In life and in business, it's always important to understand what's important, but the question is do you ask what's in it for me, or what's in it for you? Clearly, both questions are important as in any successful relationship, or partnership, the happier all parties are with the outcomes, then the more likely you are to last the course. Think about your buying experience of a home, a car, or a vacation. What about at work when you're working with a client on the sales side, trying to help them solve a particular challenge and provide them with solutions. What about in any relationship, at home, in business, or at leisure. "What makes you feel most comfortable? When you're talking about what's in it for you, or when they're talking about what's in it for them?" Or, even better, how do you feel when the conversation is about: "What's in it for us, and how do we succeed together?" Misguidedly, many people and organizations believe that the sales process (whatever you're selling) is an adversarial, transactional encounter - they have something they have to sell, and you have the money to buy (sometimes regardless of whether you need it or not!) For me, there is a phrase that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end - "I can sell sand in a desert," or "Ice in Antarctica"! Anyone who thinks that way probably shouldn't be in a sales role unless maybe they're selling "hook a duck" at the annual summer fair! Empathy and understanding are essential in any relationship, and you can't establish those two things without first listening and learning. These are the foundations of understanding, and then being able to apply empathy, that in turn allows you to build solutions, and solve challenges. To what extent do you have trust when you meet someone and all they do is talk about themselves? When a "sales rep" tells you that if you close the deal by the end of their sales month they'll give you a great deal. "Well, why can't you give me a great deal anyway?" is my question. When a business partner harps on about how they need to earn more money out of your relationship without even asking, "how are things going for you in our relationship." I remember a story from an old mentor of mine. The story is the antithesis of a strategic growth leader: Dorothy, an old lady in her 80s with $250,000 in cash in a bag walks onto a car sales lot. She explains to Tom, the salesperson that she needs a small car to drive her to the local shops twice a week, a mile from her home, and that she doesn't particularly like driving, or driving fast, fuel economy is important to her, but she does like the color red. An hour later after they'd signed all the paperwork, transaction completed, Dorothy $249,999 lighter, she sat in her new bright red Ferrari on her way to the shops then home - she couldnt find the handbrake, she couldnt get the thing into gear, and even when she thought she had, the Ferrari jolted foward and stalled. Tom was still at the lot, his next sale, a farmer with $200,000 in a bag. He just focused on his next victim and let the old lady figure it out on her own. Tom made a big commission that month but that was shortlived. His reputation spread quickly, and he certainly didnt get any repeat custom. I also recall a client who was moderately satisfied with the performance of one of his key vendors. Quarterly Business Review after review, the vendor just kept coming back asking for more money for the mediocre services they were experiencing. The multiple reports and the decks presented were all about them and had nothing to do with aligning the service outcomes with the client's needs. Needless to say, the client eventually lost patience and changed contractor to one that paid them more attention to their needs. So, in summary, if in life or in business, buying or selling, you're focused on "what's in it for me" as opposed to exploring "what's in it for you" maybe you're doing yourself a disservice - try the following 6-questions as a starting off point, and then creating win-win solutions that are focused on mutually beneficial outcomes: - What do you like? (about your job, life, relationship) - What are you the most proud of? - What would you like to do more of? Less of? - Where would you like to be in 12 months? 2 years? 5 years? - How do you see yourself getting there? and who with? - What does success look like for you? Clearly, there are many more questions you can ask and probably will need to ask - the better understanding you have, then the more likely you are to come up with a winning solution. Just like any relationship, the foundations of trust are built from empathy and understanding, and without listening and learning, then you'll be just guessing in the dark. TRUE NORTH© is 4xi's proprietary Strategic Partnerships Learning Academy built from years of experience in business. Refreshingly, TRUE NORTH© is focused on changing and embedding behaviors, not administrative processes, helping organizations win better, and retain better business. Simon Elliot is Managing Partner and Co-founder at the boutique advisory firm, 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions. 4xi is built on the foundations of a people-first approach to transforming the Human Experience (HX) as the cornerstone to success, no matter what business. Long-term strategic partnerships are built on trust, reliability, and credibility, and underpinned by shared purpose, vision, mission, and values. For more information about 4xi, visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com or contact Simon directly at simonelliot@4xiconsulting.com. 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

Better Together: at 4xi Global Consulting and Solutions, we are inspired by the power of the collective and the innovation that brings to our partners. We're very pleased to welcome Tony Johnson to our Advisory Council as a senior leader in our organization as he continues to guide the EVOLVING EXPERIENCES© Practice, focusing on customer and employee experiences. We are also partnering with Tony to formally unite 4xi with his company Ignite Your Service Training and Strategy. What does this mean? It is all about creating relationships that drive results for our clients. Tony has served as our Chief Experience Officer since very early in our journey, and his background in Customer Experience, Employee Development, Speaking, and Training is well known. Ignite Your Service was founded by Tony in 2014, and we are delighted to bring these award-winning CX, EX, and motivational strategies to our organization. Just as we have partnered with the best technology brands around the world, we also look to add innovative thought leadership to our collective resources. Ignite Your Service’s core fundamentals will serve as the foundation of our customer experience strategy, with nearly a decade of proprietary development and successful implementation. Our perspective is that people make the difference – customers, teams, and the communities where businesses live. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this landmark moment as we are excited about both of these moves. The true winners will be our customers and clients, as we seek to simplify our value proposition and bring the best solutions to the marketplace. Our Strength is in the Power of Our Collective 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 | Lisbon | London | Tokyo

Human Experience (HX) is the new currency of business. 4xi launches Evolving Experiences© - we believe in the power of human potential. In today's business environment, the Human Experience of Employees (EX) and Customers (CX) has never been so important. Performance can no longer be judged alone by quarterly bottom-line results that incentivize business leaders to cut rather than invest. The most important investment to make in business today is in people, and that's why we have launched our Evolving Experiences© practice led by our Chief Customer Experience Officer, Tony Johnson. Tony has served as our Chief Experience Officer since very early in our journey, and his background in Customer Experience, Employee Development, Speaking, and Training is well known. Ignite Your Service was founded by Tony in 2014, and we are delighted to bring these award-winning CX, EX, and motivational strategies to our organization. We believe in the power of human potential, and a people-first approach to business, and results. Creating environments where people can thrive, be engaged, and excite their customers, and in turn where customers can be excited and above all satisfied too. "Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) have found their moment to shine and come to the forefront of business thinking. Taking care of customers and your team has always been the right thing to do, but now all levels of most organizations see the compelling business case behind these efforts." - Tony Johnson. This is what Evolving Experiences© is all about - strategy, planning, execution, communication, and training - all designed to transform your culture into a people, and customer-centric environment where everybody wins, including your top and bottom line. Learn more about how we help create Growth Cultures and elevate your Human Experience. e: hello@4xiconsulting.com Our Strength is in the Power of Our Collective 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 | Lisbon | London | Tokyo

In our post-pandemic world where hesitation to return to full-time brick and mortar offices is real; where hybrid working conditions are thriving; where office corridors are silent with echoes of the past: "How do we transform spaces into inviting, desirable, worthy of a commute places where people choose to be?" To captivate the post-pandemic workforce requires ingenuity, creativity, planning and truly understanding the dynamics of the workforce in each space. Choosing elements worthy of experience in each unique space means knowing what the occupants really want. Discovering the best solutions for each site is not just a question of picking a few nice-to-haves and putting them into a building. Choosing between a custom barista coffee bar; a quaint tea shop; a doggy daycare park or a meditation center with a walking labyrinth can prove to be puzzling, challenging, and make for difficult decisions. But create we MUST! With technology leading the way with virtual and video conferencing solutions, a workforce comfortable in leisure wear and a commute to the kitchen for coffee means brick and mortar simply must be better! "How we create the new world of working experiences will dictate how each building survives and more importantly thrives in the new world.” The notion of magnetizing physical space is captivating and ingenious. The science of analyzing data, movement, and staffing demographics reveal trends, patterns, and insight into what type of features would inspire the workforce to want to be in a building or office complex. The Art comes from the creative, imaginative, and warm way in which attractions are introduced, designed, organized, and led. Data analytics provide structure to decision-making with art bringing the vision to life. Magnetizing physical space is not just a curiosity or winsome idea but vital to the survival of brick-and-mortar investment and the revitalization of our business centers. Art? Science? Both – curated to bring physical space into places of wonder and peace! Barbara Boden is one of 4xi's Managing Partners & Co-Founders. She specializes in global hospitality and employee amenity strategic thought leader focused on data-driven insights. Barbara and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Barbara download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at barbaraboden@4xiconsulting.com 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

4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a boutique advisory firm focused on advancing the Human Experience (HX) in the away-from-home markets: at work, in education, at rest, and at leisure. Our team of senior leaders, and industry and functional experts are available to support your business on-demand. CLIENT ORGANIZATIONS | SERVICE PROVIDERS | INNOVATORS | ACCELERATORS Draw from our team of experts on a fractional, on-demand basis providing valuable resources when you need them the most. Chief Strategy Officer Chief Operations Officer Customer & Employee Experience Growth Strategy Chief Marketing Officer Chief Sustainability Officer Procurement & Supply Chain Strategic Partnerships Innovation Creative Services & Design Project Management Office Meet OUR TEAM and learn more about how we can support your business, BOOK A CALL to explore how we can help you, or email us at hello@4xiconsulting.com 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

To manage or not to manage – that is the question! Tongue in cheek Hamlet quote aside, project management is to business what a compass is to the Captain of a ship. Setting direction; keeping course; course correction; and assurance that you will arrive at your destination. However, much like yea days of yore where the stars and a sextant guided a ship, yet left it perilously at risk due to limited insight of impending weather, storms, reefs, or pirates - a business without project management principles at the helm runs the risk of being beached or hitting the shoals. Project management, no matter how big or small the event, undertaking, to-do list, implementation, or initiative becomes successful, organized, grounded, and safe with a leader who understands how to marshal, manage, and keep the project on budget, on time, and on-scope! "With the 2 pillars and 3 keys in place, success is a natural outcome, but what are the two pillars and three keys? The pillars are the guidewires or rails by which the project progresses day by day with the keys, the principles the project is governed by." Pillar One: the right-skilled, experienced, industry-based project manager who will lead the team or be the team depending on the size of the project and guide it to a conclusion. Pillar Two: the right tools/software designed, organized, and structured to capture everything that needs to be done, organized, and delivered to meet the scope and objectives of the project. The three keys to success in any undertaking are business intelligence: risk management and oversight-compliance. Business intelligence brings insight, wisdom, alertness, and awareness to the project for the stakeholders, operators, sponsors, customers, and vendors. Having business intelligence is vital, as without it a project can easily become a series of to-dos on a list or on a GANTT chart – static versus dynamic, and not moving forward with ease or fluidity control. Risk Management needs no introduction! Without the knowledge of what can go wrong, how it can go wrong, where it can go wrong, and more importantly ‘when’ it can go wrong means the on-time, on-budget, and on-scope is a soap bubble waiting to burst. "If I, as the writer, and project manager could choose just one thing that makes project management a gift to business it is Risk Management. Managing risk is the difference between success and failure – Period!" Oversight and compliance are the secret sauce to not encountering moments of fear, cost overruns, and uncertainty. Progress is impeded and in so many cases stalled due to lack of oversight. Compliance with regulatory standards; compliance to budget; logistics; manufacturing; shipping; county or municipal rules; building regulations; health and safety and a host of other possibilities means that oversight or the lack thereof can bring a project to a grinding halt costing a fortune to the business as they try to adjust and repair the damage. (knowing and understanding the regulatory landscape) In 2016, only 62% of projects met the original business goals set for the project with only 50% being completed within the set budget. In 2018, these numbers went up to 70% and 60%, respectively. What changed?? Setting up a PMO, taking project management seriously, and engaging the right resources at the inception of the project. If setting up a PMO (Project Management Office) does not make business sense for you yet the need for project management for a short- or long-term project or event is there, hire a Fractional PMO. Look to organizations that bring the two pillars and 3 keys to you but without the burden rate of an FTE or department. Fractional services make so much sense – you can have the best of skills and experience for as long as you need, for whatever purpose you need and to achieve the best outcome for your business. "No matter what the word ‘project’ means to you; no matter what the word ‘management’ means to you, having the right ways and means to run a business project, event or undertaking means having project management guide the success." Upon completion of a rather large implementation some years ago now, the CEO of my company and a mentor reminded me to never sit on my laurels. Good project management is always the key to success – and I quote "Never forget, you are only as good as your last successful project!" In today's vernacular-----NUFF SAID! Dina Wiltshire is 4xi's Strategic Partnerships lead, and also our Project Management Office expert. She has helped organizations navigate complexity to success: Jennifer Durning has a stellar background running a variety of complex projects from W Hotels, to JPMorgan Chase & Co, and most recently Aramark. On-time, On-budget, and On-scope. If you need support and navigation through your next big project, you can contact Dina at dina@4xiconsulting.com or Jennifer at JenniferDurning@4iconsulting.com for an introductory conversation on how we can help. 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

As the post pandemic world re-opens, an added benefit for business is that industry conferences are once again flourishing. The dynamics, however, are becoming richer and broader with new possibilities for relationship and collaboration abounding. Attendance has now begun to truly reflect an extraordinary diversity with a range of backgrounds, education, experience, culture, and roles wandering the halls and centers, badges swinging, files in hand and curiosity aroused as the new and exciting proffer their wares. Planning tools to ensure the success of a conference are key for event planners to guarantee that all attendees enjoy and more importantly derive value for their investment. However, how we share insights, learnings and new tools is an opportunity to shape deeply personal connections, learn more about cultures and diversity in ways that hitherto have not been considered. We all want to feel connected and engaged when attending an event but the how that is achieved is as much art as it is organizational and planned. Understanding the invitees; knowing more about who is attending; ensuring that the flow and moments make all feel welcome; creating intimate opportunities for collaboration; breakout sessions and chatter are no longer a nice-to-have but a ‘must’ in a world that sees diversity, inclusion and embracing all as the cornerstone for our collective development not just in business but as a global community. "In short, there is no check list when it comes planning a truly successful, invigorating and stimulating event that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion because there is no limit to diversity! There is no limit to inclusion and that is very gift of planning with ‘all’ in mind." An example of the dimensions of diversity means taking a moment to consider attendees and how a specific dimension may apply to them and how this would impact the success of an event. PRIMARY DIMENSIONS: Physical or Mental Ability SECONDARY: Family Composition and Life Experience CULTURAL: Power, Authority Views, and Conflict Resolution ORGANIZATIONAL: Divisional Departments and management level It is so easy for planners and project managers to tick boxes or strike tasks off a list. To be successful in planning a conference, understanding the stakeholders, clients, and attendees is key to creating one that inspires, embraces, and galvanizes everyone. Our new world allows us to step away from traditional or boring and move towards diversity and inclusion. Success of an event relies on applying thought when identifying the four dimensions, from the moment of meeting inception to registration then on to planning and arrival and departure. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words but the very foundation of success in our global community! Jennifer Durning is 4xi's Hospitality Operations & Experiences specialist. Hospitality operations, conference services management, strategic planning, project management, and customer experience. Managing Partners & Co-Founders. She specializes in global hospitality and employee amenity strategic thought leader focused on data-driven insights. Jennifer and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Jennifer download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at jenniferdurning@4xiconsulting.com. 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

4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a boutique advisory firm focused on advancing the Human Experience (HX) in the away-from-home markets: at work, in education, at rest, and at leisure. Our team of senior leaders, and industry and functional experts are available to support your business with Strategic Consulting & Special Projects. CLIENT ORGANIZATIONS | SERVICE PROVIDERS | INNOVATORS | ACCELERATORS The 4xi team has decades of experience supporting a wide range of strategic consulting and special projects. Here are just a few examples of how we can help: BUSINESS STRATEGY From supporting your long-term business planning process to growth plans, and culture transformation. ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE DESIGN Aligning organizational imperatives with Human Experience (HX) design across your business portfolio. MARKET RESEARCH & REPORTS Exploring new markets or opportunities, commissioned in-depth market research reports to navigate the way. MAJOR PURSUITS Guidance, support, coaching on bid strategies, and major pursuits for important retention or growth opportunities. ​ CULTURE & TRANSFORMATION Helping organizations identify areas for improved performance, transform and change for GOOD! ACQUISITION SUPPORT & INTEGRATION Let us help you confidentially explore the market, and identify and engage with potential acquisitions and strategic partnerships. IF YOU'RE SEEKING TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE. IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PROJECT, OR IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES OR RESOURCES, THEN 4xi IS HERE TO HELP. Meet OUR TEAM and learn more about how we can support your business, BOOK A CALL to explore how we can help you, or email us at hello@4xiconsulting.com 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

We're delighted to share Issue 1.0 of our newly launched Business In Action Magazine - our way to stay in contact with our team, our clients, and our most valued friends and contacts. This first issue is full of interesting articles on a variety of business subjects including 5 Ways to Effectively Manage Remote Employees, Top Productivity Hacks for Your Business, and how to Reverse Engineer Your Sales Goals in addition to an article on how David Meltzer, cofounder of Sports 1 Marketing wants to change the world. We do hope that you enjoy Business In Action Magazine and look forward to sharing every couple of months. You can read the magazine in full here: 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

In 2016, I became a Citizen of the United States. Proudly, standing alongside three generations - my mother-in-law, my wife, and my daughter, I took the oath of allegiance. It was a day of great pride, belief, of gratitude to become part of what some termed the Great Experiment, solidified on 4th July 1776. That was 246 years ago. Surely too long to be still referred to as an experiment. For many around the world, a Union that has endured, evolved, and developed over two and a half centuries, and an example of freedom, of equals, of what is good, right, and great. A model of prosperity, success, and a land of opportunity free from oppression, celebratory of diversity, and upholding the highest values for all. This was my belief then and remains my hope today as we enter into the 4th July 2022 weekend and the celebration of our Independence Day. Inspired by Shepard Fairey's poster art, We The People, the subjects, the words, and the images resonate today more than ever before - the combination of these sums up how I feel as I write this post: WE THE PEOPLE: Defend Dignity; Are Greater than Fear; Protect Each Other. This encompasses the spirit of why I so proudly swore my allegiance. I believed then as I do now in We The People. I believe that together, we can defend the dignity of all of us. I believe that together, we are greater than fear, and above all, I believe that together we can protect each other in the face of adversity. "I believe together, we can do the right thing, because the right thing is always the right thing to do." So, wherever you are this 4th July weekend, I hope you take a moment or two to reflect on We The People, and how we all can together make a difference, contribute, and find our voices to stand up for the founding principles and values that make this country so great. We The People: Happy 4th July weekend! Simon Elliot is Managing Partner and Co-founder of 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions. Originally from the UK, he holds a British and U.S. passport and has lived, worked, and traveled around the world and has visited 6 of the 7 continents.

The workplace is no longer just a place of boring neutral colors, materials, corridors, glass, technology, and ducting. To attract the workforce back into the workspace; to create environments where people want to be versus must be is the core competency of Design4Life©. Life is not just about showing up, putting up and getting through your day, it is about thriving and using your senses to become more, even while at work! When you leave your office or workplace feeling ‘whole’ not depleted, then the environment is truly supporting you not detracting from you! To encourage, inspire and attract staff back to offices and buildings across the world, space, its design, layout, form, and function needs to be deconstructed with one aspect of the philosophy and model to include bringing the outside in and not just via the odd poorly loved potted plant. “How can you take the power of nature and bring her to life inside? By taking a holistic approach to every aspect that comprises a closed space.” Access to views of nature from windows means improving the landscape around buildings and truly having a garden full of trees, bushes, edibles, and flowers; how fun to be able to cultivate a small garden in or around the complex or on a rooftop; to pick fresh strawberries or tomatoes on a Tuesday afternoon? How wonderful to be able to bring your children to see a working garden story? Grow towers and Zip walls bring life to the boring tall walls of corridors and provide interest, day to day changes and herbal fragrances wafting gently as you walk by. Improving air quality and ventilation so that each feels the air they breathe is good, healthy and brings health and vibrancy versus fatigue and strain; recycled air is the bane of so many buildings, so the how to make it better is paramount to health and safety. Natural lighting that invigorates vision and does not cause eye strain; using lighting that heals; full spectrum lamps designed to emulate the full electromagnetic spectrum of light recognized as midday sunlight in terms of its appearance to the human eye. Acoustics that help concentration without the constant need for headsets and ear buds; how more engaging and collaborative is a space that allows people to listen without distraction and hear without feeling the need to isolate themselves from their co-workers Natural materials, calming colors, organically designed furniture add a sense of peacefulness and calm to the somewhat isolated cubicle or chaotic noise of busy offices that is inherent with realities of doing business. Nature is not just plants, it is a compilation of senses; it is color, texture, smells, sounds, tastes, and feelings. How we design the future of workspace hinges on recognizing that all the wondrous elements of architecture including metal, concrete, plastics, and composites provide building stability not human health. When we bring nature inside, we bring in wholeness. Barbara Boden is one of 4xi's Managing Partners & Co-Founders. She specializes in global hospitality and employee amenity strategic thought leader focused on data-driven insights. Barbara and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Barbara download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at barbaraboden@4xiconsulting.com 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

Reduce Costs and Lower Your Environmental Impact Sourcing, Sustainability, and Real Estate Sourcing, sustainability, and real estate are three terms often not associated with each other but one thing they do have in common is waste. Organizations of all sizes and in all industries are under growing pressure to make commitments to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The amount of waste we create, and the amount we can reduce, can create a big impact towards these goals. But beware, the whole subject of waste is very broad with a variety of important areas to tackle from corporate best practices for onsite waste and procurement, to real estate planning and efficiencies, food sourcing and storage, healthy eating and portions, and facility systems usage and the overall effect on climate. “Companies taking the leap and committing to waste reduction goals are finding that it’s not difficult to reduce food, energy, or water wastage by 25% or more.” We applaud those who’ve already made these efforts and achieved these results but while these pioneers remain in the minority, the question then becomes, how can we build on this momentum to do even more? We need new mindsets to be successful in this endeavor. Over time, planning of facilities for more space than we need, as well as processes and operations in kitchens, space usage and lack of efficiencies, mechanical, electrical, and water usage in our facilities planning have been designed to allow waste and even encourage it in the name of “good hospitality” or “building in slack.” Astute managers (and designers) are realizing that they can reduce costs, improve efficiencies, achieve environmental responsibility goals, and even generate customer appreciation by reconsidering the resources they’re using, planning better going forward, and incorporating new best practices. As experts in sustainability from food procurement, menu management, and facilities planning and design, we know that waste has many facets. Implementing new practices, getting buy-in from everyone involved, applying the right technology tools, and keeping processes from slipping backward requires focus, knowledge, and will. It also requires a strategy. "An effective strategy requires a statement (including waste) that includes a process and understanding of all facets. We’ve repeatedly found that a multi-stakeholder approach - rather than a top-down list - provides a more holistic, longer-lasting, and sustainable approach." Reducing waste should be a key part of any company's Sustainability Plan, whether your focus is principally on climate, real estate usage, biodiversity, or water conservation. "Reducing waste makes sense from any perspective as often this can be a less complex puzzle to solve and show you a route to immediate cost savings too.” Your plan should include key ways to reduce waste through your company's procurement and supply chain strategy, realistic real estate programming that allows for multi-use spaces, building systems that are synergistic, and food service spaces (and education) that supports healthy dining. ” Education is a key part of this entire conundrum. Only together, as we create momentum, we can share the science and the facts, and encourage our leaders, colleagues, stakeholders, our families, and through education and influence drive and build momentum for change.” As we emerge from COVID and all the supply chain challenges it created, procurement managers are understandably hesitant to be lean for fear of not getting what they need when they need it. But procurement should always be working closely with operations, and operators need to be more flexible than they have been in the past. No one, on either end of that partnership, should assume that what was true before remains the same today or into the future for that matter. It’s no surprise to anyone in the business that food sourcing, receiving, and handling affect your facility planning and layout (and vice versa). As we plan for new demand rates with more people working from home and a new variety of expected programming, let’s not have our facilities dictate what we can serve, how much, and how much is wasted. Short of changing our facilities’ design altogether, many tweaks in service can support healthy eating, profitable operations, and ongoing customer satisfaction. Operators and facilities managers can reduce waste by jointly reconsidering programming and planning real estate for all-day parts and blended uses. Flexibility allows for unused real estate that adds to a company’s carbon footprint, with its additional utilities and maintenance services that may not be needed. "Into the future, especially in sectors such as corporate offices or bricks and mortar retail, real estate footprint requirements may well reduce, and some think significantly, therefore re-purposing this real estate rather than mothballing will be a more attractive opportunity for real estate owners." When we have the opportunity again to plan new spaces or reimagine existing ones, there are so many new technologies and space planning ideas to reduce waste and costs! Facilities and spaces with high utility usage such as kitchens, foodservice operations, landscaping, workspace areas, common/amenity areas, and meeting spaces can benefit from equipment that lowers a company’s environmental footprint and minimizes wasted resources. In addition, spaces that can be shared lowers the amount of real estate necessary. "But let’s get back to the basics if we want to really make an impact. Things that we can all do every day - turn the lights off, the air conditioning when you don’t need it, separate your waste, don’t over-order, consume only what you need, recycle, and re-use.” In addition to better planning of occupied spaces, better planning of receiving and loading docks to quickly receive and store food for less spoilage, as well as handle trash, compost, and recyclables efficiently and effectively, can yield great savings. 10 Tips to Make a Difference: Commit to or improve your ESG goals and commitments You will need to secure your leadership buy-in and support Establish commitments beyond principles but investments too Memorialize and communicate your commitment to all of your stakeholders Create a clear plan and achievable steppingstones Engage with your people (leadership, teams, suppliers, customers) Include the simple things (we don’t need to overcomplicate this) Measure your success factors Share your results (and garner advocates, and evangelists) Make an IMPACT and lead CHANGE We hope this article helps you navigate through your journey and achieve your ESG goals. We know it's not easy, it's complicated, and for many confusing - that's why we created Sustainability Simplified© - to help organizations navigate the journey and make an impact - because doing the right thing is simply the right thing to do! Helene York Sustainability, Supply Chain, Innovation Helene York leads 4xi’s Sustainability Simplified practice supporting organizations on the intersect of procurement, sustainability, and ESG strategy. Helene was formerly with Compass Group, Google, and ISS Guckenheimer. Helene and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Helene download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at helene@4xiconsulting.com Melanie Corey-Ferrini, NCARB, FCSI Architect, Design, Strategy & Innovation Melanie Corey-Ferrini leads 4xi’s Design4Life practice focused on physical, environment, and experiential design centered around people, place, purpose, and the possibilities for the future of the human experience. Melanie and the entire team at 4xi are here to help you drive positive change and impact. To learn more about Melanie download her BIO, or you can contact her directly at melanie@4xiconsulting.com 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