Family tradition plays huge with The Italian Daughter. The restaurant’s name is, itself, homage to the late Tomaso Maggiore, whose restaurant on Central Camelback, Tomaso’s, was a Valley favorite. Following that tradition of hospitality, Melissa Maggiore Meyer sets a welcoming environment for fine dining with overtones of casual for diners to relax over their meal and enjoy … [More]
Entrepreneur. Book. Success.
In 2021, Hayley Paige directed laser focus to nonfiction, having experienced first-hand the huge potential of books in elevating the status, recognition and overall authority of professionals in their industry. Entrepreneur. Book. Success.(TM) explains how the power of a book in business is completely unrivalled by any other marketing platform or revenue-growth strategy — and … [More]
3 Hours a Day
It wasn’t long ago that entrepreneurs believed non-stop hustle was essential for success, equating the hours put in to their level of ambition. But for many independent business owners today, living through the stressful pandemic years has shown there has to be a better, more sustainable way. In 3 Hours a Day, Knolly Williams offers first-hand evidence that smart entrepreneurs … [More]
Leading through Disruption
In Leading Through Disruption, Andrew Liveris provides a new leadership paradigm for resilience and agility in a rapidly changing world. This book is a must-read guide for leaders in various sectors who are keen on not only ensuring current success but protecting the planet’s future for everyone. Liveris, who was recently chosen to lead the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Organizing … [More]
Where did all the optimism go?
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Phoenix, Arizona: Closing the Optimism Gap
On June 5th, I sat in a room full of powerful women in Washington, D.C., and we discussed the findings of the 2023 Small Business Owner Report from the Bank of America. As the president of the Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, I couldn’t help but reflect on the optimism gap that exists between women business owners and their male … [More]
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) cannot be overstated. While all businesses can benefit from embracing DEI principles, it holds particular significance for women-led small businesses. As we strive for success and empowerment, understanding and actively incorporating DEI practices become vital for growth and … [More]
The True Measure of a Woman’s Success
Many years ago, I was awarded my very first job in sales management. After only three years with the company, I was promoted to sales manager of their top billing property. News spread quickly throughout the industry and soon the phone was ringing off the hook with congratulations and well-wishers. It was fourth quarter, people were in a celebratory mood, and I was looking … [More]
Women in Graphic Recording: A Growing Force in the Industry
Whenever I tell people that I do graphic recording, I’ll often get a blank stare and maybe a head nod. The more curious person might ask, “Oh, what is graphic recording?” Graphic recording is a visual communication method that uses a combination of drawing, writing and sketching to capture the essence of a keynote speech, a business presentation, brainstorm session or a … [More]
Less is More: Your Leadership Focus Will Help You Grow Exponentially
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a small business owner or a corporate leader, you have likely felt overwhelmed and anxious when you have too much to do. As a one-person show or a leader of a small business, it may be easy to feel like we have to do “all the things” because we wear all or most of the hats in our business. It may seem counterintuitive, but research has … [More]
Investing in Teenage Mentoring: A Valuable Parental Decision
As parents, we often grapple with how best to guide our children through the tumultuous teenage years. The quest for identity, heightened emotions and peer pressure can make it a challenging phase for teens and their parents. During this critical stage, parents should consider investing in a mentor for their teenager. In addition, a mentor can provide benefits ranging from … [More]
Tourism & Taxation: How the Bed Tax and Major Events Benefit Business
Valley of the Sun as a hot destination
“As Greater Phoenix continues to evolve, the visitor industry for our destination continues to grow,” says Eric Kerr, vice president of Insights and Development for the convention and visitor bureau Visit Phoenix. He cites the fact that, since 2020, 46 new hotel properties have opened in the region with more than 7,600 hotel rooms. Additionally, Sky Harbor International Airport … [More]
Lisa Urias, Arizona Office of Tourism
Tourism: A Critical Economic Driver
Arizona is seeing a population surge as people continue to choose our state as their home. But our popularity as a visitor destination is equally robust, with Maricopa County offering one of the strongest pipelines of new hotels and resorts in the country. The Arizona Office of Tourism and other Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) such as Visit Phoenix, Experience … [More]
Dealing with DEI Pushback
Eleven strategies to defuse resistance in your organization
Inclusion is good for organizations and good for employees. But if your company is like many, everyone may not welcome the new conversations and initiatives taking place around diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, there will almost certainly be resistance to your efforts to create belonging — maybe subtle, maybe overt, or maybe both. Some people might refuse to engage … [More]
Companies Can’t Afford to Lose Focus on Talent Retention
On top of costs, even filling open slots can be difficult
Talent retention is a critical aspect of any successful business. Retaining talented employees, or failing to do so, can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. A business that can keep employees around long-term reduces the cost of hiring and training new employees. Talent retention also mitigates lost productivity caused by constantly having to train employees. … [More]
Alcock & Associates’ Pro-Community Work
Good lawyering with a finely tuned sense of compassion and charity
Nick Alcock started his firm in a tiny office with a small shingle sign as the only marketing for his new business. His first case was pro bono, as he aided a homeless vet who came into Alcock’s office to combat a fine levied against the gentlemen for not appearing in court earlier in the month. With Alcock’s help, the vet left his office 30 minutes later with his fine zeroed … [More]
How to Upskill Employees during a Tight Hiring Landscape
The focus is on helping them align with their organization’s overall growth strategy
Talent development initiatives are growing increasingly important, especially as hiring concerns shift from quiet quitting to conscious quitting and beyond. Hiring the perfect candidate is costly — in fact, hiring anyone will likely cost an organization around $5,000 on average. In this landscape, many enterprises don’t have the financial stability to take a chance on hiring a … [More]
Balancing Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace
Tap into the strength of not thinking alike
In the modern workplace, cognitive diversity is highly valued. This refers to the differing styles, viewpoints and skillsets among individuals. Teams that are cognitively diverse can increase innovation, creativity and overall performance within the group. However, there still may be challenges when it comes to communicating effectively, managing conflict and overcoming … [More]
Thinking of Selling Your Business?
Key steps for Arizona business owners to take
Baby boomers own approximately 40% of privately-owned small businesses and franchises in the U.S., according to MBAStack. Gen X-ers own the highest percentage of small businesses at 46%, and their relative share is increasing. With boomers already in or reaching retirement age, and Gen X only 12 to 15 years behind that, many business owners are considering selling their … [More]































