In recent months, there has been increasing concern among commercial real estate professionals with the potential impact of new tariffs. These tariffs, introduced as part of broader trade policies, have affected various industries, with commercial real estate being no exception. From construction costs to property values, these tariffs are resonating across the CRE sector, … [More]
Unlocking Potential: The Business of Autism Education and the Neurodiverse Workforce
There is both a noble mission and a viable market in helping neurodivergent students thrive
In a quiet Phoenix campus, every single graduate is headed to college. This isn’t a typical preparatory academy, but Gateway Academy — a private school exclusively serving students with high-functioning autism. Its 100% post-secondary placement rate is no accident. As autism diagnoses rise and more neurodiverse youth come of age, Gateway’s success highlights a burgeoning … [More]
The ROI of Employee Engagement
Investing in well-being, development and recognition can drive business success
Employee engagement is often viewed as a feel-good initiative, but its impact on business success is undeniable. Companies that invest in engagement strategies see improvements in productivity, profitability and retention. However, many organizations struggle to measure the financial impact of these efforts, leading them to deprioritize engagement initiatives. A Four-Point … [More]
Guiding Principles: The Blueprint for Enduring Business Success
They articulate ‘Who are we; why do we exist; and how do we intend to create value over the long haul?’
Senior leaders understand that building an enterprise isn’t just about navigating market trends or chasing the next big idea — it’s about establishing a foundation that lasts. In decades of working with companies striving to stand out in competitive markets, one truth has consistently emerged: Strong guiding principles are the cornerstone of lasting success. Consider the … [More]
Employers’ Guide to Hiring Veterans
Resources, hiring & retaining
Veterans can be some of the best workers a company could have. They tend to prize attention to detail; they understand the importance of following the rules; and they know how to persist, even when the going gets tough. Despite these advantages, veterans often have a hard time finding employment that suits their skills and experience. Fortunately, employers can improve these … [More]
The Truth about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
DEI Is Not about Replacing Merit – It’s about Revealing It
When people talk about dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs, they often argue that these initiatives prioritize identity over merit. That’s the story we’ve been told: that DEI lowers the bar, forces hiring quotas, and takes opportunities away from people who “deserve” them. Let me tell you the truth: I have lived the impact of what we now call DEI firsthand, … [More]
Go Home, Go Home, Go Home – Now Let’s Make ‘Come Back’ Work
If this title feels like a lyric from a confusing song, that’s because the message has been just as mixed. For years, it was all “Go home, stay remote, stay safe” — a chorus sung on repeat. Now, the tune has flipped to “Come back, come back, come back,” and employees are understandably out of sync with the new rhythm. Some are ready to march back to the office, happy to … [More]
The Importance of Balancing Creativity and Data in Marketing Efforts
Finding the sweet spot between innovation and metrics-based strategy
In today’s fast-paced, competitive landscape, marketers often find themselves at the crossroads of creativity and data. On one hand, creativity is the cornerstone of a compelling brand story — fueling innovation, differentiation, and emotional resonance with audiences. On the other hand, data-driven insights provide the structure, precision and accountability necessary to … [More]
Energizing Arizona Businesses
SRP’s Business Demand Response Program helps prevent power outages during the busiest time of year and lowers operating costs for Arizona businesses
There is a reason the saying “When one of us wins, we all win” has withstood the test of time. In most cases it’s true, and Salt River Project’s Business Demand Response Program was designed with this adage in mind. This initiative endeavors to simultaneously prevent power outages during the busiest time of year and lower operating costs for Arizona businesses. The result of … [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]
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]
The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets
What business owners need to know
AI and digital assets are undergoing rapid transformation, with significant changes expected under the new administration. With the appointment of David Sacks as the new AI and Crypto Czar and the resignation of Gary Gensler from the Securities and Exchange Commission, these developments signal a shift in how the federal government plans to regulate and support these … [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]
The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets
What business owners need to know
AI and digital assets are undergoing rapid transformation, with significant changes expected under the new administration. With the appointment of David Sacks as the new AI and Crypto Czar and the resignation of Gary Gensler from the Securities and Exchange Commission, these developments signal a shift in how the federal government plans to regulate and support these … [More]
SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings
Booming development throughout Phoenix makes having a partnership that encourages sustainability and lowering costs a major advantage for construction companies. Knowing this, Salt River Project created the New Construction Solutions Program to ensure project teams have the support needed to complete energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Ryan Companies … [More]
How AI Can Help Future-proof the Workforce
The true potential of AI lies in its capacity to empower and uplift the workforce
Businesses often leverage technology to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. This can come in many forms, from market expansion to new business models to new solutions for growth in order to capture additional or more profitable market share. With a growth focus, it can be easy to overlook or underestimate the effort required to ensure their workforce is prepared to help … [More]
Why Hiring a Translator Is Important
Bilingual marketing fights misinformation and cultural insensitivity
In today’s modern global economy, effective communication is paramount. For companies looking to reach a diverse audience, especially within the Latino community, employing a professional translator for marketing materials is crucial. Too many companies have become heavily reliant on Google Translate, which can embarrass a brand or organization when marketing collateral is sent … [More]
Buying or Selling a Business? Look Out for Employee Benefits Issues!
There could be unexpected impacts on liabilities and more
When a company is bought, sold, merged or reorganized, unexpected employee benefits issues may surface that can significantly affect the structure of the deal, liabilities and future benefit plan design for the surviving entity and its employees. Those buying, selling or merging businesses should consider the following situations in the early stages of exploring potential … [More]