Some of the best professional advice Chris Kirch ever received came early in his career as a newly minted intern at Kitchell. His lead superintendent advised: “Be a sponge.” “I’ve had a lot of great managers along the way,” Kirch shares. “At that young age, I wasn’t immediately clear what he meant by ‘Be a sponge,’ but I soon learned and this remains some of the best … [More]
From Intern to President: Chris Kirch’s Leadership Journey at Kitchell Contractors
Learning and collaboration paired with experience and perspective
Future-Proofing Your Culture: Adapting to the generational shift in 2025 and beyond
For years technology companies have struggled with maintaining their culture as they grow and scale, but today’s challenge is even tricker because of the generational shift underway that is complicating matters. The sheer number of technology companies starting up each day is massive, and competition for top talent has intensified as predicted over the last 10 years. With … [More]
Why Executive Leadership Coaching Is Broken and How to Fix It
Executive Coaching Conundrum: Key problems plaguing traditional leadership coaching approaches … and undermining client results
Middle market businesses face unique leadership challenges, positioned between the agility of startups and the resources of large corporations. Traditional executive coaching often fails to address these specific needs, leading to misaligned development efforts and unrealized potential. Unfortunately, there are a litany of fundamental flaws in current executive coaching … [More]
Vincent VanVleet
Executive Director, The Phoenix Theatre Company
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? What most notably stands out about my leadership style is that I am extraordinarily pragmatic. I believe in fostering a culture where customer service and putting the patron first are paramount. Our team is united by the understanding that if … [More]
Mona Stone
Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona, Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley Inc., Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? I believe it is important to adapt one’s leadership style as circumstances dictate. Most often, I am direct, which people appreciate because they know where I stand. I encourage learning and I challenge my team to consider solutions and … [More]
Tim Olson
CEO, Deca
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? At Deca, we take a bottom-up approach where all employees are involved in shaping our vision, mission, strategies and goals. This inclusive process ensures everyone has an opportunity to share their input and see all the inputs synthesized and … [More]
Edgar R. Olivo
CEO, American Red Cross of Arizona and New Mexico
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership is rooted in empathy, resilience and inclusivity, with a focus on empowering others to succeed. When alleviating human suffering, leadership means being a steady anchor in turbulent times while fostering innovation and … [More]
Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper
CEO, Copa Health
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style is rooted in compassion and servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of treating every individual with dignity, love and respect here at Copa Health. I believe that fostering a supportive and inclusive environment … [More]
Matt Mooney
EVP & COO, Parkway
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? I hope the trait that I exemplify most is genuinely listening well as a leader. It is often hard to pause in our frenetic lives and be a great listener. However, it is critical to understand the needs and objectives of our investors and … [More]
M. Tomás León
President, Equality Health Foundation
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? As an inclusive, collaborative and purpose-driven leader, my approach centers on fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, heard and a sense of belonging. What notably stands out about my leadership style is my commitment … [More]
Michael D. Jones, MBA
President & CEO, Delta Dental of Arizona
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style is marked by decision-making delegation and empowerment. I don’t believe in placing people in a box but in encouraging them to leverage all their talents and skills to accomplish goals. I provide stretch assignments to get … [More]
W. Scott Jenkins Jr.
Office Chair, Dorsey + Whitney
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style is grounded in leading by example, transparency, maintaining open lines of communication and not taking myself too seriously. Our clients ask us to engage in finding solutions for their legal problems; this is a … [More]
Amy Hysell
President & CEO, Arizona Financial Credit Union
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? In every step of my 30-year career with Arizona Financial, I have tried to lead with integrity and transparency, and ensure all employees have access to the information and resources they need to be successful. I am deeply invested in the … [More]
Richard J. Gray, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Mayo Clinic in Arizona • Vice President, Mayo Clinic
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style is driven by a commitment to Mayo Clinic’s core value: the needs of the patient come first. This guiding principle ensures that we not only deeply care about our patients but also are committed to doing whatever it takes to … [More]
Matthew Fehling
President & CEO, Better Business Bureau, Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? It’s hard to really know what style of leadership I embody, as I believe it tends to be situational. I do my best to be a supportive, while decisive, leader who truly believes my biggest leadership obligation is to get my team members the … [More]
Michael M. Crow
President, Arizona State University
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? Every day presents a new opportunity — seize it. Drop yesterday’s baggage and focus forward. Leadership is about looking ahead while staying committed to your guiding principles. At ASU, we have developed a Charter that we rigorously follow, … [More]
Christopher Collins
Owner & Founder, Common Ground Culinary
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? What’s most notable about my leadership style is that I lead by example. It doesn’t matter what the task is, I am the first person willing to tackle it. I believe in never asking an employee to do something that I would not be willing to do … [More]
Chris Camacho
President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? At GPEC, we prioritize excellence in execution, striving to represent Greater Phoenix properly and leveraging all advantages the region offers to develop the economy and improve the lives of residents. Staff members are empowered to display … [More]
