Digital transformations often leave employees feeling overwhelmed, but strong people skills can support team members.

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Agility, experimentation and empathy are key to successful digital transformations, says Isaac Sacolick, president of StarCIO, in his book Digital Trailblazer: Essential Lessons to Jumpstart Transformation and Accelerate Your Technology Leadership. And leaders who develop these people skills have the upper hand. Digital transformation initiatives require a balance between discipline and innovation. To cultivate the latter, IT leaders should encourage employees to build time into their schedules to experiment. That experimentation is key to gaining valuable insights that can lead to success.

Here, Sacolick offers tips on how to support agility with feedback, encourage experimentation and build empathy.

How can IT leaders ensure their digital transformation strategies are agile?

Isaac Sacolick: It starts with communications and making sure your team, your stakeholders — people who are funding what you’re working on — understand what your objective is.

I think a lot in terms of the terminology we use for software.

I think about putting something out as quickly as I can so that I can get feedback. Feedback gives me the room to realign priorities. It gives me the room to realize that I’ve underinvested in a feature, or I have to invest more in a feature, or I implemented something the wrong way.

I’m using that as a way to get feedback to say:

I bring that all the way to the sprint level. I go to every single team — regardless of how Agile or how Scrum-like they are — and I say to them: What do we think we can get done over the next sprint? I’m going to get to the end of the sprint. I’m going to do my retrospective. I’m going to readjust and pivot what my expectations are for the next sprint.

I could do it at the macro-vision level. We could do it at release level, based on customer feedback. I could do it at the sprint level, based on how well the team is performing and whether we’re making our commitments.

The heart of being agile is being able to do it at [all] levels.

What can an IT leader do to create an environment of safety and trust that encourages experimentation?

Isaac Sacolick

Sacolick: The universal thing I’m looking for is room in people’s calendar to be able to experiment. That’s one of the issues when we talk about how we measure somebody’s performance today.

One of the things I’m going to look at is: Did you experiment? What did you do that was a reasonable question around what you’re experimenting with, that you take reasonable risk precautions when you designed that experiment.

I think we want to experiment frequently. I think we want feedback frequently. What we’re trying to ask people is: What did you learn from your experiment?

That’s the culture leaders have to bring in:

What can IT leaders do to encourage empathy within their teams?

Sacolick: I honestly don’t think any of us put enough attention to this until COVID-19 hit — the side of empathy and realizing what it means to work with individuals. How people on your team are showing up today, versus yesterday, versus next week, and being able to understand that they have things that are going on in their lives.

[Recognize that] there isn’t one right answer. There are lots of different ways to look at a problem.

Empathy is realizing that someone on your team is going to look at what you’re trying to accomplish from a different set of principles and values. Some will be vocal about it to the point where they’re perceived as detractors. Some are going to sit and not say anything until something’s too late, and then start asking questions.

An empathetic, diverse leader is going to realize that there’s a time when I need to bring my team together to listen and learn. I need them to hear that we’re going to make some decisions going forward.

But those decisions are never final or written in stone.

Editor’s note: Responses were edited for length and clarity.

Guilliean Pacheco is an associate site editor covering CIO strategy, digital transformation and sustainability in tech. Before joining TechTarget, she was a freelance writer and copy editor.

Amazon sellers are typically surrounded by a variety of queries, ranging from broad ones like “what is the difference between Amazon Seller Central and Amazon Vendor Central?” to more specific niche questions like “what does Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) mean?”. While both programs are designed to help businesses sell on Amazon, they have different features, benefits, and requirements. In this blog, we will deep dive into both Seller & Vendor Central platforms and try to answer all your queries.

What is Amazon Seller Central?

It is a platform often used by brands & merchants to establish a brand connection with customers on Amazon. As a third-party (3P) seller, you can sell, manage, ship, and optimize client orders on your own by signing up for an account on Amazon Seller Central.

How to become an Amazon Seller?

Amazon Seller Central offers Individual Plans & Professional Plans under its umbrella. With the individual plan, there is a starting price of $0.99 for each item sold, while for the professional plan, there is a monthly minimum of $39.99. 

Learn more about the features offered under the plans, ‍

When it comes to fulfilling customer orders, sellers can either manually handle all the shipments, customer service, and returns-related tasks or leverage a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The latter is commonly referred to as Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM). As a 3P seller, Amazon also provides you with the option to give all fulfillment-related tasks to Amazon. Your orders will then be taken care of by Amazon, and customers will see the tag: “Sold by Seller (Brand) XYZ and Fulfilled by Amazon’ on the product detail page. This type of partnership falls under the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program and the entire logistics-related aspects are taken care of by Amazon. 

The Amazon Fulfillment Fees vary for different products based on their Size Range, Dimension, and Per Unit Weight. For example, the fulfillment fee for a T-shirt in the “Large Standard Size” tier with measurements of 14″x10″x0.76″ and a unit weight of 12.32 oz is $5.32.

You can find out more about the estimate for your FBA fees here.

Benefits of Amazon Seller Central

Amazon Seller Central is best suited for businesses that want to manage their own inventory, set their own prices, and have control over their marketing and order management.

What is Amazon Vendor Central?

Contrary to Amazon Seller Central, it is most commonly used by distributors and manufacturers. Sellers registered under Amazon Vendor Central are referred to as First-party (1P) sellers. You can operate as a supplier and sell your goods in bulk to Amazon as a 1P seller, but you can only sign up for the Amazon Vendor Central platform by invitation. The Amazon Vendor team contacts any potential vendors they think would be a good fit for the Vendor Central Platform.

The customers will see your product tagged as ‘Sold and Fulfilled by Amazon’ on the order detail page.

How to become an Amazon Vendor?

Not everyone can access Amazon Vendor Central, seller’s eligibility is determined using certain selection criteria and algorithms. Consistently high traffic and your brand’s strong sales volume are some of those selection criteria. Amazon will only deem you fit as a potential seller if they notice that your brand is well-known, has a good conversion rate, and generates a lot of purchase orders. Seller Central might be the best platform for new Amazon sellers to start, while Vendor Central can be used when they have established themselves as a viable option in the market. The process of becoming a vendor typically begins with an email from Amazon, saying that they are interested in selling your products. After accepting the initial email they will explain how Vendor Central works and provide you with their terms & conditions for becoming a vendor.

Benefits of Amazon Vendor Central

Amazon Vendor Central is best suited for manufacturers and distributors who want to sell their products in bulk to Amazon and have Amazon manage the orders, pricing, and marketing.

Difference between Amazon Seller Central & Amazon Vendor Central

The main distinction between both programs can be made using the following points:

E-commerce fulfillment Models used by Amazon?

As an e-commerce giant, Amazon uses these models in order to manage and deliver customer orders properly and timely.

These four types of ecommerce fulfillment models are available in the marketplace:

How can DataChannel help you with Amazon Seller & Vendor Central data?

Merchants should use DataChannel to access their Amazon Seller/ Vendor Central data as it provides a secure, reliable, and efficient way to manage and transfer their data into a single source of truth. The multiple advantages of having your Amazon Seller or Vendor data in a centralized data warehouse are:

Overall, DataChannel provides a powerful solution for all types of enterprises looking to access and manage their Amazon Seller and Vendor Central data. Also, DataChannel can help provide sellers a more flexible and customizable solution that ensures data quality & scalability when it comes to managing and analyzing data. If you have any questions regarding our integration with Amazon Seller/ Vendor Central API, reach out to us here or schedule a demo call today.

For every Super Bowl, I rank the 44 starters in the game to see if that can help get a gauge on where the game is heading. In the past, I’ve done 46 starters to include the nickel corners. But they are now full-fledged starters in the NFL, so the third linebacker isn’t getting graded as we prepare for Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs and Eagles this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

Based on my analysis, the Kansas City Chiefs have the top stars but, on paper, in terms of my top-10 players, the game looks even. Each team has five players in my top 10, with the Chiefs having the top three.

More on Super Bowl

Those three at the top are quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Eagles‘ top-ranked player is center Jason Kelce, who is fourth on my list. That means the Kelce family has two of the top-four players in the game. That’s simply amazing.

If we dive deeper into the numbers, the Eagles have 12 of the top 20 players, with three of their offensive linemen in the top 14. They are Jason Kelce, right tackle Lane Johnson at No. 5 and left tackle Jordan Mailata at No. 15. The other two starters, guards Isaac Seumalo and Landon Dickerson are both inside the top 26 in the game, which shows just how good that line is for the Eagles.

While the Chiefs have Jones at No. 3 and pass rusher Frank Clark at No. 18 from their defensive line, the other two defensive line starters are at the bottom of the rankings. They are defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and defensive end George Karlaftis. They both have to be better than they’ve played this season, with Nnadi needing to come up big against the run, if the Chiefs are to slow the Eagles. 

If the Eagles front vs. the Chiefs defensive line decides this game, the Eagles should win. But we know how stars can change that, which is why the Chiefs having the top three players in the game, including Mahomes, balances that out. The game is close to a pick ’em for a reason, at least according to the ranking of the players.

In today’s technology-driven world, businesses and organizations need to constantly innovate and optimize their IT infrastructure to stay ahead of the competition. Enter the Pacheco Formula, a pioneering approach to IT solutions and technology optimization. This article will delve into the core principles of this groundbreaking formula, provide insights into its applications, and explore the potential benefits it offers for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Table of Contents

1. Core Principles of the Pacheco Formula
2. Applications of the Pacheco Formula
3. Benefits of Implementing the Pacheco Formula
4. Case Studies of the Pacheco Formula in Action
5. Challenges and Limitations of the Pacheco Formula
6. Conclusion: The Future of IT Solutions and Technology Optimization

Core Principles of the Pacheco Formula

The Pacheco Formula is based on three fundamental principles that form the foundation of successful IT solutions and technology optimization. These principles serve as guiding frameworks for businesses and organizations as they work toward improving their IT infrastructure and processes.

Applications of the Pacheco Formula

The versatile nature of the Pacheco Formula allows for its application in various aspects of IT solutions and technology optimization. The following are some key areas where this formula can be employed:

• IT Infrastructure Management: The Pacheco Formula can be utilized to streamline IT infrastructure management by promoting collaboration between teams, adopting data-driven strategies, and continuously refining processes to enhance performance.
• Software Development and Deployment: The Pacheco Formula encourages a collaborative and data-driven approach to software development and deployment, while ensuring that software products are flexible to accommodate changes in the future.
• IT Security and Compliance: The Pacheco Formula can be applied to improving IT security and compliance by promoting data-driven strategies to identify vulnerabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation to stay ahead of evolving threats.
• Cloud Computing: As organizations increasingly migrate to cloud-based systems, the Pacheco Formula plays a key role in optimizing cloud computing strategies by promoting collaboration and integration of cloud services, and employing data-driven decision-making to optimize resources and ensure security.

Benefits of Implementing the Pacheco Formula

Businesses and organizations that implement the Pacheco Formula can expect a wide range of potential benefits, including:

• Increased Efficiency and Productivity: By streamlining IT processes and adopting a collaborative approach, organizations can achieve higher levels of efficiency and productivity.
• Cost Savings: The Pacheco Formula’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement enables organizations to reduce unnecessary expenses and optimize resource allocation.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: Implementing the Pacheco Formula helps organizations stay ahead of evolving threats and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Future-Proof Solutions: Incorporating the Pacheco Formula into IT solutions ensures that organizations remain adaptive and resilient to changes in technology and industry trends.

Case Studies of the Pacheco Formula in Action

The Pacheco Formula has been successfully applied in various industries and organizations. Here are a few case studies showcasing its effectiveness:

1. Financial Services: A major financial institution implemented the Pacheco Formula across its IT infrastructure and software development processes. This led to a significant reduction in operational costs, more agile development processes, and enhanced security and compliance.
2. Manufacturing: A global manufacturing company adopted the Pacheco Formula in its IT management and technology optimization efforts. The organization experienced increased efficiency, better collaboration among IT teams, and streamlined operations.
3. Healthcare: A large healthcare organization leveraged the Pacheco Formula to optimize its IT infrastructure and electronic health record (EHR) systems. The result was a more efficient EHR system, improved patient data security, and streamlined internal IT processes.

Challenges and Limitations of the Pacheco Formula

Despite its proven success, the Pacheco Formula is not without its challenges and limitations:

• Cultural Shift: Implementing the Pacheco Formula across an organization may require a significant cultural shift to embrace collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. This can be a challenging process for some teams and individuals.
• Resource Constraints: Adopting the Pacheco Formula may require significant investment in resources, such as new tools, software, and employee training. Organizations facing budget constraints may find it difficult to implement the formula fully.
• Complexity: The Pacheco Formula’s emphasis on integration and collaboration may lead to increased complexity in IT processes and systems. Proper planning and change management strategies are essential to mitigate this complexity.

Conclusion: The Future of IT Solutions and Technology Optimization

The Pacheco Formula offers a pioneering approach to IT solutions and technology optimization, which can equip businesses and organizations with the tools and strategies needed to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive technology landscape. Embracing the core principles of collaboration, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making can result in significant efficiency gains, cost savings, and enhanced security and compliance. To maximize the benefits and overcome the challenges of implementing the Pacheco Formula, organizations must commit to fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, and invest in the necessary resources, training, and tools.

Patrick Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP in Chiefs’ comeback over Eagles

Patrick Mahomes and his ailing right ankle are headed for a Super Bowl victory parade.

After aggravating the sprained ankle he suffered three weeks ago Sunday, the All-Pro quarterback led the Kansas City Chiefs to a thrilling 38-35 come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia Eagles to hoist his second Lombardi Trophy and earn Super Bowl MVP honors.

The league’s MVP finished with 182 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also had 44 yards rushing, including a 26-yard sprint with just over two minutes left in a 35-all game as Kansas City was driving for the winning score.

Harrison Butker put the Chiefs on top with his 27-yard field goal with eight seconds to go.

Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes lift Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl LVII win over the Eagles

“He’s the MVP,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said about Mahomes. “That’s all that needs to be said: MVP.”

Mahomes reinjured his ankle late in the first half when Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards spun him to the ground. He lay there before getting up and hobbling off the field in a scene reminiscent of earlier in the playoffs.

Mahomes no doubt benefited from some extra treatment thanks to a longer halftime to allow for Rhianna’s performance inside State Farm Stadium. And by the time the field was cleared of the stage, No. 15 was at the head of the pack as he led the Chiefs back to the field, facing a 24-14 deficit but knowing they would get the opening kickoff.

‘Mahomes is the MVP, that’s all that needs to be said’ — Andy Reid on the Chiefs beating the Eagles

Mahomes proceeded to march them 75 yards and Isiah Pacheco crashed into the end zone to close within 24-21. When the Eagles answered with a field goal, Mahomes led another 75-yard march and this time hit Kadarius Toney for the score.

A 65-yard punt return by Toney set up Mahomes’ four-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Skyy Moore that made it 35-27.

Mahomes’ final scoring drive was pure guts.

The Eagles had just scored and made the 2-point conversion to knot the game 35-all with 5:15 left. Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster for a first down, then hit Travis Kelce, before his long run got Kansas City into field-goal range. The Chiefs benefited from a defensive holding call on third-and-8, then got down to the goal line before killing the clock and sending Butker onto the field for the winner.

Mahomes’ ankle was a big question mark for the AFC championship game, when he only had a week to recover from the initial injury sustained in the divisional round against Jacksonville. But he insisted this week that he felt good on it, and Reid likewise said his star quarterback had no limitations for the Super Bowl.

Mahomes was moving around well in the first half Sunday, too. He scrambled for a big gain on Kansas City’s opening series and was doing a good job of buying time against the NFL’s top-ranked team in sacks this season.

Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes dazzles with three TDs in Super Bowl LVII victory over Eagles

Then came the fateful series, when the Chiefs were trying to match a touchdown that gave the Eagles a 21-14 lead.

Mahomes was flushed from the pocket, stepped forward and scrambled to his left, then Edwards lassoed him and spun him to the ground. Mahomes lay there for a moment with his facemask buried in the turf before getting to his feet and hobbling to the sideline in a near-carbon copy of the image from three weeks ago at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes returned after halftime to lead the Chiefs to victory that night.

He did the same thing on the game’s biggest stage Sunday.

Reporting done by The Associated Press.

Jeremy Renner’s family have been keeping a vigil at the Avengers’ actor’s bedside after his horrific snow plow accident.

The 51 year old Hawkeye star, who has been a part of the Marvel franchise and films for more than a decade, is in critical condition in hospital.

Thankfully stable, the actor’s family are said to be keeping watch until he is out of the danger zone.

Jeremy became injured during an accident while he was attempting to plow snow outside his home in Lake Tahoe over the new year’s period.

Police were called to the star’s property in the remote location on Sunday 31 December 2022.

The whole area had been visited by an intense storm that left Jeremy faced with having to shovel 5ft of snow.

35,000 people were left without power in Lake Tahoe, and winds had also caused damage to neighbouring properties.

Jeremy was airlifted to hospital following the accident, with police describing it as being “weather-related”, and he was alone at the time.

According to Daily Mail, the star’s spokesperson released a statement confirming he is surrounded by loved ones.

“We can confirm Jeremy is in critical but stable condition with injuries suffered after experiencing a weather related accident while plowing snow earlier today,” it read.

“His family is with him and he is receiving excellent care.”

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Kristin Vietti also said: “Upon arrival, deputies coordinated with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and REMSA Health to arrange for medical transport of Jeremy Renner via care flight to a local area hospital.”

Only weeks earlier, Jeremy tweeted about the immense amount of snow on his ranch.

“Lake Tahoe snowfall is no joke,” he said at the time.

What’s more, the star has posted various snaps of him gearing up to his snow ploughs in the past, and has shown fans various images of his huge mansion countryside home knee deep in the powder.

At times, the actor has had to shovel it simply to gain access to his front door.

Jeremy shares one daughter, named Ava, with his ex-wife and Canadian model Sonni Pacheco.

The pair married in January 2014 but Sonni filed for divorce less than a year later and cited “irreconcilable differences”.