We are living and leading in tumultuous and vulnerable times. I need only to turn on the news, open my email or tune in to my next Zoom meeting to be faced with a new challenge or crisis. As a leader, I find my core values tested daily. It can be exhausting to show up both bravely and authentically. I’ve learned that the most critical asset of brave, courageous and authentic … [More]
Tackling Overload
The last few months have likely been crazy for you and your employees. But many professionals and managers were feeling exhausted and burned out even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overload is the sense that there is too much asked of you and your team, given limited resources. This is a classic definition of stress: too many demands, coupled with too few resources (such as time … [More]
Humanocracy
In a world of unrelenting change and unprecedented challenges, we need organizations that are resilient and daring. Unfortunately, most organizations, overburdened by bureaucracy, are sluggish and timid. In the age of upheaval, top-down power structures and rule-choked management systems are a liability. They crush creativity and stifle initiative. As leaders, employees, … [More]
Edgar Olivo: Advocating for the Hispanic Business Community
An award-winning bilingual business communication expert, Edgar Rafael Olivo founded Compass CBS in 2011 as a computer and business school to provide services on workforce initiatives. “This was at a time many people were trying to get back on their feet after the 2008 recession. We did great work supporting veterans find employment through our partnership with the City of … [More]
Feedback: August 2020
Question: The COVID-19 pandemic has upended business-as-usual. How have you pivoted your business to meet the challenges and changed marketplace? Brad Brigham President Risk Assessment Group Sector: Human Resources Risk Assessment Group primarily serves Human Resources professionals who work directly with employees. We’ve always looked for ways to offer value to our … [More]
Coronavirus: Leadership and Recovery
Lead through the crisis and prepare for recovery. As the COVID-19 pandemic is exacting its toll on the global economy, forward-looking organizations are moving past crisis management and positioning themselves to leap ahead when the worst is over. What should organizations be doing now to address today’s unprecedented challenges while laying the foundation needed to emerge … [More]
Armored Leadership vs Daring Leadership
Leadership is about risk. For me, it began when I took a giant first step into the business ownership arena, full of hopes and dreams with no real idea what I was actually in for. How I faced the risks and challenges in the arena was what mattered. Getting up when I fell, dusting myself off and taking what I learned right back into the arena the following day. Dr. Brené … [More]
Business Will Need a Hand
As a chamber of commerce with a broad and diverse membership base, we’ve seen the full range of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Greater Phoenix region’s businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations. For us, we’ve completely shifted our operations from emphasizing connections at events and programs to virtual offerings that still serve our members while … [More]
Connection in the Workplace: It’s Worth the Risk
“Leaders must either invest in a reasonable amount of time attending to fears and feelings or squander an unreasonable amount of time trying to manage ineffective and unproductive behavior.” —Brené Brown Whether it’s private sector or nonprofit, in communities, schools or government, we are hungry for courageous, empathetic leaders. We want to show up, learn and be inspired by … [More]
Lectric eBike Founders Pedal Their Way through Challenges
Lectric eBikes founders Levi Conlow and Robby Deziel, both 24, met in in middle school playing video games. Fast forward 12 years: Their electric bike company is barely a year old and already has more than 12,000 purchases, earning ElectricBikeReview.com’s Top Choice Award for Best Folding Electric Fat Tire Bike of 2020. The company is expected to hit more than $13 million … [More]
Three Tips for Transforming a Company and Surviving an Uncertain Time
The COVID-19 pandemic stopped the business world in its tracks. As companies slowly open again, change is imminent for many. But “change” in this new normal could be insufficient for business survival. Transformation — the execution of several integrated change initiatives — goes further. The goal with a transformation is to make changes to processes, people and systems that … [More]
