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]
Podcast Launches Showcasing Stories Behind Inspiring Business Leaders
Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California (BBB) proudly announces the launch of Leadership Lowdown, a new podcast powered by BBB and leadership development firm U & Improved, dedicated to spotlighting the real stories behind today’s most inspiring local business leaders. Hosted by Jodi Low, CEO of U & Improved and 2025 Chairwoman of … [More]
Mastering the Ultimate Leadership Skill – Coaching
In today’s complex, fast-paced, multigenerational workplace, one leadership skill stands above the rest - coaching. In their new book Coaching Power, Tom Preston and Luciana Nunez, partners at the renowned executive coaching firm The Preston Associates, argue that a leader’s ability to coach—not just command—is the key to unlocking potential, navigating change, and supporting … [More]
Leadership and the Challenges of New Technology, Global Teams, and Hybrid Work
In an era where traditional leadership models are crumbling under the weight of technological change, remote work, and global competition, leaders need a new playbook. In the groundbreaking, Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption, author Mike Peterson delivers exactly that — combining powerful storytelling with battle-tested strategies for building resilient, high-performing … [More]
5 Ways to Improve Your Leadership and Embrace Introspection
Elevating your leadership skills is a powerful and crucial step in career advancement. However, outstanding leadership is not just about guiding others but also about using self-reflection and self-leadership to guide yourself. In the 2024 Harvard Business Global Leadership Development Study, a Senior Director at a Global Health Care Company says it succinctly, “The number … [More]
Arizona Leadership Firm Launches with Focus on Cause Marketing and Coaching
Jill Hawkins Johnson, a certified Dare to Lead™ facilitator and experienced cause marketing strategist announced the launch of JHJ Collective, a consulting firm specializing in "transitive good" – doing good for those who do good for others JHJ Collective offers comprehensive services in two key areas: cause-related marketing strategy and impactful leadership coaching based … [More]
Mastering the Ultimate Leadership Skill: Coaching
In today’s complex, fast-paced, multigenerational workplace, one leadership skill stands above the rest –coaching. In their new book Coaching Power, Tom Preston and Luciana Nunez, partners at the renowned executive coaching firm The Preston Associates, argue that a leader’s ability to coach—not just command—is the key to unlocking potential, navigating change, and supporting … [More]
It’s Not What You’re Thinking: Precision Problem Solving with No Hypothesis
It’s Not What You’re Thinking by Dr. Rick van Pelt addresses the deep-rooted crises in healthcare: escalating costs, persistent safety issues and the overwhelming burnout of caregivers. In this groundbreaking work, van Pelt introduces "Precision Problem Solving," a fresh, no-hypothesis approach that reveals how entrenched problem-solving methods have failed to transform the … [More]
The Steady Leader: Leadership Models That Bring Clarity to Chaos
Those who want to lead their team better need to learn first how to lead themselves. Those who want to lead their company well need to learn first how to lead their team. In the chaos of running a business, we can complicate what it means to lead. But at the end of the day, leadership really boils down to one clear tenet: taking care of people. It’s about teaching others how to … [More]
Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Key to Effective Leadership Success
“Leadership is not domination, but the art of persuading people to work toward a common goal.” —Daniel Goleman Emotional intelligence has become an essential component of effective leadership in today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environments. Leaders who possess a high degree of emotional intelligence are better equipped to understand, manage and influence their emotions … [More]
Bold New Strategies for Empowering Women in Leadership, Urgent Call for Change
Organizations must transform to meet the increasingly complicated demands of today’s business climate, observes Duygu Alptekin Gürsu, a world-renowned executive coach with nearly three decades of experience. Competencies such as empathy, collaboration and development of others (at which women naturally thrive) are desperately needed in high-level leadership positions, and yet, … [More]
4 Ways Successful Leaders Give a Boost to Employee Morale
Only 23% of employees are engaged at work, with up to 15% actively disengaged. This low engagement is even worse for younger generations, and results in an estimated $8.9 trillion loss in global GDP every year. What are some of the ways top organizational leaders are able to increase staff engagement and up employee morale? Dr. Sam Adeyemi, internationally-renowned executive … [More]
10 Rules for Brainstorming Success
The secrets of visionary thinkers
At various times, the popular press raises the idea that group brainstorming isn’t effective at generating creative solutions. That assertion is erroneous, for a variety of reasons. Groups can — and do — successfully brainstorm creative and useful solutions. But research does show that effective brainstorming requires adherence to some specific guidelines. If it’s done … [More]
The BBB Shares 5 Key Strategies for Rising Above Your Competition
In today’s competitive market, setting your business apart is essential. To attract and retain customers, highlighting your unique value will help you stand out from the competition. A strong brand starts with a clear mission, core values, and a commitment to superior customer experience. Adaptability and consistency are key to building trust and long-term loyalty. Beyond … [More]
Why You Should Toss Your Traditional Vision Statement and Dig Deeper
All too often, traditional vision statements fall short due to vagueness, misalignment with values, or lack of communication. Unsurprisingly, the effectiveness of traditional vision statements is undermined by several common pitfalls: Lack of Specificity: Generic visions fail to provide actionable clarity, leaving employees disconnected from the broader organizational … [More]
Trust, Transformation and Thinking Patterns
How leaders can reshape company culture
In times of upheaval, the success of a business often hinges on its ability to adapt — and adaptation begins with trust. Trust fuels the conversations that create alignment, encourage inclusivity and inspire change. But trust, especially in teams grappling with complex challenges, doesn’t just happen. It must be built deliberately through shared understanding, transparent … [More]
Resilience – Core of Innovation
Identify and foster fundamental traits of innovation
The purpose of this column is twofold: to expand leaders’ awareness of the exponential impact that individual resilience has on organizational success, and to elevate its consideration as a highly prudent strategy for long-term organizational sustainability in times of tumultuous change. Today’s topic is the impact of individual resilience on innovation. Innovation is … [More]
Unlock Organizational Agility and Value Creation
Leveraging temporary project managers and redefining project delivery value
Executives today are challenged to think creatively about how they invest in people, processes and technology. In a business landscape driven by rapid innovation, fluctuating demands and the constant need to remain competitive, successful project delivery has become more critical than ever. To meet these demands there must be a better way, and that’s the rise of the “as a … [More]
