In an era marked by immense volatility and complexity, characterized by technological advancements, business consolidations, fierce competition and economic fluctuations, business leaders may find themselves in an unprecedented time of change. The aftermath of the pandemic continues to linger, with burnout, stress and overwhelm persisting among individuals and teams. Amidst … [More]
The Next Generation of Future Leaders: Redefining Leadership
Forging past the old paradigms
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things.” —President Ronald Reagan In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, a new generation of future leaders is emerging, poised to redefine the very essence of what it means to lead. With a unique blend of values, skills and perspectives, … [More]
Developer Brian Frakes Builds Brick-&-Mortar Community in an Evolving Retail World
And he leads Common Bond into an all-new field with The Global Ambassador
Not long after graduating from University of Arizona, Brian Frakes landed a dream job for any aspiring commercial real estate developer. The year was 1999, and he’d accepted a position as a development manager for Westcor, then the state’s premier shopping mall developer and famed for building some of the biggest, most profitable shopping malls in the nation. Frakes was clearly … [More]
All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams
It’s never been harder building successful teams. With challenges of work-from-anywhere, flex-schedule and generational divides, business leaders bend over backwards searching for solutions that work. They’ve tried everything from food perks and ping pong tables to endless team-building exercises and training — but nothing sticks. Now, in his long-awaited book for leaders at … [More]
ARG Cultivators Community’s SEE ME Program Introduces Cohort II
ARG Cultivators Community, an Arizona non-profit, announces its second cohort of the SEE ME (Social and Economic Equity for Minority Enterprises) Program, along with two other programs, to bridge the gap for black business ownership across Arizona. The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) of Arizona Community Foundation funded the SEE ME Program again. This collaborative … [More]
Diagnosing Your Business Leader: Builder, Decorator, Remodeler, or Realtor?
Dan Adams is on a quest to reinvigorate corporate America. His goal? To put more Builders at the top—or, at least, to inspire those already at the top to behave more like the leaders who brought them to the party. “Your company—and every company you can think of—was founded by a Builder,” asserts Adams, author of Business Builders: How to Become an Admired & Trusted … [More]
Ten Ways to Start Building Your Favor Bank (and Growing Your Network)
“Networking” is a misunderstood concept. We tend to think of it in terms of small talk, faked enthusiasm, and self-serving schmoozing. Great networkers, we assume, are aggressive movers and shakers with a knack for selling themselves. Actually, says Robert L. Dilenschneider, they are heartfelt helpers who understand how the favor bank works. “The most successful people I … [More]
Marco A. Lopez Jr., Intermestic Partners
Widening Circles of International Trade
Coastal states generally have the edge where it comes to reaping the lucrative benefits of international trade. Arizona is breaking the mold and leveraging its shared (and admittedly embattled) southern border and long-standing relationship with the U.S.’s neighbor to the north. Amidst the rhythmic dance of global commerce, the essence of trade transcends mere transactions. … [More]
Boosting Business Growth with a ‘No Meetings’ Approach
Prioritizing productivity over mere presence
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are continually exploring effective strategies to boost productivity and growth. A prime example is the unconventional "no meetings" policy. This policy has been reinforced by recent studies, such as the survey of 76 companies with operations in more than 50 countries that found a single no-meeting day per week improved … [More]
HealthspanMD Founder Dares to Fix a Fragmented System
How Robert Todd Hurst, M.D., is ushering in a new approach to patient-centered cardiology
It’s no secret that gaps and bureaucracy in the healthcare system are impacting the quality of care. Yet the issues have become so big and complex, few people are willing tackle to them head on. Board-certified cardiologist Robert Todd Hurst, M.D., FACC, FASE, is among the innovative providers who are choosing to chart a new path, putting patients first, exhibiting the highest … [More]
Work Different: 10 Truths for Winning in the People Age
This is an insightful and practical new guide to how sustainable people management works in today’s global economy, with guidance on how to transform the way an organization recruits, hires, upskills and retains its people. In Work Different: 10 Truths for Winning in the People Age, a team of business experts and workforce advisors give an incisive take on the staffing … [More]
Reconstructing DEI: A Practitioner’s Workbook
Author of the bestselling DEI Deconstructed returns with a companion workbook filled with practical and actionable techniques for changemakers at all stages of their DEI journey. Building on the knowledge base of DEI Deconstructed, Lily Zheng offers a workbook with 40 original exercises, worksheets and other tools to help guide leaders and their organizations toward more … [More]
The Human Behind the Coach: How great coaches transform themselves first
People may come away from a coaching session feeling it didn’t quite hit the mark despite their skills and knowledge. It’s not just the words we use; it’s the music, the lyrics and the dance of the conversation that make a difference to the quality of the outcome, and getting these right demands not just skill but humanity. This book explores the human qualities that great … [More]
Four ‘Unmet Needs’ That Cause Us to Procrastinate (and How to Kick-Start Yourself into Action)
Most leaders are all too familiar with procrastination and how it manifests. Instead of tackling that tedious spreadsheet, writing that shareholder report, or instigating that tough performance conversation, we stall by answering the easy emails, cleaning out desk drawers, or (worse) falling down a social media rabbit hole. A harmless habit? Not at all. Workforce management … [More]
How to Stop Corporate Naysaying and Make Progress on Causes That Matter
As a spirit of activism stirs in business leaders, so does a range of anxieties and objections. If you’re thinking like an activist, your eyes are on what needs to happen to create change. But this isn’t easy — and one of the reasons is that you’re in an organization where doing this hasn’t been the operational paradigm. Taking on a big societal issue can bring up real and … [More]
Nancy Kleitsch: Making an ICONic Evolution with Automation
My family business overcame the barriers to automation with Robotics-as-a-Service
Since its founding in 2001, family-owned ICON Injection Molding has grown organically from a little stall in Happy Valley, Arizona, to three facilities spanning more than 55,000 square feet. Being a custom molder means each job we take is unique and, whether a customer orders 1,000 parts or 100,000, we must be ready to react. Like most U.S. manufacturers, we’ve also faced … [More]
Valley Leadership Names Two Top Community Engagement Leaders Man & Woman of the Year
Angela Hughey and Brian Spicker will be Valley Leadership’s 74th Man & Woman of the Year. The two were selected because of their commitment to addressing Arizona’s most pressing issues, track record of community engagement and alignment with Valley Leadership’s Principles of Doing. “Angela and Brian have put decades of community-based service into Arizona over … [More]
What’s Behind Your Procrastination Habit? Four Unmet Needs That May Be Keeping You Stalled and Stuck
Most leaders are all too familiar with procrastination and how it manifests. Instead of tackling that tedious spreadsheet, writing that shareholder report, or instigating that tough performance conversation, we stall by answering the easy emails, cleaning out desk drawers, or (worse) falling down a social media rabbit hole. A harmless habit? Not at all. Workforce management … [More]
