My journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line — but it was always guided by heart. After earning a master’s degree in health care administration and building a successful career in the field, I felt a pull I could no longer ignore: a calling to share the rich culinary traditions of my Nigerian roots with the wider world. I decided to take the leap and start Lasgidi … [More]
Combining Rich Cultural and Culinary Traditions into Lasgidi Cafe
With storytelling and food, Chef Patty leads from the heart to build business on taste of home
Empowering Employees through Uncertainty
Workplace anxiety is valid and predictable
As economic headwinds batter organizations, leaders find themselves juggling risky operational decisions and the very real emotional turbulence experienced by their workforce. For many employees, the threat of layoffs feels ever-present, prompting unsettling questions. Their anxiety is understandable — even rational — in a market where headlines shift by the hour and company … [More]
SRP Offers Tools and Tips for Businesses to Weather Arizona’s Monsoon Season
Some states have earthquakes, others have tornadoes; in Arizona, we get monsoons. While some monsoons are brief and cause minimal trouble, others can inflict significant damage and disrupt business operations, including power outages. When this happens, it’s reassuring to know that help is available. At SRP, dedicated Strategic Energy Managers (SEMs) are there to guide … [More]
Beyond the Acronym: How Companies Can Rethink DEI without Backlash
At the core seems to be a fear of fear itself
It is 2025, and one would not expect to be experiencing the kind of resistance and backlash that we are toward diversity, equity and inclusion — commonly known by the acronym DEI. It may appear that resistance and backlash to DEI is at its peak right now, but when we look back in time to the women’s rights, civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights movements, resistance and backlash have … [More]
Intel CEO Announces 15% Cut to Global Workforce
Intel Corporation reported second-quarter 2025 financial results. “Our operating performance demonstrates the initial progress we are making to improve our execution and drive greater efficiency,” said Lip-Bu Tan, Intel CEO. “We are laser-focused on strengthening our core product portfolio and our AI roadmap to better serve customers. We are also taking the actions needed to … [More]
Kim Richards and The Athens Group: Crafting Legacy in Luxury Hospitality
The Phoenix-based development company has trailblazed to an unmatched portfolio of high-end resorts, branded residences, golf courses and more
In the early 1980s, the landscape of luxury hospitality was in its infancy. It was visionaries and experienced real estate development experts like Kim Richards who were able create one-of-a-kind destinations that brought the luxury hospitality world to the almost $150-billion industry it is today. Following his 1983 appointment as president of Estes Properties, Kim Richards … [More]
The Real MVP of Enterprise Success? Operational Agility
Go beyond the limitations of efficiency
In B2B services, the ability to move fast and smart is more than a competitive advantage; it has become a necessity. Operational agility is what allows service providers to meet shifting client priorities, respond to real-time changes, and deliver consistent outcomes without getting stuck in process quicksand. Agility is often discussed in the context of product development … [More]
How to Groom Good Leaders: A Pathway to Effective Leadership
In every organization, community or team, leadership plays a critical role in determining success. Good leaders inspire, guide and elevate those around them, creating environments where people and projects thrive. But leaders are not merely born — they are cultivated. Grooming good leaders is a deliberate and strategic process that involves identifying potential, fostering key … [More]
WESTMARC Elevates 2025 Emerging Leaders Impact Program
The Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC), in collaboration with Leadership West and the Center for the Future of Arizona, is proud to launch the 2025 West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Program—a regional initiative recognizing exceptional young professionals driving positive change across the West Valley. The program honors professionals under the age of 40 who live or … [More]
Arizona Leadership Network Launches, New Era for Transformational Leaders
Arizona has a new home for values-driven leaders ready to grow, connect, and make an impact. The Arizona Leadership Network is proud to announce its official launch—creating a dynamic space for connection, collaboration, and purposeful growth. At its core, ALN is more than a network—it’s a movement. Designed for experienced leaders who are seeking authentic connection, … [More]
Feedback Loop: Building a System for a Thriving Workforce
Creating a communication system that encourages input and interaction
A strong workforce thrives on communication. When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more engaged, productive and invested in their work. However, according to Gallup, only 33% of the American workforce feels actively engaged at work, while 16% are actively disengaged. This gap highlights the need for stronger communication and feedback systems that encourage and nurture … [More]
They Built Their Family Business by Leading with Trust, Not Title
Chef Rocco and Marco Pezzano of Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen on building a family business, one decision at a time
Tucked into a busy corner of north Phoenix, Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen is more than just a neighborhood favorite, it’s a family dream realized through mutual respect, evolving roles and shared leadership. Founded by Chef Rocco Pezzano and his son Marco, Sfizio pairs authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist and a philosophy rooted in trust over titles. But the road to … [More]
Optimize Your Business: Time Milestones for Your Business Exit
Selling your business is a milestone, both personally and financially—but it also takes a well thought out plan to maximize the sale proceeds and to prepare yourself personally for the business exit. The more time the business owners have in crafting and executing their business exit plan will result in a higher probability of them to achieve their desired outcomes. … [More]
Shining Light on American Solar’s People-Centric Vision
American Solar & Roofing embraces a culture where its people can thrive
For many leaders, the path to the top is carefully planned. For me, it was forged through experience, adversity and a deep sense of responsibility. My outlook was shaped by my upbringing as a classic Gen X-er, a so-called "feral child" of divorced working parents — if I didn’t make my own meals while watching “In Living Color,” no one would. I credit that early independence for … [More]
Guiding Principles: The Blueprint for Enduring Business Success
They articulate ‘Who are we; why do we exist; and how do we intend to create value over the long haul?’
Senior leaders understand that building an enterprise isn’t just about navigating market trends or chasing the next big idea — it’s about establishing a foundation that lasts. In decades of working with companies striving to stand out in competitive markets, one truth has consistently emerged: Strong guiding principles are the cornerstone of lasting success. Consider the … [More]
The 7 Commitments of a Great Team
From bestselling author Jon Gordon, top consultant to championship coaches and high-performing teams in the NFL, NBA and MLB, comes a powerful new fable on what it takes to build a truly great team. It's not just talent ― it's commitment. In The 7 Commitments of a Great Team, we follow the journey of Tim, a struggling leader facing declining business performance, low team … [More]
Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive
Many technology leaders believe in having more women and people of color in technical and leadership positions throughout their organizations. In truth, though, they just fall back on exclusionary behaviors, like revering the typically male "lone genius" who is essential to their innovative future. But there is a solution. In Rebooting Tech Culture, Whitney argues that the same … [More]
Their Take: Leadership Is a Long Game
ESPN hot take veteran Stephen A. Smith says Mat Ishbia is on the verge of being the “worst owner in NBA history.” Here in Arizona, we see something different: an owner who’s invested more in his teams, his players, and his city in two years than most do in a lifetime. Let’s be clear: the Suns didn’t fall apart overnight, and no one’s above criticism — not even Mat. But to … [More]
