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    The Ways Google Has Changed The Way We Think

    By
    Derek Ford
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    The Ways Google Has Changed The Way We Think

    Google is a very powerful business and over the years it has actually changed the world and how we think. It has ensured that information is made more readily available to consumers. Google is continually working hard to ensure that whatever question a user asks, they can find the right websites and information to answer that question.

    It is no doubt that Google is a dominate player in the search engine market, there are a number of different search engines right around the world, but none have been able to do what Google has. Google has been around for over 20 years now, and it has really never been as powerful as it is today.

    At the end of the day, people always have problems or questions and they turn to the internet, and most likely Google, to help them solve the problem. The internet and Google have ensured that information is a lot more accessible to a lot more people right around the world.

    As consumers, we search for pretty much anything through a search engine these days. We could be looking for news, an image, a video, recipe, a particular person, the list goes on and on. The reason why so many people choose to use Google is they know they are going to get the answer they are looking for. It is a very rare occurrence these days that Google doesn’t deliver what a person is searching for.

    Businesses these days understand the importance and power of being in one of the top positions in Google and they are putting resources into what is called Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve their chances of a top spot. If you have ever used Google, or a search engine before, you would know first hand how many times you have clicked onto the second page of results, or even a result that is lower than 6.

    Google and the internet have speed up users expectations, and they are getting increasingly impatient and want to get the answer to their question as soon as possible. This has been one of the driving forces of a lot of new features released by Google.

    One of the most important being the featured snippet, which is where a user can get all the information they are looking for on Google’s website, meaning they do not have to click off Google to another website to get the information they are looking for. This certainly works to speed up the process and makes searching on Google even more convenient for users.

    Google is also working in the field of artificial intelligence, to try to better understand what a user is searching for and therefore providing more accurate results. Other products have also been released by Google, like the Google Home, which makes it much easier to search for things, just by using your voice.

    Google is one of the most visited websites in the world had and certainly changed the way we do things and think. The search engine has been dominate for many years now and it is partly due to thinking about what the customer needs before they even realise that it’s something they want, which is something so few businesses can actually do.

    The technology behind what Google does is amazing and they are very likely to continue to shape the way we think and change the world for many years to come. Google is said to be almost as powerful as the internet itself and it is like one massive directory and index page for the internet.

    The Rise of Microsoft and Bill Gates

    By
    Melinda Luce
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    Microsoft Building

    Bill Gates is a well known entrepreneur and billionaire, who co-founded Microsoft and helped turn it into one of the most successful and recognized brands in the world. He and Paul Allen founded the tech giant in 1975 in their garage. Microsoft was predominately focused on the software for computers.

    The net worth of Bill Gates is almost $100 billion, which makes him one of the richest people in the world. He went from dropping out of Harvard University, to being the instrumental figure behind one of the most powerful businesses. He had a drive and will power like no other and this is just a couple of the reasons he has become so successful over the years.

    Bill Gates went to Harvard University because his parents really wanted him to become a lawyer. Lucky he didn’t stick it out at Harvard because we may not have Microsoft at all. He met Paul Allen at school and they quickly bonded over the love of tinkering with computers.

    During is short time at Harvard, Bill Gates was able to make a lot of solid connections and this helped set up the future of Microsoft and laid the path for success. A short while after dropping out of Harvard, Bill Gates and Paul Allen opened up a small office in Albuquerque.

    When Microsoft was first getting started, the employees were focusing mainly on writing new programming languages. Bill Gates even took the time to review all the employee’s code, during the early days. The year of 1980 was a great year for Microsoft as IBM needed a new operating system, for which Microsoft was chosen.

    It was at this time that Microsoft made its first real purchase, it bought a start up working on a Disk Operating System (DOS) and then renamed it and sold it to IBM. Microsoft was able to continue to sell this version of the operating system because there weren’t any copyright infringements.

    This project was so successful that other companies wanted to do the same or similar thing, and if that’s what they wanted they would need Microsoft, which is what sparked the quick growth in the company. There were a lot of companies that were building computers, but they all still needed the DOS that Microsoft had.

    Microsoft was a very hot commodity and everyone who was anyone wanted to do a deal with them. It didn’t take too long before that where making millions upon millions in sales and by 1987 Bill Gates became a billionaire, at the age of just 31 years.

    He was able to achieve billionaire status due to the fact that in 1986 Microsoft went public. The day they went public the shares started at $21 and at the end of the same day the shares had jumped to $28. Today Microsoft shares are worth around $200 each, so $28 does seem like a real bargain.

    Bill Gates was given the status as the world’s richest person in 1995 and was able to remain the richest until 2007. He regained the title a few times between then and now, but currently the title of the world’s richest person sits with Jeff Bezos, who is the CEO of Amazon.

    Bill Gates is known to be highly competitive in nature and doesn’t like to lose. It was this type of mentality that helped Microsoft remain so competitive when other big players came onto the market, included none other than Apple. Over the years Bill Gates’ priorities changed, he has now taken a step back from Microsoft, and is focusing more on the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation.

    Why Feedback Is Important In Personal Development

    By
    Zachary Draeger
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    Feedback Is Important In Personal Development

    Feedback is one of the most important things a person needs to allow to solid personal development. Although there is such a thing as unconstructive feedback, which can actually have a negative impact on personal development and growth, and this is why it is important to know how to give and receive feedback properly, so that it is as constructive as possible.

    Feedback within a business should also not just be from management or leaders down, it should be more of a 360-degree focus. This means that managers give feedback to their employees and their employees give feedback to them. It needs to be done in a way that can help individuals learn properly about what they are doing well, and what they can improve on, with achievable action items given.

    When done in the right way feedback can be very beneficial and it is important for personal development. Have a read on below to find a more information on why feedback is important:

    Motivation

    Feedback is great at motivating people, when they know they are doing something good within the workspace, then they are likely to continue to do that to ensure they are getting that good feedback. When you give feedback it makes employees feel more valued and that you actually care about them, and want them to do their best.

    Even feedback that isn’t necessarily positive can still motivate employees, if it is done in the right way. So, when you are giving feedback think about what you are going to say and how you are going to say it, to ensure you get the right message across.

    Constant Development

    Feedback is a very powerful tool to help aid continual development and learning. It is important to understand that not everyone will do things the same way, and that doesn’t make it right or wrong, just different. So giving people feedback on their individual situation will help them improve and be better.

    No one should rest on their laurels, there is always something new and exciting to learn about. You don’t finish learning after you stop going to school or complete your college degree. Proper feedback can provide the areas in which an individual needs to work on more, which can build their personal development.

    Continuous Stream

    There should always be a continuous stream of feedback. It doesn’t necessarily need to be feedback given in a formal setting, like when a business has a performance review. It could be something as simple as just having a quick chat with someone about the recent work they have completed.

    It is also a good idea for any business to run employee surveys regularly, to see how the employees feel about the business. If the business can create a better place that people want to work at, it can also improve morale and motivation, which is likely to make the business more productive and successful.

    Improve Performance

    Employees may not necessarily know what they are doing wrong or what they are doing right without proper feedback. When a business does give constructive feedback it can help improve the performance of the individual employee, which may in turn improve the performance of the company as a whole.

    While many can sometimes mistake feedback for criticism, if it is done in the right sprit, then the person receiving the feedback would be able to take what has been said on board and try to make themselves better. Constructive criticism is actually a powerful tool and can motivate employees to do better and make more positive decisions.

    Best Aspects of Theodore Roosevelt’s Presidency

    By
    Jeannie Contreras
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    Theodore Roosevelt

    Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and he served from 1901 to 1909. He also served briefly as the 25th Vice President of the United States from early 1901 until September that same year. The President at the time, William McKinley, was in New York and was shot by Leon Czolgosz on September 6.

    A couple of weeks later, on September 14 William McKinley passed away and Theodore Roosevelt become President. As he was the Vice President before taking on the top job, there was no Vice President for Theodore Roosevelt’s first term in the office. Theodore Roosevelt also served in the New York Army National Guard from 1882 to 1886 and again in 1898.

    Theodore Roosevelt is one of the four faces that are carved into Mount Rushmore, along other Presidents including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Interestingly, Theodore Roosevelt is still the youngest ever person to become the President of the United States, he was 42 years of age at the time.

    He quickly became a true leader during a very progressive time in America and he was a well known member and leader of the Republican Party. Many people believe that Theodore Roosevelt was one of the best Presidents of all time, and he holds a regular spot in the greatest of all time lists.

    Theodore Roosevelt was really a man of the people and he wanted to make things more accessible to every American. He went on to put more regulations on big businesses to ensure that their actions didn’t have a negative impact on society. At the time, he was a true leading force and people believed he had the credibility to make the right decisions for the country.

    Another major aspect of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency was his foreign affairs. Many believe Theodore Roosevelt to be the first real modern President and his ability to revolutionize foreign affairs was a significant part of that. He looked at how America would impact the world, and how his policies would shape not just the country but also the world.

    Theodore Roosevelt became involved with Latin America and led negotiations here. He also intervened in Santo Domingo and Venezuela when their national stability was an issue. As well as this, Theodore Roosevelt worked closely with the navy to ensure national security. He believed that if the navy were stronger it would act as a deterrent from potential enemies targeting the United States.

    He was said to be one of the first Presidents of the United States that really had some charm. Theodore Roosevelt was pretty clever with the way he went about things and his charm made him exceptionally liked by the majority of Americans living at this time. It was said that he used the media in a way to shape the opinion from the public.

    While majority of the voting for President prior to Theodore Roosevelt was more able whether the candidate was a Republican or a Democrat, this all changed in 1904 when people were said to have voted for the man, Theodore Roosevelt, because they liked him, and not because he was a Republican.

    Many Americans liked Theodore Roosevelt because they felt that he actually listened to their problems and tried to do all in his power to help fix it and make it better. He wasn’t afraid to be the first President to do something and became a sort of trendsetter for many other Presidents. There are a lot of political figures and Presidents that take notes from how Theodore Roosevelt handled his presidency.

    7 Most Popular US Political Figures

    By
    Melinda Luce
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    Most Popular US Political Figures

    There are a range of US political figures from different parties, like the Democrats or Republicans, and from all areas across the country. Politics can be a dangerous topic to talk about, but everyone still has an opinion and some people will share their views regardless of the audience or people they are talking to.

    There have also be a few pretty divisive political figures throughout American history as well. While America as a whole tends to be divided when it comes to politics and who they like and don’t like as political figures, there are a few stand outs that are quite popular with the majority of the country. It is important to note that there will always be the naysayers no matter what.

    However, make sure you have a read on below at some of the most popular US political figures, from both the past as well as the present:

    Barack Obama

    If you are going to have a list of the most popular US political figures, you really cannot leave off Barack Obama. He provided the country with great change in a time when they so desperately needed it. Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States and he represented in Democratic Party. He was also the first African American President.

    Arnold Schwarzenegger

    Many know Arnold Schwarzenegger from The Terminator movies, but he turn from movie star to politician when he ran and became the Governor of California. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the 38th Governor of California, and he served is time in office from 2003 to 2011. He is one of the most highly recognized members of the Republican Party, probably more due to his stint as an actor then anything else.

    Bill Clinton

    He was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States and he served in office from 1993 to 2001. Bill Clinton was back in the news again a few years ago when former First Lady, his wife Hillary Clinton, also ran for President, eventually losing to current President of the United States, Donald Trump. Bill Clinton attended Yale Law School and was a member of the Democratic Party.

    Jimmy Carter

    He is another popular US political figure that made it all the way to the White House. Jimmy Carter became the 39th President of the United States in 1977, and his term finished in 1981. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was previously a senator for Georgia State until 1967, from 1971 until 1975 he was the governor of Georgia.

    Bernie Sanders

    Bernie Sanders is currently a United States Senator and he was running to take the Democratic Party’s seat in the next election, but has recently dropped out, with Joe Biden, the former Vice President of the United States, running as the Democratic candidate. Bernie Sanders has even written a few books in his time and attended the University of Chicago.

    Joe Biden

    The former Vice President of the United States, under the leadership of Barack Obama, Joe Biden is currently the favourite choice of the Democratic Party in America’s upcoming election. He was also a senator, representing Delaware from 1973 to 2009. Joe Biden was educated at the University of Delaware and has four children.

    George W. Bush

    Many people tend to love him or hate him, but he was quite a well known President of the United States and he became quite popular over the years. George W. Bush was the 43rd President and served from 2001 until 2009. He was also the 46th governor of Texas for five years before moving into the White House in 2001.

    Selamile Dlamini on Why Empathy Is the Next Competitive Advantage

    By
    Victor Brink
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    Selamile Dlamini
    Selamile Dlamini

    Leadership is changing. The old model of technical expertise and top-down control is giving way to something more adaptive, reflective, and humane. Selamile Dlamini embodies that shift. Her work sits at the crossroads of strategy, design, and social innovation, showing how modern leaders can think analytically while acting empathetically.

    Selamile Dlamini’s approach is grounded in the idea that effective leadership requires both scientific precision and creative intuition. Trained in engineering and business yet deeply influenced by the arts and humanities, she has built a career around bridging logic and imagination. “I see leadership as both science and art,” she says. “It’s about aligning data with empathy, structure with imagination, and ensuring that systems serve the people they’re built for.”

    Across her global experience, Selamile Dlamini has led transformation efforts that connect human behavior with organizational design. She focuses on helping teams reimagine how they operate-shifting from rigid structures to systems that learn, adapt, and evolve. Her belief is simple but radical: the strength of any organization lies in its ability to listen, reflect, and respond to the human realities within it.

    This multidimensional perspective stems from years of working in culturally diverse environments. Through her time leading initiatives across Africa and collaborating with teams in the United States, she has seen how innovation thrives when diverse voices shape the process. “Empathy is the foundation of global leadership,” she explains. “It’s the bridge between understanding and action.”

    For Selamile Dlamini, the future of leadership depends on integrating three dimensions: data, design, and humanity. Data provides clarity, design enables creativity, and humanity ensures relevance. This framework, she argues, helps leaders navigate the tension between technological progress and social responsibility. It’s also a response to an era when automation and artificial intelligence are transforming the way people work and live. “Technology should extend human potential, not replace it,” she says. “The challenge for leaders is to make sure innovation doesn’t outpace reflection.”

    Her thinking reflects a broader movement among leaders who see empathy not as a soft skill but as a strategic one. Selamile Dlamini often references the importance of bias awareness-recognizing that every decision, algorithm, and policy carries assumptions. By actively questioning those assumptions, she believes leaders can create systems that are not only more equitable but also more effective.

    What sets Selamile Dlamini apart is her insistence that leadership must be both intellectual and moral. She views recognition and success as responsibilities, not milestones. Her academic achievements and fellowships, including awards for leadership and communication, shaped a philosophy centered on stewardship-using influence to empower others and design opportunities for collective progress.

    As global systems grow more interconnected, Selamile Dlamini’s multidimensional model offers a blueprint for the next generation of leaders. The future, she argues, will belong to those who can translate complexity into clarity, and power into purpose. Leadership that blends empathy with evidence may not only be the most ethical path forward-it might be the most effective one.

    Steven Ilous and the Rise of Smart Content: Shaping the Engagement Economy

    By
    Victor Brink
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    Steven Ilous
    Steven Ilous

    Steven Ilous has spent his career at the intersection of creativity and technology. Today, as the founder and CEO of  Feature.io, he is leading the charge to change how and where we engage with content.

    At the heart of this is the “why” for Steven: people want to be connected. In a world with an overwhelming amount of content, the stories that truly resonate are those where we feel seen, heard, and included. This is what drives everything Feature.io is building: personalized experiences that turn entertainment into a shared journey between creators, brands, and fans.

    Feature.io: A Vision for Interactive, Data-Driven Media

    At 18, Steven joined Stan Lee Media as a Senior Animator, where he worked on the world’s first webisodic animated series. This early success opened doors to bigger opportunities. He contributed to groundbreaking visual effects in The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, and The Polar Express, where he helped pioneer performance capture technology that became a foundation for major franchises like Avatar and Call of Duty.

    However, for Ilous, these achievements were stepping stones toward something greater. In 2021, Steven founded Feature.io to turn that vision into reality. At its core is Smart Content, a technology that transforms any digital experience – whether a live stream, a broadcast, or an in-venue event – into an interactive, measurable, and monetizable moment. Features’ platform is like the “Stripe for Content,” allowing creators and brands to personalize media in real-time, reward participation, and gather meaningful first-party data.

    This approach has already delivered big results. In a campaign for Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots, Feature’s Smart Content generated over 100 million impressions and brought in 650,000 new users. That success caught the attention of brands like Mobil 1 and Porsche, who now utilize Feature to create more profound and rewarding fan experiences.

    Feature.io’s mission goes beyond marketing metrics. Steven believes the media should create a human connection. “The power of this technology can pull people closer to the things they hold dear. I want people to feel included and seen,” he says. That’s what drives the company’s focus on audience participation as the key to the future of engagement.

    A great example of this is Lollipop Racing, a project that combines gaming and streaming into one interactive experience. From a Hollywood team that brought you Training Day, Snowpiercer, and Halo, Lollipop Racing brings viewers more than just a spectator sport. They have the ability to make decisions that affect the storyline, reveal behind-the-scenes content, and win rewards as the game progresses. Rather than a predetermined playlist of prompts, the narrative shifts according to the spectators’ own movements, turning them from passive observers into active participants.

    Tech-Driven Storytelling for the Engagement Economy

    Steven’s work at Feature.io is part of a bigger trend he calls the Engagement Economy. This new model flips the old rules of media on their head. Instead of measuring views or selling subscriptions, companies can now create value from active audience participation.

    For Steven, the turning point came when generative AI was integrated into Smart Content. By partnering with companies like Luma AI, Feature.io allows media companies to create entirely new audience experiences. Instead of pushing the same trailer to every fan, a franchise could deliver a generative experience, where the scenes you see are shaped by the characters you follow and the choices you make. For brands, it’s the difference between a static ad and an AI-generated short film featuring your dream car, in a world inspired by your own interests.

    A recent Deloitte report found that 56% of Gen Z feel social video content is more relevant to them than traditional TV or film. These audiences don’t want to sit back and watch. They want to play a role in the stories they love.

    That’s what Feature.io does. It doesn’t just track engagement; it creates a feedback loop where participation drives the next chapter of the story and builds stronger emotional connections between fans and the brands or creators they love.

    Leading the Next Generation of Media Creators

    Steven’s story is one of constant reinvention. In addition to Feature.io, he’s worked on over 16 feature films, directed music videos and digital spots for Ultra Music and Condé Nast, and created original video content for Kanye West’s live tour. His sci-fi project 2088 went viral and cemented his reputation as a creative innovator.

    Steven is also shaping the future of storytelling through ongoing partnerships with global companies like Google Cloud and Luma AI. These collaborations expand Feature.io’s technical capabilities, helping the company scale across media, sports, and entertainment.

    As the media landscape continues to evolve, Steven remains focused on his original vision: storytelling that brings people together. For him, the goal isn’t to replace traditional entertainment but to enrich it. Whether through blockbuster franchises or indie projects, Feature.io is making stories more personal, more interactive, and more memorable.

    With Feature.io preparing for its next stage of growth, Steven shows no signs of slowing down. His career stands as proof that when technology and creativity meet, the possibilities for storytelling and human connection are endless.

    About Steven Ilous

    Steven Ilous is a CEO and creative technologist shaping the future of media and ad tech. As founder of Feature, he created Smart Content™, a platform that transforms passive media into interactive, data-rich experiences. His work spans record-breaking IP like Smart Content used by  Netflix, Porsche, and Mobil1. With a background in performance capture on The Matrix Franchise and The Polar Express, Ilous blends deep technical expertise with visionary storytelling to drive innovation at the intersection of content, commerce, and technology.

    Phoenix Energy Bonds Explained: What Investors Should Know in 2025

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    Phoenix Energy

    By Adam Dohler, Senior Vice President of Capital Markets, Phoenix Energy

    Every week, I speak to dozens of people—current investors, prospective investors, and those just curious about how we operate at Phoenix Energy. And almost every conversation starts the same way: “Adam, how does Phoenix Energy generate the returns it uses to pay bondholders?”

    That’s a fair question. I’ve spent close to two decades on Wall Street desks analyzing bond offerings from companies large and small, so I understand what investors want to know..

    I’ll walk you through the questions I get most often: Who is Phoenix Energy? What does Phoenix Energy do? And how do Phoenix Energy bonds work? These are the fundamentals every investor deserves to understand before making any decisions. This is the same information we cover during our investor webinars, which are designed to provide a clear overview of how Phoenix Energy operates and how we’ve positioned our business to support our bondholders.*

    *Investors have historically received either simple interest whereby they receive monthly interest payments or compounded interest where interest is added to the outstanding principal on a monthly basis. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    Who Is Phoenix Energy?

    Phoenix Energy is a private, family-founded oil and gas company. We’re not controlled by Wall Street firms or other big institutions. We built the company from the ground up, and today we operate in some of the most prolific basins in North America with a special focus on the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana.

    With several offices across the U.S. and a team of over 154 full-time employees, we drill our own wells, manage our own operations, and acquire assets that deliver near-term, high-quality cash flow. As of December 2024, Phoenix Energy was the 11th largest oil producer in North Dakota—a notable achievement for a privately-owned firm that began in 2019.

    What Does Phoenix Energy Do? Our Multi-Segment Strategy Explained

    At Phoenix Energy, we’ve intentionally built a multi-segment operating model that allows us to remain flexible, opportunistic, and equipped to navigate an industry that is anything but predictable. Unlike most energy companies that specialize in just one aspect of the upstream oil and gas business, we deliberately participate across three key segments—each with its own risk profile, return timeline, and operational intensity.

    Why do we do it this way? Because having access to multiple levers—royalty interests, non-operated working interests, and fully operated wells—gives us the ability to adapt and allocate capital where the returns are strongest. It also helps us mitigate against volatility in the sector. When prices, regulatory environments, or operational timelines shift in one segment, we can lean more heavily into another. This multi-pronged approach not only creates durability in our business model but also enhances our ability to meet our investor obligations and long-term goals.

    Here’s how it breaks down:

    1. Royalty Interests: We own the mineral rights. Other companies do the drilling. We receive monthly royalty checks when oil and gas is sold by the third-party operator—completely passive income.
    2. Non-Operated Working Interests: Here, we co-invest in wells alongside operators like Occidental or Kraken. We don’t run the operations, but we put capital in and receive a proportionate share of the revenue based on our interests in the well—again, without having to manage the project, this is largely passive income too.
    3. Operated Wells (Phoenix Operating): This is our most hands-on division. We acquire the mineral rights, plan and drill the wells, and sell the oil and gas ourselves. This part of our business has grown rapidly, thanks in part to the data we’ve gathered from our non-op partners and a proprietary underwriting technology we have developed. By controlling the entire lifecycle—from acquisition to production—we gain full transparency and decision-making power, allowing us to capture more of the economics and improve operational efficiency.

    Each of these segments offers distinct advantages—and when combined under one roof, they give us the flexibility to pursue the most economically viable path at any given moment. That’s the essence of our strategy: adaptiveness backed by technical rigor. Because when you can see the full picture—and you’re not restricted to just one approach—you make better decisions for your business, and for your investors.

    This diversified strategy doesn’t eliminate risk, but it helps us balance and manage it effectively. And in this industry, that’s one of the biggest competitive advantages you can have.

    We’ve built an internal (or “a proprietary”) software platform that allows us to identify, analyze and underwrite  oil and gas mineral rights with increased precision. It’s not dissimilar to how platforms like Zillow estimate home values, but tailored to oil-rich acreage.

    This system helps us identify mineral rights and well locations that meet our criteria for near-term, cash-generating potential. We don’t pursue speculative opportunities. We look for mineral assets where we expect to recover our capital within 12 to 24 months and generate positive cash flow thereafter.

    How Do Phoenix Energy Bonds Work? Understanding Our Bond Offerings

    One of the ways Phoenix Energy operates differently is by raising capital directly from investors. This means we are able to avoid layers of fees and provide our investors with direct access to our in-house professionals that are registered representatives of Dalmore Group, LLC a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC.

    For several years, Phoenix Energy has offered bonds under Section 506(c) of Regulation D to accredited investors, with annual interest rates ranging from 9-13%, depending on investment amount and term length.* These offerings remain active and continue to fund key aspects of the company’s drilling and production efforts.

    In May 2025, Phoenix Energy expanded its offering of debt securities through a Registered Offering, available to investors in select states including Florida, Colorado, and Nevada. This offering does not require an investor to meet the SEC definition of accredited, although certain financial suitability standards must still be met. Investors in both offerings are purchasing debt securities issued by Phoenix Energy — not direct interests in oil and gas assets — and all investments carry risk.

    Before investing, all participants must review the applicable offering documentation and other materials about Phoenix Energy that can be obtained for free on Edgar on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or can be obtained directly from Phoenix Energy.

    Phoenix Energy has grown significantly in the past few years, supported by direct investment from individuals who believe in our mission and business model. This is not a startup. We’ve raised over $1 billion in capital and built a team and platform that we believe can support the company’s long-term goals and obligations to its investors.

    *Investors have historically received either simple interest whereby they receive monthly interest payments or compounded interest where interest is added to the outstanding principal on a monthly basis. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    Real Conversations. Real Investors

    At Phoenix Energy, we’ve prioritized building personal relationships with investors. In fact, someone on our team has spoken directly with nearly every one of the 5,500+ individuals who have invested with us to date.

    If you’re looking to learn more about Phoenix Energy bonds and note offerings, you can download our offering documents from our website, review our SEC filings on Edgar, or join one of our live investor webinars at phoenixenergy.com/webinar. . We’d be happy to walk you through how Phoenix Energy debt securities work and answer any questions you may have.

    We’re always happy to have a conversation.

    Adam Dohler is the Senior Vice President of Capital Markets at Phoenix Energy. With over 20 years of experience on Wall Street bond trading desks, he now helps oversee the firm’s fixed-income strategies and investor relationships. He is licensed through Dalmore Group, LLC in all 50 states and speaks directly with investors daily.

    Disclosure: Phoenix Energy One, LLC (“Phoenix Energy”) conducts offerings of debt securities pursuant to (i) the exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(c) of Regulation D and (ii) an effective registration statement (including a prospectus) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (the “Registered Offering”). Certain of Phoenix Energy’s non-executive personnel are licensed registered representatives of Dalmore Group, LLC. These registered representatives conduct securities business through Dalmore, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. Dalmore and Phoenix Energy are not affiliated entities. Participation in an offering is subject to certain criteria, including meeting financial suitability requirements. The securities offered are speculative, illiquid, and you may lose some or all of your investment. Before you invest, you should read the offering documentation for the relevant offering, including, with respect to the Registered Offering, the prospectus and the other documents Phoenix Energy has filed with the SEC, which you may get for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Phoenix Energy or Dalmore will arrange to send you any applicable offering documents you request. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale of any security, in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. See full disclosures.

    This article contains forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs about future events and market conditions. These statements, identifiable by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” and similar expressions, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may impact these outcomes include changes in market conditions, regulatory developments, operational performance, and other risks described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Phoenix Energy undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.

    Impact of Sanctions on Russia Questioned as Shadow Fleet Evades Oil Restrictions

    By
    Zachary Draeger
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    Impact of Sanctions on Russia Questioned as Shadow Fleet Evades Oil Restrictions

    The effectiveness of Western economic measures against Russia faces mounting scrutiny as sophisticated evasion mechanisms undermine their intended objectives. The emergence of Russia’s shadow fleet has fundamentally altered the sanctions landscape, enabling Moscow to circumvent oil and gas restrictions while maintaining substantial revenue streams that were supposed to be severed.

    Shadow Fleet Operations Undermine International Sanctions

    The limited economic consequences for Russian operations has been significantly diminished through the strategic deployment of shadow vessels designed specifically to evade restrictions. Based on The New York Times reports, estimates by the Kyiv School of Economics indicate that approximately 70 percent of Russia’s seaborne oil exports travel on these vessels, representing a systematic circumvention of Western economic pressure.

    This sophisticated network demonstrates how targeted nations can adapt to sanctions regimes through innovative workarounds. Russian companies have invested heavily in shadow fleet infrastructure, creating an entire parallel shipping industry that operates outside traditional regulatory frameworks. The scale of this operation reveals fundamental weaknesses in the sanctions design that policymakers failed to anticipate.

    Individual Cases Expose How Russian Sanctions Face Circumvention

    The case of John Ormerod illustrates how multilateral economic restrictions can be systematically circumvented through complex financial arrangements. Splash247 reports, the British ship finance veteran allegedly purchased at least 25 secondhand tankers between December 2022 and August 2023, totaling over $700 million in transactions financed by Russian oil producer Lukoil.

    Each tanker acquisition utilized special-purpose companies established in the Marshall Islands, while Lukoil’s Dubai-based Eiger Shipping provided funding through advance charter payments. This intricate structure demonstrates the sophisticated legal and financial engineering employed to bypass restrictions, highlighting how Western economic pressure continues to prove ineffective as intended when faced with determined circumvention efforts.

    Are Russian Sanctions Working When EU Strategy Faces Challenges

    The European Union’s approach to sanctioning Russia has encountered significant structural limitations that question its long-term viability. The question of whether economic pressure against Russia is achieving results becomes pertinent when examining the bloc’s “future-proofing” strategy, which aims to permanently block Russian gas access to European markets.

    According to The New York Times, Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson for the European Commission, stated that the strategy seeks to “dissuade any interest, and notably interest from investors” regarding Russian energy infrastructure. This approach targets Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, despite their current non-operational status.

    However, this permanent exclusion strategy eliminates potential negotiation leverage that could prove valuable during future diplomatic efforts. As mentioned in The New York Times, Russia has spoken of reviving Nord Stream in its discussions with the Trump administration, according to its foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, suggesting that maintaining energy relationships as negotiating tools might be more strategically valuable than permanent prohibition.

    Economic Consequences and Market Adaptations

    The shadow fleet phenomenon represents more than simple sanctions evasion; it demonstrates Russia’s successful adaptation to economic pressure through market innovation. These vessels operate in a regulatory grey area that exploits jurisdictional gaps between different national authorities, making comprehensive enforcement extremely difficult.

    The financial success of shadow fleet operations provides Russia with continued revenue streams that were supposed to be eliminated through sanctions. This economic resilience undermines the fundamental premise that economic pressure would compel behavioral changes in Russian foreign policy.

    Enforcement Complexity and Compliance Failures

    Western authorities face substantial challenges in addressing shadow fleet operations due to their transnational nature and sophisticated legal structures. The UK’s sanctions against Ormerod and associated entities represent reactive measures rather than proactive prevention, indicating that enforcement efforts consistently lag behind evasion innovations.

    The complexity of tracking beneficial ownership through multiple jurisdictions and shell companies creates enforcement gaps that sophisticated actors can exploit. These structural weaknesses suggest that current sanctions architecture lacks the flexibility and comprehensiveness necessary to address determined circumvention efforts.

    Broader Implications for Sanctions Policy

    The shadow fleet’s success in circumventing restrictions raises fundamental questions about the utility of economic sanctions as foreign policy tools. When targeted nations can develop entire industries dedicated to sanctions evasion, the effectiveness of such measures becomes questionable.

    The development of alternative trade networks and payment systems through shadow fleet operations demonstrates that sustained economic pressure can drive innovation rather than capitulation. Russia’s ability to maintain substantial oil export revenues despite extensive restrictions indicates that comprehensive economic measures against Moscow may inadvertently strengthen target nations’ economic independence rather than weakening their resolve.

    The shadow fleet phenomenon suggests that future sanctions regimes must account for sophisticated evasion capabilities from their inception, rather than attempting to address circumvention through reactive enforcement measures. The current approach of layering additional restrictions on top of already-circumvented measures appears to generate regulatory complexity without corresponding effectiveness improvements.

     

    Prepare Now, Not Later: A Property Lawyer’s Advice for Hurricane Season

    By
    Jeannie Contreras
    -
    0
    Galen M. Hair
    Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ

    Every year, millions of Americans brace for hurricane season by boarding up windows, buying flashlights, and stocking water. However, according to Galen M. Hair, partner at Insurance Claim HQ, there’s one step that most people completely overlook, and it’s the one step that could save them thousands of dollars after the storm passes.

    “Document the contents inside your home. Take photos of everything, I mean, everything,” Galen says in a recent video. While most people focus on protecting their homes from physical damage, they forget about proving what they actually owned before the disaster, and in the world of property insurance claims, what you can prove often matters more than what you lost.

    Why Documentation Matters More Than You Think

    After a hurricane, walking into a damaged or destroyed home can be overwhelming. It’s not just the loss of property; it’s the scramble to remember what was there, what it was worth, and how to prove it to an insurance adjuster.

    That’s where Galen’s years of experience representing policyholders come into play. He explains that many people find themselves at a disadvantage after the storm, not because they lack insurance but because they lack documentation.

    He urges homeowners to move beyond quick phone snaps of living rooms and instead film methodically, walking through closets, drawers, pantries, and attics. Slow, clear videos that show what you own and, in some cases, even the brands or serial numbers, can become your strongest asset when filing a claim.

    Too often, policyholders face resistance when trying to recover the full value of what they lost. Galen’s firm has seen thousands of clients shortchanged by insurers who claim there’s no proof of what was damaged, and in many of those cases, it was true: there was no proof because the homeowner hadn’t thought to film or photograph their belongings before the storm.

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. sees an average of 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes each season. That number is expected to remain steady or rise due to warming ocean temperatures. For homeowners, that means the risks aren’t hypothetical; they’re annual.

    The Cloud Could Save You Thousands

    Even when people do record their belongings, they often make a simple but costly mistake: they store those videos and photos locally on a phone or hard drive that’s just as vulnerable as the house itself.

    In Galen’s view, true preparation means protecting the records that protect your claim. That means uploading everything to the cloud before the first storm warning. Whether it’s Google Drive, Dropbox, or another secure platform, backing up your documentation ensures that you can access it even if your devices are damaged or lost.

    “There is a big difference between getting a quick video of the inside of your closet and actually thumbing through your clothes and getting video that actually captures the tags,” Galen emphasizes. This kind of thorough documentation gives insurance adjusters no room to argue, and it gives families peace of mind.

    The team at Insurance Claim HQ has recovered over $1 billion for policyholders across the country, helping more than 70,000 families get back on their feet, and in Galen’s experience, homeowners who prepare in advance often see faster, fairer results.

    Insurance may promise protection, but the homeowner still has the burden of proof. That’s why Galen says the best time to prepare is long before a storm warning appears on your screen.

    A Lawyer Who’s Been There

    Galen’s passion for disaster preparation didn’t begin in a courtroom; it started years ago when he volunteered in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He helped clean out homes, deliver supplies, and witness firsthand the toll disasters take not just on property, but on people.

    Later, while working as a defense attorney for a boutique firm in New York, Galen began to understand how insurance companies handle claims and the tactics they use to delay or deny them. It wasn’t until he helped a client whose house had burned down that everything clicked.

    “Navigating the complexities of insurance can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, claimants can level the playing field,” Galen says.

    That moment inspired him to switch sides and advocate for policyholders. He founded Insurance Claim HQ with one goal: to help people get what they’re owed after the unthinkable happens. Since opening its doors, the firm has played a critical role in helping storm survivors throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.

    His team doesn’t just wait for clients to walk in after a disaster; they believe in education and proactive protection. That’s why Galen speaks up every year before hurricane season. His message isn’t fear-driven. It’s grounded in empowerment. He wants every homeowner to know: your best chance at recovery starts with preparation.

    June through November is more than a stretch of months; it’s a season when everything can change overnight. While we can’t always stop the storm, we can take steps to face it better prepared.

    About Galen M. Hair

    Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a nationally recognized property insurance attorney known for aggressively representing policyholders across the U.S. With thousands of families helped and a reputation for high-stakes litigation wins, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Learn how to protect your property from disaster at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.

    About Insurance Claim HQ

    Insurance Claim HQ is a premier property casualty insurance law firm powered by Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. With over $1 billion recovered for more than 70,000 clients, the firm brings 25+ years of legal experience and unmatched insight into how insurers operate. Discover how they fight for policyholders at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.

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