/* ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
   christianmerkel.com — Personal Brand Site
   Apple-inspired · Dark Navy · Gold · Slate Blue
   Version 2 — Rebuilt from source materials
   ───────────────────────────────────────────────── */

:root {
  --bg:          #08101c;
  --bg-soft:     #0d1826;
  --text:        #edf3fb;
  --muted:       #b8c5d7;
  --muted-light: #d3dce9;
  --line:        rgba(183, 201, 223, 0.13);
  --line-strong: rgba(183, 201, 223, 0.22);
  --gold:        #d8b36b;
  --gold-soft:   rgba(216, 179, 107, 0.13);
  --gold-glow:   rgba(216, 179, 107, 0.24);
  --accent:      #6e8cc7;
  --shadow-md:   0 16px 48px rgba(0,0,0,0.34);
  --shadow-lg:   0 32px 96px rgba(0,0,0,0.46);
  --max:         1320px;
  --sans:        "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
  --r-sm: 14px; --r-md: 22px; --r-lg: 30px; --r-xl: 40px;
}

/* ── Reset ───────────────────────────────────────── */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  scroll-padding-top: 5.5rem;
  -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
}
body {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-size: 17px;
  line-height: 1.62;
  color: var(--text);
  background: #07101b;
  background-image:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 40% at 15% 0%,   rgba(110,140,199,0.16), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 30% at 88% 8%,   rgba(216,179,107,0.13), transparent 55%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 90% 60% at 50% 100%, rgba(7,16,27,0.9),      transparent 80%);
  min-height: 100vh;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}
img   { display: block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
a     { color: inherit; }
ul    { padding-left: 1.1rem; margin: 0.4rem 0 0; }
li    { margin-bottom: 0.45rem; }
p     { margin: 0; }
p + p { margin-top: 1.1rem; }
h2, h3 { margin: 0; }

/* ── Skip link ───────────────────────────────────── */
.skip-link {
  position: absolute; left: -999px; top: 0; z-index: 999;
  padding: 0.75rem 1.25rem; border-radius: 999px;
  background: #fff; color: #000; font-weight: 600;
}
.skip-link:focus { left: 16px; top: 16px; }

/* ── Layout ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.section-inner {
  width: min(calc(100% - 2.5rem), var(--max));
  margin: 0 auto;
}

/* ── Labels / eyebrows ───────────────────────────── */
.eyebrow, .section-label, .article-type {
  color: var(--gold);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.17em;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 600;
}
.eyebrow   { display: block; margin-bottom: 1.15rem; }
.section-label { display: block; margin-bottom: 0.8rem; }
.article-type  { display: inline-block; }

.section-sub {
  color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  max-width: 60ch;
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SCROLL ANIMATION SYSTEM
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.animate-ready {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(34px);
  transition:
    opacity  0.7s  cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1),
    transform 0.7s  cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
}
.animate-ready.animate-in { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   BUTTONS
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.button {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
  min-height: 48px;
  padding: 0.8rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  transition: transform 0.18s ease, box-shadow 0.18s ease,
              background 0.18s ease, border-color 0.18s ease;
  cursor: pointer;
}
.button:hover, .button:focus-visible { transform: translateY(-2px); }
.button.primary {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #d8b36b 0%, #b98f48 100%);
  color: #070e19;
}
.button.primary:hover { box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(216,179,107,0.36); }
.button.secondary {
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.32);
  background:   rgba(216,179,107,0.06);
  color: var(--text);
}
.button.secondary:hover {
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.55);
  background:   rgba(216,179,107,0.12);
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   NAVIGATION
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-header {
  position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; z-index: 100;
  padding: 1rem 1.25rem;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}
.site-header.hidden  { transform: translateY(-110%); }

.nav-shell {
  max-width: var(--max); margin: 0 auto;
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1.5rem;
  padding: 0.72rem 1rem 0.72rem 0.9rem;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  background: rgba(8,16,28,0.62);
  backdrop-filter: blur(28px) saturate(140%);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.22);
  transition: background 0.3s, border-color 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;
}
.site-header.scrolled .nav-shell {
  background: rgba(8,16,28,0.9);
  border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 48px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
}

.brand-mark {
  width: 40px; height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(216,179,107,0.35);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.06), rgba(255,255,255,0.015));
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  font-size: 0.92rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em; color: var(--gold);
  text-decoration: none; flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
}
.brand-mark:hover { border-color: var(--gold); box-shadow: 0 0 16px var(--gold-glow); }

.top-nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem 1rem; }
.top-nav a {
  text-decoration: none; color: var(--muted);
  font-size: 0.78rem; letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 500;
  transition: color 0.18s;
}
.top-nav a:hover { color: var(--text); }

.nav-cta {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  padding: 0.52rem 1rem;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(216,179,107,0.36);
  background: rgba(216,179,107,0.07);
  color: var(--gold); text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.78rem; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  transition: background 0.2s, border-color 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.nav-cta:hover {
  background: rgba(216,179,107,0.15);
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.58);
  box-shadow: 0 0 18px var(--gold-glow);
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   HERO
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.hero {
  min-height: 100svh;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center;
  padding: 8rem 1.25rem 3rem;
  position: relative; overflow: clip;
}
.hero-bg-glow {
  position: absolute; border-radius: 50%;
  filter: blur(80px); pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;
}
.hero-glow-one {
  width: 600px; height: 600px; top: -80px; right: -100px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(216,179,107,0.18), transparent 70%);
  opacity: 0.7; animation: float-orb 12s ease-in-out infinite;
}
.hero-glow-two {
  width: 500px; height: 500px; bottom: 0; left: -100px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(110,140,199,0.2), transparent 70%);
  opacity: 0.6; animation: float-orb 15s ease-in-out infinite reverse;
}
.hero-glow-three {
  width: 300px; height: 300px; top: 40%; left: 44%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(110,140,199,0.12), transparent 70%);
  opacity: 0.5; animation: float-orb 18s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes float-orb {
  0%, 100% { transform: translate(0,0); }
  50%       { transform: translate(22px,-18px); }
}

.hero-inner {
  position: relative; z-index: 1;
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 0.9fr;
  gap: 4rem; align-items: center;
  max-width: var(--max); margin: 0 auto; width: 100%;
}

.hero h1 {
  font-size: clamp(3.8rem, 7.5vw, 7rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 0.97; letter-spacing: -0.04em;
  margin: 0 0 1.3rem;
  background: linear-gradient(155deg, #edf3fb 30%, rgba(183,201,223,0.68) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text; -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
}
.hero h1 em {
  font-style: normal;
  background: linear-gradient(120deg, var(--gold) 0%, #f0d08a 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text; -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
}
.hero-summary {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.75;
  max-width: 54ch; margin: 0 0 2rem;
}
.hero-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.85rem; }

.hero-visual { display: flex; justify-content: flex-end; }
.portrait-frame {
  position: relative;
  width: min(100%, 500px);
  border-radius: var(--r-lg); overflow: hidden;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg), 0 0 0 1px rgba(216,179,107,0.06);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.02);
  transform: translateY(6px);
}
.portrait-frame img { width: 100%; display: block; }
.portrait-shine {
  position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;
  background: linear-gradient(140deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.05) 0%, transparent 30%, transparent 70%, rgba(216,179,107,0.06) 100%);
}

/* Hero stats bar */
.hero-stats-bar {
  position: relative; z-index: 1;
  max-width: var(--max); margin: 3.5rem auto 0;
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4,1fr);
  border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.04), rgba(255,255,255,0.015));
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px); overflow: hidden;
}
.stat-item {
  padding: 1.5rem 1.6rem; text-align: center; position: relative;
}
.stat-item:not(:last-child)::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute;
  right: 0; top: 18%; bottom: 18%;
  width: 1px; background: var(--line-strong);
}
.stat-num  { display: inline; font-size: 2.3rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.04em; line-height: 1; }
.stat-unit { font-size: 1.35rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--gold); letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.stat-label { display: block; margin-top: 0.45rem; color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.82rem; line-height: 1.3; }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   MARQUEE
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.marquee-band {
  overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;
  padding: 1.1rem 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
  margin: 3rem 0;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.016);
}
.marquee-track {
  display: inline-flex; gap: 1.5rem;
  animation: marquee 30s linear infinite;
}
.marquee-track span {
  font-size: 0.78rem; letter-spacing: 0.14em;
  text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500;
}
.marquee-track .dot { color: var(--gold); }
@keyframes marquee {
  0%   { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   SECTIONS
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.section { padding: 7rem 1.25rem; }

.section-heading { margin-bottom: 3rem; }
.section-heading h2 {
  font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 4.2vw, 3.3rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em; max-width: 18ch;
  margin-top: 0.2rem;
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   ABOUT
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.about-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 0.82fr 1.18fr;
  gap: 5rem; align-items: start;
}
.about-left h2 {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.8vw, 2.9rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.08;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em; margin: 0 0 0.9rem;
  max-width: 12ch;
}
.about-sub {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.9rem;
  line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.career-pills {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem; margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
}
.career-pills span {
  padding: 0.35rem 0.85rem;
  border-radius: 999px;
  border: 1px solid var(--line-strong);
  font-size: 0.78rem; letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  color: var(--muted);
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.03);
}
.rich-copy p {
  color: var(--muted-light); line-height: 1.82;
  font-size: 1.04rem; max-width: 62ch;
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   NUMBERS — cinematic
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.numbers-section {
  padding: 5rem 1.25rem;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.024), rgba(255,255,255,0.01));
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
}
.numbers-grid {
  max-width: var(--max); margin: 0 auto;
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
}
.number-block {
  padding: 2.25rem 1.9rem; text-align: center;
  position: relative;
  transition: background 0.2s;
}
.number-block:not(:nth-child(3n))::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute;
  right: 0; top: 14%; bottom: 14%;
  width: 1px; background: var(--line-strong);
}
.number-block:nth-child(n+4) { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.number-block:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.022); }

.number-display { margin-bottom: 0.6rem; }
.big-num {
  display: inline;
  font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 5.5vw, 4.8rem);
  font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 1;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #edf3fb 30%, var(--gold) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text; -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
}
.big-unit {
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2.8vw, 2.2rem);
  font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.03em; line-height: 1;
  color: var(--muted);
}
.number-block > p {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.88rem;
  line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 24ch;
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   PROOF CARDS
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.proof-cards {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 1.2rem;
}
.proof-card {
  padding: 1.8rem 1.65rem;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.045), rgba(255,255,255,0.018));
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.75rem;
  transition: border-color 0.22s, transform 0.22s, box-shadow 0.22s;
}
.proof-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.3);
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,0.28), 0 0 0 1px rgba(216,179,107,0.1);
}
.proof-card-tag {
  font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent);
}
.proof-card h3 {
  font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.25; letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}
.proof-card p {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.72; flex: 1;
}
.proof-outcome {
  font-size: 0.76rem; font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em; color: var(--gold);
  padding-top: 0.5rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   FEATURE SPLIT
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.feature-split {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  min-height: 700px; overflow: hidden;
}
.feature-split--reverse { direction: rtl; }
.feature-split--reverse > * { direction: ltr; }

.feature-split-image { position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
.feature-split-image img {
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover; object-position: top center; display: block;
}
.feature-image-overlay {
  position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 55%, #08101c 100%),
              linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 70%, rgba(8,16,28,0.45) 100%);
}
.feature-image-overlay--left {
  background: linear-gradient(270deg, transparent 55%, #0d1826 100%),
              linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 70%, rgba(8,16,28,0.45) 100%);
}

.feature-split-copy {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center;
  padding: 5rem 4.5rem;
  background: var(--bg-soft);
}
.feature-split-copy--right { padding: 5rem 4.5rem 5rem 5rem; }

.feature-split-copy h2 {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.4vw, 2.7rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.1; letter-spacing: -0.04em;
  max-width: 15ch; margin: 0 0 1.5rem;
}
.feature-split-copy p {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 1.03rem;
  line-height: 1.78; max-width: 52ch;
}
.feature-split-copy .button { margin-top: 1.5rem; align-self: flex-start; }

.feature-quote {
  margin: 1.5rem 0 0; padding: 1.1rem 1.35rem;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--gold);
  background: rgba(216,179,107,0.06);
  border-radius: 0 var(--r-sm) var(--r-sm) 0;
  font-size: 1rem; font-style: italic;
  color: var(--muted-light); line-height: 1.65;
}

/* Timeline */
.timeline { margin: 1.75rem 0 2rem; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.1rem; }
.timeline-item { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 80px 1fr; gap: 1rem; align-items: start; }
.timeline-year {
  font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em; color: var(--gold);
  text-transform: uppercase; padding-top: 0.2rem;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.timeline-role { font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.55; color: var(--muted-light); }
.timeline-role strong { color: var(--text); display: block; margin-bottom: 0.1rem; }
.timeline-role em { color: var(--muted); font-style: normal; font-size: 0.88rem; }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   EXPERTISE
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.expertise-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 1.4rem; margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
}
.expertise-card {
  padding: 2rem 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.035), rgba(255,255,255,0.012));
  transition: border-color 0.22s, transform 0.22s;
}
.expertise-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(110,140,199,0.35);
  transform: translateY(-3px);
}
.expertise-num {
  font-size: 0.7rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em; color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.expertise-card h3 {
  font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 1rem;
}
.expertise-card ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; }
.expertise-card li {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.91rem;
  line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  padding-left: 1rem; position: relative;
}
.expertise-card li::before {
  content: '—'; position: absolute; left: 0;
  color: var(--gold); opacity: 0.5; font-size: 0.72rem;
}

/* Certs strip */
.certs-strip {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 0;
  border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--r-md);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.03), rgba(255,255,255,0.012));
  overflow: hidden;
}
.cert-item {
  padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem; text-align: center;
  position: relative;
}
.cert-item:not(:last-child)::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute;
  right: 0; top: 15%; bottom: 15%;
  width: 1px; background: var(--line-strong);
}
.cert-name {
  display: block; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--gold); letter-spacing: 0.06em; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;
}
.cert-label {
  display: block; font-size: 0.76rem; color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.4; letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   PRINCIPLES
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.principles-section {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.022), rgba(255,255,255,0.008));
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line);
}
.principles-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 1.3rem;
}
.principle-card {
  padding: 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.036), rgba(255,255,255,0.014));
  transition: border-color 0.22s, transform 0.22s;
}
.principle-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.28);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.principle-marker {
  display: block; width: 28px; height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--gold), var(--accent));
  border-radius: 2px; margin-bottom: 1.1rem;
}
.principle-card h3 { font-size: 1.08rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.7rem; }
.principle-card p   { color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.94rem; line-height: 1.72; }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   WRITING — ARTICLES + LINKEDIN
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.articles-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 5rem;
}
.article-card {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column;
  padding: 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.04), rgba(255,255,255,0.016));
  transition: border-color 0.22s, transform 0.22s, box-shadow 0.22s;
}
.article-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.3);
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 48px rgba(0,0,0,0.26);
}
.featured-article {
  grid-column: span 3;
  flex-direction: row; align-items: flex-start; gap: 2rem;
  padding: 2.25rem;
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.18);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(216,179,107,0.06), rgba(255,255,255,0.02));
}
.featured-article h3 { font-size: 1.38rem; }
/* Media-featured variant — image + content side by side */
.featured-article--media {
  padding: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-color: rgba(216,179,107,0.22);
}
.featured-article-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 0;
  min-height: 280px;
}
.featured-article-image {
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: 0;
}
.featured-article-image img {
  width: 100%; height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover; display: block;
  transition: transform 0.5s ease;
}
.featured-article--media:hover .featured-article-image img {
  transform: scale(1.03);
}
.featured-article-content {
  padding: 2.25rem 2rem;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.75rem;
}
.featured-article--media h3 { font-size: 1.38rem; margin: 0; }
.inline-quote {
  font-size: 1.08rem; font-style: italic;
  color: var(--gold); border: none; padding: 0;
  margin: 0.25rem 0 0.5rem; line-height: 1.45;
  font-weight: 500;
}
.inline-quote::before { content: ''; }
.inline-quote::after  { content: ''; }

.article-meta  { margin-bottom: 0.6rem; }
.article-card h3 {
  font-size: 1.08rem; font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.3; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin-bottom: 0.7rem;
}
.article-card p {
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.93rem;
  line-height: 1.7; flex: 1;
}
.article-links {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.75rem 1.2rem;
  margin-top: 1.2rem; align-items: center;
}
.article-link {
  display: inline-block;
  color: var(--gold); text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.86rem; font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em; transition: opacity 0.15s;
}
.article-link.li-link {
  color: var(--muted); font-weight: 500;
}
.article-link:hover { opacity: 0.78; }
.article-link-pending {
  display: inline-block; margin-top: 1.2rem;
  color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}

/* LinkedIn section */
.linkedin-section { padding-top: 1rem; }
.linkedin-section-header {
  display: flex; align-items: flex-start;
  justify-content: space-between; gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem; flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.linkedin-section-header h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.7rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.08;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em; max-width: 18ch;
  margin-top: 0.3rem;
}
.linkedin-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr);
  gap: 1.2rem;
}

/* LinkedIn card status badges */
.li-status {
  display: inline-block; margin-left: 0.5rem;
  padding: 0.18rem 0.6rem; border-radius: 999px;
  font-size: 0.66rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase;
}
.status-live    { background: rgba(72,199,120,0.15); color: #48c778; }
.status-writing { background: rgba(110,140,199,0.18); color: var(--accent); }
.status-draft   { background: rgba(216,179,107,0.14); color: var(--gold); }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   MEDIA / RECOGNITION
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.media-grid {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr);
  gap: 1.2rem;
}
.media-card {
  padding: 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.036), rgba(255,255,255,0.013));
  transition: border-color 0.22s, transform 0.22s;
}
.media-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(110,140,199,0.3);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.media-source {
  font-size: 0.7rem; font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--accent); margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
}
.media-card h3 { font-size: 1.08rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 0.6rem; }
.media-card p  { color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.91rem; line-height: 1.68; }
.media-link {
  display: inline-block; margin-top: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--gold); text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.84rem; font-weight: 600;
  transition: opacity 0.15s;
}
.media-link:hover { opacity: 0.78; }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   CONTACT
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.contact-section { padding-bottom: 5rem; }
.contact-card {
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  border: 1px solid rgba(216,179,107,0.18);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(216,179,107,0.07), rgba(255,255,255,0.025) 50%, rgba(110,140,199,0.05));
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  overflow: hidden; position: relative;
}
.contact-card::before {
  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;
  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 55% 50% at 100% 0%, rgba(216,179,107,0.1), transparent 60%);
}
.contact-inner {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto;
  gap: 3rem; align-items: center;
  padding: 3rem 3.5rem;
}
.contact-copy h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 3vw, 2.3rem);
  font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.15;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em; max-width: 22ch;
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
}
.contact-copy > p {
  color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.75;
  max-width: 54ch; margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.contact-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.8rem; }
.contact-photo {
  width: 200px; flex-shrink: 0;
  border-radius: var(--r-md); overflow: hidden;
  border: 1px solid var(--line);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}
.contact-photo img { width: 100%; display: block; }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   FOOTER
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-footer {
  padding: 3rem 1.25rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line); margin-top: 2rem;
}
.footer-inner { max-width: var(--max); margin: 0 auto; }
.footer-top {
  display: flex; justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start; gap: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem; flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.footer-name {
  font-size: 0.95rem; font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text); letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
}
.footer-tagline {
  font-size: 0.8rem; color: var(--muted);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}
.footer-nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem 1.5rem; align-items: center; }
.footer-nav a {
  color: var(--muted); text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.8rem; letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase; transition: color 0.18s;
}
.footer-nav a:hover { color: var(--gold); }
.footer-bottom {
  display: flex; justify-content: space-between;
  flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem;
  padding-top: 1.5rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--line);
}
.footer-copy { font-size: 0.75rem; color: rgba(183,201,223,0.4); }


/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — 1200px
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 1200px) {
  .certs-strip { grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); }
  .contact-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .contact-photo { width: 140px; }
}

/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — 1024px
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.5rem; }
  .hero { min-height: auto; padding-top: 7rem; }
  .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(3.5rem, 10vw, 5.5rem); }
  .hero-visual { justify-content: flex-start; }
  .portrait-frame { width: min(100%, 400px); }
  .hero-stats-bar { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
  .stat-item:nth-child(2)::after,
  .stat-item:nth-child(4)::after { display: none; }
  .stat-item:nth-child(n+3) { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
  .about-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.5rem; }
  .numbers-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3,1fr); }
  .proof-cards { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .feature-split { grid-template-columns: 1fr; min-height: auto; }
  .feature-split--reverse { direction: ltr; }
  .feature-split--reverse .feature-split-image { order: -1; }
  .feature-split-image { height: 440px; }
  .feature-split-copy,
  .feature-split-copy--right { padding: 3.5rem 2rem; }
  .feature-image-overlay,
  .feature-image-overlay--left {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 60%, #08101c 100%);
  }
  .expertise-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .principles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .articles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .featured-article { grid-column: span 2; }
  .featured-article--media .featured-article-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .featured-article-image { max-height: 240px; }
  .linkedin-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .media-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .certs-strip { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }
  .section { padding: 5rem 1.25rem; }
}

/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — 720px
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 720px) {
  .site-header { padding: 0.75rem 1rem; }
  .top-nav { display: none; }
  .nav-cta { font-size: 0.74rem; padding: 0.5rem 0.85rem; }
  .hero { padding-top: 6rem; }
  .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.9rem, 14vw, 4.3rem); }
  .hero-summary { font-size: 1rem; }
  .hero-stats-bar { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; border-radius: var(--r-md); }
  .numbers-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .number-block:not(:nth-child(3n))::after { display: none; }
  .number-block:not(:nth-child(2n))::after {
    content: ''; position: absolute;
    right: 0; top: 14%; bottom: 14%;
    width: 1px; background: var(--line-strong); display: block;
  }
  .number-block:nth-child(n+4) { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
  .number-block:nth-child(2n+1):nth-child(n+3) { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
  .proof-cards { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .expertise-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .principles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .articles-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .featured-article { grid-column: span 1; }
  .featured-article-image { max-height: 200px; }
  .linkedin-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .linkedin-section-header { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1.25rem; }
  .media-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .certs-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .feature-split-image { height: 320px; }
  .timeline-item { grid-template-columns: 65px 1fr; gap: 0.75rem; }
  .contact-inner { padding: 2rem 1.5rem; }
  .contact-photo { width: 100px; }
  .section { padding: 4rem 1rem; }
  html { scroll-padding-top: 5.5rem; }
}

/* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RESPONSIVE — 480px
══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 15vw, 3.5rem); }
  .hero-stats-bar { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .numbers-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .certs-strip { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .cert-item::after { display: none !important; }
  .cert-item { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
  .cert-item:first-child { border-top: none; }
  .contact-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .contact-photo { display: none; }
}