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☆ I quit my job as a delivery driver to be a Henry VIII impersonator. This job is my whole life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-21 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

David Smith dropped his career as a delivery driver and factory worker to become a Henry VIII impersonator. He earns a living by giving talks and performances as Henry VIII at schools and heritage sites. I was eight years old when I saw a portrait of Henry VIII in all his regalia. Everything changed when I found a Henry VIII outfit on Facebook Marketplace for £20 ($25) in 2021. Out of all the events I've attended, that was the one that made me feel most like Henry VIII.

Persons: David Smith, Henry VIII, wouldn't, —, Smith, I'd, King, Henry, Henry VIII's, Anne Boleyn, Marquess, I've, must've, Henry Smith, wasn't, I'm, It's Organizations: Service, Facebook, Hatfield House Locations: Penshurst, Hatfield, Hatfield House, Salisbury

☆ A woman called Swastika got an apology from Uber after it banned her because of her name
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Swastika Chandra had her Uber account banned because of her name. Uber eventually apologized to the Australian woman and reinstated her account. AdvertisementAn Australian woman was banned from using Uber after the company deemed her first name to be offensive. The company also faced backlash last year after the owner of a Palestinian restaurant in Toronto said Uber Eats had suddenly labeled his restaurant as Israeli. Uber Eats previously told Business Insider that the "unintentional" issue had been fixed.

Persons: Chandra, Uber, she's, —, Adolf Hitler, Hitler Organizations: Service, Hindu, of Australia, New South, ACA Locations: Asia, Fiji, New South Wales, Toronto

☆ Store worker of 20 years was fired for not paying for grocery bags at the self-checkout
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

An employee of a UK grocery chain was fired for not paying for grocery bags at checkout. He reportedly took multiple bags which each cost less than $1. AdvertisementAn employee of the UK grocery chain Sainsbury's, who had worked there for nearly 20 years, was fired after he didn't pay for plastic grocery bags at self-checkout, the BBC reported. The employee reportedly purchased £30 ($37) of food, pillows, and bedding from the store after working the night shift. When he went to pay at the self-checkout, he clicked "zero bags used" despite having used multiple bags.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, BBC

☆ A brand aimed at moms is using a porn star to create uncensored videos showing how to use its products
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mother and baby company, Frida, has opted to use a porn actress in its product explainer videos. The company has previously had social media posts and TV adverts rejected due to nudity. AdvertisementA mother and baby company, Frida, has given up on working around censorship on social media and is turning to a porn actress to showcase its products instead. But the company struggled to find ways to share how to use Frida products without TV networks and social media censoring them. AdvertisementInstead of working around nudity rules on social media, it doubled down and hired porn actress, Asa Akira, to demonstrate the products on its new website, Frida Uncovered.

Persons: Frida, —, Chelsea Hirschhorn, we've, Hirschhorn, Asa Akira, Akira Organizations: Service, New York Times, Times, Google, ABC, Meta Locations: Instagram

☆ BlackRock's Larry Fink thinks AI will boost wages — and productivity
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, believes AI will increase productivity and wages. His firm has increased assets while keeping head count the same which Fink credits to AI advances. Although AI optimists hope it'll raise wages, others are more skeptical and fear job displacement. AdvertisementLarry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, said on a recent earnings call that the company's investments in AI will drive up productivity and raise wages. This is how it's going to have to be done, driven through technology, which will increase productivity," he said.

Persons: Larry Fink, Fink, — Organizations: Service, BlackRock, Business Locations: America

☆ Zuckerberg isn't on the hook for kids' Instagram addiction, a judge just ruled
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Zuckerberg has avoided personal liability in 25 cases that accuse Meta of fuelling social media addiction. AdvertisementA judge has granted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's motion to dismiss 25 cases that alleged he was personally responsible for Instagram and Facebook fuelling social media addiction. The cases filed sought to hold Zuckerberg personally responsible for keeping children hooked on Meta products. Meta is facing lawsuits by two tribal nations, who are accusing the company, along with Google, TikTok, and Snapchat of fostering social media addiction. They accuse social media companies of contributing to high suicide rates by purposefully getting kids hooked on the platforms.

Persons: Zuckerberg, —, Mark Zuckerberg's, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers's, Rogers Organizations: Meta, Service, Business, Google

☆ Tim Cook has arrived in Vietnam for a two-day trip, as Apple boosts ties with its key manufacturing hub
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Apple CEO has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam to meet with Apple suppliers and content creators. Vietnamese manufacturing has been important for Apple as it moves away from dependence on China. AdvertisementTim Cook has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to start a two-day trip to one of Apple's top manufacturing hubs. Apple also plans to boost its ties with local suppliers during the trip as well as help fund clean water projects and education opportunities, local newspaper VietnamNet wrote. The statement added that Apple supports the jobs of 200,000 people in Vietnam through direct employment, via suppliers, and as app developers.

Persons: —, Tim Cook, he's, Apple, VietnamNet, Foxconn Organizations: Apple, Service Locations: Hanoi, Vietnam, China

☆ A tech company with 30,000 workers is bucking the trend of enforced RTO and letting its employees be completely flexible
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Globant, a software company with nearly 30,000 employees, is letting its workers stay fully remote. AdvertisementWhile many tech companies have enforced workers' return to the office, software company Globant is allowing its nearly 30,000 employees to remain fully remote. Related storiesOther companies haven't been so favorable on remote work and have enforced RTO mandates for at least part of the working week . AdvertisementWhile Dell told employees that if they went fully remote, they would not be considered for promotion. Those who enforce RTO mandates say that it boosts productivity and facilitates collaboration, improving the company's bottom line.

Persons: Bloomberg he's, —, Martin Migoya, Migoya, haven't, Dell, Dan Schawbel, millennials Organizations: Bloomberg, Service, Apple, Meta, Google, Katz Graduate School of Business

☆ From the battery boss who naps at noon to the fitness entrepreneur who rises at 3:30 a.m., these are the most unusual CEO habits
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewRunning a company is a stressful job, especially if you're running one of the biggest firms in the world. Here are some of the most unusual routines of CEOs:This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Or if you're Elon Musk, your morning routine includes eating a doughnutElon Musk. Taylor Hill/Getty ImagesTesla CEO Elon Musk opts for a sugary start to the day.

Persons: —, Tim Cook, Richard Branson, Josh York, Bob Iger, Chip Somodevilla, Iger, Mikael Berner, Elon, Taylor Hill, Elon Musk, Mark, Mark Zuckerberg, Robin Zeng, CATL, Jack Dorsey, Joe Raedle Jack Dorsey, Dorsey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Murray, Steven Barlett, Tobias Lutke, brag Organizations: Service, Business, Disney, Getty, Edison Software, EV, Twitter, Telegraph

☆ Jamie Dimon joined other top business leaders at the glitzy White House dinner. See who joined him on the guest list.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Leaders from JPMorgan, Microsoft, and Apple attended a White House state dinner on Wednesday. The dinner was hosted by Biden for the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida. Take a look at the business leaders and tech moguls who attended the lavish event. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementOn Wednesday top business and tech figures mingled with celebrities and lawmakers at the White House for a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden.

Persons: Apple, Biden, Fumio, —, Joe Biden Organizations: JPMorgan, Microsoft, White House, Japan, Service, White Locations: Japan

☆ Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez were among the top tech bosses and business leaders to attend a lavish White House dinner
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The former Amazon CEO joined over 200 other guests at a White House state dinner on Wednesday. President Joe Biden hosted the dinner in honor of the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida. Other guests in attendance included Apple CEO Tim Cook and JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon. AdvertisementJeff Bezos, founder and former CEO of Amazon, and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, a former news anchor and philanthropist, joined 200 other guests at a White House state dinner on Wednesday. Jill Biden had the State Floor of the White House transformed into what she dubbed a "vibrant spring garden" for the event.

Persons: Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida, Tim Cook, Morgan's Jamie Dimon, —, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Fumio, Jamie Dimon, Larry Fink, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Robert DeNiro, Masayoshi Son, Ken Kobayashi, Bezos, MacKenzie Scott, Jill Biden, India Narendra Modi, Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai Organizations: Amazon, House, Japan, Apple, Service, BlackRock, Mitsubishi, The Washington Post, White, Google Locations: India

☆ An influencer is slammed for having a 'wasteful' and 'polluting' gender reveal party that saw a trio of airplanes leaving smoke-like trails in the sky
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A Lithuanian influencer has social media users riled up after posting a video of her gender reveal. AdvertisementLithuanian influencer Inga Stumbriene has faced backlash online after she shared videos of her and her husband's gender reveal party. Related stories"Thanks for killing the planet," one Instagram user commented on the influencer's post. "This gender reveal made me sad, it's just so wasteful," said another. Gender reveal parties have become more extravagant and, in some cases, more dangerous in recent years.

Persons: —, Inga Stumbriene, Rolandas, Stumbriene Organizations: Service Locations: Lithuania, Arizona

☆ People on a $1,150 special Delta eclipse flight didn't see a total eclipse, but they weren't mad about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewWhen Delta first announced its special solar eclipse flight from Austin to Detroit, it was so popular that they had to arrange a second flight from Dallas to Detroit. But it turns out that people on board didn't get to see the total eclipse, according to one passenger. AdvertisementThe view from the aircraft during the special solar eclipse flight. "Even though we didn't get it completely, it was a fun community experience," he told the outlet. The solar eclipse was expected to be a big boon for local economies along its path, with millions of visitors spending money to travel across the country to get the best viewing spot.

Persons: —, James Larounis, Larounis Organizations: Service, Delta, Passengers, Business, Dallas, Washington Post Locations: Austin, Detroit, Dallas, Washington, Atlanta

☆ Gen Z workers in China are picking 'gross outfits' over corporate glam because they don't get paid enough to look fly
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But a new trend flooding Chinese social media takes casual to the next level, with young workers sharing videos of themselves wearing their "grossest" clothes to the office. The hashtag "gross outfits at work" has been taking over Chinese social media platforms such as Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like app. AdvertisementOne woman posted a video of her colleagues being criticized by their boss for their gross outfits on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Douyin"They are getting criticized by the boss for their gross outfits," one Douyin user said amid fits of laughter in a video she'd posted on March 7. In a separate Douyin video, which was posted in February, a woman could be seen touting her "gross outfit."

Persons: —, Wei, Ant, Candise Lin, netizens, Lin, Jack Porteous, TONG, Porteous, hadn't Organizations: Service, Business, TONG Global Locations: China

☆ 8 things you need to know about EV startup founder William Li — known as China's version of Elon Musk
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The Shanghai-based premium EV company was co-founded in 2014 by its CEO, William Li. William Li, also known as Bin Li, has been dubbed the "Elon Musk of China" for his push to develop self-driving EVs and his loyal fan base. He co-founded his first major company in his mid-twentiesBitauto, a car comparison website, was co-founded by Li in 2000. AdvertisementAnyone who purchases a Nio car can access "Nio Houses" equipped with meeting rooms, lounges, baristas, and supervised kids' play areas. To Li's dismay, Nio cars are not yet available for sale in the USLi has expressed dissatisfaction with the US tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.

Persons: William Li, Li, —, Bin Li, Elon, EVs, he's, Tesla, Zoey Zhang Li, Nio, Li livestreamed, HECTOR RETAMAL, ET7, ALY, Elon Musk Organizations: Service, REUTERS, Peking University, New York Stock Exchange, NYSE, CNBC, Reuters Locations: China, Shanghai, Anhui, Nio, Europe, Xiamen, Mexico

☆ This robot barista can make you a coffee in minutes, but it wants to be tipped for it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Customers can get their coffee from a robot barista in certain Muji stores. The robot, Jarvis, can perform tasks ranging from frothing milk to creating Latte art. AdvertisementA robot coffee barista named Jarvis has joined four Muji stores in the US and Canada. The bot's mechanical arm can swing around and bend to pick up the frothed milk, tamp coffee grounds, and even make Latte art. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Jarvis, —, they're Organizations: Service, New York Post, Business Locations: Canada, Americano

☆ A passenger had to sit with an exposed bolt digging into his head for a 7-hour flight because his seat had no headrest
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A British Airways passenger says he had to sit in a seat with no headrest for seven hours. AdvertisementA British man said British Airways left him to sit in a seat with a missing headrest, leaving a one-inch bolt exposed, for a seven-hour flight, UK-based Kennedy News first reported. Last year, it was reported that British Airways was testing out not loading flights with meals for every passenger to avoid food waste. Previous catering issues have meant that one British Airways flight took off on a 12-hour journey without any meals and had to serve passengers KFC. A spokesperson for British Airways told Business Insider: "We are sorry for our customers' experience and have been in touch with them to apologise and resolve the matter."

Persons: headrest, —, Kennedy Organizations: British Airways, Service, Kennedy News, Heathrow Airport, KFC, Business Locations: London, Toronto

☆ BMW dropped a first glimpse of its new electric SUV, ready to rival Tesla
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

BMW unveils its Vision Neue Klasse X, a futuristic electric vehicle. The new model is set to compete with EVs like Tesla Model Y. AdvertisementThe first look at the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, shows the company's futuristic and sleek design of its electric car range set to hit the roads in 2025. Last year, BMW revealed the first images of the Vision Neue Klasse — its next-generation electric vehicle range. The Vision Neue Klasse X is a larger model, SUV, which will compete against EVs like the Tesla Model Y, according to Bloomberg.

Persons: — Organizations: BMW, Tesla, Service, EVs, Bloomberg, Business

☆ Japan's luxury fruit market is coming to the US, and you'll be able to order $780 strawberries straight to your door
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Ikigai Fruits, a Japan-based marketplace, is shipping premium fruit to the US. Customers can purchase strawberries from $89 per pack up to $780 for a set of three. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementIkigai Fruits, a marketplace that sources from a small collective of Japan-based farmers, claims to have the best fruit on the market — and it's charging an eye-watering price for it. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Japan

☆ Costco really wants nonmembers to stop eating at its food court
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Costco is stopping people without a membership from using its food courts. AdvertisementFamed for its $1.50 hot-dog and soda combo, the Costco food court has attracted the store's members and nonmembers alike. Now, Costco is stopping people without membership from using its food court. One Reddit user posted a photo of a sign outside a Costco in Orlando that said: "Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court." It's always been Costco's policy that only members can enter the warehouse, meaning those without a membership can't access the indoor food court for many locations.

Persons: it's, —, Costco didn't, It's Organizations: Costco, Service, Business Locations: Orlando, Chicago

☆ Those viral TikTok travel hacks may soon be obsolete as airlines clamp down on excess baggage
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Airlines are enforcing stricter baggage restrictions, per The Wall Street Journal. Checked bag fees have also increased this year across major airlines. AdvertisementSouthwest is among the major airlines that have started to clamp down on passengers with excess baggage, The Wall Street Journal reported. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board, in addition to a checked bag. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Street, Service, Street Journal, Business

☆ Meet the man trying to save Adidas — but he'd rather be playing football for Germany
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

CEO Bjørn Gulden was appointed as the company was reeling after the end of its Yeezy collection. Gulden, a former athlete, refocused on Adidas' classic Samba sneaker, popular with Gen Z. AdvertisementGulden began his career playing soccer for national leagues in Germany and Norway before an injury forced him to retire. Gulden has successfully ramped up production of Adidas' Samba and Gazelle sneakers. "We currently have maybe the hottest shoe in the market … and it's the Adidas Samba," Gulden said on an earnings call last year.

Persons: Bjørn Gulden, Z, —, Ye, didn't, Manuel, Manuel Neuer, Gulden, Rihanna, Jay Organizations: Adidas, Service, Kanye West, FT, German, Puma, Defamation, Business, Street Journal Locations: Germany, Norway

☆ The Kate Middleton photo drama is the gift that social media needed
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Some social media users say Twitter has become irrelevant since it was rebranded as X. But the recent flurry of memes about Kate Middleton has reignited the platform. AdvertisementSince Elon Musk took over Twitter and rebranded it to X, some users have suggested that the social media platform has become irrelevant. But the recent Kate Middleton debacle has reignited some of the old-school enjoyment on the site and app. AdvertisementSome X users are showing self-awareness of how far they've fallen down the "Katespiracy'" rabbit hole.

Persons: Kate Middleton, —, Elon Musk, Wales, Middleton, Princess Organizations: Twitter, Service, BBL Locations: Kensington, Middleton

☆ Nvidia boss Jensen Huang credits his work ethic to his time at Denny's washing dishes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Jensen Huang is the cofounder and CEO of $2 trillion computer chip giant, Nvidia. He credits part of his success to the strong work ethic he honed while working at Denny's. AdvertisementJensen Huang is the cofounder and CEO of Nvidia, the $2 trillion chip manufacturer powering the AI revolution. In a recent interview with Stanford's Graduate School of Business, Huang reflected on his early career working minimum wage jobs to explain how he has developed the work ethic to succeed as a CEO. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Jensen Huang, —, Huang Organizations: Nvidia, Service, Stanford's Graduate School of Business, Business Locations: Denny's

☆ Sephora's success shows that people still want to treat themselves during tough economic times
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sephora's CEO said the company had benefited from the "lipstick effect," The FT reported. Sephora's CEO, Guillaume Motte, told The FT that its sales success, which is highlighted in LVMH's 2023 annual results, benefited from the "lipstick effect." In-store sales have driven Sephora's recent growth, Motte told The FT. In the annual results report, Arnault linked the company's growth to the "ever-growing popularity of Sephora's store concept worldwide." The US is Sephora's biggest market and "we are gaining market share there like crazy," Motte told The FT. Across North America, Sephora reached $10 billion in revenue in 2023.

Persons: LVMH, —, Guillaume Motte, Alpha, Gen Zers, Motte, Bernard Arnault, Jeff Bezos, Arnault, Sephora Organizations: Service, FT Locations: North America

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