Bergner’s vs. Von Maur: Why One Failed and One Thrives December 10th, 2025

Bergner’s vs. Von Maur: similar origins, very different outcomes. Our case study on why one failed, the other thrives, and what it can mean for business owners. withgravitas.com/advisors-blo... #VonMaur #Bergners #JCPenney #WithGravitas

FAFSA Whiplash and the New Rules of Enrollment For many enrollment leaders, the 2024 and 2025 FAFSA cycles felt less like “simplification” and more like whiplash.

FAFSA “simplification” left a lot of campuses with anything but simple.

In our latest Gravitas piece, we unpack what FAFSA whiplash means for enrollment strategy and how to plan for the next wave.


#HigherEd #HigherEducation #EnrollmentManagement #StudentSuccess #withGravitas

AI Monitoring and Employee Privacy in 2025 Remote and hybrid work did more than change where people sit. It changed how employers watch them.

AI monitoring is reshaping work—and lawmakers are closing in.

Our new Gravitas article breaks down the legal risks, privacy expectations, and what HR must do now.

#ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #HR #WorkplacePrivacy #withGravitas

How to Conduct Root Cause Analysis: Actually Fix the Problem Root cause analysis (RCA) isn’t a meeting—it’s a discipline. Done right, it prevents repeat issues, improves quality, and protects budgets. Done poorly, it blames people and treats symptoms. Use this streamlined approach...

Stop treating symptoms. Use this 10-step root cause method—clear problem statement, tight evidence, 5 Whys + fishbone, tested fixes, and controls—to prevent repeat issues. Templates included. #Operations #Quality #Leadership #withGravitas

DuPont Principles for Higher-Ed Leadership Most campuses stall because leaders approve activities instead of outcomes. DuPont-style management flips that script. You set outcomes, define clear guardrails, give true ownership to the people doing the work, and insp...

Autonomy with accountability works on campus. Use DuPont principles to set outcomes, write guardrails, assign owners, and manage by exception with a short cadence. We provide the templates and run the rollout. #HigherEd #Leadership #StudentSuccess #withGravitas

After the FTC Noncompete Ban Falls: Your 2025 Playbook What happened: A federal court vacated the FTC’s 2024 noncompete rule; in September 2025 the FTC dropped its appeal and moved to accept vacatur. There is no federal ban—we’re back to state law and case-by-case FTC enforc...

The FTC’s noncompete rule is off the table. Now what? Replace blanket covenants with enforceable tools—NDAs, non-solicit, IP—and a state-by-state checklist. Here’s your 30-day 2025 playbook. #HR #Legal #Recruiting #SMB #withGravitas

Hiring teens for the holidays? Great move—just keep it compliant. We break down hours limits, prohibited tasks, permits, and scheduling, plus a manager-ready checklist. Get your plan dialed before you make offers.
#HR #Compliance #Retail #Hospitality #withGravitas

withgravitas.com/advisors-blo...’t

Overtime Tax Deduction: What Employers Need to Do Before Year End Applies to tax years: 2025–2028 Who benefits: Employees with qualified overtime compensation.

Starting in 2025, employees may deduct part of qualified overtime from federal taxable income. Payroll doesn’t change the FLSA math—but reporting needs to be precise. Here’s our HR checklist to get ready.
#HR #Payroll #Compliance #SMB #withGravitas

withgravitas.com/advisors-blo...

Gratitude to all who have served, including our clients, partners, and community members in uniform. Your example inspires us to lead with purpose.

#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #withGravitas

Media Training For Non-Spokespeople A fast primer for leaders who do not live on camera but need to perform when the story breaks.

Reporters rarely call on quiet days. When they do, you do not need to become a celebrity spokesperson. You need a clear message, a steady cadence, and the discipline to avoid speculation.

#PublicRelations #PR #MediaTraining #CrisisCommunications #MediaRelations #ReputationManagement #withGravitas

Build A Capsule Wardrobe For Work In 10 Pieces A simple, professional wardrobe that reads as credible on camera and in rooms without excess cost.

Clothes should support your message, not compete with it. A capsule wardrobe eliminates daily friction by narrowing options to pieces that always work together and always look like you.

#CapsuleWardrobe #Workwear #ProfessionalStyle #PersonalBrand #WardrobeEssentials #ImageConsulting #WithGravitas