In this edition, we're jumping into billionaires' fortunes and then to cheesy delights, holiday magic, and local artisan treasures, Let's embark on a journey through the realms of wealth, culinary artistry, holiday enchantment, and creative.
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= Statistics
Wealth Heirs Outpace Self-Made Billionaires: The Great Inheritance Game of the Century!
The "great wealth transfer" is currently underway, with more billionaires passing on their wealth through inheritance rather than entrepreneurship. According to UBS' Billionaire Ambitions Report, over the next 20-30 years, more than 1,000 billionaires will be transferring a total of $5.2 trillion to the next generation.
In the twelve months ending April 2023, heirs inherited $150.8 billion, surpassing the $140.7 billion accumulated by new self-made billionaires during the same period. This shift marks the first time in nine years that more billionaires are being created through inheritance.
During this period, the global billionaire count increased by 7% to reach 2,544, and the total wealth held by billionaires grew by 9%, from $11 trillion to $12 trillion.
Despite challenging business environments in recent years impacting the wealth generated by entrepreneurs, the next-generation billionaires, who have inherited their wealth, are not significantly affected. Many of them are actively involved in impact investing in areas such as AI, clean energy, and the electric-vehicle transition.
Considering that the average age of the world's billionaires is currently 69 years old, UBS' John Mathews expects that the wealth transition to the next generation will gain momentum in the near future.
U
= Unusual
Pizza Apprenticeship
Whole Foods Market is bringing back the age-old tradition of apprenticeships, with a delicious twist! They're not just butchering, cheesemongering, and cake decorating; now, they're adding pizza-making to the mix. In a world struggling with labor shortages, apprenticeships are like culinary superheroes—boosting employee loyalty and keeping customers happy.
Whole Foods plans to keep this apprenticeship culinary party going by adding at least two new programs each year. So far, they've helped employees become experts in butchery, Certified Cheese Professionals (yes, that's a thing), and bakery decorators. Next on the menu? Pizza-making and produce specialists, with fishmongering soon to follow.
The best part? These are paid, learn-as-you-go positions, no prior experience needed. Imagine becoming a pizza artist, starting from scratch, and ending up with a mouthwatering masterpiece. It's like a foodie's dream come true!
Cathy Strange, Whole Foods' "ambassador of food culture" (a seriously cool title), is leading the charge. She's all about investing in her team members' development and making Whole Foods a hub of culinary expertise.
These apprenticeships are no cakewalk, though (pun intended). The butchery program, for instance, is a two-phase, six-month journey that combines training with real-world experience. And to become a Certified Cheese Professional, it takes years of study, including passing an American Cheese Society exam.
But don't worry; they start you off with "Cheese 101" and work up from there. After about 4,000 hours (that's two years!), you could be a candidate for the Certified Cheese Professional program. It's like a cheesy PhD!
The best part? Earning these certifications means more money and exciting career options. And as for the pizza apprenticeship, it's going to involve some top-secret dough stretching techniques. Who knew pizza-making could be an art form?
Whole Foods is truly reinventing the supermarket game. While others focus on management training, they're crafting artisanal careers, one cheese wheel and pizza dough at a time. So, keep an eye out for the next generation of culinary wizards, making magic happen at your local Whole Foods. It's like Hogwarts for foodies!
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= Explore
Santa’s handy new helper
Santa Claus, the jolly old man with a penchant for lists, is getting a modern makeover this holiday season. Thanks to the creative minds at Austin-based agency Hunt, Gather, Santa now has a trusty AI sidekick to tackle his mountain of letters.
Here's how this festive fusion of tradition and technology works: Until December 17th, you can skip the North Pole and instead hop over to "Santa's Magical Mailroom," a digital creation by Hunt, Gather's skilled design and engineering team. There, you can spill the beans about a special someone's year by answering a few quick questions.
But here's where the magic truly happens – an AI-powered machine swings into action, crafting a personalized letter in a font so convincing it appears handcrafted by Santa's own hand. Once the digital ink dries (virtually, of course), the letter is printed, sealed with Santa's official signature, and can even be delivered with a delightful spritz of peppermint essential oil for that authentic North Pole aroma.
All this holiday enchantment can be yours for a mere $20, and the cherry on top? The proceeds go to support Girls Who Code. So not only do you get a magical letter from Santa, but you're also spreading some holiday cheer in the tech world. Santa's new AI helper is a gift that keeps on giving!
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= Special
Holiday Artisan Marketplace at MoCA in Westport
Get ready to deck the halls and shop 'til you drop because MoCA Westport is bringing the holiday cheer with its Artisan Marketplace Holiday Edition! Mark your calendars for December 9th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at MoCA Westport, located at 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT 06880. Admission is just $10 per person, and it's well worth the festive fun.
This event is a delightful blend of art, music, delicious food, and holiday shopping. Picture yourself strolling through a winter wonderland of local artisans and businesses, all offering unique treasures that make the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones.
But that's not all! While you're there, you can immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art with MoCA Westport's current exhibition featuring the vibrant works of Purvis Young. It's like a visual feast for the artistic soul.
Feeling hungry after all that shopping and art appreciation? No worries! The Cowabunga Food Truck will be on hand, serving up delectable dishes that will satisfy your taste buds.
And to top it all off, Harbor Blues, an all-female a cappella group from Greens Farms Academy, will serenade you with harmonious melodies, adding an extra layer of holiday magic to the atmosphere.
The Artisan Marketplace Holiday Edition is not just a shopping event; it's a celebration of the season, a showcase of local talent, and a whole lot of festive fun rolled into one. Don't miss out on this joyful experience.
Thanks for reading the entire list.
See you next week-
Sue
