Welcome to The Beat’s latest drop—a playlist of perspectives from the influencers and innovators moving the needle. Here’s what’s on repeat from the voices moving culture forward:

• Cannabis businesses can navigate costly banking hurdles by strategically choosing partners who offer transparent compliance and long-term stability.

• The Three-Shirt Rule empowers leaders to master context-driven leadership by activating the right mindset for every moment.

• You can become a standout live speaker with practical tips for staying authentic, telling powerful stories, and owning the energy in any room.

For the uninitiated: The Beat is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the influencers, tastemakers, and innovators in the worlds of music, entertainment, media, food & beverage, fashion, sports, gaming, and more. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Rolling Stone Culture Council, a community of influential leaders across an array of industries.

With the lineup set, let’s turn up the volume on this week’s insights.

Cannabis Banking: It’s Not Impossible—It’s Just Expensive

For cannabis businesses, the banking narrative has evolved: it's no longer about finding a bank; it’s about finding the right bank. The myth that the industry is completely locked out has faded. The real issue? High costs tied to compliance with federal laws and enhanced due diligence processes.

Here’s all you need to know:

🌱 Why Are Fees Sky-High?

• Federal laws make cannabis compliance an expensive, ongoing task. From verifying age-check systems to monitoring transactions, banks face costs unmatched by standard businesses.

• Compliance software and dedicated staff add even more financial strain—some banks spend over six figures annually just to stay legal.

🏦 The Hunt for the Right Partner:

• Ask Tough Questions: How efficient is their onboarding? Scattergun approaches spell trouble.

• Keep it Simple: Banks with standard banking language (vs. industry jargon) often have solid foundations.

• Think Long-Term: A profitable and stable bank is worth more than “low fees.”

Read The Full Article >

The Three-Shirt Rule: Your Secret to Contextual Leadership

Leadership isn’t about being one person all the time. It’s about stepping into the right role for the moment. Enter the "Three-Shirt Rule," a system that uses physical artifacts (think shirt colors, rings, or objects) to activate the ideal mindset when it’s needed most.

Check out the highlights below:

💚 The Green Shirt: The Pragmatic CEO: Focused, analytical, and calm. The green shirt channels strategic thinking to tackle challenges, make tough calls, and build the business without emotional interference.

❤️ The Red Shirt: The Showman Public Face: Dynamic, engaging, unforgettable. Whether on stage or in a high-stakes pitch, the red shirt unleashes the confident performer who captivates audiences and builds authority.

💙 The Blue Shirt: The Easy-Going Human: Relaxed and present. In family life and personal connections, the blue shirt helps leaders step away from strategy and just be.

Read The Full Article >

Step Up and Own the Stage: Top Simple Rules for Speaking That Sticks

Think you’re “not a speaker”? Think again. Delivering a killer live talk isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Whether you’re talking to a room full of executives or a buzzing conference crowd, these five rules will help you nail it, every time.

Explore the top insights below:

🧠 Understand Who’s Listening: Tailor your talk to their questions, their problems, their world. Talk to the room, not at it.

⚡ Ditch the Script: Prep your key messages, but don’t memorize every word. Staying flexible makes you sound human—and lets you read the room.

📖 Lead With Story, Not Stats: Real-life tales hit harder than any bullet point. Bonus tip: Let your slides support your talk, not steal the spotlight.

😬 Embrace the Nerves: Feeling jittery? Good. Channel that adrenaline—it means what you’re doing matters.

Read The Full Article >

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Rolling Stone Culture Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together influential leaders and innovators in art, media, gaming, theater, social impact, fashion, film, hospitality, sports, and more.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on RollingStone.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Rolling Stone Culture Council today and become part of a group driving innovation in entertainment.