#exit interview experts

[exitpro]

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[spencersmopbucket]

Ocean Breeze | Finnick Odair x Reader

Pairing: Finnick Odair x Reader Summary: You, this year's victor from District Four, return home after your victory. Finnick takes an interest in your deep, seemingly impenetrable personality. You didn't plan on letting him in, but.. Finnick is Finnick after all.

Expert brutality. In every news headline, in every advertisement of the Games, those were the words in big, bold letters. And who was on display, fingers tinted with blood and scars on their face?

You.

You were this year's Victor. You'd fought through the games -- tooth, nail, and fish hook. You always scoffed bitterly at every photo and comment you saw of yourself, your e/c eyes narrowing with disdain and something almost close to pain. Despite being good at hiding it, it was still there. It ebbed and flowed, reminding you every day of who you now were and what you'd be recognized for.

You were Name Last-Name, the brutal Victor of District 4. Beautiful, graceful, but deadly. You were known for being undetectable in the daylight, but creeping through the shadows of the arena at night, striking whoever you stalked with expert precision and gruesome method. You'd even taken out three people at once, simply because they couldn't see you in the dark and weren't as swift as you were, so they couldn't grab you.

In interviews, you were stoic. Uncrackable. That itself became your personality to viewers. Unbothered, they thought. Unbreakable. Wrong, you often snickered to yourself. You just wouldn't show the sheep anything they could get off on.

You hated the Capitol. You hated Snow. You hated everyone that supported the Games.

You'd just gotten home to District 4 today, the fanciful life in the Capitol finally coming to an end for you. The sigh of relief that exited you when you finally touched feet onto the beach could've been heard around the world. You inhaled again, deeply, holding the salty air of home into your lungs. Your eyes gazed across the horizon, watching the waves crash.

It was a windy day. Your hair blew slightly into your face. Grabbing it, you tied it up into a messy bun and continued walking, your bare feet on the cold beach.

Finnick, in all of his time watching your interviews and performance in the arena, couldn't figure out exactly what he thought of you.

On Reaping Day, he didn’t recognize your name when it was called. Finnick thought he knew everyone in District 4 -- faces, families, fishermen. But when you stepped onto that stage, something about you struck him. Not fear, not drama. You didn’t cry or shake. You just walked, eyes ahead, spine straight, mouth set in a firm line. That calm silence unsettled him in a way he hadn’t expected.

You reminded him of himself, standing there years ago. Only younger. Quieter. And somehow, already hardened.

He started paying attention during the Capitol broadcasts. You didn’t perform for the cameras. You didn’t flirt with the other tributes or flash a Capitol smile. You just trained, and watched, and listened. Finnick noticed how your eyes moved -- never resting too long on anyone, but never missing a single detail. He recognized the calculation behind your stillness.

You weren’t detached. You were preparing.

Capitol audiences didn’t get it. They called you “stoic,” “unapproachable,” “cold.” But Finnick saw through it. He had worn the same mask. And the fact that you never let it slip -- not even once -- made him sit up straighter every time your face flickered on screen.

You didn’t charm the crowd on interview day. You didn’t cry. You barely smiled. And Finnick couldn’t look away.

While Caesar tried to pull something -- anything -- out of you, you sat with that unreadable expression, voice low and clipped, like you didn’t care if the audience liked you or not. You didn’t need them to. You weren’t looking for sponsors. You were preparing for war.

The Capitol called it a lack of personality. Finnick knew better. That’s not emptiness, he thought. That’s control. And maybe -- just maybe -- it scared them.

He’d planned to watch your Games the way he watched every set --disconnected. He couldn’t afford to feel anything. But when you moved through the arena like you’d been born for it -- slipping between shadows, striking with brutal efficiency -- he leaned closer. You didn’t fight for sport. You didn’t gloat. You just survived, again and again, with that same quiet fire.

And when you killed? You didn’t blink. But he saw it; the tiniest shift in your eyes after each one. Not pride. Not satisfaction. Just pain buried too deep to show.

The night you took out three tributes at once -- swift, silent, unseen -- he actually exhaled in disbelief.

Watching you win reminded Finnick of what victory really was: survival dressed up as glory. He saw it in your eyes -- that numbness, that quiet rage. He knew it well.

You didn't hear him at first. The wind swallowed the soft crunch of his footsteps in the sand, the rustle of driftwood beneath his weight. But then you caught the scent of salt and something softer -- like sugarcane and sea spray -- and your gaze sharpened slightly, turning over your shoulder.

Finnick Odair stood a few paces behind you, hands in his pockets, eyes on you instead of the ocean.

He didn’t speak right away. He just watched, quietly, like he wasn’t sure if you’d bolt or bite.

“You always walk like that,” he finally said, his voice smooth and low, tinged with something like amusement. “Like the ocean owes you something.”

You stared at him. Not cold, but unreadable. It was how you always looked at people now.

“And do you always sneak up on people?” you replied, tone even. No bite, no softness -- just a fact.

Finnick shrugged, offering a small, crooked smile. “Only when I’m curious.”

You turned back toward the water, letting the conversation settle into silence. But he didn’t leave.

He stepped closer -- not close enough to crowd, but just enough that you could feel the heat of him beside you, grounding in a way that surprised you.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured after a moment. “Not to me.”

You didn’t respond.

He glanced sideways at you. “But… I watched. Every second. You didn’t crack once. Not in the arena. Not on camera.”

Your jaw clenched. “And?”

“And I just wanted to say,” he paused, voice quieter now, “I saw what they didn’t.”

That made your eyes flick toward him, guarded but curious.

“I know what it’s like,” he said. “Coming back with blood on your hands and Capitol lies in your teeth. Everyone either wants to worship you or pretend you’re whole.”

You looked away again. The accuracy of what he said startled you. Like he could see you.

"Look, Odair," you sighed, the thick walls built up around you evident. "You can pretend you know anything about me, but--"

“--but I don’t, yeah, yeah,” Finnick cut in, his lips tugging into a crooked smirk. “Believe it or not, I’ve heard that one before.”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “You watched me on a screen. You don’t know a damn thing.”

He stepped closer, hands in his pockets, wind tousling his hair. “I watched you survive. Watched you outsmart half the Capitol’s little monsters. Watched you break records and a few rib cages.”

You didn’t answer, but your silence wasn’t dismissal. Not entirely.

Finnick tilted his head, studying you. “Let me guess. You hate the attention. Hate the interviews. Hate the fact that they all call you a ‘Victor’ when you feel more like a grave.”

You stiffened. He was getting too close to the truth.

“I didn’t come out here for therapy,” you said flatly.

“Oh, trust me,” he chuckled, “if I were offering therapy, I’d at least have brought alcohol.”

That pulled a small twitch at the corner of your mouth. Damn him.

“Why are you really here, Finnick?” you asked, arms crossed, voice low. “You don’t know me. You don’t owe me anything.”

“I don’t,” he agreed easily. “But I remember what it felt like. Coming back home and realizing the ocean didn’t wash off the blood. That the sand didn’t make you clean.”

You blinked. That was too poetic. Too real. And too annoyingly accurate.

“Besides,” he added with a wink, “I figured if anyone could match my pretty face and fucked up soul combo, it’d be you.”

“Wow,” you muttered, dry as the heat you fought in the arena. “Your ego’s bigger than the arena.”

“It’s well-fed,” he said smugly. “But you -- you’re starving for real conversation. Don’t deny it.”

You rolled your eyes, though your chest felt strangely lighter. He wasn’t giving you pity. He wasn’t afraid of you, either. He was poking the bear on purpose. Teasing the teeth.

“Careful,” you warned, but your tone had lost its sharpness. “I bite.”

Finnick’s grin widened. “So do I. Just ask the Capitol.”

He stepped beside you again, shoulder just close enough to feel the warmth radiating off him in the sea breeze.

“I’m not trying to fix you,” he said after a beat. “Hell, I’m barely holding my own cracks together. But I’m here. If you want that.”

You didn’t respond immediately. Just stared out at the horizon where the sun was starting to dip, orange spilling into blue.

“I’ll think about it,” you muttered.

Finnick smirked. “That’s basically a yes.”

You bumped his arm lightly with your shoulder.

“Don’t push your luck, pretty boy.”

His grin widened. “Wouldn’t dream of it. You like me, you just don't know it yet.”

The conversations on the beach became a small tradition as you softened up. Every few weeks, Finnick would seek you out, knowing exactly where you'd be. You were usually in the same spot, sitting on a blanket with a book. Sometimes the book was absent -- you just stared out at the waves instead.

He was proud of himself. He'd gotten you to tell him feelings, even secrets of your own. He'd gained your trust. He was your outlet, just as he'd wanted.

And the best part, to him at least, was that he'd managed to fall for you.

Finnick was a romantically charged person. He loved love. He loved old love. Slow paced tenderness where the process of falling in love with someone was barely noticeable until it was all consuming. And now, Finnick could barely ignore how much he wanted to tell you.

He knew it would scare you.

He opted not to use words. He used gentle touches, teasing, small flirts and comments. He used being a shoulder to cry on, collecting sea shells for you because you loved them, embarrassing people who made unsavory comments about your status as a Victor.

Finnick fell for you in the most beautiful, soft, slow way. As he got to know you, he found that you weren't some stoic gruesome person, just as he suspected. You were gentle, intelligent, funny. You were gorgeous, inside and out. You loved kids. You loved animals and the ocean. You had two little brothers, who looked up to you. You only had one parent -- your father, whom you adored.

He adored every single thing he knew about you, bad or not.

Today, he found you on the beach, per usual. But something was different. You weren't just sitting, spaced out or reading.

You were down by the water, laughing softly -- laughing -- as a stray dog jumped around your ankles, kicking up wet sand and barking at your playful swats.

You weren’t wearing your usual armor, either. Your hair was down, sunlit and wild in the breeze, and your face was open, warm, like someone who’d finally stepped out from a long, cold shadow.

You didn’t hear him approach, but somehow, you always knew when he was near.

“Should I be jealous?” Finnick asked, voice playful but quieter than usual, more careful.

You didn’t look at him right away. Just let your hand rest on the dog’s head and murmured, “Of a dog?”

“Well, he’s got your full attention and, apparently, your affection,” he said, lowering himself onto the blanket beside you. “That’s a lot more than I can say for myself.”

You smirked slightly but didn’t meet his eyes.

“You bring food,” you murmured. “He likes that.”

“Do you like that?” he asked, voice dipping just enough to make you still for a second.

You shrugged one shoulder, watching as the dog trotted off to chase a seagull.

Finnick didn’t speak again right away. The silence between you had become a language of its own. Familiar. Almost safe.

Then he spoke again, more gently.

“You’re different.”

You raised a brow at that, finally glancing at him. “Different how?”

“Softer,” he said, eyes scanning your face. “Not weak. Just… not hiding everything with your fists.”

You wanted to snap something back. Reflex. Habit. But the words didn’t come.

Because he wasn’t wrong.

You didn’t answer, just looked back at the ocean. The waves were coming in slower now. Calmer.

The silence fell, but not the kind that used to hang between you like a barricade. This one was gentle. Shared. He stood next to you, hands by his sides, looking out at the water the same way you were.

Then -- he felt it.

Your hand, brushing against his. A feather-light touch. Testing. Curious.

He turned his hand slightly, enough so that his pinky grazed yours. You didn’t pull away. In fact, your hand moved a little closer. You still weren’t looking at him, but that made it feel even more real.

“You’re quiet today,” he said softly.

“I don’t need to talk to you,” you replied, then added quickly, “Not in a bad way.”

He smiled. “I know what you meant.”

A gust of wind swept by, blowing strands of hair into your face. Without thinking, Finnick reached out, tucking them behind your ear.

You stiffened slightly -- not in fear, not in rejection. Just surprise. A moment of nerves.

His fingers lingered by your jaw just a moment too long. His eyes searched yours.

You stared back, caught.

“I think about you all the time,” he admitted, his voice barely louder than the waves. “And not just the version people know. You.”

Your breath hitched, but you didn’t look away.

He moved in -- slow, slow, slow -- giving you every second to back away.

You didn’t.

His lips met yours in the softest kiss you’d ever felt.

It wasn’t urgent. It wasn’t hungry. It was a confession. A question.

When you kissed him back, it was quiet but certain. Your hand pressed lightly against his chest, as if to keep him close but not too close, not yet.

When the kiss ended, Finnick rested his forehead against yours, your breaths mingling, hearts thudding in soft unison.

“I’m scared,” you whispered, honest in a way you hadn’t been before.

“So am I,” he whispered back. “But I’m here. Okay?”

You nodded, still not letting go.

Neither did he.

And that was enough -- for now.

[contemplatingoutlander]

The Editorial Board of the nonprofit Philadelphia Inquirer wrote the kind of column that SHOULD have been written after the debate by major mainstream media news sites--but which wasn't. Yes, it is understandable that many pundits think that Biden should step down after the first debate, but why weren't there also pundits demanding that Trump step down? Fortunately, The Philadelphia Inquirer did so. Here are some excerpts:

President Joe Biden’s debate performance was a disaster. His disjointed responses and dazed look sparked calls for him to drop out of the presidential race. But lost in the hand wringing was Donald Trump’s usual bombastic litany of lies, hyperbole, bigotry, ignorance, and fear mongering. His performance demonstrated once again that he is a danger to democracy and unfit for office. In fact, the debate about the debate is misplaced. The only person who should withdraw from the race is Trump. Trump, 78, has been on the political stage for eight years marked by chaos, corruption, and incivility. Why go back to that? To build himself up, Trump constantly tears the country down. There is no shining city on the hill. It’s just mourning in America. Throughout the debate, Trump repeatedly said we are a “failing” country. He called the United States a “third world nation.” He said, “we’re living in hell” and “very close to World War III.” [...] Trump told more than 30 lies during the debate to go with the more than 30,000 mistruths told during his four years as president. He dodged the CNN moderators’ questions, took no responsibility for his actions, and blamed others, mainly Biden, for everything that is wrong in the world. Trump’s response to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection he fueled was farcical. He said a “relatively small number of people” went to the Capitol and many were “ushered in by the police.” After scheming to overturn the 2020 election, Trump refused to say if he would accept the results of the 2024 election. Unless, of course, he wins. The debate served as a reminder of what another four years of Trump would look like. More lies, grievance, narcissism, and hate. Supporters say they like Trump because he says whatever he thinks. But he mainly spews raw sewage. [...] Yes, Biden had a horrible night. He’s 81 and not as sharp as he used to be. But Biden on his worst day remains lightyears better than Trump on his best. Biden must show that he is up to the job. This much is clear: He has a substantive record of real accomplishments, fighting the pandemic, combating climate change, investing in infrastructure, and supporting working families and the most vulnerable. [...] There was only one person at the debate who does not deserve to be running for president. The sooner Trump exits the stage, the better off the country will be. [color emphasis added]

I highly recommend that you read the entire editorial.

Although it looks like Biden might be suffering from some cognitive issues related to aging, Trump has alarmed experts by some of his own cognitive slipups during rallies. Just because Trump didn't show those issues during the debate, does not mean they don't exist, since cognitive slipups can come and go in the early stages of cognitive decline.

Regardless, as The Philadelphia Inquirer pointed out, Trump's debate performance was built on lies, and his hate-filled talking points did not bolster confidence in the agenda he might pursue in a second presidency. Trump's childish behavior towards Biden during the debate also reportedly contributed to Biden's being distracted.*

______________ *According to Newsweek, Biden told George Stephanopoulos during a recent interview, ""When I realized that even when I was answering the question, when they turned his [Trump's] mic off, he was still shouting, and I let it distract me." That Trump was doing that and the moderators didn't tell him to stop, is troubling. And since Trump's mic was turned off, the viewing audience did not realize it was happening.

[sierraraeck]

Hunger Games Short Story Collection

I just finished reading Sunrise on the Reaping and in my very expert opinion, if Suzanne Collins is going to get one more book out of this thing, it should be a short story collection. I don’t need a whole novel on each of these things, but I’d love a good glimpse into aspects of the world that aren’t really explored throughout the five we have right now. In no particular order (other than how I thought of them) here’s a list of short stories from Panem I’d like to know more about:

Finnick’s postgames (and games)

Anything from Prim’s perspective

Anything from Peeta’s perspective

The daily life of a Career tribute in their district’s ‘higher’ luxury and training their whole life before volunteering

Anything from Beetee’s perspective

Wiress post Quell punishment or pregame life

First ever games

Cinna or other stylists’ perspective

What someone in District 13 is thinking about everything this whole time while they’re hidden

A Capitol sponsor whose chosen tribute dies

A child from the Capitol’s perspective

Whichever Heavensbee first rebelled and started their line of District sympathizers

Anything from the Dark Days and the inception of the Districts and Capitol divides

The student who and when they thought up the Hunger Games

Haymitch’s perspective during Katniss and Peeta’s games

Anything from Effie’s perspective or any of the other escorts

Anything from Merilee’s perspective

Anything from Peeta’s mom’s perspective

Rue’s dad’s perspective or anyone from District 11 when Katniss visits and the riot breaks out

Titus (enough said)

Anything from someone is Districts 5/6/9/10 since we hear about them the least

Anything from any of the Flickermans

Any potential protests by Capitol citizens against the Capitol regarding the first few games

The first Quarter Quell

A gamemaker inventing a mutt

A pregnant girl anywhere who wants an abortion because she doesn’t want to bring kids into this world

A peacekeeper

Anything from Johanna’s perspective

An avox

Who Lou Lou was before or anything from the perspective of someone forced into being a body double

A gamemaker who has successfully entered, fixed, and exited the arena

Someone who performs cosmetic surgery on the Capitol people

Hosting a watch party for the interviews or opening day of the games

What Sid thought watching Haymitch

I might keep adding to this if I think of more, but that’s all I’ve been able to come up with after the past day or so.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for quitting the way I did and talking to my former boss?

Many years ago I got my first job in my field when I was just out of high school at a local business. It was owned by a person who was a master of the trade and I learned a lot working for them. I really loved the job, but as it went on and we got into the busy season, things went downhill. We took on too many clients and were constantly behind, and the boss was reasonably very stressed, as were we all. I tried to express at meetings that I thought the only solution was to take on less clients, but of course it was more complex than that and the boss didn’t agree.

There were many situations where I did what the boss told me and was latter reprimanded because they didn’t think their order through and something went wrong. There were many more times I tried my very best at something and still couldn’t please them. I don’t want to be too detailed, but basically there was a week where half the staff were out sick and I was left to manage all of their responsibilities while the boss and senior staff worked on the biggest ticket project. I was really proud of myself for how I handled things that week, but all I got from the boss were critiques.

I was young and put too much stake in their approval, and one day in the middle of the busy season I quit in a fit of pique. The boss was blindsided and asked for an exit interview where I told them the truth about why I was leaving as politely as I could. Then I served my two weeks and left. I’m glad I did it, but I know there were kinder ways to do it, and I really mourned the loss.

Now I’m established in the industry with my own business and I go to a lot of conferences and expos. I did what was best at the time, but it means I can’t really talk or do business with my former boss because of the baggage. Unfortunately, they also go to these things. So far when we run into each other we ignore each other, but last time a friend introduced me to my old boss. The boss said “yeah, I know anon. They used to work for me.” And we looked at each other with an awful dead-eyed stare until the other people in the group picked up on the shame and we all made excuses to leave. The friend immediately guessed that this was the owner of the first industry job I ever had. I’ve realized that other people I’ve worked for who have seen my resume might also put it together even though I obviously never tell anyone what happened. I would never, ever badmouth this person to anyone. Only those who were close to me at the time know why I quit and how. They are truly an expert and I have great respect and admiration for them professionally. But every time I run into them at a conference I seriously consider moving somewhere no one has ever heard of them.

(This only happens like once a year max but it still eats me up inside.)

TL;DR: I had a job with someone I really respect but who made work intolerable and told them why when I quit. Now I occasionally run into them at professional conferences and it sucks. AITA for quitting and for ignoring them when we do meet?

What are these acronyms?

[mariacallous]

The 2024 American Electorate Voter Poll, conducted by the African American Research Collaborative (AARC) and BSP Research, has a nationally representative sample of Native American voters (n=500) that ensures Native American voters’ voices are included in the discussion of this historic election. This oversample was supported by First Nations Development Institute and is designed to be representative of the Native American electorate. This post summarizes the main findings from the poll regarding Native American voters.  

Native American voters continued to be consequential across the presidential election and several other races this cycle. Both presidential candidates targeted Native American voters in crucial battleground states, including Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, and Nevada.  

Despite the continued importance of the Native American vote, Native American voters remained largely absent in preelection discussions by election experts and pundits due to nearly no credible data available about this electorate. Furthermore, the available data on Native American voters was often flawed, leading to dangerous conclusions about the Native American vote. This includes the National Exit Poll conducted by Edison Research, which suggested that 65% percent of Native Americans voted for Republican candidates based on a small and non-representative sample of Native American voters that did not include interviewing locations on any tribal lands across the country.  

The national media’s heavy reliance on this questionable poll is misleading, as its depiction of support for Trump among Native Americans deviates from past patterns and has drawn significant criticism from tribal communities nationwide.

This poll provides a fresh perspective to the discussion of Native American voters in the 2024 election. The 2024 American Electorate Voter Poll addresses the challenge of inaccurate data on Native American voters by including a nationally representative sample of Native American voters within a broader national voter sample. This enables comparisons of their voting behavior with that of other racial and ethnic groups. Similar to other surveys, AARC and BSP Research have conducted surveys among Native Americans nationally, and the survey relies on a self-identified/opt-in sampling design.  

However, the survey took important steps to ensure that the data was representative of Native American voters. This included screening out potential respondents whose connection to their Native American ancestry was only through a distant relative, ensuring that the study was not limited to Native Americans who live in urban areas, and incorporating respondents who have some connection to their tribe’s native language. In fact, 21% of self-identified Native American respondents in the sample reported that they live on a reservation/tribal lands and another 37% near a reservation/tribal lands. Native Americans who live on tribal lands face challenges accessing the ballot box that could impact how they view electoral politics and policies aimed at improving voting access. Similarly, 43% of respondents reported that they speak a Native American language in their home. This is another critical consideration when designing survey samples, as language plays a key role in shaping ethnic identity and community connections, and language rights are safeguarded by the Voting Rights Act.

The poll’s researchers believe strongly that pollsters should take similar steps to collect and report out important demographics for Native American respondents as this leads to more reliable and representative data. Consequently, this summary of the national Native American voting data provides a much more balanced discussion of how and why Native American voters participated in the 2024 election.  

Native American voters favored Harris and Democrats over Trump and Republicans  

As reflected in the figure below, 57% of Native American voters supported Vice President Harris in the presidential race in 2024, compared to 39% who supported President-elect Trump. Another 4% of respondents cast their ballot for another candidate. Results from the survey across all racial groups indicate that Native American voters were more likely to vote for Trump than Black, Asian American, or Latino voters. However, they were +17% more likely to vote for Harris than white voters. 

One of the major themes of the post-election analysis has been the apparent improvement for Trump and Republicans among men of color. As reflected in the figure below, there was a significant gender difference among Native American voters in 2024, with a 13% difference between Native American men and women—63% of Native American women reported voting for Harris compared to 50% of Native American men. This indicates that Democrats should include Native American men in their post-election discussions on strategies to strengthen their support among all men of color, including Native American men. There was also a small difference in voting behavior based on age. Native American voters under the age of 40 were more likely to vote for Vice President Harris than those over the age of 40.

Incorporating demographic questions specific to tribal communities is crucial for understanding Native American voting patterns and policy discussions. There is a notable difference in voting behavior among Native Americans based on their connection to their tribe’s Native language. Among respondents who speak a Native language at home, 63% reported voting for Harris, compared to 52% of those who do not speak a Native language at home.

Native American voters were also more likely to vote for a Democrat in their congressional races across the country, with 57% indicating they voted for a Democrat compared to 38% who cast their ballot for a Republican congressional candidate. This is slightly higher than in 2022, when 56% of Native Americans reported that they voted for a Democrat compared to 40% who voted for Republican candidates, according to the AARC/BSP Research 2022 Election Eve Poll.  

The policy agenda of the Native American electorate   

The Election Poll included two policy questions that were asked only of Native American respondents. This included if respondents consider tribal issues when voting. Nearly eight in 10 (78%) Native American respondents said that they did consider tribal issues when they voted in the 2024 national election. Native American respondents who live on or near a reservation were 10% more likely to report that they considered tribal issues when they voted compared to those who do not live on or near a reservation—82% to 72%. 

Respondents who said that they do consider tribal issues when they vote were asked to identify the issues that were most important to them when they voted. As reflected in the figure below, tribal sovereignty/right to govern and land rights are the most salient tribal issues that influenced Native Americans voting behavior in 2024 at 58% and 59% respectively. These were followed by preserving culture and language, highlighted by 49% of respondents. Economic development ranked next at 40%, with the preservation of Native American history identified by 31%. Environmental concerns rounded out the top priorities at 30%.

The poll also included several items on climate change and energy policy. Native Americans are supportive of expanding the nation’s investment in clean energy, as well as protecting families against the negative impacts of climate change: 

Eighty-nine percent support providing more resources to protect families against the impacts of climate change and to prepare for and recover from future hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate disasters.

Eighty-eight percent support expanding clean energy investments to create more manufacturing jobs in the U.S.  

Eighty-seven percent support expanding clean energy investments to lower electricity bills and energy costs.

Respondents were also asked to identify the most important issues that they want Congress and the president to address. The state of the economy, including jobs and inflation, were top concerns for Native American voters, which was similar to the electorate overall, and Native Americans support policy reforms that will address these concerns. One of the leading federal policy priorities for Native American voters was the cost of living and inflation, with 55% selecting it as one of their top three concerns for Congress and the president to address. Additionally, 88% of Native Americans expressed strong support for “a law or regulation that bans price gouging and prevents corporations from artificially raising prices.”

Jobs and the broader economy ranked as the second most frequently identified policy priority among Native Americans, cited by 31%. Housing costs and affordability followed closely at 29%. Additionally, 76% of Native Americans in the poll expressed support for a proposal to build three million new homes and provide $25,000 in down payment assistance to improve access to affordable housing.

The fourth priority among Native American voters was abortion/reproductive rights, an issue that was also a top priority for this subgroup in 2022 (24%). This issue was especially significant for Native American women, with 30% naming it a top policy priority compared to 17% of Native American men. Just under 80% of Native Americans in the poll support “a federal law to guarantee access to abortion and give women control over their own private medical decisions.” Rounding out the top five priorities, 20% of respondents highlighted the cost of health care as a key concern. On this issue, 94% of Native Americans support “allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices on prescription drugs” to help address the rising costs of health care.

Mobilization and outreach to Native Americans in 2024 

Native Americans continue to encounter significant obstacles when exercising their right to vote. According to a recent Brennan Center report, many Native Americans live far from the nearest polling location and often lack a physical address, a requirement in some states to cast a ballot. These barriers have contributed to lower voter turnout among Native Americans in recent elections. However, the poll reveals strong support for election reform to address these issues, with 87% of Native Americans favoring the passage of a new Voting Rights Act to eliminate barriers and ensure all eligible citizens can vote.

Both the Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2024 U.S. presidential election made symbolic efforts to engage Native American voters. The Harris-Waltz campaign invested heavily in outreach, launching a $370 million ad campaign between Labor Day and Election Day that focused on key Native issues such as treaty rights and tribal sovereignty. Beyond media efforts, the campaign prioritized direct engagement, including meetings with tribal leaders and rallies held in Arizona’s Gila River Indian Community. This outreach was bolstered by President Biden’s federal apology for the U.S. government’s historical role in Native American boarding schools, delivered in the battleground state of Arizona.

In contrast, the Trump-Vance campaign concentrated on key swing states but placed less focus on direct outreach to Native American communities. The campaign received support from U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Cherokee Nation, who emphasized Trump’s commitment to granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe—a longstanding issue for the tribe. This promise resonated with some Native American voters, particularly in the battleground state of North Carolina.

Despite these outreach efforts, when asked if anyone from a political party, campaign, or any other organization contacted them to ask them to register and/or vote in this election, 50% of Native American voters indicated that they had not been contacted by anyone in 2024. These survey results reveal that both parties can improve their outreach to tribal communities to improve contact rates for Native Americans.   

However, among those who were contacted, Native Americans were more likely to be contacted by Democrats rather than Republicans (31% to 21%). Another 10% of Native Americans reported that they were contacted by someone from a nonpartisan, civic, or other organization, and 9% reported being contacted by someone representing a ballot initiative or referendum.  

Conclusions 

The 2024 Election Eve Poll reveals that a significant majority of Native Americans continue to lean Democratic in their voting preferences. However, both major political parties have opportunities to strengthen their appeal to this critical subgroup of the national electorate, which can significantly influence election outcomes both nationally and in key states. While Native Americans share many of the same voting motivations as the broader electorate—such as concerns about inflation, jobs, health care costs, abortion, and reproductive rights—they also represent a unique and multifaceted electorate with distinct tribal-specific priorities.

The poll reveals that many Native American voters across the country prioritize issues specific to tribal communities when casting their ballots. Key concerns include tribal sovereignty, land rights, and the preservation of Native American culture, language, and history—issues that received inadequate attention from political campaigns during this election cycle. This survey sheds light on the nuanced policy attitudes and voting behaviors of the Native American electorate, a group often mischaracterized in mainstream polling. Although the poll relies on self-identified Native Americans, it incorporates measures to ensure respondents have meaningful connections to their Native ancestry, offering a more accurate depiction of Native American voter participation in the 2024 election. First Nations, AARC, and BSP Research recommend that pollsters adopt similar measures to those used in this poll and collaborate with tribal communities to enhance the relevance and accuracy of their research.

[mayhem-neverending]

The Big Bad Wolf

Summary: Obito survives the fourth shinobi war, and with Kakashi's help, is sent to live in the forest surrounding Konoha. He's a prisoner in his home, the property warded so that no one can enter or exit without the Hokage's explicit permission.

After two years, Kakashi can't ignore the fact that his old friend is wasting away in his home. Thankfully, though, he finds someone (reluctantly) willing to help bring him back to health.

Also, I know that his hair turns white, but I'm keeping it black here. Annnd there are cell phones in this au. I'm pretty sure those are the only major changes I'm making.

Obito Uchiha x Fem!Reader

Warnings: single mother reader, slowburn, angst, canon violence, depression, Uchiha bullshittery, mentions of abuse, alcohol usage, sexual themes

Part I

Word count: 1266

Note: New WIP because my brain can't focus. This is incredibly self-indulgent, because I am a slut for Obito. I will be back on my other WIP soon, I promise. This came to me after I read a fic on AO3, although I can't remember the name.

The Hokage’s tower was intimidating. It was your first time stepping foot anywhere near it in years, and you wondered if it had somehow risen in height. You adjusted your button up and slacks, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

You navigated the busy hallways swiftly, muscle memory kicking in when your brain wanted to give up. You found yourself in front of the door to the Hokage’s office in a flash, and knocked before you could psych yourself out.

“Come in,”

You opened the door and stepped through, eyes wandering around the room. It looked much the same as it had a few years ago and the familiarity eased some of your nerves. The man in front of you wasn’t necessarily an unfamiliar face, either, and his smile further calmed you.

“Y/n L/n, it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen you,”

You smiled politely at him from your spot near the door. “It has,”

He gestured you forward. “Come, sit,”

You settled yourself down in the chair across from him, and he folded his hands on the desk.

“Thank you for coming in today,”

“Thank you for having me, Lord Sixth,”

“Call me Kakashi,” He waved his hand.

You just managed to keep your disapproving look from fully forming on your face. “Yes, sir,”

He rolled his eyes playfully. It made you shift a bit uncomfortably. You had never been close to the man, and when you had known him, he had been much more serious. He seemed to sense your discomfort, and switched back to a more professional tone.

“So, you’re here for the personal assistant position, correct?”

You nodded.

“Before we continue, I would like to make you aware that this position is not as an assistant to me,”

You frowned, confused. Who would be so important that the Hokage himself would interview for them? Surely he was incredibly busy. It was clearly evident that the aftermath of the war was still weighing heavily on Konoha’s government, even two years later.

He continued, “A close friend of mine has been struggling, and I believe hiring him some help is the least I can do,”

You nodded, curiosity replacing the nerves that had lingered. He drummed his fingers on the desk, eyes cast aside in contemplation. After a moment of silence, he started again, “I suppose I should re-title the position,” His eyes slid to yours. “It’s more of a caretaker job,”

Now you were really confused. “What exactly would I be doing?”

“Cooking, housework, grocery shopping, etc,”

Your lips quirked up and you nodded. You would call yourself an expert in those things after the last two years you had had. “And what would the hours look like?”

“Monday through Friday, starting at 8:30am and ending when you finish your tasks. The position is salary,”

He was ticking off each of your boxes the more he spoke. But, after struggling to find a job that fit all your needs for the past six months, you were quick to hold back your excitement. You were tired of being disappointed when you either didn’t get it, or something just wouldn’t work.

“That sounds like a good deal to me,”

His eyes crinkled into his little half-moon smile. “I’m glad to hear it. I have to ask, what brings you here today?”

“My current job just isn’t a good fit, and I want something that feels more rewarding - like I’m making a difference… I wouldn’t be upset about a pay raise, either.” You half-shrugged.

Kakashi chuckled. “I hear you. What do you think qualifies you for this position? I know it’s a bit different than what I advertised, so don’t worry about taking a second to answer,”

You shook your head, a little smile on your lips. “I’m more qualified for this type of work than what you advertised, so I can answer easily.”

You straightened up in the chair. “Before the last six months, I was a stay at home mom. I handled every piece of housework, managed our finances, did the shopping for the three of us, and took care of my son. It’s almost second nature to me to manage a household now,”

Kakashi nodded. “I was wondering about the gap in your resume,”

You quirked a brow. “Are you telling me you didn’t do a thorough background check before bringing me in here?”

He smiled widely, a sparkle in his eye. “Now there’s the little chunin I remember,”

You smiled bashfully, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

“No, I have extensive investigations performed for each person before they enter this office for an interview. I like to see who is honest with me when I ask questions, though,”

You ignored the urge to roll your eyes. “Well, based on mine, how much of a chance do you think I have to get this job?”

He hummed. “Pretty high, I’d say,”

You perked up.

He tapped a tinger to his chin. “Actually, since you caught me, I think it’s only fair to offer it to you, if you want it,”

You blinked in surprise. “Really?”

He nodded, his face sobering quite suddenly. “Although I can’t divulge why at the moment, you are my first choice out of all of the applicants.”

You looked at him in bewilderment, but held your questions in. His eyes flickered around the room. He scratched the back of his head, and brought the smile back to his face.

“Starting pay is seventy-five thousand a year, would that be sufficient?”

It took you a moment to respond. Your head was spinning with the possibilities that would open up to you with that kind of money. The foremost thought in your mind, though, was: I won’t have to struggle anymore.

You finally managed a nod. “More than,”

“Perfect, how soon can you start?”

“Uhh, Monday, probably,”

He started to say something else, but you accidentally interrupted him with your next question. “Who am I supposed to be taking care of?”

Kakashi met your gaze with intensity. He searched your eyes for a long moment, and you tried so very hard not to shrink into yourself. After an eternity, he let loose a heavy sigh. His reaction was making your nerves rise back up at full force.

“Your.. ward, for lack of a better term, is.. Obito Uchiha,”

Your jaw dropped and you stopped breathing, your mind going completely blank. When your thoughts finally filtered in again, your first coherent thought was: So that’s the catch?

Why would you be his first choice for a war criminal’s babysitter? Kami, what would your family say if they found out just who you were working with? Despite your negative internal dialogue, you couldn’t help but think about the money. It would do you so much good, even if you only worked the job for a year or two.

You scrubbed a hand over your face in a jerky movement. It wasn’t much of a debate. You would benefit far more by taking the job than denying it. A sudden thought popped up - something that you should have thought of right off the bat.

“What if he tries to hurt me?”

Kakashi frowned, but his eyes were understanding. “He won’t. I wouldn’t have created the position if I thought he would try something.”

You nodded slowly. It tracked. He didn’t fight at the frontlines during the Fourth Shinobu War to put his people in danger. You knew he was a good man.

“Okay,” you said quietly.

“Okay?”

“Okay,” It was hardly more confident than the first.

“Alright, let’s go over the details then,”

Part II

[taiyaki-translations]

Intelligence - Disclosure 1

Season: Spring Characters: Kaoru, Yuzuru Translator: taiyaki-translations ENG Proofreader: verdantcrimson (Yuzuru)

<Spring, second year of ES’ establishment. Underground live house>

Kaoru: ♪~♪~

(Mm hm. There’s a good turnout today. It’s a lot more lively now compared to how it was before, isn’t it? ♪)

(Thanks to the success of the Nightless City Live (1), business has been pretty stable, and this momentum will likely continue for a while.)

(Fufu, I can step up when it counts, right~? (2) Not to brag or anything, but I’d say I did a good job ♪)

(...As if. If I let my guard down, we could start losing customers again.)

(I need to make sure to check in whenever I’m free.)

(Now then, I should also look into the confirmation for that interview while I have time.)

Yuzuru: Kaoru-sama. One adult admission ticket, please.

Kaoru: …Huh?

…Huuuuh?

Yuzuru: Ah, pardon me. Perhaps you could not hear me over the music?

One adult admission ticket, please! …Were you able to hear me now?

Kaoru: Um, wait. I can hear you but—what’s this? Why are you here, Fushimi-kun?

Is this a dream? Or maybe an illusion? Are you here to straighten this place out? You’re here for some reason, right?

Yuzuru: No, that is not exactly it, but…

To get back on topic, may I get an admission ticket? I would like to see the live performance.

Kaoru: Ah, right. One adult ticket costs two thousand yen~

Also, just letting you know that we don’t accept cards. Please pay in cash only.

Yuzuru: Understood. Please take this.

Kaoru: Got it. Here, one ticket. You can freely enter and exit the venue if you have the ticket stub on you. Also, if you would like to order a drink, please go to the bar counter.

But since I’m the only one on shift today, it’s alright if you just tell me here at the reception desk. Would you like some juice? Tea?

Yuzuru: Thank you very much. May I have some oolong tea then, please?

Kaoru: Okay, give me a sec and I’ll pour you some.

…At any rate, I was pretty surprised. I never expected you would come to a place like this.

Is someone you know going to perform? Or maybe you developed an interest in live houses?

Yuzuru: No, it’s not quite either of those reasons… There is just something I’ve been a little troubled by.

Recently, the young master was entrusted with “ATLANTIS”, and he seems to have taken interest in management.

Despite the tutelage he received as the heir of the Himemiya family, in matters of business, he’s just a fledgling.

The young master has begun consulting with Eichi-sama on business management. I came to learn what I could so that I may aid him as well.

Kaoru: To learn business management, huh…?

To be honest, compared to a huge business like “ATLANTIS”, most small live houses like ours are under private management.

I don’t think there’s much you can learn from here.

You could probably get more out of reading books on the topic?

Yuzuru: Yes, I’ve been making continuous efforts on that front.

However, if I were to try to give him any advice, the young master would just get angry and say “Who are you to advise me when you have zero experience yourself?”

I see where he is coming from, so I have no intention of going out of my way to irritate him.

Half-baked tactics can lead to serious injuries. (3) Should I try to push my own incomplete knowledge onto him as if I were some expert, it would obviously end with both of us getting upset.

However, I am a butler of the Himemiya family. I wish to be someone that the young master can rely on when he is troubled. 

Therefore, in my personal interest—I have decided it would be best to observe how management works firsthand, which is why I’ve come to this live house.

This live house is also an entertainment venue. I think that there may be a lot of similarities to theme park management.  

Kaoru: Well, in that case, why not go talk to someone like Saegusa-kun from CosPro?

I’ve heard he runs a number of companies. If you ask him, I don’t think it will take up much of Tenshouin-kun or Tori-kun’s time?

Yuzuru: There is not a single thing to learn from that man.

Kaoru: Whew, you shot that down fast.

Yuzuru: It goes without saying. The kind of cunning management practices he uses will net you many enemies. If the young master were to utilize any of them, the Himemiya family would collapse in an instant.

Kaoru: Ahaha… So I guess that’s a no-go.

Then we’ll just need to think of another business manager who can help you out.

Somewhere you can get advice about management…

Oh, that’s right. Why not go to the aquarium? Kanata-kun runs it, and it’s a more respectable environment than here. It might be good to have a chat with him.

Yuzuru: Hm… Now that you mention it, aquariums also qualify as an entertainment venue.

Understood. Allow me to make an appointment straight away. What is your schedule like for tomorrow, Kaoru-sama?

Kaoru: Huh. Am I going too!?

Yuzuru: If you’d be so kind. I haven’t had the opportunity to hear about live house management yet. It would be a good opportunity to receive some guidance from Kaoru-sama as well.

…Do allow me to arrange for advance tickets, so that we may go together ♪

Kaoru: O…Okay. Thanks…

Translation Notes: 1. Referring to the story Nightless City Live. 2. やるときはやる (doing something when it's time to do it)  means when someone who's normally unreliable steps up and does their best when they need to or when it counts the most. 3. 生兵法は大怪我のもと (Half-baked tactics lead to serious injuries) means if you rely on knowledge and skills that you don’t have a good grasp on, you could make terrible mistakes.

Directory | Next

[thailandimmigration]

Thailand SMART Visa

Thailand's SMART Visa is a groundbreaking initiative designed to attract highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world. This innovative visa program offers a fast-track process for individuals with expertise in specific fields, providing a pathway to work, live, and invest in the country.

Who is Eligible for the SMART Visa?

The SMART Visa is open to individuals with expertise in the following fields:

Technology and Innovation: This includes areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, and digital transformation.

Startups: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and the potential to drive economic growth.

Medical and Healthcare: Professionals in fields like medicine, dentistry, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture: Experts in civil, mechanical, electrical, and other engineering disciplines.

Education: Educators and researchers in various fields.

Benefits of the SMART Visa

Fast-Track Process: The SMART Visa application process is streamlined, allowing for quick approval and entry into Thailand.

Multiple Entry Visa: Holders of the SMART Visa can enter and exit Thailand multiple times within its validity period.

Work Permit: The visa includes a work permit, allowing the holder to work legally in Thailand.

Family Visa: Eligible family members can also obtain visas to accompany the primary applicant.

Tax Incentives: The SMART Visa offers certain tax benefits to encourage investment and economic activity.

How to Apply for the SMART Visa

The application process for the SMART Visa involves several steps:

Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents such as educational qualifications, work experience, and proof of funds.

Submit Application: Submit the application online or through a designated immigration office.

Interview: In some cases, an interview may be required to assess the applicant's qualifications and suitability.

Approval and Issuance: If approved, the SMART Visa will be issued.

Thailand's Commitment to Innovation

The SMART Visa is a testament to Thailand's commitment to becoming a regional innovation hub. By attracting top talent from around the world, the country aims to foster a dynamic and competitive business environment. The visa program offers a unique opportunity for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to contribute to Thailand's economic growth and development.

Conclusion

Thailand's SMART Visa is a valuable tool for individuals seeking to work, live, and invest in Southeast Asia. With its streamlined application process, attractive benefits, and focus on innovation, the visa program offers a promising pathway for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to realize their ambitions in Thailand.

[kmp78]

Sorry it’s a little longer and off topic, but what do you think about this one:

How big was the debate about Archie's skin color in the royal court? Book reveals new details!

There was a media outcry when Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry admitted in 2021 that someone in the royal court was wondering what skin color their child would have. Two years later there are new details about the incident.

In March 2021, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan sat with the well-known US talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Among other things, they talked about how, while pregnant with their first child, a member of the royal family asked them "how dark his skin might be when he's born." The Sussex couple and the host of the interview found this question to be racist. At the time, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan did not say who had asked them this question, only that they made it clear that it was not the Queen or her husband Prince Philip.

New details about this case have emerged in recent days. The royal expert and Sussex confidant, Omid Scobie, is publishing a new book on November 28th entitled "Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival" for which he is now promoting the drum and publishing excerpts in advance gives an interview. Included in the advance information: the so-called racism scandal at the royal court and a precarious situation between Prince Harry and his father.

The book states that Duchess Meghan confided in Prince Charles about this issue and told him that there were two people who were inappropriately interested in the color of their unborn son's skin. The second person should not be a direct royal member, but should come from the close environment. However, the two accused are not named by name in Scobie's new release. Although he claims to know who it is about, he still keeps it to himself for legal reasons.

Prince Harry is said to have used his children as leverage!

Another preliminary story revolves around the eviction of the Frogmore Cottage. The small house was the British residence of the Sussexes. It is owned by the royal family and was made available for rent to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan for the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II. But shortly after the publication of Harry's memoir "Spare" at the beginning of 2023, that all came to an end. The couple, who had emigrated to America years ago, were supposed to vacate the small cottage.

Omid Scobie claims that Prince Harry then argued with his father, King Charles III, and even resorted to emotional blackmail: "Do you never want to see your grandchildren again?" he is said to have said, according to the book. Scobie gives further details in his book about how King Charles distanced himself from his son. He also allegedly declined a personal meeting with him at the beginning of the year.

“Endgame” is intended to portray King Charles as unpopular and Prince William as greedy for power. However, the Sussexes are said to be distancing themselves from the latest work and claiming that they have nothing to do with it. So far, however, Scobie has been considered a close confidant and a kind of mouthpiece for the exiting couple.

And then te kid came out looking 109% Caucasian and not a single person would ever know he had a drop of "black" blood in him. 😂

[evelynlozwada]

Bonjour France

Planning to explore the art, romance, and charm of France? From the cobbled streets of Paris to the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera, France promises an unforgettable travel experience. But before you pack your bags, you’ll need a France Visit/Tourist Visa — your official entry ticket to the heart of Europe.

At VJC Overseas, we specialize in helping travelers like you make their dream journey to France as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What is the France Visit/Tourist Visa?

The France Visit/Tourist Visa is a short-stay Schengen visa that allows non-EU citizens to travel to France for tourism, leisure, or family visits. It’s valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and also grants access to all 26 Schengen countries.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway in Paris, a historical tour through Normandy, or a family holiday in Provence, this visa is your key to it all.

Visa Validity & Entry Types

You can apply for one of the following based on your travel needs:

Single-entry Visa: Valid for one entry into France. Re-entry isn’t allowed once you exit the Schengen Area.

Multiple-entry Visa: Allows multiple entries during the visa’s validity. Ideal for those planning to visit France more than once.

Are You Eligible?

Here are the key requirements:

A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your intended return date)

A clear travel purpose (tourism, leisure, or short visit)

Proof of financial means to cover your expenses

Schengen-compliant travel insurance (coverage of €30,000 minimum)

Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation from host)

A confirmed flight reservation

A clean immigration history (no recent rejections or violations)

Required Documents Checklist

Completed Schengen visa application form

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages

Two recent passport-sized photographs

A cover letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary

Detailed travel itinerary with flight and hotel bookings

Bank statements or sponsorship documents

Valid travel insurance

Accommodation proof (hotel/reservation/invitation letter)

Any previous visa stamps (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Get Expert Consultation: Talk to VJC Overseas consultants to plan your visa strategy.

Document Preparation & Review: We ensure every document is complete and accurate.

Application Submission: Submit your paperwork at the designated France Visa Center or Consulate.

Visa Interview (if needed): We help you prepare confidently if an interview is required.

Processing Time: Most visas are processed within 15 calendar days.

Visa Collection: We notify you as soon as your visa is ready and guide you through collection.

France Visa Fees

General application fee: €80 for adults

Children under 6: Free

Additional service center charges may apply depending on the location and provider.

Pro Tips for a Successful Application

Apply early: Submit your application at least 3 weeks before travel.

Avoid mistakes: Double-check all details to avoid delays.

Tell the truth: Any misstatements or inconsistencies can result in denial.

Follow local rules: Visa procedures can vary by country, so consult the official France consulate website or reach out to us for updates.

[referlynk]

How Hiring, Retention, and Compliance Are Improved by HR Consulting Services

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, companies face growing challenges in managing recruitment, retaining top talent, and navigating complex employment laws. For organizations that want to stay ahead, HR consultancy services offer a strategic advantage by delivering expert support across every phase of the employee lifecycle.

This blog explores how HR consultancy services—especially innovative platforms like ReferLynk—help businesses improve their hiring outcomes, boost employee retention, and maintain full compliance with labor regulations.

The Growing Demand for HR Consultancy Services

With evolving workforce expectations and tightening labor laws, businesses can no longer afford inefficient HR practices. To close this gap, HR consulting services offer the following:

Expertise in hiring and workforce planning

Talent acquisition strategies tailored to business goals

Legal guidance on employment policies and compliance

Retention strategies to reduce costly attrition

Scalable HR processes for startups and enterprises alike

By outsourcing these functions to specialized consultants or agencies, businesses can focus more on growth while ensuring HR operations run smoothly.

How HR Consultancy Services Enhance Hiring Efficiency

Hiring the right people is fundamental to business success. HR consultancy services streamline this process in several critical ways:

1. Strategic Workforce Planning

HR consultants help define hiring needs aligned with long-term business goals. They assess team structures, job roles, and future talent gaps to create a hiring roadmap that supports scalability.

2. Access to Specialized Talent Pools

Companies like ReferLynk offer access to deep and diverse talent networks. Whether it’s IT professionals, finance experts, or niche roles, ReferLynk’s hiring engine connects businesses with qualified candidates through data-driven sourcing.

3. Optimized Job Descriptions and Employer Branding

Crafting clear, inclusive, and compelling job descriptions improves application quality. HR consultancy services also advise on employer branding to attract the right candidates.

4. Screening and Shortlisting Support

Consultants reduce the burden on internal teams by pre-screening candidates, using assessments, and conducting initial interviews. ReferLynk, for instance, leverages AI-powered tools for faster, smarter screening.

5. Reduced Time-to-Hire

By streamlining the hiring funnel, HR consultancy services significantly cut down the time required to fill open positions. ReferLynk helps companies close roles faster through an integrated recruitment CRM and a verified recruiter network.

Improving Employee Retention with HR Consultancy Services

High turnover rates are not just disruptive—they’re expensive. HR consultancy services play a crucial role in boosting retention through strategic planning and employee engagement initiatives.

1. Onboarding Programs That Work

Effective onboarding improves early employee engagement and long-term retention. HR consultants design structured programs to help new hires integrate quickly and feel valued from day one.

2. Workplace Culture Alignment

HR consultancy services assess company culture and provide recommendations to build a more inclusive, productive, and engaging work environment. This alignment reduces cultural mismatches that often lead to early exits.

3. Career Development and Succession Planning

Employees are more likely to stay if they see a path for growth. HR consultants guide organizations in creating training, mentorship, and internal mobility programs. ReferLynk helps companies map out these strategies effectively.

4. Employee Feedback and Pulse Surveys

Continuous feedback systems assist in locating and resolving problems before they become more serious. Many HR consultancy services offer tools or frameworks to conduct surveys and implement actionable improvements.

Ensuring Compliance with Employment Laws and Regulations

India’s labor landscape is governed by a complex and evolving set of regulations. A company's reputation could be harmed and legal issues could arise from noncompliance. HR consultancy services ensure companies stay compliant through:

1. Policy Creation and Review

Consultants help draft compliant HR policies, contracts, and employee handbooks. These documents are in line with both legal requirements and industry best practices.

2. Labor Law Compliance Audits

ReferLynk and other trusted HR consultants conduct regular audits to identify gaps in compliance, reducing the risk of penalties or litigation.

3. Payroll and Benefits Compliance

Proper wage structuring, provident fund contributions, and leave policies are essential for compliance. HR consultancy services ensure all payroll processes align with government mandates.

4. POSH and Diversity Training

Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) compliance is mandatory in India. HR consultants help conduct awareness training, set up internal complaint committees, and file annual returns as required.

Why Businesses Trust ReferLynk for HR Consultancy Services

ReferLynk has emerged as a top choice for modern HR solutions, offering a powerful mix of consultancy and technology.

Key Advantages of Choosing ReferLynk:

Integrated Recruitment CRM for streamlined hiring

Expert HR Advisors with domain-specific knowledge

Custom HR Policies and Templates for compliance

Data-Driven Retention Insights to reduce attrition

Flexible Service Models for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises

ReferLynk’s ability to combine intelligent automation with personalized consultancy services makes it one of the most trusted providers in India.

Who Can Benefit from HR Consultancy Services?

HR consultancy services are not just for large corporations. They offer immense value across various business sizes and industries:

Startups looking to establish compliant HR structures from scratch

SMEs aiming to scale efficiently without building large HR teams

Enterprises needing external audits or support in specialized areas

Global Firms setting up operations in India

Remote-First Companies building distributed teams

[techit-rp]

How India’s Growing Startup Ecosystem is Fueling Demand for Investment Bankers

With more than 100 unicorns, thousands of funded ventures, and a thriving ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and VC firms, the country has become one of the most exciting places for entrepreneurship. But as the number of startups grows, so does the need for smart, strategic financial guidance—and this is where investment bankers come in.

Whether it’s securing capital, preparing for IPOs, or handling mergers and acquisitions, investment bankers are becoming vital to the startup journey. And with technology making high-end financial training more accessible than ever, taking an online investment banking course is one of the smartest moves aspiring professionals can make today.

🚀 India’s Startup Boom: A Snapshot

India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, after the U.S. and China. Some key highlights:

Over 1 lakh startups recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)

Sectors leading the charge: fintech, edtech, SaaS, agritech, healthtech, and climate tech

Government initiatives like Startup India, Fund of Funds for Startups, and Startup Accelerators of MeitY are boosting funding and mentorship support

A new wave of IPOs from startups like Zomato, Nykaa, Mamaearth, and Yatra is reshaping the Indian equity market

But these success stories aren’t just about brilliant ideas—they’re about financial strategy, valuation, structuring deals, and managing investor relations. That’s where investment bankers step in.

💼 Why Startups Need Investment Bankers

Contrary to popular belief, investment bankers don’t just work with massive corporations. They play a critical role in helping early-stage and growth-stage startups secure funding, scale strategically, and exit efficiently.

Key areas where investment bankers add value:

FundraisingHelping startups raise Series A, B, C and beyond by connecting them with the right investors and structuring term sheets.

ValuationAccurately valuing a fast-growing or pre-revenue company is complex. Investment bankers help with financial modeling and forecasting.

M&A AdvisoryStartups looking to acquire competitors, sell stakes, or merge with other players need professional guidance.

IPO PreparationFor startups ready to go public, bankers manage everything from regulatory compliance to investor roadshows.

Due DiligenceEnsuring that a startup’s financials, operations, and compliance are investor-ready.

This growing demand has led to a surge in professionals enrolling in an online investment banking course to enter this dynamic field.

🎓 Why Take an Online Investment Banking Course?

An online investment banking course allows students and working professionals to gain real-world financial skills at their own pace—while staying relevant to today’s fast-changing market.

Benefits of going online:

Flexibility: Learn from anywhere, anytime

Updated Curriculum: Courses often include trending topics like startup funding, venture capital, and fintech

Expert Faculty: Learn from top industry professionals who’ve worked with global banks and Indian unicorns

Live Projects: Apply your knowledge to real-world case studies, capstone projects, and financial modeling assignments

Placement Assistance: Many programs offer career services and interview prep for roles in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital

Whether you're in Delhi, Mumbai, or a Tier-2 city like Indore or Kochi, an online investment banking course makes it possible to build a career in one of the most elite areas of finance.

📈 Career Opportunities for Investment Bankers in the Startup Space

Thanks to India’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, there’s a rising demand for roles like:

Startup Fundraising Analyst

Private Equity Associate

M&A Consultant

Equity Research Analyst

IPO Strategy Manager

Venture Capital Analyst

Many startups are also building in-house finance teams with investment banking experience to help them scale faster and prepare for global expansion.

🌐 How Startups Are Partnering with Investment Bankers

Startups like Ola, Swiggy, Meesho, and Zepto have all worked with investment banking advisors to raise capital or prepare for IPOs. Boutique firms and global giants like Goldman Sachs, Avendus Capital, and JM Financial are increasingly active in India’s startup scene.

Even early-stage startups are hiring freelance or fractional CFOs and analysts trained through online investment banking courses, proving that the market values skill over pedigree.

🏁 Final Thoughts

India’s startup boom is more than a trend—it’s a movement that’s reshaping the nation’s economic future. As this ecosystem matures, the need for investment bankers will continue to grow.

Whether you’re a student, finance graduate, or working professional looking to pivot, enrolling in an online investment banking course is the smartest way to tap into this high-growth opportunity. You’ll gain practical, job-ready skills and become part of a new wave of finance professionals who are helping build the next generation of Indian unicorns.

[knoxfeed]

Hunter College graduates protest over Gaza complicity Middle East Eye / June 01, 2025 at 11:52PM / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSKVAYfFx18 Time: 2:10 Graduates from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work disrupted their commencement ceremony this week, turning their backs on the administration and walking out in protest of the university’s ties to Israel and its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Chanting “Turn your back on Silberman, all eyes on Palestine!” the students exited the Barclays Center and rallied outside, joining a growing wave of graduation protests across New York and the US, demanding that universities divest from companies profiting from war crimes. The protest highlighted Hunter College and the wider City University of New York (CUNY) system’s investments in entities linked to the Israeli military. The action comes amid Israel’s ongoing siege on Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, millions displaced, and the region pushed to the brink of famine. Students say their institutions must not be complicit in the destruction of Palestinian lives. Catch MEE LIVE, our new biweekly live news programme, where we take a look at the news shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis and hard-hitting interviews. MEE LIVE: Tuesday & Thursday | 12pm ET | 5pm BST | Join the conversation at MEELive@middleeasteye.org Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye

[mariacallous]

When I walk into Jen Easterly’s office on a bright January day in Arlington, Virginia, I’m greeted by a giant shark head lurking on the floor. I instantly spot a Rubik’s Cube—an Easterly hallmark—emblazoned with the logo of the organization she’s run for the past three and a half years—the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, which President Donald Trump created during his first term.

Easterly, who is 56 years old, jumps to her feet to greet me. The first thing that hits me is her denim pants, which have a dragon on one leg and a serpent on the other. Then she launches into updates on CISA’s animated “Secure Our World” video series and, in the same breath, laments that she hasn’t had time for a private guitar lesson in weeks. Seemingly a regular day on the job for her, except for one thing. As of January 20, Inauguration Day, Easterly’s time at CISA would be over. Trump had fired the agency’s first director, Chris Krebs, after CISA refused to question the integrity of the 2020 election, and Easterly now says she wasn’t asked to stay. Rumors are swirling that CISA programs—or even the entire agency—may soon be on Trump’s chopping block.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the nation to lose its top cybersecurity cop. A Beijing-linked group called Salt Typhoon spent months last year rampaging through American telecoms and siphoning call logs, recordings, text messages, and even potentially location data. Many experts have called it the biggest hack in US telecom history. Easterly and her agency unknowingly detected Salt Typhoon activity in federal networks early last year—warning signs that ultimately sped up the unraveling of the espionage campaign.

The work of banishing Chinese spies from victim networks isn’t over, but the walls are already closing in on CISA. Trump's nominee to run the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, told a senate committee last week that CISA needs to be “smaller” and “more nimble.” And a day after the inauguration, all members of the Cyber Safety Review Board—who were appointed by Easterly and were actively investigating the Salt Typhoon breaches—were let go.

When Easterly officially became the agency’s second director, in 2021, the government was still reeling from a different blockbuster hack—SolarWinds. Kremlin-backed intruders had compromised widely used software to infiltrate the networks of US agencies and other targets. Helping US institutions defend themselves became an even more urgent and daunting project. CISA doesn’t enforce laws or collect intelligence; its job is to evangelize digital security measures and offer free services, so institutions can see what they need to do to not get hacked or—more realistically—get hacked less badly. Easterly got to work building relationships across the federal government and with state and local officials, corporate executives, and utility managers. In crises like the Salt Typhoon campaign, these relationships are crucial to quickly containing the damage.

It takes a determined person, and perhaps a charismatic one, to build rapport with such a wide-ranging group of people. Easterly has the background for it: She has worked in the Army (with multiple deployments), the National Security Agency, and the National Security Council under Barack Obama, and she spent nearly five years in charge of Morgan Stanley’s global cybersecurity. She also helped establish US Cyber Command within the Department of Defense. Somehow, though, she’s chill. To break the ice, and probably to make an impression, Easterly has leaned into her passions while in office, cubing and jamming with executives and utility operators around the country. And, yes, there’s her eclectic style—high fashion (by cybersecurity standards, anyway) mixed with bell-bottoms and Birkenstocks—but also her quiet, intense obsession with trying to solve the puzzle that is digital defense.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity, combining on-camera and off-camera portions. Check out WIRED’s YouTube channel for the video.

You’re in your last days as the director of CISA. How's it going?

It's a little bittersweet.

Why are you leaving?

Well, at the end of the day, I'm a Senate-confirmed political appointee. We serve at the pleasure of the president. I've not been asked to stay.

There are signs that the Trump administration may be hostile to some of CISA’s goals. Do you think the agency has proven it's valuable?

We are America's cyberdefense agency, but our budget is less than $3 billion. I think the American people are getting an incredible return on investment. Anybody who looks at it will see that there's been an enormous amount of progress made in reducing risk to the critical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day. We're talking water, power, transportation, communication, finance. It's not a political or partisan issue, and these threats are only getting more complicated, more dangerous. Any stepping back of what we've put in place will be to the detriment of the safety and security of the American people.

One threat that’s top of mind is Salt Typhoon. How have past foreign espionage campaigns, like Russia’s SolarWinds attacks, informed the work you all are doing?

What we saw in December 2020, with the revelations about the Russian intrusions into US federal government networks, as well as businesses around the world, was a pretty sophisticated supply-chain espionage operation. I would say the bumper sticker was to finally allow CISA to manage the .gov federal digital assets as one enterprise, not as a disparate tribe of a hundred separate departments and agencies. It's still a work in progress, but what we've put in place across the government over the past three and a half years has given us enormous visibility and has allowed us to detect intrusions much more rapidly, to be able to remediate them and to get ahead of future intrusions.

It’s concerning how difficult it seems to have been for the telecoms to eradicate the Chinese hackers from their networks. Has there been progress in terms of that transparency and insight you're talking about?

After the revelations of these breaches, we stood up what's called a unified coordination group. So we're responding, the FBI is investigating, folks like the National Security Agency are using what we see in the intelligence to understand the extent and the depth of this intrusion. And we're coming together to work with the victims. We've been doing that for months. This has unfortunately been out in the press a lot—

I would say fortunately!

Anything that gets out there has the downside of having adversaries change their tactics. So, while I think the transparency to consumers is important, it also makes it more difficult to then find these actors within the network. I don't expect it to be remediated in the short term.

What about in the long term?

Everybody should assume that our adversaries, in particular China, are attempting to go after our critical infrastructure. The private sector, they are on the front lines of this fight, because they own and operate the vast majority of our critical infrastructure. It's why companies need to put collaboration over self-preservation.

I want a future where something like a ransomware attack is a shocking anomaly. Where damaging software vulnerabilities exploited by nation-state actors are as infrequent as plane crashes. A world where the technology that we've come to rely on every hour of every day is first and foremost secure.

It feels like hackers always find new ways to get where they want to go. Can you win at defense?

I mean, you're right. Defense is hard. I say that as America's cyber head goalie. And that's why it has to be a team. As much as we work to hunt for and eradicate Chinese actors, our partners need to hold those actors accountable, whether that's through offensive cyber capabilities or indictments or sanctions. But, yes, we're on the defensive side, and it's a challenge.

Former CISA director Jen Easterly left office on Inauguration Day as rumors swirled about the fate of the agency.Photograph: Dana Scruggs

Right now is a very scary and precarious time in cyberspace.

I spent a lot of time in counterterrorism, and people would often say, “What keeps you up at night?” But it's really not what keeps me up at night. It's all about what gets you up in the morning. I love my team. I love the mission. Not every day is the best day ever, but you work through the issues, you stay resilient, you stay focused.

Probably a necessary attitude for this type of work. But I just have to be that guy who asks you one more time: What keeps you up at night?

A major conflict in Asia—the potential invasion or blockade of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China—could have very real consequences here in the US. You could see pipelines and water being affected, telecommunications being severed, rail lines, power. That is all part of a very deliberate effort by the People’s Republic of China to incite what they call “societal panic” and to deter our ability to marshal military might and citizen will. We have to acknowledge that disruption may occur.

Is the public paying too much attention to espionage campaigns like Salt Typhoon? Should we all be more worried about threats to critical infrastructure, like China’s Volt Typhoon?

We are very focused overall on PRC cyber actors. CISA is one of the few agencies in the government that has been able to find both Volt Typhoon within critical infrastructure as well as Salt Typhoon. In fact, it was our work several months ago to find Salt Typhoon that then led to law enforcement identifying virtual private servers that were being leased by the adversaries, and then that unraveled the wider campaign.

You and I have talked before about how Ukraine has faced years of punishing digital attacks and, of course, an ongoing kinetic war with Russia. CISA has partnered for a few years now with its counterpart agency in Ukraine. Do you have concerns that the Trump administration won't prioritize that relationship?

Ukraine is under active assault by a very sophisticated threat actor. What we are learning from how they are dealing with those attacks actually helps us understand and mitigate similar threats to our own infrastructure. Cyber is a borderless space, and what our foreign partners see can absolutely benefit us. We need to ensure that all of us—from the vendors that create technology to companies that buy technology to citizens that consume technology—recognize our shared role in a collective defense of cyberspace and critical infrastructure.

Do you feel that there are too many cooks in the US federal cybersecurity kitchen? Has that been an issue?

It really has not. A lot of people have asked that question, but when the SolarWinds incident occurred I was looking at it as both the cyber policy lead for the Biden-Harris transition team and, perhaps more importantly, from my day job at Morgan Stanley. One advisory came out from CISA that was very SolarWinds-specific. We didn't have SolarWinds in our infrastructure. Another one came from NSA that was focused on VMware, and we did have VMware in our systems. It was not clear how these things were connected. And then you would see an FBI private-sector notice about something else. At this point I've already been in government for 27 years. I'd been in the military, the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the White House. It's like, I know this. I thought I understood the government. And I couldn't make sense of what the government was trying to tell us about this Russian espionage campaign. It was one of the motivating things about coming to CISA. How do we bring together the federal cyber ecosystem?

The relationships with NSA, FBI, and CISA have never been better. Some of that is personalities, but I think we have actually developed institutional connective tissue, so that it will last. It's very, very clear what CISA’s role is. Now, you often talk about, what does the National Security Council do? What does the Office of the National Cyber Director do? I think we've sorted out the relationships at that level with policy and strategy, but really at the operational level where CISA lives, those relationships across the federal cyber ecosystem I think have never been better.

You said that there is unfinished business as you prepare to leave CISA. Where do you wish you could have done more?

There’s a lot of unfinished business. We have made an impact through our ransomware vulnerability warning pilot and our pre-ransomware notification initiative, and I’m really proud of that, because we work on preventing somebody from having their worst day. But ransomware is still a problem. We have been laser-focused on PRC cyber actors. That will continue to be a huge problem. I'm really proud of where we are, but there's much, much more work to be done. There are things that I think we can continue driving, that the next administration, I hope, will look at, because, frankly, cybersecurity is a national security issue.

I have to ask you, there are rumors: Are you or are you not going on tour when you leave CISA?

You know, I certainly hope to. I played piano and guitar when I was young, but I started taking up electric guitar, and that has become my passion, my obsession. So my big postretirement plan several years from now is to start a bar in lower Manhattan, to have a band. We're going to do magic. We're going to do improv. I'm going to be the bartender.

And will there be Rubik's Cubes at every table?

There will be Rubik's Cubes. I'm obsessed with the Rubik's Cube. When I was 11 these things were introduced across the world, and I was a huge puzzler and a video game person. I learned how to solve it, and then I would go to toy stores—I was this little kid with pigtails—and say, “Hey, if I can solve this in less than two minutes, will you give me a free one?” So I was able to amass this whole set of them.

You must see some sort of connection between that and your day job.

Ernő Rubik, who invented the thing, said something like, if you are curious, you will find puzzles around you. And if you are determined, you will solve them. And when I think about the incredible technical talent that we have here at CISA, it’s the intellectual curiosity, it’s the hacker mindset, it’s the problem solver. But it's also the determination, the relentless drive to solve the most complicated problems out there.