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  • Unpacking the National U.S. Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste: Insights from the ReFED Summit

    Christy Cook Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence at 4xi At the recent  ReFED  Summit, I had the privilege of witnessing USDA Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack’s announcement of the newly released  National US Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics . This comprehensive strategy marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address food waste in the United States. As someone deeply invested in sustainability and the fight against food waste, being a part of the announcement felt like being a part of history and the great impact to come. I am excited to share insights from this announcement and discuss its implications for various stakeholders.   The Strategy: A Closer Look The National US Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste is a multi-faceted approach aimed at cutting food waste in half by 2030. It builds on previous efforts and introduces new initiatives to tackle food waste at every stage of the supply chain. Key components of the strategy include:   Enhanced Measurement and Reporting : Establishing standardized metrics for measuring food waste and encouraging businesses to report their progress. Public-Private Partnerships : Fostering collaboration between government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to drive innovation and share best practices. Consumer Education : Launching nationwide campaigns to educate consumers about the impact of food waste and promote behaviors that reduce waste. Incentives for Waste Reduction : Offering financial incentives and support for businesses and organizations that implement effective waste reduction practices. Objectives of the National Strategy The primary objectives of the National US Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste are: Prevent food loss:  Food loss is the reduction in the quantity or quality of food during production, post-harvest, and processing stages, primarily due to inefficiencies and inadequate infrastructure. Preventing Food Waste : Food waste is the discarding of edible food at the retail, food service, and consumer levels due to overstocking, improper storage, and consumer habits. Increase the recycling rate for all organic waste : Increasing the recycling rate for all organic waste helps reduce landfill use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and recover valuable nutrients for soil enrichment. Support policies that incentivize and encourage the prevention of food loss and waste and organics recycling : Standardizing measurement and reporting methods to better track food loss and waste and monitor progress. Who's Impacted and Why It Matters Food waste is a pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences. The National Strategy aims to address the following key areas of impact: Environmental Impact : Reducing food waste can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and alleviate pressure on landfills. Economic Impact : Food waste represents a massive economic loss. By reducing waste, businesses can cut costs, increase efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Social Impact : Millions of Americans face food insecurity. Addressing food waste can help redirect surplus food to those in need, supporting vulnerable communities. The US in a Global Context While the US has made significant strides with the National Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste, it finds itself in the middle tier when compared to other countries. Nations like France and the United Kingdom have been leading the way with comprehensive national strategies and strong regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing food waste. These countries have set ambitious targets and implemented effective policies that have placed them ahead in the global effort. The work happening in the Netherlands and Australia is impressive. Mexico is also poised to make great strides as they are starting their journey. However, the US's recent strategy indicates a strong commitment to catching up and potentially becoming a leader in the future.   My Perspective from the ReFED Summit Attending the ReFED Summit and hearing Secretary Vilsack's announcement firsthand was a powerful experience. The commitment and enthusiasm from various stakeholders were palpable, and the collaborative spirit was inspiring. It's clear that addressing food waste requires a collective effort, and the National Strategy provides a robust framework for action. As I reflect on the summit and the strategy, I'm reminded of the critical role that businesses play in this endeavor. By adopting and championing waste reduction practices, businesses can drive significant change and contribute to a more sustainable future.   Conclusion The National US Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste is a landmark initiative that underscores the urgent need to address food waste in our country. From environmental conservation to economic efficiency and social equity, the benefits of reducing food waste are manifold. As businesses, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead the charge in implementing this strategy and making a lasting impact.   I encourage all businesses to embrace this strategy, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate with stakeholders to reduce food waste and build a more sustainable world. Let's turn this vision into reality, one step at a time.   Stay tuned for future blogs on how businesses can positively impact food waste. So, let's get started now. Sustainability Simplified © CHRISTY COOK Christy is 4xi's Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence is the lead of Sustainability Simplified©. Christy specializes in ESG Advisory, Strategies, Sustainability Road Maps, Measurement, Systems, and Reporting. To learn more about Sustainability Simplified© and 4xi visit our website: who we are, what we do, and how we inspire a brighter future, together: www.4xiconsulting.com 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Academy Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking FoodCraft Foodservice Consulting CREATE. Creative & Marketing Support 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Tournament Prep: Welcoming Sara Wright and Will Poulin to Team 4xi!

    As we eagerly watch the thrills and spills of Euro 24 and Copa America, it reminds us of the importance of building a strong squad with depth and strength for tournament success. Just like these iconic national teams: England, France, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, they meticulously assemble their rosters to ensure success on the great stage. At 4xi we're making some strategic moves of our own - to enhance our creative and consulting capabilities for current and future success. 4xi is delighted to announce the newest star players to our team: We are excited to welcome Sara Wright, a versatile and innovative graphic designer, and Will Poulin, our dynamic summer intern, to our lineup. This strategic addition is set to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and talent to our tournament seasoned squad, elevating our game to the next level. Sara Wright comes to us with nearly a decade of experience, excelling at turning complex ideas into visually compelling stories. Her ability to enhance brand identities is unparalleled, showcased by a diverse portfolio that spans from traditional print media to cutting-edge digital spaces. Sara's dedication to perfection and attention to detail are evident in her expertise in logo design, motion graphics, photography, typography, color theory, and layout. She creates cohesive and memorable brand experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, staying ahead of design trends and technologies while adhering to timeless design principles. Whether developing a brand from scratch or refreshing an existing identity, Sara’s work consistently delivers impactful results. Alongside Sara, we are thrilled to welcome Will Poulin, our summer intern, who is entering his third year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Global Studies. Having grown up on the east coast, Will's passion for travel and meeting diverse people has profoundly influenced his studies and professional career. His experience spans food service, healthcare, and technology research, providing him with a versatile skill set and a strong problem-solving mindset. Well-versed in research, innovation, and product development, Will brings these skills to his work at 4xi. During his internship, Will aims to gain a deep understanding of the consulting industry and the consultant-client relationship, all while providing support and creating tangible, positive change at 4xi. Just as national teams look to emerging talent to secure their future success, our decision to bolster our team with Sara and Will is a testament to our commitment to innovation and growth. As the world of soccer gears up through the knock-out phases of competition, we too are gearing up for a season of creativity, collaboration, and unparalleled success. With Sara’s seasoned expertise and Will’s fresh perspective, we are ready to tackle any challenge and score big in the ever-evolving market landscape. Stay tuned as we continue to push boundaries and achieve new milestones, together! Welcome to the team, Sara and Will! 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Prentiss Hall, Global Strategy & Innovation Leader Joins 4xi Global Consulting

    4xi is delighted and honored to introduce Prentiss Hall, our new Senior Strategy & Innovation Leader, who has joined our team of talented consultants globally. We are thrilled to welcome Prentiss specializing in Strategy & Innovation Leadership. With extensive experience as a senior business executive, he brings a wealth of expertise and a remarkable history of success in business and brand management across diverse sectors. Prentiss is a distinguished professional with comprehensive experience in brand start-up and development, sales and marketing, client consultation and retention, strategic assessment and planning, DEI, sustainability, turnaround P&L, and operations management. Prentiss is especially adept in evaluating and fostering “Best Place to Work” cultures and amenities. His consulting expertise spans critical areas such as food and beverage, health and wellness, sustainability, hybrid workforce, and employee engagement. His ability to restructure and optimize national business brands has driven significant revenue growth and consistent on-time delivery of objectives. "Having worked with Prentiss for nearly a decade and together established and accelerated arguably one of the most revered top-tier foodservice brands from scratch, I am both professionally and personally excited to be on the same team once again." - Simon Elliot, Managing Partner, 4xi A Focus on Innovation In his role as a key member of the 4xi Innovation Incubator leadership team, Prentiss collaborates with a distinguished assembly of seasoned executives. This team is dedicated to uncovering and championing transformative innovations in the hospitality and services sector. With a keen eye for identifying game-changing advancements, Prentiss and his fellow leaders regularly review and evaluate best-in-class innovations poised to shape the industry's future. Their collective expertise and forward-thinking approach ensure that 4xi remains at the forefront of innovation, driving excellence and growth within the sector. A Focus on the Guest Prentiss's "obsess the guest" and "start-up" mentality has been instrumental in achieving a remarkable 98% client retention rate over a 15-year period. As President of the fastest-growing premium corporate dining brand, he led significant year-over-year net new revenue and profit growth, rapid national and multinational expansion, and team career growth. Simultaneously, he performed Executive Leadership Council duties as one of 170 executives for a multinational corporation with 250,000 employees. Prentiss is one of the most insightful, visionary and inspirational leaders that I have ever had the good fortune to work with. We are fortune to have hi join the 4xi family and all that means in driving innovation and progress for our clients. \ A graduate and hall of fame athlete from the U.S. Naval Academy, Prentiss has been highly successful in all types of leadership environments. His experience spans the military, blue-chip FORTUNE 100 corporations, small to mid-sized businesses, VC-backed start-ups, and he has been a founder or co-founder of four successful national brands. HOW PRENTISS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS Prentiss is available to offer support on a consulting basis for individual projects and as an ongoing expertise-on-demand resource. If you are looking to grow revenue, build or change your business culture, or create a “Best Place to Work” to attract, build, and retain talent, Prentiss has a wealth of highly successful experiences and achievements to assist you. His brand management background makes him a perfect resource for creating purpose, vision, mission, strategy, and market positioning. His approach to radical adaptability helps him advise on competing in the new world of business and work. Currently residing in Austin, Texas, Prentiss's extensive background and innovative mindset make him an invaluable asset to 4xi Global Consulting and our clients. We are confident that his strategic vision and leadership will contribute significantly to our mission of driving excellence and growth in the hospitality, amenities, and services sector. If you would like to learn more, contact Prentiss at: Prentiss@4xiconsulting.com 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • The Trip: SFO to JFK and the TWA Hotel

    On a recent trip, I had the pleasure to experience MINT by JetBlue and the TWA hotel at John F Kennedy Airport, New York, the only on-site hotel in one of the busiest airports in the world. There were many learnings, and here are my musings from that experience: How things make us feel is the most powerful reason why we return, if we advocate, or not, what we tell our friends, and the likelihood of us being repeat customers. This was a fun trip, a fun article to write, and hopefully, a fun article to read too! SFO, Harvey Milk, and Mint by Jet Blue The TWA Hotel, JFK Airport, New York The Purpose and the Why? What People Want Execution is everything Thanks to SFO, Jet Blue, and the TWA Hotel for the inspiration to write this article. Flick through our magazine version below, or email hello@4xiconsulting.com, and we'll send you your own PDF version. Simon Elliot is Managing Partner and co- founder of 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions and is focused on a people- first approach to enable optimum Human Experiences for people away from home: at work, in education, at rest, or at leisure . Simon believes that Experience Matters! applies in many different ways and is the fundamental foundation of a successful business, no matter the business. Simon is a global citizen, having lived, worked, and traveled to over 45 countries and six continents, and believes in the power of human potential. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management, and North America Chair of the WORKTECH Academy. Simon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • What's Manchester United got to do with the Future of Work?

    Not many would look at the global sports phenomenon Manchester United when trying to solve the puzzle of the future of work. So what has Manchester United got to do with it? Well, we think quite a lot, actually. Simon Elliot, Managing Partner & Co-founder, and Tony Johnson, Chief Experience Officer at the boutique advisory firm 4xi, explain why. In this article, Elliot and Johnson explore the power of the brand and how, in this case, Manchester United maintains engagement with its global fanbase of avid supporters and how the sense of tribe binds them. They draw the parallel between football (soccer) fans to workforce cultures and how they can differ from one club to another and from enterprise to enterprise - all with their distinct personalities and rituals. And how with Old Trafford as their mecca, United still achieves this with minimal real estate. "The reality is that the world has changed, the world of work has changed, and despite the disruptor that the global pandemic proved to be, what is true is that things will never return to what they were." This article explores how United manage to garner Support from Anywhere, its strategies for Global Talent, Grass Roots' approach to fandom, its network of Micro Communities, Hyper Localization, and the important Connections & Community around the world. Flick through our magazine version below, or email hello@4xiconsulting.com, and we'll gladly send you your own PDF version. Simon Elliot is Managing Partner and co- founder of 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions and is focused on a people- first approach to enable optimum Human Experiences for people away from home: at work, in education, at rest, or at leisure . Simon believes that Experience Matters! applies in many different ways and is the fundamental foundation of a successful business, no matter the business. Simon is a global citizen, having lived, worked, and traveled to over 45 countries and six continents, and believes in the power of human potential. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management, and the North America Chair of the WORKTECH Academy. Simon lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tony Johnson is 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer and leader of the Evolving Experiences© practice. Before joining 4xi, he was the Customer Service Officer for Aramark. Tony is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), award-winning speaker, and globally recognized employee and customer experience expert. He is the author of 3 books on leadership and customer experience and hosts an industry-leading weekly podcast. directions. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Focus On People – and Don’t Let Up

    Today’s journey of experience is ever evolving and that is what makes it such an opportunity for differentiation. As we continue to move on from the pandemic into something more familiar, we are visited by the Ghost of CX past. The economy is a challenge, staffing is a nightmare, and we are all trying to find our way within this evolving marketplace. It’s possible we need to take a step back and ask the fundamental question – why should anyone care about customer experience? Because it drives sales? Because it helps retain customers? Retaining customers is more cost effective than finding new ones? Happy customers recommend you and defend you in the marketplace? But as most businesses are fighting for survival, they are ill-equipped to serve customers. There are struggles with recruiting that make staffing shifts a nightmare. The answer for many has been to post a sign. You’ve likely seen them. They usually read: Now the funny part is that the shop where I get my hair cut has been understaffed for 3 years because the managers are mean and the pay is terrible. Why would anyone work there when they can’t post a schedule on time, manipulate their tips, and never give them their breaks? But now businesses have an excuse – a crutch – a magic sign written in crayon on the front door making their incompetence acceptable. That takes us even one step farther back. That’s right, we are going to talk about employee experience. An issue that is near and dear to my heart as I have spent my entire life leading teams. My last operationally focused job had me leading 500 employees and nearly 40 managers across 30 locations. I can remember taking on an account in Ohio that was close to imploding with out of control costs, an expired union contract, and low customer loyalty. Now this is where I want to call your attention to two very important pieces: I am not the hero of the story and I’ll tell you why in a moment. I’ve actually led teams and served customers. I’m going to call it like it is – most of the consultants you will meet out there have never led a team or served a guest – and if they have it wasn’t in the last 20 years. It’s good to have that out of the way so that we can get to the fun stuff. Employee Experience (often referred to as EX) So you might be wondering how we turned around the account I mentioned earlier. It really wasn’t as tough as you might think. We started by speaking to every employee – that’s right, every single person. We learned what was working and what wasn’t – and we started putting some muscle behind fixing the issues. We made sure people got their breaks on time, that they had training they needed, and we took the time to listen to what they had to say. We made sure that pre-shift huddles happened every shift (almost) and we told people when they were doing a good job. We made sure wages were in line with the market and if they had a legitimate grievance, we settled it promptly. The leaders on site were visible during their shifts and they coached and modeled he behaviors we wanted our teams to adopt. We put our people at the center of our thinking and then repeated that every day until we had the foundational elements of culture taking root. We didn’t pat ourselves on the back and have a beer – we kept doing it and kept talking about it and kept worrying about it. We never let up, not ever, not for a minute. And it was hard – and we didn’t always get it right – and when we stumbled, we picked ourselves up and started again. Which brings me to the point of this and why this isn’t about me and my role. I certainly had a hand in laying out the strategy and getting the process moving, but then I was more a cheerleader than an active participant in many ways. The Leadership Team Made it Happen. Any story you hear where leaders say it was all them or that their team did everything are both equally false. You need a leader – and executive sponsor – to start the ball rolling and give direction, but you equally need a team who can bring it to fruition. The team of managers who led the charge at this account made it happen every day. They were visible, available, and modeled all the right behaviors. They knew everyone was watching to see if this was real or just a flavor-of-the-month kind of thing. We Made Sure We Listened. That is fundamentally what employees are looking for – an environment where they feel valued and with a path to growth. We made sure that after our initial listening tours that the regular employee touchpoints were locked on our calendars and non-negotiable. The thing our team liked best was the fact that we told them what was happening with their requests and ideas. Not every one of them was a winner, but we did take the time to update our team regularly on progress. We Talked About Customers – A Lot. And when I say this, I mean both internal and external customers. We talked about people constantly and what impact every decision had on them. Not posting and employee schedule on time or not saying thank you had ripples into the guest experience. We talked about customer surveys openly and what was going well and not so well. We said thank you all the time and we talked to people who weren’t measuring up directly, but politely. So, if you are reading this and thinking that nothing in this plan was revolutionary, you are 100% right. The only thing we did better than the team before us was to prioritize these simple pieces and not let up for a minute. You don’t need 100 things, you need the right 5 things. This is a great time to take a pulse check and see where you can take action to improve both your customer and employee experiences. Remember, along the way, that the best actions are simple, straightforward, and easily repeated – and allow you to focus your efforts in a specific way that can drive tangible results. Check out 4xi's Evolving Experiences© and learn how we can help you and your business. Tony Johnson is 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer and leader of the Evolving Experiences© practice. Before joining 4xi, he was the Customer Service Officer for Aramark, a global food and facilities organization. Tony is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), award-winning speaker, and globally recognized employee and customer experience expert. Tony is the author of 3 books on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience and hosts an industry-leading weekly podcast, Customer Service Academy. 4xi: Inspiring a brighter future, together. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy; whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Philadelphia | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Dallas | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • DATAxi: Unleashing the Power of Data Empowering Insights and Impact

    In the ever-evolving world of business, data has become the most prized asset, holding the key to success and competitive advantage. As the flood of data continues to surge, organizations are seeking powerful and comprehensive solutions to not only ingest, but to visualize a wealth of information. This is why 4xi has teamed up with DOMO to create DATAxi – a data ingestion and visualization tool to allow you to understand your business like never before.. The use cases for DATAxi are almost unlimited, but first, here are some key questions to ask: 1. What are the key business challenges that you need more insights into? 2. What are the internal data sources that you need to have those answers? 3. What additional external data sources will help answer the question? 4. What metrics do you want to see so that you can make meaningful decisions? Visibility like never before. Examples of just some of the use cases: Flash Reporting You probably have some level of flash reporting today, but how real time is that data, and is it displayed in such a way that you can immediately see trends, top, and bottom performers, see outliers to fix problems and celebrate successes? Imagine then, being able to compare week over week, month over month, year over year, and location by location. Then being able to layer in things like weather, holidays, sporting events, and other impacting factors. Market Analysis Benchmarking Imagine being able to have a real time benchmarking analysis for your business. For example, in foodservice, understanding metro by metro retail pricing is so critically important. For real estate, to understand the average price per sq/ft for property. For commodity pricing. But then layer in trends and predictive analysis to see into the future and manage cost and margins. Global Overview At 4xi we have worked with several global organizations who wanted to understand their global footprints, and on a more macro level, the benchmarks, and trends in their operating metros around the world – cost of living, affordability, livability, population fluctuations, unemployment, average housing costs, wages, minimum wage. Purchasing (and sales) analysis What you buy, sell, where, and who to. What is the impact? “What if” scenarios that can help you improve performance are a powerful predicter and planning tool. For example, if “Customer A” buys more of “SKU B”, then they will improve their ESG impact by C. Another example, beef is set to increase in cost by X% over the next 12 months, if you substitute 50% of that beef with chicken, then your bottom-line profitability will increase by Y%. In each of these examples, there is real power and business benefit, and that is why we are offering you DATAxi. Let’s talk about how we can help you see more than ever before. Contact us at hello@4xiconsulting.com , visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com/dataxi , or click on the following link. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • The Elephant in the Room: Navigating Sustainability in Your Business

    The 4xi CRITERION Benchmarking Team recently conducted a Sustainability in the Workplace survey and the findings have left me inspired and enlightened. The results broadened our understanding, as well as Criterion members, but also revealed the power of asking the right questions and how I might refine those questions in the future. Sustainability in the workplace is a multifaceted subject, and it holds immense significance. The way your company embodies its values profoundly impacts customers, employees, and investors. Each stakeholder group brings a unique perspective and their views can vary widely. In addition to stakeholder feedback, a company must consider the financial consequences associated with the chosen course of action. It is a complex situation to navigate. Based on survey results, many respondents have a sustainability strategy and are considering what that looks like in the future. No matter where you are now, here are a few things you should consider for the future. The Resilience of ESG Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) has become an increasingly dynamic and sometimes divisive topic. However, one thing is certain: operating a business with integrity, prioritizing the well-being of employees and customers, and being mindful of your impact on both people and the planet are enduring principles. The terminology may evolve, but the core responsibility of how a business operates and the impacts it has on the world will remain. Regulatory Requirements The compelling reason ESG related topics will persist is the proliferation of regulatory requirements, both existing and forthcoming. Since 2011, we've seen approximately 1,300 ESG regulations introduced worldwide. While this is an ever evolving situation, companies operating in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Asia should understand and anticipate the requirements. Additionally, for US based companies, carbon disclosure will be required in your annual 10-K submissions. The specific timelines and requirements for all of the mentioned regulations vary based on factors such as company size, locale and type. Taking the first step....or the "next" first step So how do businesses decide what to do, when and how? Each company might answer that question differently but all companies, no matter what, have to start where they are and they should start now if they haven’t yet begun. When I encounter this conundrum, I often think of the Chinese Proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” So, let's get started now. Sustainability Simplified © Take a sneak preview of 4xi's CRITERION Benchmarking Report HERE: CHRISTY COOK Christy is 4xi's Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence is the lead of Sustainability Simplified©. Christy specializes in ESG Advisory, Strategies, Sustainability Road Maps, Measurement, Systems, and Reporting. To learn more about Sustainability Simplified© and 4xi visit our website: who we are, what we do, and how we inspire a brighter future, together: www.4xiconsulting.com 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Growth and Leadership Expansion: Introducing Whitney Goulish, Consulting Operations Lead

    As we continue to expand our business and capabilities and the support we offer clients, 4xi is proud to announce the further expansion of our team. Throughout the last decade, Whitney Goulish has spent time working inside and outside of the business world including experience in Sports, Entertainment, Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Logistics, Nonprofits, and more. She has excelled at business operations and strategy, which is why we are thrilled to introduce Whitney as our Consulting Operations Lead here at 4xi. Most of Whitney’s previous roles were on a consulting basis to help increase the bottom line, streamline processes, and increase efficiencies. Along with her expertise in operations, she has experience in Sales, Marketing, Data Analytics, Technology, and Project Management. Utilizing her knowledge in operations Whitney will help fulfill 4xi’s clients’ needs through the creation, coordination, and communication of reports, slides, decks, and blogs. She will be instrumental in working with our staff to increase our program offerings and enhance our 4xi360 software. Whitney will assist the 4xi Leadership staff by taking over smaller responsibilities and assisting with executive administration tasks freeing up the staff to continue to accelerate our year-over-year growth to become a globally trusted brand with our clients and the business community. Whitney will help our 4xi team enhance Cross-Functional Communication, Organization, and internal tracking of projects. You can contact Whitney directly at Whitney@4xiconsulting.com or read more about her by downloading her bio. Connect with Whitney Goulish! Whitney helps create, coordinate, and communicate reports, decks, and additional materials to fulfill your business needs. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Navigating the Future of Corporate Real Estate: A Pathway to Revival

    In the corporate real estate landscape, opportunities and challenges are emerging. The sector faces pressure due to remote work, overvaluation, and the need to entice workers back to physical offices. Corporate real estate, traditionally vital for economic stability, has transformed due to these factors, causing under-occupancy and valuation concerns. The primary challenge is potential asset devaluation, as more companies embrace remote or hybrid work models, directly causing this decline. Addressing employee concerns such as the daily commute, a major pain point for workers, is crucial. Additionally, the necessity of revitalizing corporate real estate extends to entire central business districts (CBDs) in order to prevent further negative economic impacts. The future of corporate real estate presents challenges and opportunities that can be tackled by bringing people and communities together to build something that will attract workers back to the office and revitalize these spaces. Read more on the thoughts of Simon Elliot in our latest article, Navigating the Future of Corporate Real Estate: A Pathway to Revival. If you want to learn more about Simon or 4xi, then contact us at hello@4xiconsulting.com , visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com , or click on the following link. Simon Elliot is Managing Partner and co-founder of 4xi Global Consulting. Simon has spent his career in the food, facilities, and amenities sector from his roots in the UK , across Europe, Asia, Australasia, North and South America and has worked with many progressive organizations to help them advance the human experience in the away from home markets - people at work, in education, healthcare, senior living, remote sites, and leisure. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Introducing FoodCraft©

    Food brings people together.  This can come in the form of a humble cheeseburger, a well-appointed buffet, or a served meal with all the accompaniments. Meals have shifted in recent decades away from the home and out into the wider world.  The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows us that 56% of total food expenditures occurred for meals outside the home. Couple this with the dwindling amount of “third places” in neighborhoods where people can gather, and that puts added pressure on restaurants and food service not just as a place for nourishment, but for community as well. The term “third place” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenberg in 1989 to describe a place outside the home or work where you can relax and hang out. Previously, third places might have been parks, libraries, churches, barber shops, bowling leagues, community centers, or coffee shops.  As some of these have become fewer in number and less relevant to people, restaurants, cafes, and dining services have picked up the slack. As more of our population self-declare as “lonely” and “anxious” these places for people to connect become even more important. So why share all of this?  Because the stakes are higher than ever in the restaurant business and expectations from guests continue to increase and evolve. Food Network, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram open the world to prospective diners, and they are calling out from all generations and backgrounds for what is new, fresh, delicious, satisfying, and comforting. That sounds like both a great deal of fun and a challenge for operators. We can help! We are pleased to announce the launch of our newest practice, Food Craft©, focusing on the art and science of culinary in all markets. We bring a wealth of expertise in the following areas: Contract foodservice in the away from home markets, including corporate dining, higher education, sports + leisure, healthcare, and senior living. Catering and VIP culinary events. Table service and fine dining. Guest experience and hospitality skills training. Food safety and kitchen management. Culinary trends and innovation. Building profitable and cost effective dining programs. Client-side leadership and contract management. Sustainability. Employee engagement and retention. We will help you create world class dining experiences for guests, regardless of market, that delivered safely, consistently, and profitably. Here is a quick preview of how we can help. CULINARY OPERATIONS REVIEW We can help with anything from mystery shops to comprehensive program review.  Our team of experts will use our proprietary Craft Success Matrix© and assessment tools to help you identify areas of success and opportunity.  Our suite of technology enablers will help you monitor your ongoing success through customized quality assurance audits that get everyone involved in tracking progress. FOOD SAFETY We can help you evaluate your current food safety progress and plot a course toward exceeding your goals and standards.  Our team can help with measurement, planning, training, and accountability. CULINARY STRATEGY We can help bring your culinary strategy to life with industry trends, professional evaluation, and long-term programmatic planning.  From menu to performance to profitability, we have a solution for you. HOSPITALITY TRAINING Our team of professional experience and training experts can build your virtual and in-person training modules, and help you deploy and deliver the content to your team. Together we can help you deliver the best experiences for your guests, patients, employees, students, fans, and travelers. Reach out today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you thrive in this ever-changing culinary marketplace. PRACTICE LEADERS Tony Johnson | Chief Experience Officer Tony Johnson, 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer, leads FoodCraft©.  Together we can build culinary programs that deliver safe, innovative, profitable menus to guests of all ages and in all markets.  Tony brings his long experience in culinary, food service, and hospitality to help restaurants and food service operations thrive. Christy Cook | Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence Christy is a globally recognized expert in corporate sustainability with a specialized focus in zero waste. Christy is a veteran of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability space where she has been working for almost 20 years. Her background is in corporate sustainability and working directly with clients to improve their sustainability performance. She went from creating sustainability solutions at one college campus to 8500 sites in North America across seven business sectors for the 19th largest employer where she also developed the foundation for the largest food waste prevention program in the world. Ann McNally | Operations Coaching & Growth Ann is a soft service subject matter expert with over 25 years of onsite hospitality experience working on both the client side of the business as well as on the operator side. She has worked in the airport, education, and corporate services sectors. As a former Vice President of Amenities at Morgan Stanley, Director of Contract Soft Services at Bristol Myers Squibb, and Vice President of Business Development at Sodexo, Ann offers a unique way of looking at the business from both the client and operators view. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

  • Free E-Book: The Periodic Table of Human Experience (HX) Design

    The HX Periodic Table: A new standard in defining and designing the Human Experience (HX) We are thrilled to introduce "The HX Periodic Table: A new standard in defining and designing the Human Experience." Inspired by the timeless Periodic Table and enriched by decades of expertise, this article offers a systematic, science-based approach to crafting unparalleled human experiences. Our methodology simplifies human interactions and unlocks potential within spaces, enhancing consumer loyalty, employee engagement, and genuine connection. We invite you to explore the insights within and welcome your feedback as we strive to continually evolve. Should you need any assistance, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for joining us on this journey to elevate the human experience. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

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