Burnout. Decreased funding. Structural barriers. A lack of hope. Social changemakers and nonprofit leaders who want to make meaningful, measurable impact in their communities are struggling to see a brighter future for themselves, their teams and the people they serve. Yet real change happens by believing in a better world and consistently taking the next step toward making it … [More]
The Business Case for Slowing Down: How Intentional Pauses Strengthen Strategy and Growth
From capital allocation to AI adoption, thoughtful leaders are finding that measured decisions outperform reactive ones. In business, speed signals confidence. Leaders respond to emails within minutes, approve deals in real time and implement new technology before competitors schedule a demo. Fast action projects authority. But in 2026, as Arizona companies navigate AI … [More]
Restarting the Leadership Journey
Leadership is a journey of continuous growth
“Each day is an opportunity to lead with more purpose, more positivity, and more impact than the day before.” —Jon Gordon in The Power of Positive Leadership Leadership is often described as a climb — an upward trajectory marked by promotions, influence and expanding responsibility. Yet for many leaders, there comes a moment when progress stalls, enthusiasm fades or the weight … [More]
The Changing Face of Funding
Governmental cuts, policy change influence philanthropic support
Ever-tightening government funds and rollbacks to longstanding social programs continue to impact millions of Americans — with job losses and, in many cases, diminished access to vital programs and services. Nonprofits are on the frontlines, filling in many of these service gaps, but they’re doing so with fewer governmental grants, less capital and a revolving door of policy … [More]
Joseph Crivello and Jet OUT Redefine Private Aviation
Founder and CEO, Crivello built his model around familiarity, continuity and accountability
Before Joseph Crivello built a private aviation company, he built the case for one. Managing flight operations for a rapidly growing commercial real estate firm gave him a front-row seat to what private aviation could deliver, and where it fell short. In 2011, Crivello joined Phoenix Investors, which at the time held a small portfolio of retail commercial real estate. Working … [More]
MOMentum, Organizational Health, Talent Retention and the Bottom Line
Never once did I believe the glass ceiling applied to me — until I became a mother
As an overachiever, I was consistently rewarded for my hard work and dedication to my 8–5 job. I worked for the ASU Foundation as a fundraiser, and I deeply believed (and still do!) in my work. I was changing lives daily through the power of philanthropy and education. Give me a goal and I’d double it. I worked hard, earned leadership opportunities, and never once felt held … [More]
The Power of Fun at Work
WHY IT’S MORE THAN JUST A GOOD TIME
When most people think about work, “fun” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. Deadlines, meetings and spreadsheets? Sure. But laughter, camaraderie and a little silliness? That often feels like a luxury, not a priority. Here’s the truth: Fun at work isn’t just about blowing off steam or throwing office parties. It’s a powerful tool that drives engagement, … [More]
Look Before You Leap: Questions Every Leader Should Ask Before Joining A Nonprofit Board
If you’re a business leader, you’re probably involved in your community. Serving on a nonprofit board is a great way to share your time and talent. Perhaps someone asked you to join a board. Don’t feel obligated to say “yes” on the spot. Take a beat and gather information to make sure it’s a good fit for both sides. Ask to schedule a meeting rather than accepting … [More]
Why We Chose an ESOP for Our Growth, Succession and Legacy Options
Restaurant transitions a unique benefit for its employees
In October 2025, our family-owned restaurant announced we were doing something unique: After more than five decades, Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen transitioned 49% of company ownership to eligible employees in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Now as an ESOP, one out of three Spinato’s employees is an owner. An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that provides … [More]
Human Capital Investment Strategy: Six Steps to Cultivate Potential and Yield Competitive Advantage
For decades, CEOs have treated financial capital with rigor, discipline and foresight. But when it comes to human capital — the engine of innovation, execution and growth — most organizations still rely on legacy mindsets and guesswork. This blind spot is costing organizations their competitive edge. Written by Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, executive strategist on human … [More]
People. Culture. Structure. The Architecture of Execution
Strategy isn't the hard part. Execution is. Most companies don't fail because they lack vision. They fail because they never build the architecture to turn vision into reality. Execution isn't magic. It's not hustle. It's a system. That system has three parts: People — right humans, right roles, real ownership. Culture — behavior over slogans; truth flows; conflict … [More]
People and Culture: A Practical Guide for HR Professionals and Leaders
People and Culture is a strategic guide for CEOs, CHROs, HR leaders and senior executives who want to build high-performing organizations through a purpose-led, values-driven and people-centric approach. Written by leading culture and conflict management expert David Liddle, this book shows how to shift from isolated people or culture initiatives to a unified, enterprise-wide … [More]
Justin Steltenpohl: From Law to Leadership
P.B. Bell CEO traded an outcome-driven approach for people-driven one
Justin Steltenpohl’s innate drive led him to study law at The University of Toledo College of Law. Looking back on his time there, he cites what many law students do: that law school teaches you to think differently. It gives alums the ability to not only identify problems but to find unique, creative solutions. He went on to become a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a … [More]
Bossware Surveillance Is the Death of Workplace Culture
Business leaders cannot build a high-performing workplace on skepticism and wariness
Bossware — surveillance software that tracks, analyzes or flags employee activity in real time — didn’t appear out of nowhere, and it didn’t start with the pandemic. For years, companies in logistics, retail and call centers quietly have used monitoring tools to evaluate workers minute by minute. But over the last several years, especially with the rise of hybrid work, these … [More]
The Hidden Distractions of Leadership: How Leaders Lose Focus and What It Costs
“One thing that keeps us from excellence is distractions.” —Malcom Lewis Leadership is often described as a role of vision, clarity and decisive action. Yet leaders face a constant stream of distractions that quietly erode their effectiveness. These distractions do not always look like interruptions; sometimes they appear as opportunities, competing priorities or … [More]
Millennials and Gen Z Redefine Prenups as Smart Business Strategy
Once viewed as a taboo topic, prenuptial agreements are now gaining ground as a symbol of financial transparency and partnership. A recent study shows that nearly half of engaged or married millennials, and 41% of Gen Z, now have prenups in place. This shift reflects a generational change in how couples approach both relationships and finances, and it carries meaningful … [More]
Jennifer Kaplan on Building a Business through Curiosity, Clarity and Trust
Evolve PR and its founder evolved their culture and style with a focus on relationships
When Jennifer Kaplan talks about building a business, she rarely starts with revenue graphs or milestone moments. Instead, she goes back to the thing that has always driven her: a deep instinct to help people tell their stories. Long before she became the leader of a rapidly growing PR firm, Kaplan was the person connecting people, elevating ideas and making sure good work … [More]
The Exception Code: How to Make Culture, Retention, and Customer Loyalty Profitable
Leadership development isn’t failing because leaders don’t care. It’s failing because most are leading by default. Caught between quarterly pressures, cultural fatigue and constant change, too many capable leaders are doing everything right and still watching engagement, innovation and loyalty slip through their fingers. The Exception Code is for the ones who know there’s … [More]
