Ready to Grow? 7 In-Demand Skills to Take Your Business or Career to the Next Level

by Edgar R. Olivo

As we watch the cycles of the economy react to a new world under duress with a new breath of hope of a new administration, many professionals are seeking ways to stay competitive in the workplace. Investing in your own skill set will always be one of the best investments you can make in a time of rapid global change. But what skills are in demand? What skills can actually help … [More]

Balancing Act: Creating Your Work-From-Home Policy in the COVID-19 Era

by Laura Dribin

Those who have worked from home for years would likely consider the current “COVID-19 work-from-home” routine as quite different from their previous version. Working from home pre-COVID still allowed the flexibility of going to the office for some face-to-face meetings, or, if nothing else, allowed workers to turn off their computer at the end of the day and shut down. Fast … [More]

How to Be a Hands-On Leader in Social Distancing Times 

by Joel Patterson

There are plenty of suggestions out there about how to best lead a company, but have you ever been told that an uninvolved, uninterested, hands-off leadership strategy is the way to go? Probably not. Being a hands-on leader is more important than ever these days, as many teams are working remote. The more a leader separates him or herself from the rest of the company, the … [More]

Arizona Foundation for Women Announces SHE Leads!, New Local Women’s Leadership Program

Arizona Foundation for Women

Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW), a not-for-profit agency that advocates for Arizona women’s causes, is today launching  SHE Leads!, a women’s-centric leadership program dedicated to advancing Arizona’s women. Women interested in honing their personal, professional and organizational leadership skills by taking part in this inaugural program are encouraged to apply between … [More]

Have You Heard of Verbal Judo?

by Edgar R. Olivo

Have you ever found yourself frustrated when trying to communicate something, but are unable to clearly state what you mean? Whether it is at work, with a loved one or someone else, communicating sometimes can go wrong. Imagine using your words to defuse situations, create solutions, and make others feel heard. Now, imagine using your words to create the opposite effect. Do you … [More]

Feeling Lost during COVID-19? 7 Questions to Uncover Your Purpose & Gain Direction

by Edgar R. Olivo

In some business environments, discussing mental wellness and how COVID-19 has made us all feel all kinds of things such as uncertainty, frustration, fear and stress is starting to be less taboo. Yet, even in turbulent times, professionals are expected to know exactly what their purpose is at all times to feel important or risk losing face. This causes an unnecessary burden of … [More]

Get Out of Your Head. How Small Business Owners Can Overcome Fear during COVID-19

by Edgar R. Olivo

Fear plays a major role in our psychology; it helps us avoid danger and keeps us safe. However, it is also one of the major factors that can hold us back from moving forward. Add to the fire the uncertainties of a pandemic and fear can become compounded with more anxiety. How does fear hold a small business owner back? It can stop you from making an important change and … [More]

Leadership & Achievement: Honoring Our Women Leaders

by RaeAnne Marsh

In spite of the fact that study after study concludes that businesses with women in the C-suites do better than those without, we are still on the road to universal parity. And in spite of proven achievement, women are, in many ways, still pioneering. Toward an end when, someday, women will not be singled out as a separate population, In Business Magazine celebrates the success … [More]

Sharon Harper

"Plaza Companies is a connecting influence in business, civic leadership and philanthropy while always working honorably and with integrity."As CEO, chairman and co-founder of Plaza Companies, Sharon Harper oversees all facets of company operations, including ownership, development, leasing or management of nearly 13 million square feet of Arizona projects, medical healthcare … [More]

Laura Capello

"If I can do it, anyone can do it. Just believe in yourself and never stop learning."Growing up, I was always fascinated with animals and spent hours watching “Wild Kingdom.” My dream was that someday I would be able work with animals myself. I even filled several spiral notebooks with notes from everything I learned. My best thoughts came out when I wrote them down. I really … [More]

Cara M. Christ, M.D.

"I hope passionate individuals see opportunity in public service — in my case, starting as a front-line epidemiologist and now leading this dedicated, inspiring team."As director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, Cara Christ, M.D., M.S., leads a dynamic team responsible for leading Arizona’s public health system, which includes responding to disease outbreaks, … [More]

Sherri Collins

"I am spreading the message to the Arizona community and to society in general what life is like when you’re deaf; my goal is that every child who is hard of hearing, deaf or deafblind has full access to language and the opportunity to lead a successful life."Sherri Collins is the executive director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, a position she … [More]

Lisa Dancsok

"I am passionate about the work, I push for perfection, and I value every team member I am privileged to work with."Lisa Dancsok was named the chief brand and impact officer for the Arizona Community Foundation in May 2017. She moved from Michigan to Arizona for her dream job. This position enables her to work for a statewide community foundation where she leads ACF’s strategic … [More]

Frances J. Ducar, FNP-C

"Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. I strive to be a mentor for all HCS team members and provide exceptional healthcare for my patients to assist them to live a life of optimal health — building relationships with trust, honesty and integrity!"Frances Ducar is the founder and president of Healthcare Solutions … [More]

Sybil Francis, Ph.D.

"Leave the world better than you found it, don’t accept the status quo, open your mind to new thinking and new ways of doing what you once thought impossible or too bold to imagine."Sybil Francis, Ph.D., was part of the founding team of the Center for the Future of Arizona and was appointed president and CEO in 2018. Dr. Francis brings her passion for creating positive change, … [More]

Rachel Frazier Johnson

"I believe my passion, courage and tenacity coupled with my desire to help those in our community who have been marginalized have been an inspiration for others. "Rachel Frazier Johnson is an accomplished attorney, a formidable pro tem judge and a successful business owner. Her private law practice, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law, was established in 2013 is still serving the … [More]

Angela Hughey

"I have a clear vision that is inviting and engaging and starts with meeting people where they are at and valuing each individual’s contributions to our collective goal. "Angela Hughey is the co-founder and president of ONE Community and ONE Community Foundation. Founded in 2008, ONE Community is the coalition of socially responsible businesses and organizations moving … [More]

Chevy Humphrey

"I work for others to make things a little better every day for my community, for the organizations I serve and for the people I come in contact with."Chevy Humphrey is the first Black American to lead a science center in the United States. Since 2005, Humphrey has been president and CEO of Arizona Science Center. While there, Humphrey has created a strong, well-run nonprofit … [More]