egypt and Bulgaria from December 7-13 to meet local partners and sign new commitments to support infrastructure for civil nuclear energy, digital communications and cybersecurity, emergency preparedness and response, and methane emissions abatement.
“The wide range of…