/* ==========================================================================
   Sparx Services — styles.css
   Inherits the NovoCircle static-site component system (nc-* vocabulary),
   reskinned to the Sparx Services brand (teal/blue/purple, DM Sans).
   "A NovoCircle practice" — same family, its own identity.
   ========================================================================== */

:root {
	/* Sparx Services brand palette (from the sparx-theme design system).
	   NovoCircle's components use --blue/--sky/--green/--orange as a 4-accent
	   system; we remap those names to the Sparx palette so inherited components
	   render on-brand, teal-forward. Mapping:
	     --blue=Sparx TEAL (primary)  --sky=BLUE  --green=PURPLE  --orange=DEPLOY navy */
	--blue:   #1D9E75;  --blue-700: #0D7A58;  --blue-050: #e7f6ef;  /* teal */
	--sky:    #185FA5;  --sky-050:  #e8f0f8;                          /* blue */
	--green:  #3A32A0;  --green-050:#ecebf7;                          /* purple */
	--orange: #2C5282;  --orange-050:#e9eef5;                         /* deploy navy */
	--teal:   #1D9E75;
	/* Direct Sparx names for new content */
	--sx-teal:#1D9E75; --sx-teal-dark:#0D7A58; --sx-blue:#185FA5; --sx-purple:#3A32A0; --sx-deploy:#2C5282;
	--ink:    #1A1A18;   /* near-black text (Sparx) */
	--ink-2:  #4A4A48;   /* secondary text */
	--muted:  #6B6A65;   /* tertiary text */
	--line:   #E0DED8;   /* hairlines */
	--bg:     #ffffff;
	--bg-soft:#F5F4F1;   /* section tint (Sparx off-white) */
	--bg-ink: #16201c;   /* dark sections (deep teal-black) */

	--font: "DM Sans", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;

	--maxw: 1200px;
	--radius: 14px;
	--radius-sm: 10px;
	--shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.04), 0 1px 3px rgba(16,24,40,.08);
	--shadow:    0 4px 6px -2px rgba(16,24,40,.05), 0 12px 24px -6px rgba(16,24,40,.12);
	--shadow-lg: 0 24px 48px -12px rgba(16,24,40,.18);
	--ease: .25s cubic-bezier(.4,0,.2,1);
}

/* ---- Reset / base ---- */
*,*::before,*::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; scroll-behavior: smooth; }
body {
	margin: 0; font-family: var(--font); color: var(--ink); background: var(--bg);
	font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.65; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
	text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}
img, svg, video { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
a { color: var(--blue); text-decoration: none; }
a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
h1,h2,h3,h4 { color: var(--ink); line-height: 1.12; letter-spacing: -0.02em; margin: 0 0 .5em; font-weight: 800; }
h1 { font-size: clamp(2.25rem, 1.4rem + 3.6vw, 3.9rem); }
h2 { font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 1.2rem + 2.2vw, 2.75rem); }
h3 { font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 1.05rem + .9vw, 1.6rem); letter-spacing: -0.015em; }
p { margin: 0 0 1rem; }
:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--sky); outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 4px; }

.screen-reader-text { position: absolute !important; clip: rect(1px,1px,1px,1px); width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; }
.skip-link { position: absolute; left: -9999px; }
.skip-link:focus { left: 16px; top: 16px; z-index: 1000; background: #fff; padding: 10px 16px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }

/* ---- Layout ---- */
.nc-container { width: 100%; max-width: var(--maxw); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px; }
.nc-section { padding: clamp(56px, 7vw, 104px) 0; }
.nc-section--soft { background: var(--bg-soft); }
.nc-section--ink { background: var(--bg-ink); color: #cdd6e3; }
.nc-section--ink h2, .nc-section--ink h3 { color: #fff; }
.nc-section--tight { padding: clamp(40px,5vw,64px) 0; }
/* Brand-tinted section backgrounds (logo colors, not gray) */
.nc-section--blue-tint  { background: #e7f1fb; }
.nc-section--sky-tint   { background: #e3f5fd; }
.nc-section--green-tint { background: #edf7df; }
.nc-section--orange-tint{ background: #fff1e6; }

/* ---- Track accent system: carry the audience color through a track's pages ---- */
body.track-managers      { --track: var(--blue); --track-deep: #145a92; --track-tint: #e7f1fb; }
body.track-employees     { --track: var(--sky);  --track-deep: #1488c0; --track-tint: #e3f5fd; }
body.track-entrepreneurs { --track: #5f9e23;     --track-deep: #4a7e1a; --track-tint: #edf7df; }
/* soft / tinted sections pick up the track color instead of neutral gray */
body[class*="track-"] .nc-section--soft,
body[class*="track-"] .nc-section--blue-tint { background: var(--track-tint); }
/* closing CTA band carries the track color (bold, like the homepage bands) */
body[class*="track-"] .nc-cta-band { background: linear-gradient(125deg, var(--track) 0%, var(--track-deep) 100%); }
/* accents tie to the track color */
body[class*="track-"] .nc-aside { border-top: 3px solid var(--track); }
body[class*="track-"] .nc-check li::before { background: var(--track); }
body[class*="track-"] .nc-phero__quote { border-left-color: var(--track); }

.nc-section-head { max-width: 720px; margin: 0 auto clamp(36px,4vw,56px); text-align: center; }
.nc-section-head--left { margin-left: 0; text-align: left; }
.nc-section-head p { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.125rem; margin: 0; }

.nc-eyebrow {
	display: inline-block; font-size: .8rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .12em;
	text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--blue); margin-bottom: 14px;
}
.nc-section--ink .nc-eyebrow { color: var(--sky); }

/* ---- Buttons ---- */
.nc-btn {
	display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .5em; cursor: pointer;
	font: inherit; font-weight: 650; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1;
	padding: 15px 26px; border-radius: 999px; border: 1.5px solid transparent;
	transition: transform var(--ease), box-shadow var(--ease), background var(--ease), color var(--ease);
	text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;
}
.nc-btn:hover { text-decoration: none; transform: translateY(-1px); }
.nc-btn--primary { background: var(--blue); color: #fff; box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.nc-btn--primary:hover { background: var(--blue-700); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-btn--ghost { background: transparent; color: var(--ink); border-color: var(--line); }
.nc-btn--ghost:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); }
.nc-btn--light { background: #fff; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-btn--light:hover { background: #eef3f9; }
.nc-btn--lg { padding: 18px 32px; font-size: 1.0625rem; }

.nc-textlink { font-weight: 650; color: var(--blue); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .35em; }
.nc-textlink:hover { gap: .6em; text-decoration: none; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Header / Nav
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-header {
	position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 100; background: #ffffff;
	border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
}
.nc-header__inner { max-width: var(--maxw); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px;
	display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 24px; height: 72px; }
.nc-header__logo img { height: 36px; width: auto; }

.nc-nav { display: flex; }
.nc-nav__list { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px; list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.nc-nav__item { position: relative; }
.nc-nav__link {
	display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; padding: 10px 14px;
	font-size: .96rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--ink-2); border-radius: 9px;
	transition: color var(--ease), background var(--ease);
}
.nc-nav__link:hover { color: var(--ink); background: var(--bg-soft); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-nav__arrow { font-size: .55em; transition: transform var(--ease); opacity: .6; }
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:hover .nc-nav__arrow,
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:focus-within .nc-nav__arrow { transform: rotate(180deg); }

.nc-nav__cta { background: var(--blue); color: #fff !important; padding: 10px 18px; }
.nc-nav__cta:hover { background: var(--blue-700); color: #fff !important; }

/* Dropdowns (CSS hover + focus-within; JS optional) */
.nc-dropdown {
	position: absolute; top: calc(100% + 10px); left: 0; min-width: 264px;
	background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius);
	box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); padding: 8px; list-style: none; margin: 0;
	opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transform: translateY(6px);
	transition: opacity var(--ease), transform var(--ease), visibility var(--ease);
}
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:hover > .nc-dropdown,
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:focus-within > .nc-dropdown { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: translateY(0); }
.nc-dropdown::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: -10px; left: 0; right: 0; height: 10px; }
.nc-dropdown__link {
	display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 2px; padding: 10px 14px; border-radius: 9px;
	color: var(--ink); font-size: .94rem; font-weight: 600;
}
.nc-dropdown__link:hover { background: var(--blue-050); color: var(--blue); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-dropdown__tag { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--orange); letter-spacing: .03em; text-transform: uppercase; }

/* Mega menu — audience nav that tells a story */
.nc-mega {
	position: absolute; top: calc(100% + 10px); left: 0; width: 600px;
	background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 18px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
	display: grid; grid-template-columns: 196px 1fr; overflow: hidden; z-index: 50;
	opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transform: translateY(6px);
	transition: opacity var(--ease), transform var(--ease), visibility var(--ease);
}
.nc-mega--right { left: auto; right: 0; }
.nc-mega--managers { --m: var(--blue); --m050: var(--blue-050); }
.nc-mega--employees { --m: var(--sky); --m050: var(--sky-050); }
.nc-mega--entrepreneurs { --m: #5f9e23; --m050: var(--green-050); }
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:hover > .nc-mega,
.nc-nav__item--has-dropdown:focus-within > .nc-mega { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: translateY(0); }
.nc-mega::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: -10px; left: 0; right: 0; height: 10px; }
.nc-mega__intro { background: var(--m050); padding: 26px 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.nc-mega__eyebrow { font-size: .68rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--m); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.nc-mega__lede { font-size: 1.12rem; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.22; letter-spacing: -.015em; color: var(--ink); margin: 0 0 8px; }
.nc-mega__sub { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-2); line-height: 1.4; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.nc-mega__cta { margin-top: auto; font-weight: 700; color: var(--m); font-size: .9rem; display: inline-flex; gap: 6px; }
.nc-mega__cta:hover { gap: 9px; text-decoration: none; }
.nc-mega__main { padding: 20px; }
.nc-mega__cols { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 16px; }
.nc-mega__grouphead { font-size: .66rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .07em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin: 0 0 4px 9px; }
.nc-mega__link { display: block; padding: 8px 9px; border-radius: 10px; }
.nc-mega__link:hover { background: var(--m050); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-mega__link strong { display: block; font-weight: 650; font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-mega__link span { display: block; font-size: .76rem; color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.32; margin-top: 1px; }
.nc-mega__link .nc-mega__tag { display: inline-block; font-size: .6rem; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .05em; color: var(--orange); margin-left: 6px; }
.nc-mega__foot { display: block; margin-top: 14px; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font-weight: 700; color: var(--m); font-size: .86rem; }
.nc-mega__foot:hover { text-decoration: none; padding-left: 3px; }

/* Hamburger + mobile nav */
.nc-hamburger { display: none; flex-direction: column; gap: 5px; background: none; border: 0; cursor: pointer; padding: 8px; }
.nc-hamburger span { width: 24px; height: 2px; background: var(--ink); border-radius: 2px; transition: var(--ease); }
.nc-mobile-nav { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 200; visibility: hidden; }
.nc-mobile-nav.is-open { visibility: visible; }
.nc-mobile-nav__overlay { position: absolute; inset: 0; background: rgba(14,23,38,.4); opacity: 0; transition: opacity var(--ease); }
.nc-mobile-nav.is-open .nc-mobile-nav__overlay { opacity: 1; }
.nc-mobile-nav__inner {
	position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; height: 100%; width: min(88%, 360px); background: #fff;
	padding: 88px 22px 32px; overflow-y: auto; transform: translateX(100%); transition: transform var(--ease);
	box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
}
.nc-mobile-nav.is-open .nc-mobile-nav__inner { transform: translateX(0); }
.nc-mobile-nav__item { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-mobile-nav__link { display: flex; width: 100%; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;
	background: none; border: 0; font: inherit; font-size: 1.05rem; font-weight: 650; color: var(--ink);
	padding: 16px 4px; cursor: pointer; text-align: left; }
.nc-mobile-nav__sub { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0 0 12px; }
.nc-mobile-nav__sub-link { display: block; padding: 9px 4px; color: var(--ink-2); font-weight: 600; font-size: .98rem; }
.nc-mobile-nav__subhead { list-style: none; margin: 8px 0 1px; padding: 11px 4px 4px; font-size: .68rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .07em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--teal); border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-mobile-nav__sub-link + .nc-mobile-nav__sub-link { padding-top: 9px; }
.nc-mobile-nav__sub.is-open { display: block; }
.nc-mobile-nav__cta-wrap { margin-top: 22px; }
.nc-mobile-nav__cta { display: block; text-align: center; background: var(--blue); color: #fff; padding: 15px; border-radius: 999px; font-weight: 650; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Hero
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-hero { position: relative; overflow: hidden;
	background: linear-gradient(180deg, #e9f3fc 0%, #f3f9fd 60%, #ffffff 100%);
	padding: clamp(56px, 7vw, 96px) 0 clamp(48px,6vw,84px); }
.nc-hero::before {
	content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 0;
	background:
		radial-gradient(48% 60% at 90% -8%, rgba(38,169,224,.28) 0%, transparent 60%),
		radial-gradient(42% 52% at 102% 62%, rgba(139,197,63,.20) 0%, transparent 58%),
		radial-gradient(50% 60% at -8% 6%, rgba(27,117,187,.16) 0%, transparent 56%),
		radial-gradient(38% 48% at 12% 104%, rgba(247,148,29,.16) 0%, transparent 55%);
}
.nc-hero__grid { position: relative; z-index: 1; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.04fr .96fr;
	gap: clamp(32px, 4vw, 56px); align-items: center; }
.nc-hero__h1 { margin: 12px 0 18px; font-size: clamp(2rem, 1.1rem + 2.7vw, 3.05rem); line-height: 1.08; }
.nc-hero__lede { font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 1rem + .5vw, 1.3rem); color: var(--ink-2); max-width: 40ch; margin: 0 0 20px; }
.nc-hero__urgency { display: inline-block; margin: 0 0 26px; padding: 11px 18px;
	border-left: 4px solid var(--orange); background: var(--orange-050); color: var(--ink);
	font-size: 1.08rem; border-radius: 0 10px 10px 0; }
.nc-hero__urgency strong { font-weight: 800; }
.nc-hero__ctas { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px; }
.nc-hero__note { margin-top: 22px; font-size: .92rem; color: var(--muted); }
.nc-hero__note a { font-weight: 650; }

/* Hero book/quote card */
.nc-bookcard {
	background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px; padding: 28px;
	box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); position: relative;
	display: flex; gap: 24px; align-items: flex-start;
}
.nc-bookcard__cover { width: 240px; flex-shrink: 0; border-radius: 6px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }
.nc-bookcard__body { min-width: 0; }
.nc-bookcard__kicker { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--orange); }
.nc-bookcard__quote { font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.32; font-weight: 800; margin: 10px 0 14px; letter-spacing: -.015em; }
.nc-bookcard__by { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.nc-bookcard__by em { color: var(--ink-2); font-style: italic; }
.nc-bookcard__bestseller { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; margin-bottom: 12px;
	font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .02em; color: #8a5a00;
	background: linear-gradient(90deg, #ffe9b0, #ffd470); padding: 5px 11px; border-radius: 999px; }
@media (max-width: 1100px) and (min-width: 981px) { .nc-bookcard { flex-direction: column; } }
@media (max-width: 420px) { .nc-bookcard { flex-direction: column; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   Track "doors" — bold, color-filled panels
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-doors { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); gap: 22px; }
.nc-door {
	display: flex; flex-direction: column; border-radius: 20px; padding: 32px; color: #fff;
	background: linear-gradient(155deg, var(--c1) 0%, var(--c2) 100%);
	box-shadow: var(--shadow); position: relative; overflow: hidden;
	transition: transform var(--ease), box-shadow var(--ease);
}
.nc-door::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: -40px; top: -40px; width: 160px; height: 160px;
	background: rgba(255,255,255,.12); border-radius: 50%; }
.nc-door:hover { transform: translateY(-5px); box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }
.nc-door--managers { --c1: #2f97e6; --c2: #145a92; }
.nc-door--employees { --c1: #3fc4f1; --c2: #1488c0; }
.nc-door--entrepreneurs { --c1: #9ed450; --c2: #5f9e23; }
.nc-door > * { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.nc-door__eyebrow { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; opacity: .85; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.nc-door__title { color: #fff; margin: 0 0 8px; }
.nc-door__lede { font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.08rem; margin: 0 0 12px; }
.nc-door__body { font-size: .96rem; opacity: .92; margin: 0 0 18px; }
.nc-door__links { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 26px; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; }
.nc-door__links a { color: #fff; font-weight: 600; font-size: .95rem; display: inline-flex; gap: 9px; opacity: .96; }
.nc-door__links a::before { content: "→"; opacity: .75; }
.nc-door__links a:hover { opacity: 1; text-decoration: none; padding-left: 3px; }
.nc-door__cta { margin-top: auto; align-self: flex-start; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Stat band — vivid full-bleed numbers
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-stats { background: linear-gradient(115deg, var(--blue) 0%, var(--teal) 52%, var(--sky) 100%); color: #fff; }
.nc-stats__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); gap: 28px; text-align: center; }
.nc-stat__num { font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 2rem + 4vw, 4.6rem); font-weight: 800; line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.03em; }
.nc-stat__label { margin-top: 12px; font-size: 1.02rem; opacity: .94; font-weight: 600; }
.nc-stats__cite { text-align: center; margin: 28px 0 0; font-size: .9rem; opacity: .8; }
.nc-stats__cite em { font-style: italic; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Split feature (whitepapers) — dark panel + accent list
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-feature { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.05fr 1fr; border-radius: 20px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-feature__panel { background: linear-gradient(165deg, #0e1726 0%, #173a66 100%); color: #fff; padding: clamp(32px,4vw,52px); display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; }
.nc-feature__panel h2 { color: #fff; }
.nc-feature__panel p { color: #b9c6d8; }
.nc-feature__list { background: #fff; padding: 18px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; }
.nc-feature__item { display: block; padding: 20px; border-radius: 14px; border-left: 5px solid var(--accent, var(--teal)); transition: background var(--ease), transform var(--ease); }
.nc-feature__item:hover { background: var(--bg-soft); transform: translateX(3px); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-feature__item:nth-child(1) { --accent: var(--teal); }
.nc-feature__item:nth-child(2) { --accent: var(--orange); }
.nc-feature__item:nth-child(3) { --accent: var(--green); }
.nc-feature__kicker { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--accent); }
.nc-feature__t { display: block; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.1rem; color: var(--ink); margin: 4px 0; }
.nc-feature__d { display: block; font-size: .92rem; color: var(--ink-2); }

/* ==========================================================================
   Post list (insights) — rows, not cards
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-postlist { max-width: 920px; }
.nc-postrow { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr auto; gap: 24px; align-items: center;
	padding: 24px 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); transition: background var(--ease); border-radius: 10px; }
.nc-postrow:hover { background: #fff; }
.nc-postrow__tag { font-size: .7rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .05em; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 999px; justify-self: start; }
.nc-postrow__tag--mgr { color: var(--blue); background: var(--blue-050); }
.nc-postrow__tag--emp { color: var(--sky); background: var(--sky-050); }
.nc-postrow__title { font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.12rem; color: var(--ink); margin: 0; }
.nc-postrow__title a { color: inherit; }
.nc-postrow__arrow { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.3rem; }

/* ==========================================================================
   NovoCircle Method — numbered steps (not cards)
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-method { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4,1fr); gap: 30px; }
.nc-step { border-top: 3px solid var(--c, var(--blue)); padding-top: 16px; }
.nc-step--1 { --c: var(--blue); }
.nc-step--2 { --c: var(--sky); }
.nc-step--3 { --c: #5f9e23; }
.nc-step--4 { --c: var(--orange); }
.nc-step__num { font-size: 2.5rem; font-weight: 800; color: var(--c); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.03em; }
.nc-step__q { font-size: 1.06rem; font-weight: 750; margin: 14px 0 8px; line-height: 1.24; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-step__d { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.55; margin: 0; }
.nc-method__note { margin: 40px auto 0; max-width: 780px; text-align: center; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.02rem; }
.nc-method__note a { font-weight: 700; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Author / founder section
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-author__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 320px 1fr; gap: clamp(32px, 5vw, 64px); align-items: center; }
.nc-author__photo { width: 100%; border-radius: 18px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); display: block; }
.nc-author__role { font-size: .8rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--blue); margin-bottom: 10px; }
.nc-author__name { margin: 0 0 16px; }
.nc-author__bio { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.nc-author__ctas { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px; margin-top: 22px; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Insights — featured editorial layout
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-insights2 { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.35fr 1fr; gap: 28px; align-items: stretch; }
.nc-ipost { display: flex; flex-direction: column; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line);
	border-radius: 16px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); transition: box-shadow var(--ease), transform var(--ease); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-ipost:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow); transform: translateY(-3px); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-ipost--feature { padding: 36px; justify-content: center; border-top: 4px solid var(--blue); }
.nc-ipost__tag { align-self: flex-start; font-size: .68rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .05em; text-transform: uppercase;
	padding: 5px 11px; border-radius: 999px; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.nc-ipost__tag--mgr { color: var(--blue); background: var(--blue-050); }
.nc-ipost__tag--emp { color: var(--sky); background: var(--sky-050); }
.nc-ipost__tag--ent { color: #5f9e23; background: var(--green-050); }
.nc-ipost__title { color: var(--ink); margin: 0 0 12px; line-height: 1.2; }
.nc-ipost--feature .nc-ipost__title { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1.2rem + 1vw, 2rem); }
.nc-ipost__excerpt { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; margin: 0 0 18px; }
.nc-ipost__read { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 700; margin-top: auto; }
.nc-ipost__side { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 18px; }
.nc-ipost__side .nc-ipost { padding: 22px 24px; }
.nc-ipost__side .nc-ipost__title { font-size: 1.12rem; margin: 0 0 8px; }
.nc-ipost__side .nc-ipost__read { font-size: .9rem; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Inner pages — page hero, prose, deliverables, scope aside, related
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-phero { position: relative; overflow: hidden; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
	padding: clamp(36px,4vw,64px) 0 clamp(32px,4vw,52px);
	background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--ph-tint, #eef5fc) 0%, #ffffff 100%); }
.nc-phero--managers { --ph-accent: var(--blue); --ph-tint: #e9f2fb; }
.nc-phero--employees { --ph-accent: var(--sky); --ph-tint: #e4f5fd; }
.nc-phero--entrepreneurs { --ph-accent: #5f9e23; --ph-tint: #edf7df; }
.nc-phero__inner { max-width: 820px; }
.nc-breadcrumb { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 16px; }
.nc-breadcrumb a { color: var(--muted); }
.nc-breadcrumb a:hover { color: var(--ph-accent, var(--blue)); }
.nc-phero__eyebrow { display: inline-block; font-size: .76rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .1em;
	text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--ph-accent, var(--blue)); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.nc-phero__title { margin: 0 0 16px; font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 1.2rem + 2.2vw, 2.9rem); line-height: 1.1; }
.nc-phero__lede { font-size: clamp(1.1rem,1rem+.5vw,1.3rem); color: var(--ink-2); max-width: 62ch; margin: 0 0 26px; }
.nc-phero__ctas { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px; }
/* Split page-hero: content left + pull-quote/visual right */
.nc-phero__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.25fr .85fr; gap: clamp(32px,5vw,60px); align-items: center; }
.nc-phero__quote { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-left: 5px solid var(--ph-accent, var(--blue));
	border-radius: 16px; padding: 30px 32px; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-phero__quote blockquote { margin: 0; font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 1rem + .9vw, 1.55rem); font-weight: 800;
	line-height: 1.3; letter-spacing: -.01em; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-phero__quote cite { display: block; margin-top: 18px; font-style: normal; color: var(--muted); font-size: .92rem; }
.nc-phero__quote cite em { font-style: italic; color: var(--ink-2); }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nc-phero__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Article (Insights post) hero — supports nc-article-hero / nc-ahero variants from migrated posts */
.nc-article-hero, .nc-ahero { position: relative; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
	padding: clamp(30px,4vw,54px) 0; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #eef5fc 0%, #ffffff 100%); }
.nc-container--narrow { max-width: 820px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
.nc-ahero__inner { max-width: 820px; }
.nc-article-hero__eyebrow, .nc-ahero__eyebrow { display: inline-block; font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 800;
	letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--blue); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.nc-article-hero__title, .nc-ahero__title { font-size: clamp(1.8rem,1.3rem+2vw,2.6rem); font-weight: 800;
	line-height: 1.14; letter-spacing: -.02em; margin: 0 0 14px; color: var(--ink); max-width: 22ch; }
.nc-article-hero__byline, .nc-ahero__byline { color: var(--muted); font-size: .95rem; margin: 0; }

/* Instructor avatar (initials placeholder until a real photo is supplied) */
.nc-instructor { display: grid; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; gap: clamp(22px,4vw,44px); align-items: center; max-width: 880px; margin: 0 auto; }
.nc-avatar { width: 128px; height: 128px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
	font-weight: 800; font-size: 2.6rem; letter-spacing: .02em; color: #fff; margin: 0 auto;
	background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--blue), var(--sky)); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-instructor__photo { width: 128px; height: 128px; border-radius: 50%; object-fit: cover; margin: 0 auto; display: block; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .nc-instructor { grid-template-columns: 1fr; text-align: center; } }

/* Insights cards with colored cover thumbnails + filtering */
.nc-filterbar { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: clamp(28px,4vw,44px); }
.nc-filterbar button { font: inherit; font-size: .9rem; font-weight: 650; cursor: pointer; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 999px;
	border: 1.5px solid var(--line); background: #fff; color: var(--ink-2); transition: var(--ease); }
.nc-filterbar button:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); }
.nc-filterbar button.is-active { background: var(--blue); border-color: var(--blue); color: #fff; }
.nc-icard { padding: 0; overflow: hidden; border-top: 0; }
.nc-icard__cover { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between;
	padding: 16px 18px; color: #fff; background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--cc1, var(--blue)), var(--cc2, var(--sky))); }
.nc-icard__type { align-self: flex-start; font-size: .64rem; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase;
	background: rgba(255,255,255,.22); padding: 4px 9px; border-radius: 999px; }
.nc-icard__covertitle { font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.25; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
.nc-icard__cover--paper { justify-content: flex-start; padding: 18px; }
.nc-icard__cover--paper img { position: absolute; bottom: 0; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%);
	max-height: 88%; width: auto; filter: drop-shadow(0 8px 18px rgba(0,0,0,.28)); }
.nc-icard__body { padding: 20px 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1; }
.nc-icard.is-hidden { display: none; }

/* Whitepaper cover in hero */
.nc-wp-cover { display: block; max-width: 280px; width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 0 auto 20px;
	filter: drop-shadow(0 12px 28px rgba(16,24,40,.22)); border-radius: 4px; }

/* Responsive YouTube / video embed */
.nc-video { position: relative; width: 100%; max-width: 880px; margin: 0 auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;
	border-radius: 16px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: var(--shadow); border: 1px solid var(--line); background: #000; }
.nc-video iframe { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; }

.nc-prose { max-width: 740px; }
.nc-prose--center { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }

/* Lead-quote split: an anecdote/quote callout beside section copy */
.nc-leadquote { display: grid; grid-template-columns: .95fr 1.25fr; gap: clamp(28px,4vw,56px); align-items: center; }
.nc-callout { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-left: 5px solid var(--track, var(--blue));
	border-radius: 16px; padding: 30px 32px; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-callout p { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0 0 14px; }
.nc-callout p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
.nc-callout blockquote { margin: 0 0 16px; font-size: clamp(1.2rem,1rem+.7vw,1.45rem); font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--ink); }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nc-leadquote { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
.nc-prose > * + * { margin-top: 1.05rem; }
.nc-prose h2 { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1.2rem + 1vw, 2rem); margin-top: 2.2rem; }
body.page-legal .nc-prose h2 { font-size: clamp(1.1rem,1rem+.5vw,1.35rem); margin-top: 2rem; }
.nc-prose h3 { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-top: 1.8rem; }
.nc-prose p, .nc-prose li { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.72; }
.nc-prose ul, .nc-prose ol { padding-left: 1.3em; }
.nc-prose li { margin: .4rem 0; }
.nc-prose strong { color: var(--ink); }

.nc-check { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; display: grid; gap: 13px; }
.nc-check li { position: relative; padding-left: 36px; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.5; }
.nc-check li::before { content: "\2713"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; width: 23px; height: 23px; border-radius: 50%;
	background: var(--accent, var(--blue)); color: #fff; font-size: .78rem; font-weight: 700; display: grid; place-items: center; }

.nc-split { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px,4vw,56px); align-items: start; }
.nc-aside { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 16px; padding: 28px;
	box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); position: sticky; top: 92px; }
.nc-aside__label { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }
.nc-aside__price { font-size: 1.7rem; font-weight: 800; color: var(--ink); margin: 6px 0 2px; }
.nc-aside__meta { color: var(--muted); font-size: .9rem; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.nc-aside__list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0 0 20px; display: grid; gap: 10px; }
.nc-aside__list li { font-size: .92rem; color: var(--ink-2); padding-left: 22px; position: relative; }
.nc-aside__list li::before { content: "\2713"; position: absolute; left: 0; color: var(--green); font-weight: 700; }
.nc-aside .nc-btn { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }

.nc-related { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); gap: 20px; }

/* Expanded method questions (engagement structure) */
.nc-qsteps { display: grid; gap: 18px; max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; }
.nc-qstep { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 58px 1fr; gap: 22px; align-items: start;
	background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 16px; padding: 28px 30px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.nc-qstep__n { font-size: 2.3rem; font-weight: 800; line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.03em; color: var(--qc, var(--blue)); }
.nc-qstep--1 { --qc: var(--blue); } .nc-qstep--2 { --qc: var(--sky); }
.nc-qstep--3 { --qc: #5f9e23; } .nc-qstep--4 { --qc: var(--orange); }
.nc-qstep__q { font-size: 1.3rem; margin: 0 0 10px; line-height: 1.2; }
.nc-qstep__body { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.7; }
.nc-qstep__body p { margin: 0 0 .8rem; }
.nc-qstep__body p:last-child { margin: 0; }
.nc-qstep__key { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 700; }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .nc-qstep { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 8px; } }

/* ==========================================================================
   Forms (newsletter, contact…) — posts to salesforce-forms-worker
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-form-wrap { width: 100%; }
.nc-field { margin-bottom: 16px; }
.nc-field label { display: block; font-weight: 600; font-size: .9rem; margin-bottom: 6px; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-field input[type="text"], .nc-field input[type="email"], .nc-field input[type="tel"], .nc-field textarea {
	width: 100%; padding: 12px 14px; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px;
	font: inherit; font-size: 1rem; background: #fff; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-field textarea { resize: vertical; min-height: 120px; }
.nc-field input:focus, .nc-field textarea:focus { outline: none; border-color: var(--track, var(--blue)); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(27,117,187,.14); }
/* Calendly inline embed */
.calendly-inline-widget { border-radius: var(--radius); overflow: hidden; }
.nc-field--checkbox label { display: flex; gap: 10px; align-items: flex-start; font-weight: 400; font-size: .86rem; color: var(--ink-2); cursor: pointer; }
.nc-field--checkbox input { margin-top: 3px; flex-shrink: 0; }
.nc-error { display: block; color: #c0392b; font-size: .82rem; margin-top: 4px; }
.nc-status { margin-top: 10px; color: #c0392b; font-size: .9rem; }
.cf-turnstile { margin: 4px 0 16px; }
.nc-form-wrap button[type="submit"] { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }
.nc-field-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 16px; }
@media (max-width: 520px) { .nc-field-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Contact: two-column book-a-call / form layout */
.nc-contact-cols { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px,4vw,52px); align-items: start; }
.nc-contact-col__head { margin-bottom: 18px; }
.nc-contact-col__head h2 { font-size: clamp(1.4rem,1.1rem+1vw,1.85rem); margin: 4px 0 8px; }
.nc-contact-col__head p { color: var(--muted); font-size: .95rem; margin: 0; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nc-contact-cols { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; } }

/* Contact page — orange accent + tightened spacing */
body.page-contact .nc-phero { background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--orange-050) 0%, #ffffff 100%); padding: clamp(30px,3.4vw,48px) 0; }
body.page-contact .nc-section { padding: clamp(30px,3.4vw,48px) 0; }
body.page-contact .nc-phero__eyebrow, body.page-contact .nc-eyebrow { color: var(--orange); }
.nc-formcard { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 16px; padding: clamp(22px,2.4vw,30px); box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
body.page-contact .nc-formcard { border-top: 4px solid var(--orange); }
body.page-contact .nc-field input:focus, body.page-contact .nc-field textarea:focus { border-color: var(--orange); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(247,148,29,.18); }
body.page-contact #nc-c-submit { background: var(--orange); color: #fff; }
body.page-contact #nc-c-submit:hover { background: #e07c00; }
body.page-contact .nc-phero a, body.page-contact .nc-contact-col__head a { color: var(--orange); }

/* ==========================================================================
   Cards / grids (generic)
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-grid { display: grid; gap: 22px; }
.nc-grid--2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
.nc-grid--3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); }
.nc-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(4,1fr); }

.nc-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 26px;
	box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); transition: box-shadow var(--ease), transform var(--ease); display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
.nc-card:hover { box-shadow: var(--shadow); transform: translateY(-3px); }
.nc-card__badge { align-self: flex-start; font-size: .7rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase;
	color: var(--blue); background: var(--blue-050); padding: 5px 10px; border-radius: 999px; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.nc-card__badge--wp { color: var(--teal); background: #e4f4fb; }
.nc-card__title { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 1.18rem; }
.nc-card__body { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .96rem; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.nc-card__link { margin-top: auto; font-weight: 650; color: var(--blue); }

/* Proof / partners */
.nc-partners { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: clamp(36px,6vw,80px); }
.nc-partners img { height: 76px; width: auto; opacity: .95; }
/* ---- Logo cards (partnerships) ---- */
.nc-card--logo { text-align: center; }
.nc-card__logo { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; min-height: 130px; margin-top: 16px; }
.nc-card__logo img { max-height: 104px; max-width: 78%; width: auto; height: auto; }

/* ---- Color + variety on inner-page cards (cycle the brand palette) ---- */
.nc-grid > .nc-card { border-top: 3px solid var(--cardc, var(--blue)); }
.nc-grid > .nc-card:nth-child(4n+1) { --cardc: var(--blue); }
.nc-grid > .nc-card:nth-child(4n+2) { --cardc: var(--sky); }
.nc-grid > .nc-card:nth-child(4n+3) { --cardc: #5f9e23; }
.nc-grid > .nc-card:nth-child(4n+4) { --cardc: var(--orange); }
.nc-grid > .nc-card .nc-card__badge { color: #fff; background: var(--cardc, var(--blue)); }
.nc-grid > .nc-card .nc-card__link { color: var(--cardc, var(--blue)); }
/* number-style badges read better as a solid color chip */
.nc-grid > .nc-card .nc-card__badge { box-shadow: none; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Quote strip & dark CTA
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-quote { text-align: center; }
.nc-quote__q { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1.1rem + 2vw, 2.4rem); font-weight: 800; line-height: 1.25; letter-spacing: -.02em; max-width: 18ch; margin: 0 auto 18px; color: #fff; }
.nc-quote__cite { color: #8fa3bd; font-size: 1rem; }
.nc-quote__cite a { color: #fff; }

.nc-cta { text-align: center; }
.nc-cta__title { color: #fff; max-width: 20ch; margin: 0 auto 14px; }
.nc-cta__sub { color: #aab8cc; font-size: 1.15rem; max-width: 52ch; margin: 0 auto 30px; }

/* Bright CTA band (warm, energetic — distinct from the cool stat band) */
.nc-cta-band { background: linear-gradient(120deg, #F7941D 0%, #F4603B 60%, #E0457E 115%); color: #fff; }
.nc-cta-band .nc-cta__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-cta-band .nc-cta__sub { color: rgba(255,255,255,.92); }

/* ==========================================================================
   FAQ
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-faq { max-width: 820px; margin: 0 auto; }
.nc-faq__item { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-faq__q { width: 100%; text-align: left; background: none; border: 0; font: inherit; font-weight: 700;
	font-size: 1.1rem; color: var(--ink); padding: 22px 40px 22px 0; cursor: pointer; position: relative; }
.nc-faq__q::after { content: "+"; position: absolute; right: 4px; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); font-size: 1.5rem; color: var(--blue); font-weight: 400; }
.nc-faq__item[open] .nc-faq__q::after { content: "−"; }
.nc-faq__a { padding: 0 0 22px; color: var(--ink-2); }
details.nc-faq__item > summary { list-style: none; }
details.nc-faq__item > summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Footer
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-footer { background: var(--bg-ink); color: #aab8cc; padding: clamp(56px,6vw,80px) 0 0; }
.nc-footer__inner { max-width: var(--maxw); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px; }
.nc-footer__brand { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 18px; padding-bottom: 40px; }
.nc-footer__logo img { height: 30px; filter: brightness(0) invert(1); opacity: .92; }
.nc-footer__linkedin { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; color: #aab8cc; font-weight: 600; font-size: .92rem; }
.nc-footer__linkedin:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: none; }
.nc-footer__grid { display: grid; gap: 32px; padding: 40px 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); }
.nc-footer__grid--4col { grid-template-columns: repeat(4,1fr); }
.nc-footer__col-heading { color: #fff; font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; margin: 0 0 16px; }
.nc-footer__links { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 11px; }
.nc-footer__links a { color: #aab8cc; font-size: .94rem; }
.nc-footer__links a:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: none; }
.nc-footer__ecosystem { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 28px; padding: 28px 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); }
.nc-footer__eco-link { color: #fff; font-weight: 650; font-size: .96rem; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; }
.nc-footer__eco-link em { font-style: italic; }
.nc-footer__bottom { border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); padding: 22px 0; }
.nc-footer__bottom-inner { max-width: var(--maxw); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px;
	display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 16px 28px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.nc-footer__copyright { font-size: .86rem; color: #7d8ba0; }
.nc-footer__sites { display: flex; gap: 22px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.nc-footer__sites a { font-size: .84rem; color: #8a98ad; }
.nc-footer__sites a:hover { color: #fff; text-decoration: none; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Stub marker
   ========================================================================== */
.nc-pending { display: block; background: #FFF8E1; border: 1px dashed #E6A700; color: #6b5200;
	padding: 12px 16px; border-radius: 10px; font-size: .9rem; margin: 12px 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   Responsive
   ========================================================================== */
@media (max-width: 980px) {
	.nc-hero__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-bookcard { order: -1; }
	.nc-doors { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-feature { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-insights2 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-split { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-aside { position: static; }
	.nc-related { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-author__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; justify-items: center; text-align: center; }
	.nc-author__photo { max-width: 260px; }
	.nc-author__ctas { justify-content: center; }
	.nc-grid--3, .nc-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
	.nc-method { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
	.nc-footer__grid--4col { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
}
@media (max-width: 680px) {
	.nc-stats__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 36px; }
	.nc-postrow { grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; }
	.nc-postrow__tag { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
}
@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.nc-nav { display: none; }
	.nc-hamburger { display: flex; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
	body { font-size: 16px; }
	.nc-grid--2, .nc-grid--3, .nc-grid--4 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-method { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-footer__grid--4col { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-hero__ctas .nc-btn { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }
	.nc-phero__ctas { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; }
	.nc-phero__ctas .nc-btn { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   SPARX BRAND OVERRIDES  (teal #1D9E75 / blue #185FA5 / purple #3A32A0 / deploy #2C5282)
   Appended after the inherited NovoCircle components; cascade wins.
   ========================================================================== */

/* Mega-menu accent variants */
.nc-mega--aaa        { --m: var(--sx-teal);   --m050: #e7f6ef; }
.nc-mega--architects { --m: var(--sx-teal);   --m050: #e7f6ef; }
.nc-mega--leaders    { --m: var(--sx-blue);   --m050: #e8f0f8; }
.nc-mega--resources  { --m: var(--sx-purple); --m050: #ecebf7; }

/* Wide mega (For Architects: foundations + 9 disciplines) + 1-col mega (AAA) */
.nc-mega--wide { width: 660px; }
.nc-mega__cols--1 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.nc-mega__link--tight { padding: 6px 9px; }
.nc-mega__link--tight strong { font-size: .88rem; }

/* Resources dropdown sublabels */
.nc-dropdown__sub { display: block; font-size: .76rem; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 400; margin-top: 1px; }

/* On-brand hero wash */
.nc-hero { background: linear-gradient(180deg, #e7f6ef 0%, #f3f9f6 55%, #ffffff 100%); }
.nc-hero::before {
	background:
		radial-gradient(48% 60% at 92% -8%, rgba(29,158,117,.26) 0%, transparent 60%),
		radial-gradient(44% 54% at 102% 64%, rgba(24,95,165,.18) 0%, transparent 58%),
		radial-gradient(52% 60% at -8% 6%, rgba(58,50,160,.14) 0%, transparent 56%);
}

/* Audience-track accents (carry the door color through a track's inner pages) */
body.track-architects { --track: var(--sx-teal);   --track-deep: #0D7A58; --track-tint: #e7f6ef; }
body.track-leaders    { --track: var(--sx-blue);   --track-deep: #134d87; --track-tint: #e8f0f8; }
body.track-aaa        { --track: var(--sx-teal);   --track-deep: #0D7A58; --track-tint: #e7f6ef; }
body.track-platform   { --track: var(--sx-purple); --track-deep: #2c2680; --track-tint: #ecebf7; }
body[class*="track-"] .nc-phero { background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--track-tint) 0%, #ffffff 100%); }
body[class*="track-"] .nc-phero__eyebrow { color: var(--track); }

/* Homepage "doors" — Sparx audiences */
.nc-door--architects { --c1: #25b487; --c2: #0D7A58; }
.nc-door--leaders    { --c1: #2f7fc4; --c2: #2a2585; }

/* Closing CTA band → Sparx gradient (replaces NovoCircle warm gradient) */
.nc-cta-band { background: linear-gradient(120deg, #1D9E75 0%, #185FA5 58%, #3A32A0 118%); }
body[class*="track-"] .nc-cta-band { background: linear-gradient(120deg, #1D9E75 0%, #185FA5 58%, #3A32A0 118%); }

/* Stat band → teal→blue→purple */
.nc-stats { background: linear-gradient(115deg, #1D9E75 0%, #185FA5 56%, #3A32A0 100%); }

/* Recolor the few hard-coded NovoCircle greens to Sparx purple */
.nc-step--3 { --c: var(--sx-purple); }
.nc-qstep--3 { --qc: var(--sx-purple); }
.nc-method .nc-step--3 .nc-step__num { color: var(--sx-purple); }
.nc-ipost__tag--ent { color: var(--sx-purple); background: #ecebf7; }
.nc-grid > .nc-card:nth-child(4n+3) { --cardc: var(--sx-purple); }
.nc-step--4 { --c: var(--sx-deploy); }
.nc-qstep--4 { --qc: var(--sx-deploy); }

/* Instructor avatar gradient → teal→blue */
.nc-avatar { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--sx-teal), var(--sx-blue)); }

/* Footer contact line */
.nc-footer__contact { padding: 8px 0 36px; font-size: .92rem; color: #aab8cc; }
.nc-footer__contact a { color: #fff; font-weight: 600; }
.nc-footer__contact a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

/* Headings slightly tighter to match DM Sans */
h1,h2,h3,h4 { letter-spacing: -0.02em; }

/* Wide mega collapses on small screens (nav already swaps to hamburger < 860px) */
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nc-mega--wide { width: 600px; } }

/* 2-up audience doors (Sparx has two doors, not three) */
.nc-doors--2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
@media (max-width: 980px){ .nc-doors--2 { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Footer logo: the Sparx logo is full-color (blue/green/orange + black "by NovoCircle"),
   so the inherited brightness/invert hack destroys it. Show it on a white plate instead. */
.nc-footer__logo { display: inline-block; background: #fff; padding: 9px 14px; border-radius: 10px; line-height: 0; }
.nc-footer__logo img { filter: none; opacity: 1; height: 30px; width: auto; }

/* Prose tables (migrated insight comparison tables need styling) */
.nc-prose table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1.5rem 0; font-size: .95rem; display: block; overflow-x: auto; }
.nc-prose table thead th { background: var(--bg-soft); }
.nc-prose th, .nc-prose td { border: 1px solid var(--line); padding: 10px 14px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; line-height: 1.5; }
.nc-prose th { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-prose tbody tr:nth-child(even) { background: rgba(0,0,0,.015); }
.nc-prose pre { background: var(--bg-soft); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; padding: 16px 18px; overflow-x: auto; font-size: .9rem; }
.nc-prose code { background: var(--bg-soft); padding: 2px 6px; border-radius: 5px; font-size: .9em; }
.nc-prose pre code { background: none; padding: 0; }

/* Method section with The Value Shift book cover on the right */
.nc-method-top { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 240px; gap: clamp(28px,4vw,56px); align-items: center; margin: 0 auto clamp(36px,4vw,56px); }
.nc-method-top .nc-section-head { margin: 0; max-width: none; }
.nc-bookaside { margin: 0; text-align: center; }
.nc-bookaside img { width: 100%; max-width: 220px; height: auto; border-radius: 6px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); margin: 0 auto; transition: transform var(--ease); }
.nc-bookaside a { display: inline-block; }
.nc-bookaside a:hover img { transform: translateY(-3px); }
.nc-bookaside figcaption { margin-top: 12px; font-size: .85rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .02em; }
.nc-bookaside figcaption a { color: var(--sx-teal); }
.nc-bookaside figcaption a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
	.nc-method-top { grid-template-columns: 1fr; justify-items: center; }
	.nc-method-top .nc-section-head { text-align: center; }
	.nc-bookaside { order: -1; }
}

/* Quadrant matrix — four use cases as solid color blocks (The Goal section) */
.nc-quad { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 18px; }
.nc-quad__cell { position: relative; overflow: hidden; border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(26px,3vw,38px); color: #fff; background: linear-gradient(155deg, var(--c1) 0%, var(--c2) 100%); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-quad__cell::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: -44px; top: -44px; width: 170px; height: 170px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.10); border-radius: 50%; }
.nc-quad__cell > * { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.nc-quad__eyebrow { display: inline-block; font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; opacity: .9; margin-bottom: 12px; }
.nc-quad__title { color: #fff; margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: clamp(1.2rem,1rem+.6vw,1.45rem); }
.nc-quad__body { color: rgba(255,255,255,.93); margin: 0; font-size: .98rem; line-height: 1.6; }
.nc-quad__cell--1 { --c1: #25b487; --c2: #0D7A58; } /* teal */
.nc-quad__cell--2 { --c1: #2f8fd0; --c2: #134d87; } /* blue */
.nc-quad__cell--3 { --c1: #4a42b5; --c2: #2c2680; } /* purple */
.nc-quad__cell--4 { --c1: #3f6f9e; --c2: #21364c; } /* deploy navy */
@media (max-width: 700px) { .nc-quad { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Tighter vertical rhythm — less section whitespace (owner request) */
.nc-section { padding: clamp(40px, 4.5vw, 72px) 0; }
.nc-section--tight { padding: clamp(30px, 3.5vw, 52px) 0; }
.nc-hero { padding: clamp(40px, 5vw, 68px) 0 clamp(34px, 4.5vw, 58px); }
.nc-section-head { margin-bottom: clamp(26px, 3vw, 42px); }

/* Light brand tint for mid-page emphasis sections (replaces dark band that read as footer) */
.nc-section--teal-tint { background: #e7f6ef; }

/* ── Dark gradient hero (brought over from the current sparxservices.com hero) ── */
.nc-hero { background: linear-gradient(140deg, #0D7A58 0%, #1D9E75 28%, #185FA5 62%, #3A32A0 100%); }
/* white dot-grid overlay */
.nc-hero::before { background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,.18) 1px, transparent 1px); background-size: 28px 28px; }
/* soft fade into the page below */
.nc-hero::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 80px; background: linear-gradient(to top, #fff, transparent); pointer-events: none; z-index: 0; }
.nc-hero .nc-eyebrow { color: rgba(255,255,255,.72); }
.nc-hero__h1 { color: #fff; }
.nc-hero__lede { color: rgba(255,255,255,.9); }
.nc-hero__note { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); }
.nc-hero__note a { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }
/* white-fill CTA so it pops on the gradient */
.nc-hero .nc-btn--primary { background: #fff; color: var(--ink); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-hero .nc-btn--primary:hover { background: #eef3f9; color: var(--ink); }
/* lift the book-quote card off the gradient */
.nc-hero .nc-phero__quote { box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }

/* Give centered section intros a bit more width */
.nc-section-head { max-width: 820px; }


/* 80/20 stat pair (Why now / Value Shift) */
.nc-statpair { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 20px; max-width: 820px; margin: 0 auto clamp(28px,4vw,40px); }
.nc-statpair__item { position: relative; overflow: hidden; background: linear-gradient(155deg,#2f8fd0 0%,#185FA5 100%); border: 0; border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(24px,3vw,32px); text-align: center; color: #fff; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-statpair__item::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: -40px; top: -40px; width: 150px; height: 150px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.10); border-radius: 50%; }
.nc-statpair__item > * { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.nc-statpair__item--accent { background: linear-gradient(155deg,#25b487 0%,#0D7A58 100%); }
.nc-statpair__num { display: block; font-size: clamp(2.4rem,1.6rem+3vw,3.4rem); font-weight: 800; line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.03em; color: #fff; }
.nc-statpair__item--accent .nc-statpair__num { color: #fff; }
.nc-statpair__label { display: block; margin-top: 12px; color: rgba(255,255,255,.92); font-size: .98rem; line-height: 1.5; }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .nc-statpair { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* Quadrant key-insight line (AAA use cases) */
.nc-quad__key { display: block; margin: 14px 0 0; padding-top: 12px; border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.22); font-size: .9rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.5; color: #fff; }


/* Statement band (heading + lead above a rule, then the large statement) */
.nc-statement { max-width: 880px; margin: 0 auto; text-align: center; }
.nc-statement__head { margin: 0 0 14px; font-size: clamp(1.5rem,1.2rem+1vw,2rem); line-height: 1.15; }
.nc-statement__lead { margin: 0; font-size: clamp(1.02rem,1rem+.3vw,1.15rem); line-height: 1.7; color: var(--ink-2); }
.nc-statement__rule { display: block; width: 54px; height: 4px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--sx-teal); margin: clamp(26px,3vw,34px) auto clamp(22px,2.5vw,30px); }
.nc-statement__quote { margin: 0; font-size: clamp(1.4rem,1.1rem+1.1vw,1.95rem); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4; letter-spacing: -.01em; color: var(--ink); }

/* Whitepaper cover in the page hero */
.nc-phero__paper { margin: 0; text-align: center; }
.nc-phero__paper img { display: block; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 280px; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }
.nc-phero__paper figcaption { margin-top: 16px; }
.nc-phero__paper figcaption a { font-weight: 700; color: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-phero__paper figcaption a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }

/* ── Whitepaper row: prose + cover (Why Sparx EA) ── */
.nc-arcrow { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.35fr .65fr; gap: clamp(32px,5vw,60px); align-items: center; }
.nc-arcrow--rev { grid-template-columns: .65fr 1.35fr; }
.nc-arcrow__paper { margin: 0; text-align: center; }
.nc-arcrow__paper img { display: block; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 240px; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); }
.nc-arcrow__paper figcaption { margin-top: 14px; }
.nc-arcrow__paper figcaption a { font-weight: 700; color: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); text-decoration: none; }
.nc-arcrow__paper figcaption a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.nc-arcrow__cta { text-align: center; margin-top: clamp(28px,3.5vw,40px); }
@media (max-width: 860px) {
	.nc-arcrow, .nc-arcrow--rev { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-arcrow--rev .nc-arcrow__paper { order: -1; }
}

/* ── Ecosystem list (Why Sparx EA) ── */
.nc-ecolist { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(20px,3vw,30px) clamp(32px,5vw,56px); }
.nc-ecolist li { padding-left: 18px; border-left: 3px solid var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); }
.nc-ecolist li strong { display: block; font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--ink); margin-bottom: 5px; }
.nc-ecolist li span { display: block; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .98rem; line-height: 1.55; }
@media (max-width: 680px) { .nc-ecolist { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ── Dark gradient hero across all main (.nc-phero) pages ── */
.nc-phero,
body[class*="track-"] .nc-phero,
body.page-contact .nc-phero { background: linear-gradient(140deg, #0D7A58 0%, #1D9E75 28%, #185FA5 62%, #3A32A0 100%); border-bottom: 0; }
.nc-phero::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 0; background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,.16) 1px, transparent 1px); background-size: 28px 28px; pointer-events: none; }
.nc-phero::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 70px; background: linear-gradient(to top, #fff, transparent); pointer-events: none; z-index: 0; }
.nc-phero .nc-container, .nc-phero__grid, .nc-phero__inner { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
/* light text on the gradient */
.nc-phero .nc-breadcrumb, .nc-phero .nc-breadcrumb a { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); }
.nc-phero__eyebrow,
body[class*="track-"] .nc-phero__eyebrow,
body.page-contact .nc-phero__eyebrow { color: rgba(255,255,255,.75); }
.nc-phero__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-phero__lede { color: rgba(255,255,255,.9); }
/* CTAs pop on the gradient */
.nc-phero .nc-btn--primary { background: #fff; color: var(--ink); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-phero .nc-btn--primary:hover { background: #eef3f9; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-phero .nc-btn--ghost { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); color: #fff; }
.nc-phero .nc-btn--ghost:hover { border-color: #fff; background: rgba(255,255,255,.14); color: #fff; }
body.page-contact .nc-phero a { color: #fff; }
/* whitepaper-cover caption (AAA hero) reads on dark */
.nc-phero__paper figcaption a { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }

/* 5th factor accent (Architecture Leaders) */
.nc-qstep--5 { --qc: var(--sx-deploy, #2C5282); }

/* ── Text + diagram row (Architecture Leaders narrative) ── */
.nc-figrow { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(28px,4vw,56px); align-items: center; }
.nc-figrow--rev .nc-figrow__media { order: -1; }
.nc-figrow__media { margin: 0; }
.nc-figrow__media img { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 520px; margin: 0 auto; }
@media (max-width: 820px) {
	.nc-figrow { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
	.nc-figrow--rev .nc-figrow__media { order: 0; }
}

/* ── Checklist (Architecture Leaders — the five factors) ── */
.nc-checklist { list-style: none; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: 14px; max-width: 800px; }
.nc-checklist li { display: grid; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; gap: 16px; align-items: start; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px 20px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.nc-checklist__mark { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); color: #fff; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }
.nc-checklist li strong { display: block; font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--ink); margin-bottom: 4px; }
.nc-checklist li > div > span { display: block; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .97rem; line-height: 1.55; }

/* Smaller Value Shift book cover on the Architecture Leaders page */
body.track-leaders .nc-arcrow__paper img { max-width: 175px; }

/* ── Engagement stage navigator (inline, in the hero topbar) ── */
.nc-phero__topbar { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 14px 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 16px; }
.nc-phero__topbar .nc-breadcrumb { margin: 0; }
.nc-stagenav { display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 7px; margin: 0; }
.nc-stagenav__step { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; text-decoration: none; }
.nc-stagenav__n { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; font-weight: 800; }
.nc-stagenav__label { font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__step { padding: 5px 11px 5px 7px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.34); border-radius: 999px; color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__step:hover:not(.is-current) { background: rgba(255,255,255,.12); color: #fff; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__n { width: 20px; height: 20px; font-size: .72rem; background: rgba(255,255,255,.22); color: #fff; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__label { font-size: .82rem; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__label small { display: none; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__step.is-current { background: #fff; border-color: #fff; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__step.is-current .nc-stagenav__n { background: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); color: #fff; }
.nc-stagenav--mini .nc-stagenav__step.is-current .nc-stagenav__label { color: var(--ink); }
@media (max-width: 680px) { .nc-phero__topbar { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; } }

/* ── Colored enablement cards (Enable the Team) ── */
.nc-enablecards .nc-card { border: 0; color: #fff; background: linear-gradient(155deg, var(--c1), var(--c2)); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card:nth-child(1) { --c1: #25b487; --c2: #0D7A58; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card:nth-child(2) { --c1: #2f8fd0; --c2: #134d87; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card:nth-child(3) { --c1: #4a42b5; --c2: #2c2680; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card__body { color: rgba(255,255,255,.92); }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card__badge { background: rgba(255,255,255,.22); color: #fff; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card__link { color: #fff; }
.nc-enablecards .nc-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); }

/* Enablement card links -> white (override --cardc so they read on the colored fill) */
.nc-enablecards .nc-card { --cardc: #fff; }

/* Enablement cards: force white links + translucent badge over the per-position --cardc */
.nc-grid.nc-enablecards > .nc-card { --cardc: #fff; border-top-color: rgba(255,255,255,.35); }
.nc-grid.nc-enablecards > .nc-card .nc-card__badge { background: rgba(255,255,255,.22); color: #fff; }
.nc-grid.nc-enablecards > .nc-card .nc-card__link { color: #fff; }

/* Hero meta/format lines: white (not muted gray) on the dark gradient hero */
.nc-phero .small, .nc-phero [style*="--muted"] { color: rgba(255,255,255,.78) !important; }

/* ── Colored cards (architects Foundations) ── */
.nc-colorcards .nc-card { border: 0; color: #fff; background: linear-gradient(155deg, var(--c1), var(--c2)); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:nth-child(1) { --c1:#25b487; --c2:#0D7A58; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:nth-child(2) { --c1:#2f8fd0; --c2:#134d87; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:nth-child(3) { --c1:#4a42b5; --c2:#2c2680; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:nth-child(4) { --c1:#3f6f9e; --c2:#21364c; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:nth-child(5) { --c1:#2c9d8f; --c2:#0e6b5e; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card__body { color: rgba(255,255,255,.92); }
.nc-grid.nc-colorcards > .nc-card { --cardc: #fff; border-top-color: rgba(255,255,255,.35); }
.nc-grid.nc-colorcards > .nc-card .nc-card__badge { background: rgba(255,255,255,.22); color: #fff; }
.nc-grid.nc-colorcards > .nc-card .nc-card__link { color: #fff; }
.nc-colorcards .nc-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); }

/* ── Domain specialties as descriptive rows (architects) ── */
.nc-disclist { max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-disclist__row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 20px; justify-content: space-between; padding: 18px 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); text-decoration: none; color: inherit; transition: background .15s ease, padding .15s ease; }
.nc-disclist__row:hover { background: #fff; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px; }
.nc-disclist__main { min-width: 0; }
.nc-disclist__title { margin: 0 0 3px; font-size: 1.12rem; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-disclist__desc { margin: 0; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .97rem; line-height: 1.45; }
.nc-disclist__arrow { color: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.25rem; flex-shrink: 0; }
.nc-disclist__row:hover .nc-disclist__title { color: var(--track, var(--sx-teal)); }

/* ── Today vs With-AI comparison (discipline pages) ── */
.nc-compare { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(16px,2.5vw,24px); max-width: 940px; margin: 0 auto; }
.nc-compare__col { border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(22px,2.6vw,30px); border: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-compare__col--old { background: #f1f0ec; }
.nc-compare__col--new { background: #e7f6ef; border-color: rgba(29,158,117,.28); }
.nc-compare__label { display: block; font-size: .76rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .08em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 16px; }
.nc-compare__col--old .nc-compare__label { color: var(--muted); }
.nc-compare__col--new .nc-compare__label { color: var(--sx-teal); }
.nc-compare__col ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: 12px; }
.nc-compare__col li { position: relative; padding-left: 28px; line-height: 1.5; }
.nc-compare__col li::before { position: absolute; left: 0; top: -1px; font-weight: 800; }
.nc-compare__col--old li { color: var(--ink-2); }
.nc-compare__col--old li::before { content: "\00D7"; color: #b3ada1; font-size: 1.1rem; }
.nc-compare__col--new li { color: var(--ink); }
.nc-compare__col--new li::before { content: "\2713"; color: var(--sx-teal); }
@media (max-width: 680px) { .nc-compare { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ── Glossary search + category nav ── */
.nc-gloss-tools { position: sticky; top: 73px; z-index: 50; background: #fff; padding: 14px 0; margin-bottom: 10px; box-shadow: 0 6px 14px -12px rgba(0,0,0,.25); }
.nc-gloss-tools__inner { max-width: 740px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; }
.nc-gloss-search { width: 100%; padding: 11px 14px; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: 10px; font: inherit; }
.nc-gloss-search:focus { outline: none; border-color: var(--sx-teal); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(29,158,117,.15); }
.nc-gloss-cats { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; }
.nc-gloss-cats a { font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 600; padding: 5px 12px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 999px; color: var(--ink-2); text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; transition: background .15s, color .15s, border-color .15s; }
.nc-gloss-cats a:hover { background: var(--sx-teal); border-color: var(--sx-teal); color: #fff; }
#gloss-body h2 { scroll-margin-top: 150px; }
.nc-gloss-empty { color: var(--muted); }

/* ── Ecosystem Explorer (static; compact cards + right drawer) ── */
.ee-tools { position: sticky; top: 73px; z-index: 50; background:#fff; padding:14px 0; box-shadow:0 6px 14px -12px rgba(0,0,0,.22); }
.ee-tools__inner { display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:12px; }
.ee-search { width:100%; padding:11px 14px; border:1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius:10px; font:inherit; }
.ee-search:focus { outline:none; border-color:var(--sx-teal); box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(29,158,117,.15); }
.ee-chips { display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:7px; }
.ee-chip { font-size:.8rem; font-weight:600; padding:5px 12px; border:1px solid var(--line); border-radius:999px; background:#fff; color:var(--ink-2); cursor:pointer; transition:background .15s,color .15s,border-color .15s; }
.ee-chip:hover { border-color:var(--sx-teal); color:var(--sx-teal); }
.ee-chip.is-active { background:var(--sx-teal); border-color:var(--sx-teal); color:#fff; }
.ee-chips--tier .ee-chip.is-active { background:var(--sx-blue); border-color:var(--sx-blue); }
.ee-count { margin:2px 0 0; font-size:.85rem; color:var(--muted); }
.ee-grid { display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(240px,1fr)); gap:14px; }
.ee-card { position:relative; background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--line); border-top:3px solid var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)); border-radius:8px; padding:16px 16px 13px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.05); transition:box-shadow .15s, transform .12s; }
.ee-card:hover { box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,.10); transform:translateY(-2px); }
.ee-card__head { display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:flex-start; gap:8px; margin-bottom:7px; }
.ee-card__name { font-size:.86rem; font-weight:700; color:#1A2E4A; line-height:1.3; margin:0; }
.ee-badge { flex-shrink:0; font-size:.62rem; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.06em; white-space:nowrap; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:3px; color:var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)); background:color-mix(in srgb, var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)) 12%, #fff); }
.ee-card__desc { font-size:.78rem; color:#6B6A65; line-height:1.6; margin:0 0 12px; display:-webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp:3; line-clamp:3; -webkit-box-orient:vertical; overflow:hidden; }
.ee-card__foot { display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; }
.ee-card__more { font-size:.72rem; font-weight:700; color:var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)); }
.ee-card__open { position:absolute; inset:0; width:100%; height:100%; background:none; border:0; cursor:pointer; }
.ee-detail { display:none; }
.ee-tier { font-size:.62rem; font-weight:700; padding:2px 7px; border-radius:3px; }
.ee-tier--builtin { color:#1D9E75; background:#E1F5EE; }
.ee-tier--free { color:#3A9B5C; background:#E8F5EC; }
.ee-tier--commercial { color:#185FA5; background:#E6F1FB; }
.ee-tier--mixed { color:#B7770D; background:#FFF3CC; }
.ee-overlay { position:fixed; inset:0; background:rgba(0,0,0,.45); -webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(2px); backdrop-filter:blur(2px); z-index:1000; opacity:0; transition:opacity .2s; }
.ee-overlay.is-open { opacity:1; }
.ee-drawer { position:fixed; top:0; right:0; bottom:0; width:min(520px,95vw); background:#fff; z-index:1001; overflow-y:auto; box-shadow:-4px 0 32px rgba(0,0,0,.18); transform:translateX(100%); transition:transform .2s ease; }
.ee-drawer.is-open { transform:translateX(0); }
.ee-drawer__accent { height:4px; background:var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)); }
.ee-drawer__close { position:absolute; top:12px; right:16px; background:none; border:0; font-size:24px; line-height:1; color:var(--muted); cursor:pointer; padding:2px 6px; z-index:1; }
.ee-drawer__close:hover { color:var(--ink); }
.ee-drawer__body { padding:26px 28px 36px; }
.ee-d__cat { display:inline-block; font-size:.7rem; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.09em; color:var(--ee-c); background:color-mix(in srgb, var(--ee-c) 14%, #fff); border:1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--ee-c) 35%, #fff); padding:4px 10px; border-radius:3px; }
.ee-d__name { font-size:1.4rem; font-weight:700; color:#1A2E4A; line-height:1.2; margin:12px 0 8px; }
.ee-d__name a { color:inherit; text-decoration:none; }
.ee-d__name a:hover { text-decoration:underline; }
.ee-d__tags { display:flex; gap:8px; flex-wrap:wrap; margin-bottom:6px; }
.ee-d__vtag { font-size:.68rem; font-weight:700; padding:3px 8px; border-radius:3px; }
.ee-d__vtag--sparx { background:#E1F5EE; color:#0F6E56; }
.ee-d__vtag--partner { background:#E6F1FB; color:#0C447C; }
.ee-d__sec { margin-top:22px; }
.ee-d__sec h4 { font-size:.68rem; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.12em; color:var(--ee-c); margin:0 0 9px; }
.ee-d__sec p { font-size:.92rem; color:var(--ink-2); line-height:1.75; margin:0; }
.ee-d__uses { list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; }
.ee-d__uses li { position:relative; padding-left:20px; font-size:.88rem; color:var(--ink-2); line-height:1.65; margin-bottom:7px; }
.ee-d__uses li::before { content:"\2192"; position:absolute; left:0; color:var(--ee-c); font-weight:700; }
.ee-d__info { display:grid; grid-template-columns:96px 1fr; gap:7px 14px; margin:0; }
.ee-d__info dt { font-size:.8rem; color:var(--muted); }
.ee-d__info dd { font-size:.88rem; color:var(--ink); margin:0; }
.ee-d__info dd a { color:var(--ee-c); }
.ee-d__chips { display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:6px; }
.ee-d__chips span { font-size:.78rem; background:var(--bg,#F5F4F1); border:1px solid var(--line); color:var(--ink); padding:4px 10px; border-radius:20px; }
.ee-d__muted { font-size:.85rem; color:var(--muted); margin:0; }
.ee-d__actions { display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:10px; margin-top:16px; }
.ee-d__btn { font-size:.85rem; font-weight:600; background:var(--ee-c,var(--sx-blue)); color:#fff; padding:9px 18px; border-radius:5px; text-decoration:none; }
.ee-d__btn--ghost { background:transparent; color:var(--ink); border:1.5px solid var(--line); }
@media (max-width:600px){ .ee-drawer__body{ padding:22px 18px 32px; } }

/* glossary see-also links */
#gloss-body p[id] { scroll-margin-top: 150px; }
.nc-gloss-link { color: var(--sx-teal); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(29,158,117,.35); }
.nc-gloss-link:hover { border-bottom-color: currentColor; }
a.ee-chip { text-decoration: none; }

/* ── Insight article kit ── */
.nc-keytake { background: var(--bg-soft, #f5f7f9); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-left: 4px solid var(--sx-teal); border-radius: 12px; padding: 22px 26px; margin: 30px 0; }
.nc-keytake__label { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--sx-teal); margin: 0 0 12px; }
.nc-keytake ul { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; display: grid; gap: 11px; }
.nc-keytake li { position: relative; padding-left: 27px; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; }
.nc-keytake li::before { content: "\2713"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; color: var(--sx-teal); font-weight: 800; }
.nc-pull { margin: 32px 0; padding: 4px 0 4px 24px; border-left: 4px solid var(--sx-blue); font-size: clamp(1.25rem,1.05rem+.8vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.34; letter-spacing: -.01em; color: var(--ink); }
.nc-gterm { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted var(--sx-teal); }
.nc-gterm:hover { color: var(--sx-teal); border-bottom-style: solid; }
.nc-relsec { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-relsec__label { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin: 0 0 6px; }
.nc-relsec__head { font-size: clamp(1.3rem,1.1rem+.7vw,1.7rem); margin: 0 0 22px; }
.nc-relgrid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 18px; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nc-relgrid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .nc-relgrid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
.nc-relgrid .nc-card { height: 100%; }
.nc-relgrid .nc-card__badge--page { color: var(--sx-purple); }

/* keep dark-bg components readable when nested inside .nc-prose (prose p/h3 colors must not win) */
.nc-prose .nc-quad__eyebrow { color: #fff; }
.nc-prose .nc-quad__title { color: #fff; margin-top: 0; font-size: clamp(1.2rem,1rem+.6vw,1.45rem); }
.nc-prose .nc-quad__body { color: rgba(255,255,255,.93); line-height: 1.5; font-size: .95rem; }

/* ── Dark article hero (match site heroes) + proportional headings ── */
.nc-article-hero, .nc-ahero { border-bottom: 0; overflow: hidden;
	background: linear-gradient(140deg, #0D7A58 0%, #1D9E75 28%, #185FA5 62%, #3A32A0 100%);
	padding: clamp(42px,5vw,72px) 0 clamp(40px,4.5vw,60px); }
.nc-article-hero::before, .nc-ahero::before { content:""; position:absolute; inset:0; z-index:0;
	background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,255,255,.16) 1px, transparent 1px); background-size:28px 28px; pointer-events:none; }
.nc-article-hero::after, .nc-ahero::after { content:""; position:absolute; left:0; right:0; bottom:0; height:70px;
	background: linear-gradient(to top, #fff, transparent); pointer-events:none; z-index:0; }
.nc-article-hero .nc-container, .nc-ahero__inner { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.nc-article-hero .nc-breadcrumb, .nc-article-hero .nc-breadcrumb a,
.nc-ahero .nc-breadcrumb, .nc-ahero .nc-breadcrumb a { color: rgba(255,255,255,.82); }
.nc-article-hero__eyebrow, .nc-ahero__eyebrow { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); }
.nc-article-hero__title, .nc-ahero__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-article-hero__byline, .nc-ahero__byline { color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); }
/* section headings were oversized relative to body copy */
.nc-article-hero__title, .nc-ahero__title { font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 1.2rem + 2.2vw, 2.9rem); }
body.page-article .nc-prose h2 { font-size: 1.55rem; margin-top: 2.1rem; }
body.page-article .nc-prose h3 { font-size: 1.12rem; }
body.page-article .nc-prose .nc-quad__title { font-size: 1.25rem; margin-top: 0; }

/* ROBUST contrast guard: ALL text nested in a dark quad cell must be light (covers strong/li/a/ul) */
.nc-prose .nc-quad__cell, .nc-prose .nc-quad__cell * { color: rgba(255,255,255,.95); }
.nc-prose .nc-quad__cell h3, .nc-prose .nc-quad__cell .nc-quad__title { color: #fff; }
.nc-prose .nc-quad__cell strong { color: #fff; }
.nc-prose .nc-quad__cell a { color: #fff; text-decoration: underline; }

/* ── Insight visual kit v2: timeline · layers · faq · scale ── */
.nc-timeline { position: relative; margin: 28px 0; padding-left: 28px; }
.nc-timeline::before { content:""; position:absolute; left:7px; top:6px; bottom:6px; width:2px; background: var(--line); }
.nc-tl { position: relative; padding: 0 0 22px 22px; }
.nc-tl:last-child { padding-bottom: 0; }
.nc-tl__dot { position:absolute; left:-28px; top:3px; width:16px; height:16px; border-radius:50%; background: var(--sx-teal); border:3px solid #fff; box-shadow:0 0 0 1px var(--line); }
.nc-tl__eyebrow { display:block; font-size:.7rem; font-weight:800; letter-spacing:.1em; text-transform:uppercase; color: var(--sx-blue); margin-bottom:4px; }
.nc-tl h3 { margin:0 0 6px; font-size:1.12rem; }
.nc-tl p { margin:0; color: var(--ink-2); }

/* Layered stack — colored tiers, white text (contrast-guarded inside prose) */
.nc-layers { display:grid; gap:10px; margin:28px 0; }
.nc-layer { border-radius:12px; padding:18px 22px; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(120deg, var(--l1,#25b487), var(--l2,#0D7A58)); }
.nc-layer__tag { display:block; font-size:.68rem; font-weight:800; letter-spacing:.12em; text-transform:uppercase; opacity:.85; margin-bottom:6px; }
.nc-layer h3 { margin:0 0 4px; font-size:1.12rem; }
.nc-layer p { margin:0; font-size:.95rem; line-height:1.55; }
.nc-layer--1 { --l1:#25b487; --l2:#0D7A58; } .nc-layer--2 { --l1:#2f8fd0; --l2:#134d87; }
.nc-layer--3 { --l1:#4a42b5; --l2:#2c2680; } .nc-layer--4 { --l1:#3f6f9e; --l2:#21364c; }
.nc-prose .nc-layer, .nc-prose .nc-layer * { color:#fff; }
.nc-prose .nc-layer p { color: rgba(255,255,255,.92); }

/* FAQ (pair with FAQPage schema) */
.nc-faq { margin:28px 0; border-top:1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-faq__item { border-bottom:1px solid var(--line); }
.nc-faq__item > summary { cursor:pointer; list-style:none; padding:16px 0; font-weight:650; font-size:1.05rem; color: var(--ink); display:flex; justify-content:space-between; gap:12px; }
.nc-faq__item > summary::-webkit-details-marker { display:none; }
.nc-faq__item > summary::after { content:"+"; color: var(--sx-teal); font-weight:700; flex-shrink:0; }
.nc-faq__item[open] > summary::after { content:"\2013"; }
.nc-faq__a { padding:0 0 18px; color: var(--ink-2); }
.nc-faq__a p { margin:0 0 10px; }
.nc-faq__a p:last-child { margin:0; }

/* Scoring scale (assessment) */
.nc-scale { display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:8px; margin:18px 0 26px; }
.nc-scale__item { font-size:.85rem; color: var(--ink-2); background: var(--bg-soft,#f5f7f9); border:1px solid var(--line); border-radius:999px; padding:5px 12px; }
.nc-scale__item b { color: var(--sx-teal); margin-right:4px; }