Category: Business

BusinessStartups

How Customer Listening Strategy Landed Little Spoon in 1,800+ Target Locations

After losing a major Whole Foods deal in 2015, Little Spoon’s founders built a direct-to-consumer empire before strategically entering retail. Their customer listening strategy identified unmet needs that resulted in Target’s largest food and beverage launch across 1,800+ locations.

When Little Spoon co-founders Ben Lewis and Angela Vranich lost a significant Whole Foods Market deal in 2015, they could have viewed it as a devastating setback. Instead, they told Inc. it became “the best thing that ever happened to them,” forcing them to build a robust direct-to-consumer business that would eventually position them for unprecedented retail success.

The Strategic Pivot From DTC to Retail Expansion

by Ethan Reynolds PhD
Arts and EntertainmentBusiness

PepsiCo’s AI Strategy: Owning Core Processes While Leveraging External Technology

PepsiCo’s Chief Strategy Officer reveals how the company buys AI tools while demanding influence over vendor roadmaps. The beverage giant maintains ownership of core AI-augmented processes while leveraging external technology partnerships for scale and innovation.

As enterprises worldwide accelerate their artificial intelligence adoption, PepsiCo has developed a distinctive approach that balances external technology acquisition with internal process ownership. The company’s strategy, articulated by Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Dr. Athina Kanioura at Salesforce Dreamforce 2025, emphasizes owning core AI-augmented processes while strategically partnering with technology providers.

The Core Philosophy: Own the Process, Influence the Technology

by Megan Carter
AcquisitionsBusiness

Frank McCourt’s Pursuit of TikTok Acquisition: A Deep Dive into the Ongoing Bid and Regulatory Hurdles

Billionaire investor Frank McCourt remains committed to his vision of acquiring TikTok, citing unresolved national security concerns and incomplete deal details. In a recent interview on CNN’s Terms of Service podcast, he highlighted the complexities of the sale amid geopolitical jockeying between the U.S. and China.

Billionaire investor Frank McCourt is steadfast in his ambition to acquire TikTok, despite the swirling uncertainties surrounding the platform’s future in the United States. In a revealing discussion on CNN‘s Terms of Service podcast, McCourt emphasized that publicly available information on the potential sale is insufficient to address critical issues, such as national security risks. His comments come at a time when the TikTok deal remains in limbo, caught in the crossfire of U.S.-China trade disputes and competition over resources like rare-earth materials. This article delves into McCourt’s motivations, the broader implications for digital sovereignty, and how his Project Liberty initiative aims to redefine internet infrastructure.

McCourt’s Critique of the TikTok Sale Process

by Megan Carter
BusinessPersonal Finance

Wells Fargo’s Strong Earnings Signal Major Turnaround with Higher Profit Targets

Wells Fargo shares surged over 7% as the bank reported better-than-expected third-quarter results and raised its key profitability target. The bank’s transformation under CEO Charlie Scharf appears to be gaining momentum with improved investment banking performance and strategic initiatives driving growth.

Wells Fargo delivered a powerful response to its critics with better-than-expected third-quarter earnings that sent shares surging more than 7% and demonstrated significant progress in the bank’s multi-year transformation. The San Francisco-based lender reported total revenue of $21.44 billion, beating analyst expectations, while raising its medium-term profitability targets in a clear signal of confidence in its strategic direction.

Earnings Performance Exceeds Expectations

by Megan Carter
BusinessTransportation and Logistics

UPS Tariff Disputes: Customers Face Erroneous Russian Aluminum Charges and Shipping Delays

Multiple UPS customers report being charged 200% Russian aluminum tariffs on shipments containing no aluminum. Packages face extended delays, with some marked for destruction while customers struggle to resolve billing errors.

Multiple UPS customers are reporting significant tariff classification errors affecting shipments to the United States, with many being incorrectly charged the 200% Russian aluminum duty rate for goods containing no aluminum. The shipping giant faces growing complaints about erroneous billing, package delays, and communication challenges as customers struggle to resolve these costly mistakes.

Widespread Tariff Misclassification Issues

by Megan Carter
BusinessEconomy and Trading

US Banking Giants See Deal Boom Amid Asset Bubble Warnings – Q3 Analysis

** Major US banks including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs posted strong investment banking results fueled by record equity markets and dealmaking activity. However, executives cautioned about asset price bubbles forming amid investor exuberance and geopolitical risks.

Wall Street Banks Post Strong Q3 Performance Amid Economic Resilience

Top U.S. banking institutions reported robust third-quarter earnings, driven by a significant surge in investment banking revenue and sustained consumer financial health. Despite ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, banks benefited from resilient economic conditions and record-high equity markets. Goldman Sachs recorded a remarkable 42% jump in investment banking revenue, while JPMorgan Chase saw a 16% increase in fees, reflecting heightened activity in mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets. Wells Fargo and Citigroup also delivered solid performances, underscoring a broad-based recovery in Wall Street operations.

by Megan Carter