July Insights – The Largest Data Breach in History, Tips For Better AI Prompts, and Protecting Your Team From The Infinite Workday

Happy July, friends.

Summer is in full swing, and like many of you, Iโ€™m taking a bit more family time these days: working from home a little more often, but still fully supporting our clients and making sure you have the support you need.

This monthโ€™s newsletter covers a record-breaking data breach, how to get more out of AI tools with smarter prompts, and why leaders should protect their teams from the โ€œinfinite workday.โ€ Weโ€™re also shining a spotlight on the inspiring Pay It Backward Foundation and their mission to help people pay kindness forward.

Enjoy the read, and enjoy the sunshine!


Michael

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Cybersecurity / Technology Articles

In late June, a huge credential-stealing malware campaign exposed billions of passwords, impacting accounts with Google, Apple, Meta, and more. Itโ€™s another stark reminder that no company, or individual, is immune to cyber threats. Personally, Iโ€™m a big believer in using strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication wherever possible. These basics still go a long way in protecting your data, even when the big players get breached.

Largest Data Breach in History: Apple, Google, and Meta Passwords Reporedly Among 16 Billion Stolen in Massive Hack

OpenAIโ€™s ChatGPT and Googleโ€™s Gemini are going head-to-head in the battle for AI dominance, with billions of dollars and countless users on the line. Itโ€™s fascinating to watch these tech giants push the boundaries of what AI can do, even though it raises questions about ethics, privacy, and how fast things are moving. The article also offers some helpful tips on writing clearer, more effective prompts: a skill worth honing as AI becomes part of everyday work. Just remember never to input confidential or sensitive data… AI is powerful, but itโ€™s not a vault.

One Tech Tip: Get The Most Out of ChatGPT And Other AI Chatbots With Better Prompts

Leadership & Personal Growth

Microsoft takes a hard look at how our workdays have quietly expanded into โ€œalways-onโ€ territory. With so many people blending work and personal commitments throughout the day, the lines have blurred; and not always for the better. Iโ€™ll admit, Iโ€™m guilty of putting in time after hours myself, but I would never expect my team to follow suit. Technology can give us flexibility, but we still need to protect boundaries so work doesnโ€™t take over every hour.

Breaking Down The Infinite Workday

This piece is a great reminder that change is inevitable, but confusion doesnโ€™t have to be. Iโ€™ve always believed that when the world shifts, your team needs you to stay steady and communicate a clear path forward. If you can bring confidence and clarity, youโ€™ll help people adapt and keep moving instead of getting stuck. I found this article valuable, and I think you might, too. Itโ€™s worth a read if youโ€™re looking to strengthen your leadership in uncertain times.

3 Ways to Lead Through Change

Partner Spotlight – The Pay It Backward Foundation

This month, weโ€™re highlighting the incredible work of Pay It Backward Foundation, led by our friend Ray Kuik, owner of Q Power. Their mission is all about helping people who have the heart to give but not always the means; empowering everyday generosity with practical support and community. We love seeing how they champion kindness and create opportunities for people to pay forward the help they once received. Their 7th annual Forever Not Forgotten Golf Tournament will take place on July 23 in support with Siloam Mission and MMIWG. For more information about Pay It Backward Foundation, visit their website linked below.

Pay It Backward Foundation