Gary Hamill, co-author of Wall Street Journal best seller, Humanocracy and a thought leader in leadership and management, joins Rich Fernandez of SIY Global to discuss workplace management and the impact it can have on innovation within organizations. Gary highlights the limitations of bureaucratic structures and the importance of balancing freedom and control systems. The conversation emphasizes ways learning and development teams can implement these strategies to establish better ways of working.

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Gary Hamel is a renowned management innovator and consultant, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in business strategy. A prolific author and contributor to The Harvard Business Review , Hamel is best known for coining the term "core competence" with C.K. Prahalad. His influence has impacted countless organizations worldwide.

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How L&D platforms empower employees and drive accountability

Employees who learn and grow at work are happier and less likely to leave. Busy managers can tap into their learning management system (LMS) to track and encourage employee learning. Leveraging LMS tools can put employees in the development driver's seat, freeing managers to focus on other initiatives.

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Absorb LMS’ CEO, Kimberly Williams shares her career journey as a lifelong learner and has a lively conversation with SIY Global’s CEO Rich Fernandez on ways companies can work to develop leadership skills throughout the workforce. They also cover ways L&D can bridge the multi-generational gap, and which skills to look for in potential leaders.

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Kimberly Williams is the Chairperson and CEO of Absorb Software, bringing decades of global technology leadership experience. Known for her strategic vision and empathetic leadership, Kimberly fosters an inclusive and collaborative culture where team members feel valued and empowered, driving innovation and shared success. Prior to joining Absorb, Kimberly was CEO of CST Holdings, where she led the company to a five-fold growth and a market-leading position. Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, sports, and family time.

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4 ways to use course creation software to improve an employee training program

Employee training and development programs play a crucial role in driving organizational growth and success, but the traceability of learning is a problem that all organizations experience. How do you measure and quantify the impact of an L&D initiative ?

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Our host Rich Fernendez from SIY Global sits down to chat with Pete Schramm about the ideas put forward in his book, Pathfinders: Navigating Your Career Map With A Personal Board of Advisors .

Together they discuss how Schramm’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering led him to a career in HR Technologies, and his belief that everyone should build a personal board of advisors to aid in their career pathing. This discussion is helpful for people in L&D and HR who are looking to find ways to create positive impact and career growth for their learners.

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Pete Schramm is an entrepreneur, motivator, author, and experienced team leader focused on leading large, diverse teams to solve complex problems. Schramm grew up working on his family’s farm near Pittsburgh, PA where he honed his tireless work ethic and sparked his passion for connecting people. He graduated from Sewickley Academy, then attended Catholic University as an athlete with an academic focus on mechanical engineering for undergraduate and graduate school.

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Creating career growth opportunities for employees within your organization

In today's job market, you need to ensure you're investing in your employees, so you can retain them. However, the problem seems to be that companies aren't great at creating career paths for employees to move throughout the company, so great talent is leaving the organization.

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Laura Overton joins Rich Fernandez for an in-depth discussion on the importance of staying curious about your learner's needs, while aligning learning initiatives and understanding business goals to demonstrate impact. Laura Overton shares her research learnings and four-stage model of learning maturity. Their discussion encourages L&D practitioners to be bold, open-minded, and deliberate in shaping the future of the industry.

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Speaker: Author: Facilitator: Explorer

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The Value of Investing in Employee Growth

The business landscape is evolving faster than ever, driven by shifts in customer expectations, technological advancements, and the ongoing impacts of a global, digital economy. For businesses to thrive in this dynamic environment, investing in employee growth becomes not just an option, but a strategic necessity. Now, more than ever, human resources (HR) leaders need to make data-driven decisions, and understanding the quantitative value of investing in employee growth is crucial.

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Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist and author of “ WHAT’S NEXT IS NOW: How To Live Future Ready ”  Frederik Pferdt joins Rich Fernandez to discuss the concept of a future ready mindstate. The conversation covers the shift from focusing on what we want to do in the future to how we want to be in the future. Frederik also explains the concept of Dimension X, a unique superpower that each individual possesses, and emphasizes the importance of discovering and using this superpower to shape our future.

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As Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist, Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt helped shape one of the most fabled creative cultures in the world. He founded Google’s Innovation Lab, where he trained tens of thousands of Googlers to develop and experiment with cutting-edge ideas and taught ground-breaking classes on innovation and creativity at Stanford University for more than a decade. He has also worked with dozens of international government agencies, organizations, and businesses ranging from the United Nations to NASA to the NBA. His work has been highlighted in Fast Company, Harvard Business Manager, Der Spiegel, and BBC news, among many other media outlets. Born in Germany, he lives with his family in Santa Cruz, California.

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Preparing for the Future of Work Through Learning

The future of work is full of uncertainties, but one thing is clear: technology will continue to have a profound impact on the work we do—as well as where and how we do it. Modern workplaces are nearly unrecognizable from those merely a decade ago, and the rapid pace of change is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it's expected to accelerate. In this webinar, you'll see why organizations that foster a culture of learning—backed by a flexible, scalable learning management system (LMS)—will have the upper hand addressing these challenges. From upskilling and reskilling to compliance and onboarding, learning technology ensures your organization can recruit, train and retain the talent you'll need to stay ready for the future of work—and ahead of your competition. Absorb LMS can help you get there. Check out our LMS training solutions to learn how .

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Nichol Bradford, Executive-in-Residence for AI + HI at The Society for Human Resource Management, defines and discusses the impact of transformative technology in work and society. Bradford and host Rich Fernandez also discusses the opportunities and risks of AI in the future, highlighting the need for a human-centered approach and the cultivation of an agile and curious mindset.

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Nichol Bradford serves as Executive-in-Residence for AI + HI at The Society for Human Resource Management, shaping global thinking on human-AI collaboration. She is also Co-Founder and Partner of Niremia Collective, an early stage venture fund focused on human potential technologies, and she co-founded TransformativeTech.org, the largest global ecosystem of founders, investors and innovators building tech for human flourishing.

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Foster team training with a collaborative learning platform

If collaborative training isn’t already on your learning and development roadmap, you might be missing out. The truth is that traditional training methods are as outdated as dial-up internet. Sitting through long lectures with limited interaction can be passive and disengaging for employees, leading to lower knowledge retention and motivation.

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Cecily Mak has worked as a lawyer, a CEO, a member of multiple boards, and is now embarking on becoming a published author. She shares her experiences to illustrate some dos and don’ts of becoming an honest leader with strong emotional skills. Mak also provides tips on how to boost your confidence and quell Imposter Syndrome.

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Cecily is a co-founding General Partner of Wisdom Ventures, a fund committed to advancing positive impact via compassionate innovation focused on the fields of AI, Mental Health, Mindfulness, EdTech, and HR Tech. With over 20 years of experience as an attorney, revenue leader, and COO, Cecily has spearheaded the growth of startups across various industries, including music, publishing, mindfulness, well-being, and crypto. A champion for greater human connection and well-being, Cecily is also the founder of the ClearLife movement, an invitation to live life without dimmers, anything we use in an unhealthy way to feel less, such as alcohol, social media, exercise, shopping, work, and even generosity. You can learn more about her podcast, forthcoming book, and other ClearLife offerings via her website at cecilymak.com and @clearlifejourney (IG).

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How L&D platforms empower employees and drive accountability

Employees who learn and grow at work are happier and less likely to leave. Busy managers can tap into their learning management system (LMS) to track and encourage employee learning. Leveraging LMS tools can put employees in the development driver's seat, freeing managers to focus on other initiatives.

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Lukas Alexander, VP of Customer Experience at Churn Zero, discusses how creating a customer success mindset can help every department throughout your company. He also covers how to support CSMs in proactively engaging customers with support and guidance, plus the skills you should be prioritizing to develop your CSM team.

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Lukas Alexander is a distinguished Customer Experience leader with over a decade's experience successfully building and scaling global customer success teams. Lukas possesses a stellar track record, consistently elevating Net Revenue Retention (NRR) year over year. With a profound passion for customer success, CS Ops and career-coaching for CSMs, Lukas Alexander stands-out in the dynamic realm of CX as a transformational, human-first leader. Based in Montreal, Canada, Lukas also holds a Bachelor's degree in PR & Communications from Concordia University.

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Fostering customer success: Enhance customer training with an extended enterprise LMS

Customers are looking for phenomenal experiences.

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Rich Fernandez hosts Dr. Nikki Mirghafori, an artificial intelligence scientist and an internationally recognized Buddhist teacher, in episode three. Dr. Mighafori talks about her professional journey and shares insights into and dispels myths about the many forms of AI, as well as ways to constructively incorporate it into our lives. The pair also have a discussion on how to incorporate Buddhist teachings of mindfulness into leadership practices.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

AI Bill of Rights - https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights/

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Dr. Nikki Mirghafori is an Artificial Intelligence scientist and an internationally recognized Buddhist teacher. She serves as a Stewarding Teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, where she is also on the Board of Directors, and a Dharma Teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. She teaches with clarity and warmth on topics ranging from mindful leadership to cultivating kindness, with a rare expertise on mindfulness of death. Dr. Mirghafori is widely published in AI, has led international research collaborations as a Berkeley academic, and advised technology startups. She is of Persian heritage, an advocate for wisdom and compassion in daily life, as well as ethical AI in our zeitgeist.

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Generative AI: Reassess learning challenges with AI

AI is one of the most significant business forces today, particularly generative AI (GenAI). But an IBM report shows that fewer than one in three CEOs have assessed the potential impact of GenAI on their workforce before using it.

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Join Rich Fernandez as he chats with Sarah Deveraux, a friend and former Google colleague. Devereaux describes how she helped launch the successful Googler-to-Googler program. They discuss the challenges and solutions to implementing the peer-to-peer learning network at Google. Deveraux then shares her experiences from her career in leadership training including insights on the loneliness and exhaustion that many leaders experience and how to support development at the executive level.  We also learn about her current role developing female leaders as a founding partner, leadership coach and workshop facilitator at the White Pine Leadership Collective. We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to hear more chats every Tuesday.

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Sarah is a Leadership Coach & Strategic Advisor with Third Coast Coaching and White Pine Leadership Collective. She has been coaching, facilitating, and speaking for over a decade on topics like: leadership, resilience, innovation, self-awareness, trust, complexity theory, wellbeing, systems thinking, and more. Her coaching practice focuses on the whole human being — mind, body, and heart — and is rooted in deep curiosity and compassion. She has a passion for helping women leaders embrace their badass authentic selves so they can build the lives and careers they deserve.

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Building the Business Case for Your LMS

You need a learning management system (LMS). You've done your research, or perhaps have used an LMS before. Either way, you know it'll deliver the productivity gains, learner skills and employee engagement needed to rock the competition.

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Rich Fernandez, CEO of SIY Global takes over as host of the ROI podcast for season 2. In his inaugural ROI conversation, Rich talks with Bill Duane a former peer from Google development about upskilling for the world of artificial intelligence. It’s a conversation that explores how humans learn logically and emotionally, with tips for learning and developing professionals to apply in their programs.

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Bill Duane is the principal at Bill Duane and Associates, a consulting firm focused on innovation and AI.

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Learn smarter with an AI-based LMS

Ever feel like traditional learning management systems (LMS) are a bit… well, traditional? They get the job done, but they don't exactly cater to individual needs or keep learners engaged. That's where an AI-based LMS steps in. This blog explores how an LMS with AI capabilities helps teams learn smarter, offering personalized experiences, intelligent recommendations, and faster learning and development program creation. More specifically, we’ll cover:

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Watch as we explore how AI is rapidly transforming the future of business and the L&D landscape with Craig Basford from Absorb LMS. He shares his experiences and thoughts on the promising opportunities of AI—and the critical need for careful implementation, considering both risks and legal implications.

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As Executive Vice President of Product, Craig Basford works at the intersection of strategy, engineering and design, taking great ideas and turning them into products that solve client challenges. He embraces the constant pace of change in the modern technology sector, always building for what's to come while staying grounded "in the now" through strong client input and collaboration.

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How to improve your online courses with the help of GenAI

When it comes to course creation, is it best to build your own content or to buy it from a third party? Spoiler alert, like most parts of learning and development (L&D), it’s about finding a balance that’s right for you and your learners.

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Watch as we explore how to best develop future leaders at both a personal and organizational level. Britni Warner from Sony Electronics shares her experiences and thoughts on enhancing employee and organizational growth with the help of an LMS.

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Britni Warner, PhD, is a results-oriented talent development leader and influencer with 10+ years’ experience in designing development initiatives to impact strategic business outcomes. Expertise in adult learning, digital learning platforms, curriculum development, facilitation, process improvement and project management. Innovative and strategic thinker employing effective problem-solving, communication, planning and time management skills. Passionate about enabling leaders, managers, and employees to achieve their fullest potential.

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Turn data into impact with LMS reporting features

Imagine spending months building the perfect training program only to hear crickets in response. You might wonder “Did my course actually help? Are my employees applying these skills? Does this training really matter?”

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Scaling a learning program internationally comes with it's own set of unique challenges and opportunities. As Valeria Pasca grew in her role so did the company she worked for– Juice Plus. As the Senior Manager of Global Learning, Valeria was on the front lines of personalizing and localizing JuicePlus' learning content for the diverse individuals they were working with across the globe. In this episode Al and Valeria double-click on what it means to deploy empathy at scale while meeting the goals of a growing business.

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Valeria Pasca holds an MA in International Cooperation and Communication. She’s an expert in Learning and Development, with over a decade of experience in training with an emphasis in translating, interpreting and subtitling. Pasca is currently responsible for the Global L&D function at the Juice Plus+ Company, tackling training needs for both employees and partners in the field.

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Driving success together: The power of partner training

Fostering effective partner training is the difference between a business model that is incredibly productive and one that impedes revenue growth. Your channel partners are a vital component of your success – helping you achieve shared goals, strengthening your organization’s reputation, and ultimately scaling your customer base. But to contribute to your organization’s success, delivering comprehensive training to these partners is a non-negotiable. So the question is – are you empowering your partners with the knowledge they need to drive mutual growth?

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What does a culture of sales enablement look like? Are your training tactics effective? How can your LMS enable all of this? In this episode, sales training leader Hamish Knox answers all these questions and more. Listen in as Al and Hamish dive deep into what it takes to build a strong learning culture for modern day sales people.

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A member of the global Sandler network, Hamish supports private organizations in Southern Alberta create and maintain a scalable, repeatable, consistent sales engines and an engaged, motivated team by holding them accountable to implementing the structures, systems and processes shared in our sessions.

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Closing Deals with Confidence: Sales Training Best Practices in LMS

One of the most reliable ways to equip your sales team for success is through a sales training learning management system (LMS). An LMS is a comprehensive software platform designed to manage, deliver, track, and report on training and educational programs. LMS platforms like Absorb offer a centralized and efficient way to provide sales teams with up-to-date information, sales techniques, and compliance training, all while accommodating various learning styles. In this blog, we’ll outline some of the industry best practices for sales training, and show how your LMS can give your sales reps the confidence to close deals consistently.

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The post-pandemic world has forced businesses to innovate faster, and learning is no different. In this episode of Return on Intelligence, Matt Pittman, Principal Analyst at the Brandon Hall Group, walks us through the new pace of play that learners expect and how you as a learning leader can adapt to their needs.

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Matt Pittman brings nearly 30 years of experience developing people and teams in a variety of settings and organizations. As an HR Practitioner, he has sat in nearly every seat including Learning and Leadership Development, Talent Management and Succession Planning, Talent Acquisition and as a Human Resources Business Partner. A significant part of those roles involved building out functions in organizations and driving large scale change efforts. As a Principal Analyst, Matt leverages this in-depth experience and expertise to provide clients and providers with breakthrough insights and ideas to drive their business forward.

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Transform Corporate Training with AI-Powered LMS

We're living in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping countless aspects of our lives, and corporate training is no exception. AI presents an extraordinary chance to rethink and revitalize how we deliver professional development, especially when integrated with learning management systems (LMS).

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Watch as we explore the role of empathy in corporate learning along with the value of motivating learners through knowledge. Joshua Remerowski, Senior Director of Learning & Leadership Experience at Fortive, explains the importance of shifting your mindset as a leader to meet learners where they’re at and develop talent.

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Joshua Remerowski is a thought leader in human resources with extensive experience in telecom, retail, industrial, supply chain, & tech sectors. He has a proven track record of developing end-to-end people strategies that attract, engage, develop, & retain top-tier professionals. He is passionate about driving meaningful change & collaborating effectively with executive leaders to deliver innovative solutions that accelerate growth. With over a decade of experience in HR his work has been recognized by ATD, Brandon Hall, & Training Magazine for excellence in the HR field. His mantra for his team is faster alone, further together to always use the collective strengths and uniqueness of a team to drive unparalleled experiences for the people we serve.

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Adapting Your LMS to Different Learning Styles

When it comes to corporate learning and development, no two employees learn the same way. We all have preferred ways of taking in information, whether that’s visual, auditory, reading/writing or kinesthetic. This led to New Zealand educator Neil Fleming creating the VARK model in the 1980s to describe the different learning styles teachers and students could employ to maximize their ability to absorb new information.

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Discover the impact of skills demonstration and manager engagement on the success of The Aaron’s Company’s learning and development program. In this episode, Brian Paige, Director of Learning and Development, and Cathy Campbell, Senior Learning and Development Analyst, discuss the evolution and strategy behind their learning program.

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Cathy is from Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Economics, Cathy began her career at Aaron’s in Human Resources. She has spent eight years working at Aaron’s and three years in the Learning & Development department. In her free time, Cathy enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with her wife and 3 pets.

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Maximizing ROI: Strategies to Optimize Your Corporate Learning Investment

Investing in a learning management system (LMS) is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization's growth, employee engagement, and overall success. According to a study by Bersin by Deloitte , companies with a strong learning culture have a 30-50% higher retention rate and a 46% higher ROI in training.

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Tune in and discover how to maximize the impact of learning and development experiences from Devin Hastie, Director of Commercial Learning at Anheuser-Busch. In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities for different learning groups as well as the impactful role of leadership in learning.

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As a committed educator, facilitator and coach, I strive to encourage and challenge my colleagues to continually grow their leadership and capability skill set.  With 20+ years in the Beer Industry, my passion for beer and learning collided in 2013 when I moved from Sales Leadership to the People team to lead the evolution of our Commercial Learning strategy. With a continuous improvement mindset, it is my responsibility to create & curate impactful learning experiences to develop people that can be better than ourselves. Success of my passion will be measured by achieving our shared ambitious to Dream Big and Create a Future With More Cheers!

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Drive business growth through effective sales training programs with Absorb LMS

The success of your sales team is intrinsically linked to the overall success of your business. In an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape, it is essential for sales teams to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and best practices needed to navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Implementing an effective sales training program is critical to achieving this goal, empowering your salesforce to excel and drive business growth.

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