A recent Columbia University experiment concluded that men value intelligence and ambition in their female counterparts – up to a certain point.

The study found that when men perceived their female co-workers as smarter or more successful, their self-esteem dropped. Instead of applauding the success of their female colleagues, most male respondents assumed: “She is successful, and I am unsuccessful.”

This trend also extended beyond the boardroom. A survey conducted by psychologist Lora Park uncovered that men were almost universally more attracted to successful women in the abstract but distanced themselves when they met the women described in person.

– Bret Buckel, The New Orleans 100

Nonprofit theater Cyrano’s will debut the original play “Spikes” on April 13 in Anchorage. The show, which has performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., runs through April 23. Tickets are available now.

Always dependable for offering outstanding live music, the Sitzmark in Girdwood will have Jerry Joseph & the Jack Mormons with special guest Tim Bluhm on April 12, 13 and 14, as part of Alyeska’s annual Spring Carnival and Slush Cup. To close out the season, local favorite jam band the Photonz will play at the Sitzmark on April 19 and 20.

– Liz Baker, The Alaska 100

The ability to adapt to rapidly changing work situations and the flexibility to overcome obstacles is a game-changer.

Why employers want it: Today’s fast-paced business environment requires employees who are open to change, willing to take initiative and don’t get emotionally sidetracked when plans go awry. “Adaptable employees can manage conflict and change more effectively,” says Sarah Gibson of Accent Learning and Consulting, based in Wisconsin.

How to gain it: Become a continuous learner. Embrace change. Seek ongoing development opportunities to help you stay relevant in an ever-changing business world. “It’s a lifelong learning process,” says Gibson.

– Rebecca Konya, The Wisconsin 100

Should a “mental health day” count as a paid sick day? Last year, a viral tweet from a CEO showing support for taking mental health days put this topic in the spotlight.

Operating under high stress, which we can measure within an organization, limits employees from performing at their highest capacity, much like physical illnesses. Time off to manage stress or anxiety will improve employee productivity and morale and may reduce health care costs over time.

Managers should not only encourage their employees to take mental health days, but they should also model this behavior by taking their own days.

– Marty Petty, The MPETTY Group

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to freshen up your office surroundings. Clutter-busting tips include:

1. Digitize – Get rid of paper and save your documents to the cloud.

2. Sanitize – According to the Radicati Group, approximately 270 billion emails are sent every day. That’s 72 emails for each of the world’s 3.7 billion email users. Use apps like SaneBox or Airmail. that help you filter and clean out your inbox.

3. Unsubscribe to emails you no longer read or need.

4. Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings – if a quick call is an effective substitute, schedule it.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

From small beginnings, to over 300 employees and 14 branches today, Northrim Bank is proud to invest in Alaskan traditions like the Iditarod and in Alaska’s future through school and business partnerships. We foster partnerships in Anchorage, Eagle River, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, Juneau and Ketchikan and are excited to partner with The White Mountain School on the Iditarod trail.

We provide schools with important services to support education and financial literacy. At Northrim, we pride ourselves on being Alaska’s bank, because we know our biggest investment is in our own community and the future generations of our state.

– Katie Bender, Northrim Bank

Job application season is underway for upcoming college graduates! Though it might seem daunting, getting ready for the real world can be exciting if you know how to navigate it.

1. Resume, resume, resume! Use resources like your school’s career services to draft a killer resume that truly represents you and your abilities.

2. Think ahead. Don’t waste time applying to jobs if you can’t see yourself working there. Learn about the culture of the companies you research – is it conducive to your professional growth?

3. Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Recognize your worth and you will find your place!

– Devin Thompson, The Boston 100

For companies, creating a “newsroom” on your website with information for journalists gives media outlets information they need in one convenient place.

A quality online newsroom makes a journalist’s job easier. To get one started for your site:

– Provide a background on the company’s history.

– Add links to up-to-date media coverage and news releases on the site.

– Create a form for journalists to sign up for email news alerts.

– Make sure all social media accounts are linked.

An important key in getting accurate coverage is ensuring that journalists have the facts about your company and what it does.

– Missy Hurley MacFarlane, The Tampa Bay 100

Sharing is caring, while working is life’s labor. And together, these two concepts give us co-working spaces. As you choose your ideal spot, here are some considerations:

Function over form. Do you need elbow room, comfortable chairs and somewhere to take calls? Or an artsy, open space that breeds creativity?

Networking options. Can your business benefit from knowing other members in the space? Or do you need a place to simply get in and get out?

Productivity is key. Can the space allow you to be as productive (or more) as you are at home? This matters the most.

– Nick Piburn, The Tampa Bay 100

Trust is the key to success in most relationships. As the media landscape evolves, it’s important to understand what reporters and journalists are looking for when it comes to authenticity.

According to a recent study by DS Simon, members of the media look for interviews with experts rather than third-party spokespeople. In fact, 74% on average believe making a CEO available for interviews makes a brand more authentic. In reality, 82% believe third-party spokespeople are the least authentic brand reps.

Check out the full survey if you plan to provide thought leadership opportunities for your brand in 2018.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

As the year winds down, it’s time to solidify your 2018 business goals. Goals vary by the size and type of company you manage, but common themes include: increased revenue, better quality clients/customers, new policies or procedures, new business lines, marketing/PR campaigns and more.

Next month, our team will engage in a full-day review of last year’s goals to see where we stand and where we fell short. We use the Rockefeller Habits method to keep on track. Regardless of how you structure goals, be sure they’re SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound. Happy planning!

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Whenever I think back on the Dot-Com Era, I have to chuckle.

In the late 1990s, investors took leave of their senses in an increasingly speculative stock market. Talk about FOMO. The reality is simple: The value of a company is its ability to generate cash over time.

Investors value cash streams based on growth rates and risk. Given comparable risks, they’d prefer to own a company whose earnings grow 25% annually to one growing 10%. Managers are charged with maximizing shareholder value. To do that, they must continually evaluate profitability and remember four words: Show Me the Money.

– Kip Caffey, The Atlanta 100

“Women Who Won” by Bill Ellis is an invaluable compendium of inspiring and motivating examples of achievement.

Profiling 28 women from around the world – some of whom are icons and others who will be new to readers – this book brings compelling and intriguing people to life. Every story delivers profound insights for us to learn from and apply in our lives – no matter our gender.

A book that can be read from cover to cover in one go, or savoured story by story, “Women Who Won” is for those wanting to live their best life and achieve their greatest dream.

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

According to Gallup, 70% of employees at U.S. companies feel disengaged.

One reason: many feel senior executives are out of touch with their employees. To increase engagement, employees need to believe in their employers’ stated values. It’s not an issue of whether employees know and understand their stated values, it’s that they don’t see those values being demonstrated.

It’s possible to measure the level of disengagement at your organization and dig deeper to identify sources and develop a plan to address those sources. When employees are fully engaged, they are motivated, committed and passionate in everything they do.

– Marty Petty, The MPETTY Group

Is it getting harder to focus at work? Computer notifications, phone alerts and our growing habit of responding in real time to any communication makes concentrating nearly impossible.

How can you cope?

• Focus time – schedule it daily. Don’t respond to emails, let your calls go to voicemail and shut your door.

• No more “got a minute?” meetings – managers should schedule office hours to process questions, approve work.

• Recharge! – consider a short, non-desk-side lunch. End the day with a personal system shut-down to be all-in next morning at the office.

Finally, model good behavior. Productivity will improve!

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is integral to having a strong online presence. In our hypercompetitive marketplace, building a website alone will not attract new customers.

Here are three SEO tips to grow your small business:

1. Content is still king – With the proliferation of bad content in 2016, quality blogs, videos and podcasts are very relevant.

2. Mobile first – Make sure your site is responsive and optimized for mobile users.

3. Site speed — 74 percent of visitors will leave a website if load time exceeds five seconds. Speed it up!

For more information on the future of SEO, click here.

– Joel Willson, Search Influence

Crises can arise at any time and through no fault of your own. Protecting your personal brand is always at the center of good crisis planning.

As long as we rely on technology, we leave ourselves open to threats, including the most recent data breach at Equifax that potentially affects nearly 150 million people. We receive phishing emails regularly, and every time you swipe a credit card, you open the door to disaster.

There are resources available outlining the proper steps to mitigate these potential crises as to not affect you, your family or your business for years to come.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

The impact LinkedIn can provide for businesses that want to generate leads, connect to professional peers, and build their brands is powerful, especially in the B2B arena.

1. LinkedIn surpassed Facebook as the top social platform for B2B marketers.

2. It’s an effective channel to position yourself as a professional leader and trusted influencer through thought leadership.

3. Over 467 million users are on LinkedIn.

4. LinkedIn ranked as the top social media site used for product launches among B2B marketers globally.

It allows the opportunity to connect organically with people throughout different industries. You never know where your next client will come from.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

Convincing someone to see things your way is more complex than you might think. In fact, neuroscientists and social psychologists have long asserted that people alter facts to align with their preconceived beliefs.

According to George Lakoff, retired UC Berkeley professor of cognitive science and linguistics, if you want to create messages to persuade, you have to understand other worldviews, and facts and rational debate have less value than you’d think. We can use this when seeking to persuade.

Arguing from our worldview can cause others to dig in and defend their position. Seek understanding, then frame your argument accordingly.

– Lisa Cutter, The Colorado 100