I've been in rooms full of women business owners for a long time now. And here's the thing nobody tells you about leadership: Sometimes the boldest move isn't changing everything. It's protecting what's already working. That's where I'm starting my year as president of NAWBO Phoenix. I could tell you about my big new vision, my five-point plan to reinvent the chapter, all … [More]
From Launch to Longevity: Planning, Capital and Insurance as Milestone Partners
Talent and expertise get you started — but it’s strategy that keeps you moving. Timing, positioning and a durable foundation are what help a business endure growth cycles, regulatory pressure, changing risks and stakeholder demands. For many NAWBO members, that journey begins with an ambitious vision and quickly becomes a series of decisions that feel complex — and … [More]
Spaces That Leave Their Mark. Defy Norms. Define Space
At its core, design is about emotion. It is the feeling you experience when you walk into a space and something simply feels right. It is the energy that draws people in, encourages them to linger and creates a lasting impression long after they leave. Whether in a restaurant, hotel, retail environment or sanctuary at home, the most memorable spaces connect with people on an … [More]
Why Self-Leadership Is the Skill Most Executives Never Develop
Does your leadership development program have a crucial gap in it? And when was the last time you really took time to look at your own leadership and whether it was effective in these times of disruption? Leaders are trained to manage performance, inspire teams, communicate vision and navigate change. What they rarely learn is how to manage themselves — their energy, their … [More]
What Your Banker Wishes Every Business Owner Knew
The banker’s view: what separates businesses that thrive from those that struggle
As 2026 rolled around, so did my 22nd year of being a commercial banker. Twenty-two years of meeting with business owners, from startups to companies generating $250 million in revenue, from single-member enterprises to multi-owner corporations. I have met with medical practices to manufacturing firms, industrial companies to professional businesses, and in all my interactions … [More]
The Strategic Wardrobe: Why High-Performing Women Are Outsourcing Their Closet to Elevate Their Influence
You’ve built the business. You’ve secured the board seat. You’ve navigated mergers, signed the seven-figure contracts, and taken the mic on stages around the world. When you enter a room, the energy shifts — people pay attention not just because of your title but because you consistently deliver. And yet, there’s a moment of friction that happens long before you ever greet … [More]
The Leadership Gap No One Talks About — And Why It’s Costing Founders Their Freedom
Most founders don’t struggle because they’re unclear. They struggle because they’re carrying more than any one leader was ever meant to hold. Ask any seasoned entrepreneur how they built their company and you’ll rarely hear a clean, linear story. You’ll hear about grit, ingenuity, instinct and the pressure of building something bigger than yourself. You’ll hear about doing … [More]
What 50 Years of Closings Tells Us about Today’s Commercial Real Estate Market
As Arizona Escrow & Financial approaches our 50th anniversary in 2026, I find myself in a unique position. From the closing table, we see commercial real estate transactions in their most granular detail — not just the headlines, but how deals actually get done. And right now, how deals get done is changing significantly. Since founding AEF in 1976, we've facilitated … [More]
Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First: Why Working Professionals Need Respite Care for Aging Parents before Burnout
Most of us have that one moment we never forget. For me, it was sitting in my car with my laptop open, juggling calls from my kids, my parents and my team while trying to advocate for an aging family member who lived across the ocean from me and had just fallen home. I remember thinking, “This is not sustainable. For anyone.” If you are a working professional caring for an … [More]
From Boots on the Ground to Boardroom Strategy: How VALC Is Elevating the Future of Construction
The construction industry is at a crossroads. Amidst rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing project complexity, the pressure to deliver faster, smarter and with greater accountability has never been higher. Yet many of the issues we face are not new; they’re rooted in decades of fragmented communication, reactive risk management and siloed project delivery. I … [More]
Time Management Isn’t a Trait – It’s a Skill Set That Pays Dividends
If there’s one thing every professional says they need more of, it’s time. The tag line of my formerly burned-out and overloaded life was, “I don’t have time.” High achievers — especially in the demanding fields of sales, leadership, law and healthcare — often feel they’re running a race they didn’t sign up for. They’re productive, yes. But fulfilled? Not always. Time … [More]
Is Your Digital Marketing Working for You – Or Just Running?
You hired a digital marketing agency, approved some ads, and now … crickets. Or maybe the reports show clicks, but no sales. So — is your marketing actually working, or is it just running in the background? Here’s the truth: Digital marketing isn’t a vending machine. You can’t drop in a budget, walk away, and expect magic. It takes time and strategy to truly grow. Whether … [More]
Breaking Free from Owner Dependency
How you can build a business that runs without you
If you’re a business owner, chances are you’re wearing a lot of hats in your business — probably too many — and you aren’t making those hats look good. You’re the one answering late-night emails, handling every client crisis and making every decision because, well, you’re the owner. But here’s a tough truth: If your business can’t run without you, it’s stuck. You want to … [More]
Wealth Wise Women: 50 Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
In 1975, a group of pioneering women in Washington, D.C., led by Susan Hager, founded the National Association of Women Business Owners. Their mission was clear: to create a unified voice for women entrepreneurs and to advocate for policies that would enable women to own and operate businesses independently. At that time, women faced significant legal and societal … [More]
Upcoming 50th year of NAWBO
NAWBO event image, caption: Melissa Blatt speaking at the WealthWise Women event at the Biltmore Phoenix is home to a very active and growing community of business owners. According to a study, Phoenix outpaced the GDP growth rate of other U.S. cities by almost double after the pandemic. That was due in large part to the small-business-friendly ecosystem that supports … [More]
Sell Naturally by Inspiring Your Audience: Are You?
Are you on podcasts, panels or interviews? Giving talks on stage? Is your audience getting value out of your appearances? Speaking to audiences is a great way to sell our services, raise awareness and build our following. There’s one way to know if you’re succeeding, and that’s whether you’re making sales and building your following. If you aren’t, there is likely a reason: … [More]
Breaking the Rules: Crafting Routines That Work for You (and Only You)
We are constantly told that routines (and discipline!) are the secret to success. Advice on how to structure your day is everywhere — and everyone, it seems, has a 27-step routine that you should be following. And while these methods work for some, they often fall flat for others. Why? Because they’re not designed with your unique energy, values and needs in mind. For me, as … [More]
Building Strong Foundations: Reflections on a Year of Growth and Gratitude as NAWBO Phoenix President
As I reflect on this transformative year as president of NAWBO Phoenix, I am filled with immense gratitude for the vibrant community we have cultivated. This role has been a journey of growth, both for me personally and for our organization, as we’ve embraced the collective wisdom of our members to empower women entrepreneurs across the Valley. Celebrating NAWBO’s … [More]
