Topic: Fast Company Magazine

Three ways Africans are making cheap do-it-yourself electricity

In countries like Kenya and Tanzania, most people lack access to electricity. Wind turbines made from local scrap and a 'Netflix' model for distributing batteries may be solutions.

Does America need a CEO in the Oval Office?

Mitt Romney has been both vaunted and vilified for his business background. Here's how running a corporation really compares to running a country. 

10 entrepreneurs who changed the world

From Starbucks to Home Depot, here are 10 of the businesses – and their leaders – that author John A. Byrne counts as 'World Changers.'

The story behind Steve Jobs's black turtleneck

Steve Jobs's outfit – black mock turtleneck and jeans – was iconic, even though it hadn't changed since the 1990s. Now we know how the Steve Jobs look came to be.

Steve Jobs and his art of simplicity

To Apple's Steve Jobs, design was not just a matter of aesthetics. It was also the experience of using products. His genius was in blending design and experience, tuning in to our complex lives and helping us orchestrate them. Just ask my mom.

The Apple effect: How Steve Jobs & Co. won over the world

UPDATE: Steve Jobs passed on Wednesday. In this cover story, first published last month, Alan Webber explores what made Steve Jobs (and Apple) exceptional. Apple knew what consumers didn't want and understood the power of being itself. A look at what the company can teach corporate America.

Five myths about Africa

Matt Damon, listen up: After five years of covering Africa, our departing correspondent tells how his perceptions have changed about a complex continent, including why some Africans resent celebrity visits.

Matt Damon shows how celebrity charity work should be done

Innovative Water.org is the result of patient homework and uncovering what really works.

Volunteering: the positives of serving others

Volunteering benefits both those who help and those who receive the help. Volunteers feel part of something greater while at the same time developing new skills.

Netflix CEO: Unlimited streaming video is unrealistic, for now

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings warned today that the Netflix streaming library is unlikely to expand anytime soon.

Greg Mortenson affair: Good leaders must prove it every day

Leaders like Greg Mortenson are just people like ourselves, striving to do good. We all need to be vigilant to stay true to our good purpose.

In business or philanthropy, treat people as valued 'clients'

Selling inexpensive products in the developing world is one way to lift living standards. But whether it's capitalism or philanthropy you've got to listen to and involve your customer.

iPad 2 could sell at Toys 'R' Us outlets

iPad 2 is already a certified hit. Now comes news that the tablet computer could be sold at Toys 'R' Us stores nationwide.

Apple iPad edition of Wall Street Journal could cost $18/mo

According to one report, the Wall Street Journal could charge $17.99 a month for access to an Apple iPad-friendly edition of the business broadsheet. Some bloggers say the price tag – no matter how high the quality of the iPad content – is too steep.

Hulu's big problem: No loyalty

As the Daily Show and Colbert Report leave Hulu, they reveal the video streaming site's greatest weakness.

How Haiti's earthquake galvanized one US CEO

After several days seeing post-earthquake Haiti firsthand, Timberland's Swartz stumbles on the power of a CEO as witness.

Switch

Why is change so hard?

Green renovation – go it alone or hire an expert?

Do you need an environmental expert to guide you in a green home renovation?

Google is Skynet, and other Internet conspiracies

With Steve Jobs back, Apple goes after Flip

Amazon takes one more step toward in-book advertisements for the Kindle

In bid for transparency, White House launches tech dollar tracking tool

Was Wikipedia correct to censor news of David Rohde's capture?

New Orleans asks: 'What recession?'

After Katrina, the Big Easy is slowly attracting newcomers and rebuilding its economy.

Oprah tweets, Twitter arrives

With more than 14 million users, rumors of deals with Google, and celebrity Twitterers, the social networking tool has become all the rage.