New medical technology can be exciting, but innovation alone is not enough. Before it reaches patients, it must be safe, effective and ready for responsible use. That is where clearance from the Food and Drug Administration becomes important. For many medical devices, FDA clearance is the point where years of development, testing and refinement begin moving into clinical … [More]
Why Employee AI Adoption Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in everyday life and work, organizations are investing heavily in tools and employee training. But new research from Texas A&M University suggests a one-size-fits-all approach may miss a fundamental truth: People don’t all respond to AI the same way. In a paper published in the journal Customer Needs and … [More]
Nokia to Transform NXP’s Chandler Campus for AI-Era Optical Chips
Nokia plans to give NXP Semiconductors’ Chandler manufacturing campus a new role in the buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The telecommunications company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NXP’s Chandler Fab and Chandler Probe site. Subject to regulatory approval, Nokia will begin leasing part of the facility in early 2027 and acquire the full … [More]
2026 BMW iX
The BMW iX has developed into one of the more versatile entries in the luxury electric SUV segment, combining substantial range, strong performance and a cabin that departs noticeably from BMW’s traditional formula. For 2026, the lineup begins with the iX xDrive45, producing 402 horsepower and serving as the entry point to the range. The xDrive60 raises output to 536 horsepower … [More]
Artificial Headshots May Be Undermining Real Career Opportunities
As Arizona cements its position as one of America's fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs, fueled by major investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, healthcare and professional services, experts are warning that a popular AI trend may be creating unintended business consequences. AI-generated headshots are rapidly gaining popularity among … [More]
Looking Good 2026 – September Standouts
Achievements GCON CEO Named Entrepreneur of the Year Boycott Bar’s Audrey Corley Honored Avnet Twice Named a Best Company Mesa Entrepreneur Selected for Grant Philanthropy BOK Financial Aids Children Facing Hunger Hot Giving Summer for AZ Blue … [More]
GCON CEO Named Entrepreneur of the Year
Phoenix-based GCON Co-Founder and CEO Mike Godbehere was recently named an EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Pacific Southwest Award winner, selected among nearly 1,000 program participants across 17 regions competing for the title. Now in its 41st year, Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. In the case of … [More]
Boycott Bar’s Audrey Corley Honored
Audrey Corley and Boycott Bar were recently honored with the 2026 Community Partnership Award from the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce for their lasting role in creating safe, visible and community-centered spaces across Greater Phoenix. … [More]
Avnet Twice Named a Best Company
Avnet was recently named one of TIME’s America’s Best Companies of 2026, ranking No. 481 among 1,000 companies nationwide based on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency. Avnet was also recently named a 2026–2027 Best Company to Work For by U.S. News & World Report. … [More]
Mesa Entrepreneur Selected for Grant
Angela Garmon, of Mesa-based ARG Coaching & Consulting Group, LLC, was recently selected to receive a 2026 BMO Celebrating Women grant — one of just 15 businesses nationwide selected to receive the grant, which were awarded based upon business strength, growth potential and demonstrated results in supporting the advancement of women. … [More]
BOK Financial Aids Children Facing Hunger
BOK Financial, through its employee-led “Guide the Giving” program, donated $10,000 to Feed My Starving Children — which will help provide approximately 34,482 meals (the equivalent of one meal a day for about 94 children for an entire year). Dewing Idemudia, a corporate banking relationship manager at BOK Financial and a board member of Feed My Starving Children, spearheaded … [More]
Hot Giving Summer for AZ Blue
Notable efforts of AZ Blue in Action: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) employees and their families, in partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way and The Foster Alliance, packed 1,300 backpacks full of school supplies for students and families in Southern Arizona. More than 200 AZ Blue employees volunteered to pack 1,000 JoyJars® for Arizona children fighting … [More]
The Origin of a Leader: Transforming Family Patterns into Leadership Power
What if the path to achieving our full leadership potential wasn’t in a business school classroom but in our childhood home? Veteran executive coach Pam Manfredo Curtis, Ph.D., brings the therapist’s couch to the corner office, revealing how our earliest experiences are the most significant predictor of our leadership style. The Origin of a Leader guides readers on a … [More]
The Emergent Leader: A Guide to Brand Building, Leadership, and Self-Mastery
Packed with actionable insights and modern examples, The Emergent Leader will boost professional development, drive organizational resilience, and empower a workforce that is committed to building a forever company. Don Gregori covers six key areas for necessary growth: brand building, exploiting gaps, fostering a culture of innovation, driving efficiency, career management … [More]
Show Up to Win: How to Land the Leadership Role You Want
Today, executive careers are more fluid than ever, and so is the executive job market. Ambitious leaders may have no problem closing a deal or hitting their numbers, but knowing how to take the next step, the big step, will prove more difficult. Landing a top job requires clarity about the distinct value aspiring leaders bring to the role they want. Yet the higher they rise, … [More]
Engagement in Our Business Community: Honoring Our 2026 Women of Achievement
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” —Coretta Scott King Ours is a great community, widely known as a welcoming and collaborative environment. A hint to the source of that greatness lies in these words from Coretta Scott King. And this is the common theme running through every profile on the following pages, … [More]
Sybil Francis, Ph.D.
Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Center for the Future of Arizona – Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement
“Inspirational leadership helps people see what is possible, brings them together around a shared purpose and empowers them to turn possibility into progress.” —Sybil Francis, Ph.D. Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? Achievement is rarely an individual endeavor. It reflects the people who opened doors, offered ideas, took … [More]
Attorney General Kris Mayes
State of Arizona — Arizona Leader Award
“I’ve always believed that this job is about one thing: standing up for Arizona families and making sure they have someone in their corner.” —Attorney General Kris Mayes Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community? I grew up in Prescott, in rural Arizona, watching my dad work tirelessly on his tree farm. I saw what it takes to work … [More]
