Author: fyclabs

Leading with Empathy: Why It’s Essential for Effective Leadership in Today’s Business World

Effective Leadership in Business

The Benefits of Empathetic Leadership

 

Leading with empathy has numerous benefits for both employees and leaders. Philip Lorenzo, FYC Labs COO, highlights:

 

“The crucial aspect to consider when dealing with employees facing performance challenges is understanding their perspective. It’s not just about labeling them as underperforming but rather delving into the root causes behind their performance issues. We should ask questions like: Is it related to client issues? Are they encountering frequent obstacles? Identifying the underlying causes and approaching it with empathy is the key.”

 

One of the primary benefits of an empathetic leadership style is that it can positively impact employee motivation and productivity. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued by their leaders, they are more likely to feel invested in their work and be motivated to perform their best.

 

“It’s also important to distinguish between chronic underperformance and temporary setbacks,” says Philip Lorenzo. “For short-term underperformance, a candid conversation to understand the situation can be immensely helpful. By taking this approach, we can humanely address the issue and offer support. We can also provide necessary resources to help the employee improve or even provide them with a break if needed. We have a flexible approach, including an unlimited PTO policy for full-time employees, to ensure our team members have the time and space to address personal matters.”

 

Empathetic leaders can also improve workplace communication and collaboration by creating an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This fosters a sense of trust and openness, leading to better teamwork and increased creativity.

On the other hand, if underperformance persists over an extended period, Philip Lorenzo suggests:

 

“We adhere to our standard protocol of progressive discipline, which may lead to termination. However, given our size and flexibility, we also explore alternative solutions for chronic issues. Our quarterly reviews provide opportunities for employees and contractors to receive feedback and adjust their work to enhance performance. If someone is genuinely trying to improve but struggling due to a steep learning curve, we consider repositioning them to areas where they excel. This allows them to regain their confidence before attempting the challenge again. Our goal is to support and uplift our team members. This means helping them return to their strengths and perform at their best.”

 

Additionally, empathetic leaders can help identify and address potential conflicts before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and workplace tension. Overall, leading with empathy can help create a positive work culture that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.

 

Navigating Challenges with Compassion

 

One of the challenges is balancing empathy with decision-making. Leaders must make tough decisions that may not always align with the needs or desires of their employees. In these situations, an empathetic leader must balance their compassion for their employees with the needs of the organization. Another challenge is dealing with conflict and difficult situations.

 

“Empathetic leaders must navigate conflict in a way that shows compassion for all parties involved while finding a resolution that works for everyone,” advises Philip Lorenzo. “This requires active listening, emotional intelligence, and the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes. Empathetic leaders must also be willing to have difficult conversations, even when they are uncomfortable, to address and resolve issues in a productive and empathetic manner.”

 

Empathetic leaders must also be willing to have difficult conversations, even when they are uncomfortable, to address and resolve issues in a productive and empathetic manner.

 

The Power of Self-Awareness and Active Listening

 

Developing empathy in leadership requires intentional effort and practice. One way to cultivate empathy is by developing self-awareness. Leaders who are self-aware understand their own thoughts, feelings, and biases, which can help them understand others better. They can recognize when their own emotions or experiences may be clouding their judgment, which allows them to approach situations with a more open mind.

Philip Lorenzo emphasizes:

 

“Another important skill for developing empathy is improving active listening skills. Active listening involves being fully present in a conversation, paying attention to nonverbal cues, and asking thoughtful questions. When leaders actively listen to their employees, they are better able to understand their perspectives and concerns. This can help build trust and create a more empathetic work culture.”

 

By intentionally practicing self-awareness and active listening, leaders can develop their empathetic leadership skills and create a more positive work environment.

 

Building a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace Culture

 

Incorporating empathy into workplace culture involves creating an environment where employees feel supported and valued. One way to do this is by encouraging open communication. Leaders can create opportunities for employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns in a safe and supportive space. This can be done through regular one-on-one meetings, team-building activities, or employee feedback surveys. When employees feel like their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. They are more likely to feel invested in their work and motivated to perform their best.

Philip Lorenzo’s insights conclude:

 

“Additionally, leaders can incorporate empathy into workplace culture by modeling empathetic behavior themselves. When leaders show compassion for their employees and make an effort to understand their perspectives, it sets the tone for the rest of the organization to follow. By creating a culture of empathy and open communication, leaders can foster a positive and productive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.”

 

Empathy can also positively impact employee motivation and productivity. Improved workplace communication and collaboration are other positives that come with it. Empathetic leaders can manage conflict and difficult situations better. By intentionally practicing empathy and incorporating it into workplace culture, leaders can create a positive work environment. That benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. Ultimately, empathetic leadership can improve organizational performance, enhance employee well-being, and promote long-term success.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.

Unlocking AI’s Potential for Small Businesses: A Guide for CTOs

Proprietary data and embeddings

In the dynamic world of technology that is constantly evolving, small businesses are increasingly looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. If you’re a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of a small business, you’re in a pivotal position to steer your company toward success by strategically implementing AI. This blog explores the myriad opportunities AI offers and how it can revolutionize your business operations. From leveraging proprietary data and embeddings to simplifying complex forms and using code completion tools, we’ll dive deep into the practical applications of AI that can make a substantial impact on your organization. Join us on this journey as we unravel the dynamic thread of AI in the grand tapestry of business evolution.

In this post, Founder and CEO/CTO of FYC Labs Justin Fortier talks about five concrete steps you can immediately take to leverage AI effectively and bring your business to the next level.

Effective team building strategies for retaining top talent

The Dynamic Duo of Proprietary Data and AI

 

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a game-changing trend is taking center stage: the fusion of domain-specific knowledge with Chat GPT. If you’ve previously collected precious proprietary data through your application or you have crafted a data aggregator, this data can be reused for content creation purposes. Think dozens super super-optimized landing pages that take your domain knowledge to the next level created in minutes, not months.

The powerful new approach comes with using AI to add depth and character to your content beyond mere statistics and data dumps. It’s no longer sufficient to merely present the data. Now, we’re diving deeper by combining your proprietary data with a touch of AI magic. That crafts content that’s richer and more valuable for your users. The ultimate goal? Gaining a competitive edge in the ever-important SEO landscape, all while sticking to the best practices that drive you forward.

The goal is not just to produce new pages. To truly thrive, you should master the art of proper SEO structures and ensure seamless indexing, along with employing the right tagging techniques. By adopting these invaluable practices, you can set your business on a trajectory toward success.

 

Embeddings and String Matching

 

AI and Chat GPT are more than just tools for creating chatbots. They go far beyond simple prompt and response interactions. Diving into the world of vectors and embeddings can open up many possibilities. Think of embeddings as mathematical representations of content, phrases, quotes, summaries, etc.

By understanding embeddings, you can venture into the realm of content comparison, offering exciting opportunities for matchmaking applications. Utilizing OpenAI’s open API to create these embeddings empowers your application to perform captivating matchmaking tasks, especially for two-sided marketplaces seeking to connect buyers and sellers. It presents a powerful opportunity to harness the full potential of AI’s capabilities.

           

Embrace the Diverse Opportunities

 

OpenAI is undoubtedly the prominent language model, widely known for its convenience and ubiquity, making it highly accessible. However, it’s essential to recognize that other platforms have also made significant strides in the field of language models. If you are looking to browse over language models, check out Tensor Hub. It serves as an open-source AI model repository, offering a plethora of language models for anyone to access and utilize.

OpenAI’s achievements have sparked curiosity among many about these large language models. The best part? You don’t need to feel overwhelmed to collect vast amounts of data to train your custom models. With these pre-trained models readily available, your journey becomes smoother and more efficient.

Tensor Hub houses a rich collection of models, just waiting for you to experiment and delve into their capabilities. So, consider venturing beyond OpenAI and embrace the diverse opportunities awaiting you in the realm of accessible language models.

 

Leveraging AI Completions to Simplify Cumbersome Forms

 

One valuable aspect of our approach involves helping your users within the app through completions. Integrating completions is easy and can significantly enhance your application’s functionality. By leveraging pre-existing context data, we assist users in generating descriptions and swiftly navigating through complex forms. Imagine effortlessly inputting your company’s name, industry, and years in business, and watch as a description for your business is automatically generated, simplifying the process for filling out cumbersome forms.

With AI, we can reduce the friction associated with numerous long-form entries. By analyzing previous answers, the AI predicts and pre-fills subsequent form fields, creating a seamless flow for users to complete the required information. This innovative approach has proven to be incredibly beneficial for our clients, especially those with substantial projects or business descriptions to detail.

Navigating surveys can often lead to survey fatigue. However, with the help of completions powered by OpenAI, using their OpenAI SDK, JavaScript SDK, or any of their APIs, users go through the completion process so easily. This implementation has been remarkably successful, enhancing overall user experience. We’ve witnessed firsthand how this simple integration of AI can make a world of difference in creating a better user experience for everyone involved.

 

Utilizing a Variety of Code Completion Tools

 

Back when we were all budding programmers, Stack Overflow was our daily go-to. Learning alongside fellow boot campers, we often resorted to copy-pasting code snippets from Stack Overflow during our early learning days.

As a developer, it’s easy to spot when someone has taken that approach because suddenly their coding style and variable naming conventions differ from their usual practices – a clear sign of copy-pasting.

Even now, as we utilize OpenAI or any other powerful tools, we must retain the same level of awareness we had while learning on Stack Overflow. It’s essential to verify the code we receive and not blindly accept it. We can’t just rely on AI to produce flawless code; understanding what we’re doing is still essential.

However, these AI tools do offer significant shortcuts. Take, for instance, the task of writing an algorithm to calculate compound interest. You could try to recall the formula from a finance class or search for it on Google and attempt to implement it yourself. Or you can leverage OpenAI to efficiently generate a compound interest calculator in JavaScript, saving you valuable time and effort.

The biggest advantage is that AI tools minimize the time spent on menial tasks in a quickly implemented simple algorithm. It proves a highly effective solution that shortens the overall working time on a product. However, it won’t revolutionize your architecture or offer business solutions. Understanding the problem at hand remains our task.

We’ve been benefiting from various productivity tools, such as code auto-completion and TypeScript’s ability to look up types, for quite some time. These advancements continue to make us more efficient and productive.

Over-reliance on AI can lead to errors since it’s not flawless. Human error is always a factor. There’s a risk of developing an overconfidence in the tool’s capabilities and blindly trusting it without truly comprehending what’s happening. This fear of AI centers around the concern that we might become overly dependent on its power without fully understanding its limits.

Some developers used Stack Overflow to copy-paste solutions, thinking they were proficient engineers. They ended up creating unmaintainable and unsustainable projects, which is a parallel risk with AI. If not used wisely, it can lead us to venture beyond our expertise, potentially leading to broken or malfunctioning outcomes. When employing AI to read code, caution is essential.

In the grand tapestry of business evolution, AI emerges as a dynamic thread, weaving innovation, efficiency, and growth. As you navigate this transformative landscape, embracing AI’s potential while staying grounded in your understanding will undoubtedly shape a successful path forward.

 

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Building Your Tech Stack: Essential Software Tools for a Startup’s Success

Navigating AI for Businesses: Expert Insights from FYC Labs

Meet FYC Labs CFO – Graham Peck

FYC Labs Chief Financial Officer

Graham Peck, FYC Labs Chief Financial Officer, is a technology investor and operator. He has Co-Founded or is a partner in multiple companies in the marketing, recruiting, software development, and cybersecurity industries.

In addition, Graham works as a Venture Partner with Cultivation Capital since 2019. He has helped to shape his family office’s investment committee since its inception over a decade ago. In doing this he has reviewed thousands of potential investments in the Angel/Venture Capital space including funds as well as the Real Estate sector.

Graham volunteers his time to teach the principles of government at a summer youth program sponsored by the American Legion called Illinois Premier Boys State.

Graham and his wife Mariia reside in Chicago and enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling.

Tell us a little bit more about your story with FYC. How did you meet the CEO & CTO Justin Fortier and how did you guys decide to be partners?

 

Justin and I met through a mutual friend. I expressed my interest in acquiring or investing in a custom technology development company, similar to FYC, and my friend mentioned that Justin was considering selling his company. This perfectly aligned with my interests. Justin was involved with a few startups that eventually became clients of FYC. He visited me in Chicago and during his visit, we worked together and also had a great time, solidifying our partnership.

After our first meeting, we worked on finalizing the transaction details. The process took about seven months, slightly delayed by the pandemic. I wanted to evaluate the pandemic’s impact before investing, and fortunately, it turned out to benefit FYC, leading to substantial growth.

 

Did you always aspire to have a career as CFO, or did it happen unexpectedly?

 

I have always liked technology and understood that it would play a significant role in my career. Additionally, I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers, although I didn’t necessarily assume it would be a constant factor. It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that my career has unfolded in the way it has. I have always envisioned myself as either an entrepreneur or a partner in a business, and I currently fulfill both roles. Technology has been an integral part of every company I’ve been involved with as a partner in different ways.

While my family’s business is highly technical from an engineering standpoint rather than software-related, it still involves advanced technical knowledge. I expected technology to be a substantial component, if not the predominant aspect, of my career, and it has proven to be true. As for finance, I didn’t always anticipate it being part of the equation, but considering my natural preference towards numbers, it’s not surprising that it has become a significant element. 

Being a partner responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a technology company perfectly merges these three aspects that have always been prominent in my mind.

 

What do you consider a measure of success for a small business?

 

It depends on what your definition of success is. Some small businesses dream of not being small businesses anymore. Some small businesses, depending upon the owner or partner’s desire, may be just trying to stay small for a long time. Do you want to grow your company? Or you want to grow your profits? Do you want to have a better work life balance? Some companies’ goal may be to shrink, if the owner doesn’t want to work as hard. Most of the time you’d probably sell your company or hire a general manager, CFO or CEO, to outsource that work and then take more time off, if that’s your life goal. Generally, it’s what the ownership and executive team want out of the business and then- are you headed in that direction?

What makes us successful at FYC, is the growth of our company in the past two and a half years. We provide meaningful jobs to more people now and that’s important to us. We want to keep growing and moving forward. Obviously, our partners want also our growth to be profitable. This year we took on a lot more projects where we’re joining a team basically as the co-founders.

We have joined a few companies as co-founders and we’re providing technical support and resources through the FYC team. It’s really cool to see all of that actually transforming into reality, to see that happen. I see that as a sign of success, because we identified early on that we wanted to do it. Our recipe for success is growth.

Profitability is always a struggle. But profitable growth, providing more meaningful jobs to our employees, contractors, and team members, being able to do work in exchange for equity or co-founding, to seat at the table for multiple different other client projects- that I see as a sign of success, because it was on our roadmap or goals to do that.

 

Looking back on your journey as a CFO, what is the one business tip or piece of advice you wish you had received before taking on the role?

 

There are a lot of things that I wish I knew. It’s kind of a “be careful what you wish for” to some extent. But I wish I had a little deeper understanding of how important paying attention to constant cash flow and collection was before I became a CFO. Still to this day, although I know more than I’ve ever known before, I wish I knew a little bit more about or thought a little bit more about tax-optimized business structures.

 

What sets FYC apart from other web development shops?

 

We have a fantastic team all throughout the company. Our dedicated employees excel at responding to our clients’ needs. Starting from our leadership down, we’ve always prioritized client delivery. Our team does an exceptional job of being empathetic and thoroughly understanding our clients’ needs. This empathetic view and approach are instrumental in delivering what our clients are looking for.

 

Can you give us some insights about the phrase “This was the best week of my life” written on your hands?

 

As part of the “Dear World” project, I had my picture taken at an after-party for Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal in November 2016. The project involves writing a word or phrase on your body to encourage conversations. My picture captures the incredible experience of my first international trip.

In September 2016, I took my first international trip to Kazan, Russia with a layover in Helsinki, Finland. The purpose of the trip was to conduct due diligence on a US company that had an office in Kazan, as a potential acquisition. Although the deal ultimately didn’t go through, I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people. Until today, I still keep in touch with them. This trip sparked my love for international travel, which has only continued to grow since then.

Connect with Graham on LinkedIn!

Meet FYC Labs Founder and CEO/CTO Justin Fortier!

Meet FYC Labs Chief Operations Officer Phillip Lorenzo!

Building Your Tech Stack: Essential Software Tools for a Startup’s Success

Tech Stack - Software Tools

In today’s digital age, technology plays an essential role in the success of any startup. As a result, building a strong and effective tech stack is crucial for a company’s growth and sustainability. The right combination of software tools can streamline business operations, increase productivity, and improve communication and collaboration within a team. However, with the abundance of options available in the market, choosing the right tools can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss the essential software tools that startups should consider incorporating into their tech stack to enhance their chances of success.

In order to successfully run a business, you need to rely on a tailored set of software tools that are specific to the size and stage of your company. While there is no universal stack that can be applied across all businesses, it is essential to identify the appropriate software for each phase of the business. In this post we are going to talk about the essential software tools for a startup’s success.

FYC Labs’ Founder and CEO/CTO Justin Fortier shares his preferred tech stack for a small business:

When it comes to running a business, I have a tailored stack for businesses of different sizes. One software cannot fit all, so it’s crucial to use the right tools for each business phase.

In the startup phase

For a team of one or two, the essential tools are Trello, Asana for basic to-do lists, and Notion for organizing content and writing. Notion is also great for sharing notes and memos with potential investors and incorporating charts, tables, and surveys.

As the business matures

With enough capital, organization, and employees, it’s time to bring in more sophisticated project management tools like ClickUp or Asana. Remote teams can incorporate Slack or Telegram, while Mac users can use Mac Messenger. Spark is a useful email tool for keeping all your emails in one place. Figma and Proto IO are excellent for prototyping, and Canva is great for creating marketing materials.

For a full-blown project management system

ClickUp or Jira is ideal, while Toggle is useful for time tracking. Quickbooks is an excellent choice for accounting, with a robust ecosystem of accountants, bookkeepers, and freelancers available for help. Solo entrepreneurs can opt for Fresh Books, and Air Table is perfect for keeping track of data, cataloging employees, and creating organization charts.

 

WordPress is still the king of website tech stacks, with many excellent plugins available. Bootstrap is an ideal CSS framework for coding faster, with responsive predefined classes. Bootstrap is also ADA compliant, making it easy to find developers who use it. React is perfect for front-end development, for both mobile and web applications, while GraphQL and Expres are popular choices for back-ends. Typescript is a great option, as it prevents type errors.

Javascript is an ideal language for front and back-end coding, with the same language working for both. A full-stack developer is one who can do front-end and back-end coding, and some infrastructure work like cloud setup and low-level Linux in shell scripting. A full-stack developer who can do everything across the board is highly sought after in the industry.”

Here’s a breakdown of different types of software stack:

 

1. Project Management Software

Firstly, startups should consider investing in project management tools to ensure efficient workflow and task delegation. These tools provide a centralized platform for team members to collaborate, assign tasks, and monitor project progress. They also enable teams to work remotely, stay on track with deadlines, and eliminate the need for endless email threads or in-person meetings. By integrating a CRM tool, startups can enhance customer satisfaction, track sales activities, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior to improve their products or services. Check out:

  • Trello
  • Asana
  • Miro
  • Notion
  • Monday
  • Wrike
  • Jira
  • ClickUp
  • Celoxis
  • Airtable
  • Toggle (time tracking)
2. Customer Relationship Management Software

Another essential software tool that startups should consider incorporating into their tech stack is customer relationship management (CRM) software. CRM software helps companies manage their interactions with customers, clients, and sales prospects, enabling them to better understand their needs and preferences.
Popular CRM software options include:

  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Zoho
  • Oracle Netsuite
  • Customer.io
  • Monday
  • Pipedrive
3. Communication and Collaboration Software

Communication and collaboration software is an important component of any startup’s tech stack. This software is designed to facilitate teamwork, enabling team members to work together seamlessly and efficiently, regardless of their location. Communication and collaboration software allows team members to share files, send messages, and host virtual meetings, improving productivity and communication. Popular communication and collaboration tools include:

  • Slack
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Zoom
  • Telegram
  • Spark
  • Trello
  • Asana
  • Miro
  • Wrike
  • Jira

To select the right communication and collaboration software, startups should consider their team’s size and location, the features they need, and their budget. Choosing the right software can enhance a startup’s ability to collaborate effectively, leading to improved performance and growth.

4. Accounting and Finance Software

Another crucial part of a startup’s tech stack is an accounting and finance software, enabling the management of financial transactions, budgeting, and forecasting. This software can help startups monitor their cash flow, automate financial processes, and generate financial reports for analysis. Check out:

  • QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • FreshBooks
  • QuickBooks
  • Netsuite

Think again of your financial needs, the size of your team, and your budget. All hose platforms help startups streamline financial processes, but to reduce the risk of errors and make informed decisions based on accurate financial data, you need to pick the right fit for your company.

5. Marketing and Sales Software

Marketing and sales software is a crucial component of a startup’s tech stack, enabling the automation of marketing and sales processes. This software can help startups generate leads, manage customer relationships, and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Popular marketing and sales tools include:

  • Cus
  • HubSpot
  • Marketo
  • Pardot
  • Figma (prototyping)
  • Canva (marketing materials)

By using a similar tools you save time and resources, improve your customer engagement, and increase revenue growth.

Building a strong tech stack is crucial for any startup’s success. By choosing the right software tools, startups can streamline their operations, increase productivity, and improve communication and collaboration within their teams. By investing in project management and CRM tools, startups can better manage their tasks and customer relationships, respectively, leading to better business outcomes and long-term sustainability.

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Navigating AI for Businesses: Expert Insights from FYC Labs

Introducing Our Partner – OpenGrants

Opengrants

OpenGrants is a venture-backed startup that provides a grant search engine and expert marketplace for non-profit organizations, foundations, startups, and government agencies who are looking for grant funding. Their mission is to simplify the grant search and application process and increase efficiency and transparency in the granting industry.

One of the key features of the OpenGrants platform is its ability to facilitate AI-powered grant matches to enable a searchless experience for grant seekers. This is important because of how challenging the grant search process can be due to the varied names and descriptions of grant programs.

OpenGrants has also recently added several new features to its platform. That includes an advanced search functionality that enables organizations to search for grants based on specific criteria such as funding level, geographic location, and grant type. They have also launched automated billing for the grant writer marketplace.

 

OpenGrants is run by an experienced and passionate team of entrepreneurs and technologists. We believe that, if done right, a business can be an effective catalyst for lasting change. Our past experiences exposed major challenges with grant funding, so we’re building the tools and community to solve them. Our mission—build modern infrastructure for public funding to massively improve the efficiency and equity of those funds—is what drives us every day. The team includes Sedale Turbovsky, founder and CEO; Cody Hanson, co-founder and COO; and Pachia Cha, co-founder and full stack developer. OpenGrants leverages FYC to scale up its technical talent as needed, and has secured FYC founder Justin Fortier as a fractional CTO.

With their recent updates and features, OpenGrants is continuing to improve and innovate in the grant-making space, making it easier for organizations to do good in the world.

See More Of Our Partners Here!

Meet FYC Labs Head of Design – Brianne Fortier

FYC Labs Head of Design - Brianne Fortier

Meet FYC Labs Head of Design – Brianne Fortier. Head of UI/UX at FYC Labs since 2016, Brianne is a passionate and empathetic designer. With expertise in creating beautiful and intuitive user interfaces, she has played a crucial role in establishing FYC Labs as a leading web design agency. Brianne emphasizes the importance of designing with the user and client in mind, prioritizing accessibility and effective communication throughout the design process. Her commitment to collaboration and constant growth drives the success of her design team at FYC Labs. Collaborating with the team at FYC brings her joy, and she values a culture where communication and transparency are key to avoiding issues. Brianne believes in constant growth and effective collaborations that can really unleash her creativity. As a proud mother of two, she values family time and enjoys exploring new places and cultures.

 

—

 

Did you always want to be a designer or did it happen unexpectedly?

 

I’ve always had this passion for diving into the arts. But I have to admit, I was discouraged by others who told me that it wouldn’t be a profitable career and would remain nothing more than a hobby. I stumbled upon this perfect fit for me, almost by accident. I took all my life experiences, all the things I’ve learned throughout my life, and combined them with my artistic skills into a career that truly fulfilled me.

 

Tell us more about your first year with FYC.

 

I began my career at FYC Labs as a Project Manager after years of working as an art teacher. During my first year as a Project Manager, I also dabbled in design. For me, it was a great learning opportunity to be able to apply my teaching experience to the field of project management. I gained valuable insight into the various types of projects we undertook, while also observing the skilled designers at FYC. Along the way, I took on small projects to enhance my design skills.

 

What is your favorite thing about working at FYC?

 

I absolutely love what I do, especially when it comes to designing. But what really makes my job fulfilling is getting to work with such amazing people. The design team at FYC are my favorite people to collaborate with, and I always have fun working alongside other designers and developers too. From day one, I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with Kevin Love, our Head of Development, and it’s been so inspiring to watch us both grow together. The teamwork, variety of projects, and diversity of experiences here are what make it all worthwhile. I’m grateful for the chance to work with all sorts of different folks and businesses- it’s always a learning experience!

 

What sets FYC apart from other web development shops?

 

One thing that sets us apart is we really consider the client throughout the entire process. At every stage of our projects, our approach centers around putting the client first. As a design team, we recognize that our focus should be on designing for the client and their customers, rather than for ourselves. We listen intently to our clients and work to create solutions that cater to their needs. Above all, we make it our mission to deliver a final product that meets our client’s expectations and leaves them satisfied.

 

What is the most memorable moment from your FYC journey so far?

 

As UI/UX designers, our primary focus is on UI/UX design, and we are seldom tasked with creating logos. Personally, I find creating logos to be one of the most challenging tasks. However, when I created my first logo for GPG (Glenn Price Group), and they loved it with minimal changes, it was a memorable moment for me. I took their requirements and created a logo that matched their vision. It was a great feeling to have a happy client. While design comes naturally to me and I can do it quickly, creating logos and branding requires more thought processes.

Another very special moment in my career at FYC was my promotion to Head of Design. Becoming the Head of Design was a bit scary at first, but it ended up being a great opportunity for me to get better at what I do. When I started training new designers, it was really cool to see how much I had learned. I got to share some of my favorite techniques with them and also help them see where they could improve their own designs.

 

Tell us what you are passionate about in your career.

 

As a designer, I’m passionate about my work. I love creating designs that are visually appealing and functional. Making sure my clients feel appreciated and listened to every step of the way is something I truly care about. It’s a part of my job that I’m really passionate about.

 

What are your passions outside of work?

 

I am a mother to two adorable little girls who are my absolute joy. In addition to being a dedicated mom, I have a deep passion for interior design and fashion. I love exploring various possibilities for my home and imagining endless creative options. Being a highly visual person, I thoroughly enjoy working with colors and experimenting with different combinations. It’s one of those activities that can captivate me for hours on end, as I lose track of time while immersing myself in this delightful process.

 

Do you ever find yourself stuck when you’re in the creative zone? And if so, how do you deal with it?

 

Whenever I’m feeling stuck in a creative rut, I like to visit my favorite websites like Pinterest and Dribbble to get inspired. If I come across a design that’s not quite hitting the mark, I challenge myself to come up with something new and exciting. And when I need a break, I step away from my desk, grab a cup of coffee, or check out other sites that can help me get my imagination flowing again.

 

Can you share a project that you have worked on that you are particularly proud of that made you go “wow”?

 

FYC is developing a new product called Accru which is designed to get people paid on time. The project was personal to me as it was created to solve our own cash flow problems. The product has been designed keeping in mind the end user, which is me. Accru is going to make life easier for many service provider businesses, including construction companies, accounting firms, and agencies like FYC Labs. I am really proud of the UI/UX design work that has been put into Accru and I love the colors and branding that we have incorporated. I can’t wait to release Accru and help good people get paid on time. 

 

What’s next for your team at FYC? 

 

I am excited about expanding our design team and improving our skills. Although we are not perfect, we are constantly learning and utilizing our knowledge on new projects.

 

What do you consider the most challenging aspect of design?

 

Starting a new project can be intimidating. Each client has their own unique preferences and style, so it can be nerve-wracking to ensure that you fully understand their vision and can deliver the best work possible. However, once you dive in and start creating, things tend to fall into place. After a few pages or designs, you start to get a better feel for the client’s desired aesthetic, including colors, fonts, and assets. At that point, it becomes easier to design within their parameters. To provide the best options for the client, we always create several design choices. This gives them a wider selection to choose from and makes me feel more confident in our ability to deliver exactly what they want.

Also, I’m constantly challenging myself to learn and do better. I’d like to gain a deeper understanding of Figma, the design software used here at FYC, and learn more about creating animations. I’m even considering picking up some coding skills because I believe it could greatly enhance my design approach. 

 

What is your favorite part of the design process?

 

My favorite part of the design process is when I get past that first challenge and can now freely run with the project. Once I have a full understanding of the client’s vision, I feel like I can really dive in and start creating something truly special. There’s a certain energy and momentum that comes with this realization and it’s like, “Now I get it, let’s have fun with this!”

 

If we were to walk around your work workspace, what would we see?

 

I try to create a really nice and comfortable work environment for myself. You will see candles because they affect my mood, my water, and of course my coffee.

Connect with Bri on LinkedIn.

Meet FYC Labs Founder and CEO/CTO Justin Fortier!

Meet FYC Labs Chief Operations Officer Phillip Lorenzo!

Navigating AI for Businesses: Expert Insights from FYC Labs

AI for Businesses

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and business, artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force. That force can shape the future of industries both large and small. To shed light on the practical applications of AI for small businesses and the potential pitfalls to avoid, CEO & CTO Justin Fortier shares his insights below.

Q: What are some ways that small businesses can start implementing AI to drive their business forward?

A: Of course, the implementation of AI depends on the nature of the business, but most small business owners can benefit from back-office support provided by ChatGPT/OpenAI and the ecosystem of plugins and apps that are leveraging their open SDKs. While going straight to OpenAI is a no-brainer for most, exploring plugins developed by industry leaders like Expedia and Kayak can also be invaluable. GPT is quickly becoming the executive assistant we all thought we could never afford.

 

Q: What are some mistakes that you see businesses make with AI?

A: The biggest mistake is not educating yourself on the features and impacts AI, particularly GPT, will have on your market. Believing you’re immune to its effects is a misconception; AI will impact your business sooner or later. On the other hand, some small business owners tend to overestimate its impact. The idea that AI can automate everything and lead to drastic layoffs is exaggerated. Striking a balance is key – while there are exciting possibilities, not all processes require automation or will yield significant ROI.

 

Q: How can FYC Labs help businesses thrive with AI?

A: FYC Labs specializes in blending domain-specific knowledge and generative AI to yield results, especially in the realm of SEO. Our unique approach has led to remarkable outcomes for our clients, demonstrated by an annual organic search traffic increased by 717%, for our client OpenGrants. Additionally, our quick adoption of widely available vector database solutions empowers us to provide low-cost and practical tools for storing, searching, and comparing vector embeddings. This enables us to develop products with algorithmic string-matching capabilities for improved user experiences. You can see read more about our dynamic landing pages and SEO strategies here.

 

Q: What are some trends that you are seeing with AI and business growth?

A: GPT-generated landing pages are rapidly becoming a staple in any business’ SEO strategy. At FYC Labs, we’ve harnessed this trend to develop proprietary tools that expedite SEO growth for businesses, as evidenced by our work with OpenGrants. While AI boasts a multitude of applications, GPT-generated landing pages stand out as a practical approach to boosting sales and overall growth.

 

Q: How can AI help businesses implement SEO?

A: AI is reshaping the landscape of SEO, and FYC Labs is at the forefront of this transformation. Beyond GPT-generated landing pages, AI-driven SEO encompasses much more. Imagine the ability to navigate through vast amounts of data to identify keywords and trends that resonate with your target audience. This is the power of AI. Our proprietary tools go beyond landing pages, optimizing content, predicting user behaviors, and positioning businesses as SEO frontrunners. AI is the driving force behind the next big thing in SEO strategies.

 

Q: Do businesses need a technology partner to help keep up with the changing landscape and AI?

A: Absolutely, having a technology partner isn’t just advantageous- it’s nearly a necessity. The rapid shifts in AI and tech, exemplified by game-changers like GPT-generated landing pages revolutionizing SEO, require businesses to stay ahead. Based on our experience, a reliable tech partner can mean the difference between merely adapting and genuinely leading the industry. They offer expertise, tools, and foresight that propel businesses forward. In today’s landscape, it’s about pioneering the future, not just keeping up. Partnering with experts is the strategic path to harnessing AI’s potential and staying ahead of the curve.

In the dynamic intersection of technology and business, the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is unmistakable. As AI reshapes industries, FYC Labs stands as a guiding light. The transformative power of AI, as witnessed through predictive analytics, optimized content, and enhanced user experiences, solidifies FYC Labs as a technology partner that propels businesses beyond adaptation to true industry leadership. In an era of innovation, partnering with experts becomes the compass navigating businesses toward harnessing AI’s potential and maintaining a pioneering edge.

FYC Labs Makes The 2023 INC. 5000 Annual List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America

FYC Labs Makes The 2023 INC. 5000 Annual List

Folsom, California, August 15, 2023 – FYC Labs, a leading design and development agency dedicated to empowering businesses, makes the 2023 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America, ranking at No. 791. This is the first year that FYC Labs has been recognized on the prestigious list.

Each year, Inc. magazine determines America’s most successful and rapidly growing organizations to be recognized on the list. Businesses are ranked according to percentage revenue growth between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, the companies must be privately owned and based in the United States.

With a three-year revenue growth of 748%,  FYC Labs ranked No. 39 in IT Services, No. 116 in California, No. 3 in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA, and No. 791 overall on the Inc. 5000 list. Many leading companies such as Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for the first time among so many leading companies,” said Justin Fortier CEO of FYC Labs. “Our growth is a testament to our dedicated team who always works one step ahead of the curve for our clients. FYC Labs has been an innovative technology partner providing businesses with top-notch solutions for the past decade, and we’re proud to continue to serve this mission.”

Continuing the momentum of business growth, FYC Labs recently acquired SpellBox AI, a versatile AI coding assistant. This tech will be available to all users on the FYC Labs website for a quick and easy solution to coding. In addition to being recognized on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, Fortier was also honored earlier this year by San Diego Business Journal as one of the “40 under 40” next top business leaders.

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000- with the fast growth that requires- is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found here.

About FYC:
For over a decade, FYC Labs has been a leading design and development agency dedicated to empowering businesses. We offer a range of services including engineering expertise, UI/UX web and product design, and strategic guidance. Our team is committed to understanding the unique needs of our clients and consistently delivering exceptional results that surpass expectations. As a nationally recognized and award-winning studio, partnering with FYC Labs is the solution to achieving new levels of success and realizing business goals.

Check the full list here!

Read more about FYC Labs in the news here!

Meet FYC Labs COO – Phillip Lorenzo

FYC Labs Chief Financial Officer

Phil Lorenzo is the accomplished and dedicated Chief Operating Officer at FYC Labs. With a multifaceted skill set and a passion for technology, Phil has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. As a self-taught software engineer, he brings expertise in various tech domains, including Web3 applications, DevOps, developer learning, and product management. 

Phil’s impactful contributions, effective communication, and technical prowess extend beyond his professional pursuits. He is an esteemed author of technical documentation and articles for organizations like Chainstarters, Oracle, and Fixate, solidifying his authority in the field. Outside of work, Phil is an aspiring author and finds joy in personal relationships and embracing the joys of life, calling Portland, Oregon home, where he enjoys the company of his loyal pup, Harley.

How does your role play a crucial part in achieving the goals of FYC?

 

As the COO at FYC, my primary objective is to ensure the smooth operations of the company. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that the key to our success lies in the hands of our people. It is my responsibility to hire the best talent, provide them with the necessary resources, and manage their projects and time effectively. Our employees are the backbone of our company, and their hard work generates over 90% of our revenue. Therefore, it is important to me to ensure that they are content and efficient. A happy and motivated workforce is essential for the growth and sustainability of our business.

 

What’s your favorite part of working at FYC?

 

What I appreciate most about working at FYC are the people. My priority is always people-first. Each day presents a new challenge, with unique problems that require fresh solutions. However, the real challenge comes from working with the people on those problems. If you don’t enjoy working with your team, then what’s the point of being challenged at all? In a team dynamic, it’s essential to like and care about the people I work with. Ultimately, I want to feel a genuine connection with the people I work with.

 

Tell us about a company policy or approach you have formulated. What prompted it?

 

One of the company approaches I helped formulate was our revamped interview process. In the past, we only had one interview before making hiring decisions. However, now we have implemented a comprehensive interview process, which includes an introductory interview, a technical screen, and a meeting with the CTO or design team, if applicable, followed by the final hiring phase. This company policy has been instrumental in enhancing our hiring process.

On the client side, we have prioritized the credit scoring system. We took steps to ensure that our credit lines strike the right balance – ensuring that we are diligent in our collection process while maintaining a positive working relationship with our clients and ensuring timely payment for completed work.

 

What makes FYC different from other companies?

 

At FYC, we prioritize creating a culture where individuals are encouraged to make mistakes and ask questions, and where everyone is invested in each other’s success. By fostering an environment of support and collaboration, we create a sense of motivation and drive to deliver quality work, even under pressure. Our team members feel empowered to take risks and learn from their experiences, leading to continuous growth and improvement for both the individuals and the organization as a whole.

We believe in taking chances on talented individuals who may have been overlooked by traditional work pipelines. A diverse range of life experiences and identities is another value for us. We look for “diamonds in the rough” and empower them to succeed in our industry.

 

What are the three words you would use to describe your managing style?

 

Empathy, practical, and progressive. 

The first one would be empathy. It is a natural state for me to be empathetic with people, to understand where they are and to feel what it is like to be in their shoes. It’s essential to be able to grasp and genuinely experience the feelings of another person, whether it involves a professional decision, a personal matter, or the performance of an individual, be it struggling or excelling. Having empathy and truly appreciating each person’s perspective is a powerful quality for any leader. I’m constantly aware of it, and if I find myself getting frustrated or losing that connection, I make a conscious effort to pause and re-center myself.

The second one would be practical because, for me, I enjoy envisioning the future, contemplating day-to-day choices, and taking decisive actions. I’ve always been someone who prefers to approach situations in a practical manner.

Lastly, as someone who constantly seeks positive changes, I consider myself progressive, and I consistently challenge myself with questions like: “Are you constantly thinking ahead? Are you open to change? Are you making progress throughout the day?” I believe that being forward-thinking is a crucial quality for a leader. If you become too conservative in your thinking, it can hinder your ability to make impactful decisions, and you might find yourself stuck in the status quo.

 

How has your experience in the industry prepared you to be a COO?

 

My years of experience working with people through customer service have prepared me well for my current position. In my opinion, having a background in customer service is crucial for any executive role. Dealing with customers is an excellent training ground for anyone who aspires to be a C-suite executive. The majority of the work done by CEOs, CFOs, and COOs involves interacting with people – there’s no getting around that fact.

 

Tell me the top 5 reasons to join the FYC team.

 

  1. Challenging work every
  2. An environment that welcomes mistakes
  3. Culture of learning
  4. Great people
  5. No office politics

We’re completely performance driven company and we do not have office politics.

 

What’s your guiding principle on measuring and accomplishing individual and organizational goals?

 

My guiding principle is centered around the idea of leaving things in a better state than I found them. Additionally, I strongly believe in the importance of personal growth, striving to be a better version of oneself each day without overcomplicating the process. This mindset of continuous improvement applies to all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. By prioritizing what truly matters and having a clear direction, we can maintain our progress and move forward with purpose.

 

If we were to walk around your work, work around your workspace, what would we see?

 

You would see my dog Harley, chewing gum wrappers, you would see random receipts underneath the laptop tray. Also a local coffee shop card reward cards stamped insanely. I love putting stickers on my desk, so you would find random stickers. Pens, pencils, and a book. There’s gotta be one notebook on my desk, something where I could write really quickly. The tactile and quick nature of the pen and paper is still supreme to me. I do use an iPad to take notes, but only if the conscious effort is prior to a meeting. I have the iPad ready to go and I’m taking notes digitally. When I have a tactile book with paper in it that I can quickly open up and jot notes in, for me is more helpful than click open the app, go into notes, and start writing.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.

Meet FYC Labs Founder and CEO/CTO – Justin Fortier

Building a Strong Team: Strategies for Retaining Top Talent

Effective team building strategies

Why Retaining Talent Matters

 

Retaining exceptional talent is a critical factor in achieving success for any team or organization. These are the employees who bring exceptional skills, knowledge, and experience to the table and are highly motivated to contribute to the success of the team. Losing such talent can be costly both in terms of the resources spent on recruiting, training, and onboarding new employees, as well as in terms of the impact on team performance and productivity. Additionally, the loss of top talent can have a demoralizing effect on the remaining team members, leading to a further decline in performance and retention. It is essential to prioritize the retention of the top talent in a team to maintain a high level of performance and productivity and to create a positive work environment that fosters growth and development.

In the article below, Justin Fortier, FYC Labs’ Founder and CEO/CTO, offers valuable insights on retaining employees along with effective team-building strategies for retaining top talent. He highlights the importance of creating a positive work environment that encourages empowerment, growth, and open communication.

Nurturing Employee Growth: FYC Labs’ CEO/CTO Shares a Culture of Valuing Contributions

To keep our great employees at FYC Labs, we prioritize self-awareness and authenticity and eliminate artificial cultures. For me, authenticity is really important. I’ve seen organizations promote specific values because they believe it makes a nice poster for their office wall or because they’ve heard that approach retains employees. However, if they can’t authentically live that same culture and they’re not genuine, it will be noticed by the employees, and they’ll sense the lack of authenticity. It comes across as a contrived culture, and despite offering more money and better benefits, the employees don’t feel like they’re experiencing authenticity in their job, so they leave.

 

As CEO, I have made a conscious effort to avoid making exaggerated promises and refrain from incorporating any systems or programs into the company that do not align with my personal values. It is essential for the CEO to wholeheartedly support initiatives; otherwise, they are likely to encounter obstacles and possibly result in the departure of valuable team members.

 

To retain your employees effectively, it’s essential to allow them room to make mistakes, recognizing that people have a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully. Authenticity fosters an environment where learning is encouraged, and questions are welcomed.

 

Fostering Purpose-Driven Employee Engagement and Role Flexibility

 

Employees highly value a sense of purpose; they want to feel that their work matters. Each employee’s role at our company is carefully designed to align with our genuine needs, not just to fill checkboxes. If the initial role isn’t adding value to the business, we support them in transitioning to a more impactful role and potentially move them back later. We’ve learned that most people are eager to contribute in ways that might not precisely align with their original job description, rather than remaining idle and not utilizing their skills for their intended purpose.

 

 

Promoting a Supportive Culture: Embracing Imposter Syndrome and Encouraging Curiosity

 

Imposter syndrome is common in our industry and many others; it never truly goes away. Acknowledging this shared experience helps our employees feel more comfortable, knowing they aren’t alone. As a result, they feel at ease asking questions, aware that the person next to them might feel uncomfortable asking the same question too. So again, create a culture where asking questions is acceptable.  

 

When a junior engineer joins our team, I make it a point to communicate the following message: “I am aware of your current skill level, and there’s no need for you to pretend to know everything because I am fully aware of your capabilities and deliberately hired you with that understanding. Your hiring was not based on deception but rather on a clear assessment of your skills. We have placed you in a position where you can thrive and succeed. Acknowledging that there may be mistakes along the way is what ties back to the importance of authenticity. We recognize your potential for growth and development, and we are genuinely invested in witnessing your learning journey within our organization.”

 

At FYC Labs, we firmly believe that authenticity, open communication, and growth are the pillars of a positive working culture. Exploiting people is not only unjust but also against our principles; we are committed to avoiding such practices. Our approach doesn’t involve simply throwing money at the situation to attract talent. Instead, we focus on fostering an environment where individuals who value integrity and seek meaningful experiences can thrive. We believe that by prioritizing these values, we can create a fulfilling and lasting work environment for our team members.

 

Effective Team-building Strategies for Retaining Top Talent

 

1. Emphasize Authenticity and Self-Awareness:

 

  • Prioritize authenticity over contrived cultures.
  • Ensure that company values align with genuine beliefs and actions.
  • Encourage open communication and honest feedback from all levels.

 

2. Create a Sense of Purpose:

 

  • Help employees understand the significance of their roles within the company.
  • Avoid hiring individuals just to fill checkboxes; ensure their work adds real value.
  • Support employees in pivoting to roles where they can contribute meaningfully.

 

3. Foster a Culture of Learning and Growth:

 

  • Give employees space to make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Encourage a comfortable environment for asking questions and seeking help.
  • Share the common experience of imposter syndrome to make employees feel supported and not alone.

 

4. Provide Transparent Expectations:

 

  • Set clear expectations during the hiring process regarding skill levels.
  • Encourage junior employees to embrace their learning curve without fear of judgment.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to helping employees succeed and grow in their roles.

 

5. Align Values with Company Culture:

 

  • Continuously align company values with actions and decisions.
  • Reward and recognize behaviors that exemplify the core values of the organization.
  • Develop a strong sense of community and belonging among team members.

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