Wanted: Fearless marketing execs

Technological change and profit-minded CEOs call for risk-taking marketing chieftains.

FORTUNE -- Talk about a tough gig: The average tenure of a chief marketing officer -- the corporate executive charged with branding, communications, and other activities -- is less than four years, in large part because of the increasing complexity of the job, says executive search firm Spencer Stuart.

Yet that complexity, fueled by new technologies such as social networks, is exactly MORE

Competing for best mousetrap: Rice's biz plan showdown

From an answer to trash buildup in India to building a better, cheaper light bulb, here's a look at the 42 winning ideas that will compete for top prize at Rice's upcoming business plan competition.

FORTUNE -- What do an upscale men's barbershop chain and a vaccine to combat the pesky horn fly have in common? Both are among the 42 business ideas selected to compete in the prestigious Rice University MORE

Advice from a Maestro

Looking for new ways to manage your troops? Some tips from New York Philharmonic conductor Alan Gilbert.

It's not easy to find a management book that has anything approaching a fresh idea. Maybe that's why people looking to become change agents are turning to unusual sources for their leadership fix. Navy SEALS, chefs, and, of course, pro sports coaches have all weighed in with popular advice books.

Even musical maestros are getting MORE