Telling stories of success. This is the esteemed purpose of this September edition of In Business Magazine in concert with our Women of Achievement luncheon next month. It’s an annual celebration shining a special spotlight on women using their leadership positions to make a difference in our community. While I look forward to a time when it will be not only unnecessary but … [More]
Workplace Culture & ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’
Denigrating those who stand out can hurt a business’s bottom line
Tall poppy syndrome is a cultural phenomenon that refers to the tendency of individuals to criticize and cut down successful people or businesses that stand out in their respective fields. It is a social phenomenon that can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line as well as the workplace communication and culture. Tall poppy syndrome often manifests as cutting … [More]
Saying Is Believing, and Other Reasons to Share
CEOs need to pay better attention to their coaching culture and how they set up their employees for success
Psychology professor Gail Matthews decided it was time to test some of the frequently repeated goal-achievement truisms. She found that yes, writing your goals down dramatically improves your odds of achieving them—it makes them 42 percent more likely to happen! But telling somebody about your goals—especially if it’s somebody whose opinion matters to you—and asking them to … [More]
Feedback: Sept. 2023
Q: As a previous year’s Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, so what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? Rachel Aja Director of Government Affairs Cox Communications Sector: Telecommunications For me, the most important … [More]
Brian Raab: Striking a Chord with the Tequila Industry
And bringing Tequila Corrido back to life
The ballad of Tequila Corrido began several years before local restaurateur Brian Raab took on a vital role in the company. Corridos, typically a traditional Mexican-style ballad that narrates an event, are all about storytelling. “Our product is meant to be shared, offering people a way to experience life together,” says Brian Raab, president and partner of Tequila … [More]
The Unlocked Leader
The most effective leaders are “human leaders: leading with empathy, vulnerability and authenticity.” But many still adhere to the outdated myth that leaders must be “superhero leaders: infallible, unflappable and fearless.” Tragically, their innate ability to inspire remains locked within, blunting their impact. In The Unlocked Leader, veteran executive leadership coach … [More]
ASBA Paves Way to Economic Empowerment with Launch of New Growing Opportunities Cohort
The burden of a criminal record makes securing employment and achieving economic security seemingly impossible due to stigma, criminal background checks, and occupational licensing restrictions. The Prison Policy Initiative reported the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals stands at approximately 27% in the U.S, surpassing even the total unemployment rate … [More]
No-Cost Professional Development Courses for Business Leaders and Their Teams Launches for Fall
Enterprise Bank & Trust has launched the fall semester of its business training series, Enterprise University. The courses help professionals think strategically, better their business and build community. Business professionals anywhere in the country can register for live, virtual classes at no cost to them. Participants can register for one course, or as many as they … [More]
Here’s How to Protect Your Reputation When You’ve Done Something Wrong
In our hyper-connected world, the shadows of our past actions can loom large. Whether you had a much-regretted moment of infidelity or were arrested for (or worse, charged with) a crime many years ago, trust us: the internet knows. Heck, even that speeding ticket you got as a teenager can be pulled up from the digital depths within seconds. And if you’re a company, your past … [More]
Christo Demetriades Manifests Power of Entrepreneurial Perseverance
South African immigrant tilled fertile soil in Scottsdale
Some people are born entrepreneurs. And if there ever was one who fits that description, it is Christo Demetriades. He has spent most of his life and certainly his career in business for himself. It’s been a life of risks and rewards, highs and lows, challenge and achievement. As Demetriades says, that’s par for the course. But Demetriades’s entrepreneurial life is anything … [More]
The Importance of Preparing the Next Generation for Leadership Roles
Why businesses need to look ahead
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. It is the one that gets people to do the greatest things.” —President Ronald Reagan In an era of rapid change and evolving business landscapes, it is imperative for organizations to invest in preparing the next generation for leadership roles. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes the long-term … [More]
Empowered Success: The Female Influence in Courtesy Auto’s Finance Department
An open letter from the all-female Courtesy Automotive Group finance director ‘Dream Team’
Automotive dealerships are dominated by nearly 80% men, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics from 2022, and yet the finance “Dream Team” at Phoenix-based Courtesy Automotive Group is a diverse team of five disparate females. We direct finance department operations across dealerships for a $1 billion dealership group. We believe our success has as much to do with being … [More]
Workday Microstressors Wearing You Down? Here’s How to Defuse Them
Do you typically come home from work feeling exhausted, depleted and demoralized? Have you ever wondered why? After all, it’s unlikely that anything went terribly wrong. When you look back over the day, you might recall a few minor headaches, some rapid-fire problem-solving and a handful of decisions made on the fly — in other words, just the wear and tear of daily business. So … [More]
Chaos Isn’t a Bad Thing (and Eight Other Truths Leaders Need to Know)
Twenty-first-century leaders are no strangers to chaos — and the last few years have underscored that truth. We ride nonstop waves of disruption and uncertainty in various forms: supply-chain upheavals, staff shortages, changing attitudes about work, wildly shifting workplace demographics and ever-evolving technology. And that’s not even counting the chaos that comes with the … [More]
Why Unconditional Love Is a Leader’s Number-One Job—and How to Start Practicing It Now
Leaders, you may have heard: Your job description has changed. It’s no longer enough to set goals, give assignments, provide feedback, and measure performance. Now, you also have to care…especially if you lead millennial and Gen Z employees. But how important is that, really? Very important, insists Gary Harpst—and this summer is the perfect time to start. “What caring … [More]
What Are Some Benefits of Executive Coaching?
When it comes to starting a business or leading an existing one those at the top are under a lot of stress to perform. Many business leaders turn to executive coaches to help them undertake the daily tasks of leading and growing a company. Executives are looking for help with leadership, dealing with change, stress and many other issues. This is where hiring an executive coach … [More]
How a Quick Assessment Can Propel Your Company’s Growth and Success
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is beyond important and crucial for long-term success. As a business owner or entrepreneur, you understand the importance of consistent improvement and growth. By performing a business analysis, you organize your strategy and strengthen your ability to achieve your overarching goals. There are many … [More]
How to Build Resilience Instead of Chasing Zero Errors
Wildland firefighters. Air traffic controllers. Flight deck crews of Navy aircraft carriers. Operators of nuclear power plants and the national bulk electric grid. These are among the safest and most reliable work teams in the world. And they don’t try to eliminate all errors and surprises. Decades of experience have shown that the crusade to eliminate every error is both … [More]
