You inspire people — whether you know it or not. You empower people, sometimes even if you’re not trying to. You guide people — whether you want to or not. What is your definition of “leader?” Before you go any further, let’s see if you’re singing in harmony. If not — there’s no point in pursuing this venture any further. Here’s the definition adopted for this article. … [More]
Understanding the Three V’s of Business Leadership: Vision, Variety and Vitality
As a leader, understanding your own leadership style is essential for success in your business. To stay relevant, innovate and grow your business, as a leader, it takes dedication to self-reflection, analyzing your Whys, looking at your own competencies and all the ways you are adaptable for sustaining your particular type of work. A powerful way to self-reflect is through the … [More]
Engagement and Belonging: Creating a Workplace Conducive to Success
Fundamental to driving sustained growth and innovation
“By focusing on culture, empowerment, benefits, communication, recognition, development, diversity, social responsibility, and fun, Warby Parker ensures its employees are engaged, motivated, and aligned with the company’s mission.” —Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, co-CEOs at Warby Parker In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, workplace engagement and a … [More]
Dillan Knudson: Amplifying Arizona’s Economy through Commercial Banking
Helping businesses with his team of experienced bankers and subject matter experts at Western Alliance Bank
It’s no secret the fast-paced world of banking is fraught with challenges. Whether it’s unwieldy interest rates today or a global health crisis tomorrow, each day brings a new obstacle to overcome — often with high stakes. But for Dillan Knudson, Western Alliance Bank’s new head of commercial banking in Arizona, these obstacles are opportunities. He sees each challenge as a … [More]
Arizona Center for Civic Leadership Announces Its 2024 Flinn-Brown Fellows
Flinn Foundation program selects 28 Arizona civic leaders
The Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation’s leadership program—dedicated to state-level policy and politics and forging professional connections—has selected 28 Arizonans as 2024 Flinn-Brown Fellows. The 16th cohort of the nonpartisan Flinn-Brown Fellowship includes leaders from the private and public sector, elected officials, founders of nonprofit … [More]
Greater Phoenix Leadership Elects New Board Roster
Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL), Arizona's premier CEO business advocacy organization announced newly elected officers and board members. Ken Van Winkle, Managing Partner at Lewis Roca, has been elected Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL) for 2024-2026. Van Winkle joined GPL in 2009 and previously served as pro bono legal counsel, Arts and Culture Task Force Co-chair, … [More]
If You’re Doing (or NOT Doing) These 10 Things, You’re on the Verge of Small Biz Burnout
Being an entrepreneur is stressful, but small business “fixer” Julie Bee says testing the limits of your bandwidth has real consequences. She shares ten warning signs that burnout looms ahead.
You knew it from the beginning: Being an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. Hard work, hustle, and the occasional all-nighter come with the territory. But if “up to your eyeballs” has become your everyday reality, small business fixer Julie Bee says you’re headed for trouble. That way lies lower performance, poor decision-making, health issues (or health emergencies!), … [More]
How the Small Business Boot Camp Bolsters Arizona’s Small Business Community
Over 17,400 entrepreneurs statewide have attended the Small Business Boot Camp since 2020
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Small Business Boot Camp, an award-winning program that connects entrepreneurs and small business leaders with local experts who provide support, guidance and resources through free weekly, educational webinars. Launched on April 27, 2020 as a planned six-week pandemic-related resource, the Small … [More]
The Burnout Battle: Why Leaders Must Lead the Charge
Close the burnout gap to improve well-being and productivity
Burnout is impacting every industry, company and role. There are no exceptions. Leaders often find themselves in the trenches, navigating through the chaos and driving their teams toward success. However, amidst the pursuit of goals and objectives, there's a lurking enemy that can undermine all efforts: burnout. In the burnout battle, we often find the great … [More]
Steve Purves: Expanding Access to Healthcare throughout the Valley
And leading by empowering others
When Steve Purves joined Valleywise Health in 2013 as president and CEO, the organization was in dire financial straits. It was the region’s only public teaching hospital and primary safety net system of care, so it was imperative that Purves got Valleywise Health back in the black. And fast. Over the ensuing years, Purves orchestrated a $170-million financial turnaround at … [More]
A Leader’s Destiny: Why Psychology, Personality, and Character Make All the Difference
Elias Aboujaoude’s distinctive exploration of leadership provides unusual insight into understanding who should and should not be striving for leadership positions. Dr Aboujaoude takes on the culture at large, explaining how our cult-like obsession with leadership gives narcissists an edge and results in leadership failure everywhere we look — and how resisting the imperative … [More]
Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader
Dr. Yasmin Davidds has spent most of her professional life empowering women leaders. In this new book, the award-winning entrepreneur, psychologist, speaker and author continues her lifelong mission, offering helpful tools and strategies to people of all backgrounds who are looking to transform the way they communicate in the workplace. Breaking down what she refers to as a … [More]
To the Point: One Effortless Practice That Will Make You a Better Leader
It is shirt but sweet. Listening is a vital skill for every leader. If you want to effectively guide an organization, you need to know the dreams, fears, and frustrations of your stakeholders. You must also be willing to hear the pitfalls to your proposed approach. Unfortunately, listening does not come naturally to most of us. We would much rather hear ourselves talk than … [More]
5 Action Steps to Get Peak Performance from Employees
People perform at their best when, and only when, they know their leaders care, their work has meaning, and they have the chance to learn, grow, and develop. You’ve got to inspire them, empower them and guide them. Let's focus on the first discipline in this process and particularly on five action steps to inspire people to do their best. A discipline is defined as “the … [More]
Let’s Make Layoffs Rare Again
The Long-Term Costs of Mass Job Cuts … and How to Avoid Them
The layoff news just keeps on coming. Many of the job cuts being reported are in the tech sector, but the hatchet is also hitting industries from air travel to healthcare to music. Nobody loves mass layoffs, but their increasing frequency seems to imply an alarming level of acceptability. This is a symptom of a bigger problem — the tendency of today’s corporate leaders to make … [More]
Nurturing Leadership: Strategies for Building Leaders within Your Organization
"Great leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders." —Tom Peters Within the bustling corridors of modern organizations, the cultivation of effective leadership isn't just desirable — it's imperative. Great leaders aren't born; they are crafted through deliberate efforts and strategies. As the heartbeat of an organization, leaders guide teams, inspire innovation … [More]
Strong Culture of Philanthropy = Financial Success
Nonprofits with strong giving cultures are more likely to succeed
You know you have a strong culture of philanthropy when the athletic director says his top priority is funding the science building. Or when local CEOs who have never given to your nonprofit step up to contribute multiple transformational gifts in succession. It’s what happened to Lori Redfearn, California State’s former assistant vice chancellor for systemwide advancement, … [More]
A Pause Is Not a Failure: Seven Ways for Business Owners to Dial Back the Franticness
Most entrepreneurs live for new opportunities. Problem is, when you’re focused on growth, it’s easy to say yes to more than your business can handle. Sure, you can juggle it all for a while, but eventually the stress catches up to you. Your attention is spread over too many clients, and no one gets the service they deserve. Plus, employee coaching and development get the … [More]
