We kick off 2012 with an interview with Reebok International’s president, Uli Becker, our January CEO of the Month.

Responsible for the Reebok brand’s business around the world, Becker has since 2008 been at the helm of the U.S. branch of the firm owned by the Adidas Group. The German-born athlete has big plans on how he and his team will keep the company in its place as an industry leader. Here’s a hint: CrossFit. Scroll down to the feature to read more.

What will it take to help you stay on top of your game in 2012? Here are a few ideas to run with:

• Exercise will make you smarter. “It’ll also make you stronger, healthier, and could help you grow your business,” says Harvard professor John Ratey, author of “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” Click here to learn more.

• Exercise will make your kids smarter, too. Kathleen Tullie, the head of Reebok’s nonprofit, BOKS Kids, knew that from observing her own kids. But after reading Dr. Ratey’s book, she was inspired to start an organization that Reebok has invested a few million dollars in to help parents and teachers in schools around the country get kids moving through before-school programs. Click here to learn how to become part of the revolution.

• Consumers are shifting how they spend their money. Reebok is one company that is paying close attention to this trend. How can your organization adapt to the shift? Futurist Andy Hines offers insight in ConsumerShift.

Also in this issue:

• Since Reebok is just outside of Boston, we put the spotlight on Beantown in this issue of Be Inkandescent Magazine. Don’t miss our interview with Paul Guzzi, president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce; John Murtha, GM of Boston’s oldest hotel, the Omni Parker House; and Joe Milano, owner of the oldest eatery in town. Oysters, anyone?

• This month we also have the honor of interviewing Maria Aguilera, our Truly Amazing Woman of the Month. Since 2007, she has battled a rare form of cancer. She shares the source of her strength as she embarks on the new year.

Here’s to kicking off 2012 with fresh and fabulous ideas, well-considered resolutions, and much joy!
— Warmly, Hope Katz Gibbs, Publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine