Q: How do you foster a workplace culture of employee engagement such that everyone’s voice and concerns are heard in a real and practical way? Jolean Fleck SVP of People & Organizational Development Delta Dental of Arizona Sector: Healthcare We are intentional about fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is valued, concerns are addressed and collaboration … [More]
Feedback: May 2025
Q: What changes have you made in office space usage in the past few years? Veronique James Founder & CEO The James Agency Sector: Public Relations Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand how intentional office design directly impacts team connection, collaboration and productivity. In response, we expanded The James Agency’s office footprint to create a more … [More]
Feedback: April 2025
Q: In-office? Remote? Hybrid? What policy works best for your business and your workforce? Jodi Amendola President & Co-Founder Amendola, part of Supreme Group Sector: Public Relations Amendola has always been a largely virtual company since its founding 21 years ago. When the pandemic forced companies to go virtual, I embraced the shift, even selling our headquarters … [More]
Feedback: March 2025
Q: How does employee involvement in your company’s philanthropic activities impact their engagement at work? Kamal Charef General Manager Avondale Toyota Sector: Automobile Dealer Avondale Toyota fosters a culture of community engagement, empowering employees to both recommend and participate in meaningful philanthropic initiatives. Since 2005, giving back has been a core … [More]
Feedback: February 2025
Q: What has been an effective team-building experience for your company? Andrea Aker CEO Aker Ink PR & Marketing Sector: Marketing We host a quarterly volunteer event for the entire team. Not only do we consider it a responsibility to give back to the community, but we always find these efforts strengthen our personal bonds and teamwork capabilities. This is … [More]
Feedback: January 2025
Q: What AI application(s) have you adopted into your business operations over the past year? What are some of its benefits and/or what are some challenges you encountered? Dr. Tricia Loscher Chief Curator Desert Caballeros Western Museum Sector: Arts & Culture I have utilized tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly.com as a museum curator and author for my professional … [More]
Feedback: December 2024
Q: What economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2025? Randy Grudzinski Partner & Head of Capital Markets Empire Group of Companies Sector: Commercial Real Estate When it comes to new homebuyers, end of year 2025 30-year mortgage-rate expectations from the leading groups in this field really don’t signal that much relief is on the way. The Mortgage … [More]
Feedback: November 2024
Q: How important is Arts & Culture in your economic development plans? Wendy Bridges, AZED Pro Economic Development Director City of Goodyear Economic Development Sector: Municipal Government Arts and culture are essential to economic development plans, shaping a community’s identity and enhancing its appeal to residents, visitors and businesses. Investment in … [More]
Feedback: Oct 2024
Q: What is the most important aspect of the healthcare benefits you offer your employees? Sarah Banning, CBP Global Benefits Administrator Plexus Worldwide Sector: Wellness Products I would say the most important aspect at Plexus Worldwide, LLC is affordability. We offer a high-deductible medical plan that is no cost to employees, plus we contribute $1,000 annually to … [More]
Feedback: September 2024
Q: As a 2023 Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, not to mention that the idea of women in top leadership positions is especially timely right now. So, what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? Mary Martuscelli Regional … [More]
Feedback: August 2024
Q: What are some considerations in planning a seasonal menu while also making it work within a business-day lunch schedule? Mike Archer Chief Executive Officer Lou Malnati’s Pizzerias Sector: Restaurants When planning a seasonal menu or a limited-time-offer item, there are several key considerations to ensure it fits seamlessly into a business-day lunch schedule. We … [More]
Feedback: July 2024
Q: What programs do you have to encourage volunteerism among your employees, and why? Laurel Lewis, SIOR Managing Director NAI Horizon Sector: Commercial Real Estate NAI Horizon has a rich history of philanthropy and volunteering that aligns with the firm’s values. Team members are inspired by the energy of giving and volunteering at NAI Horizon. This year, we took a … [More]
Feedback: June 2024
Q: What design or amenities of your physical workplace have you found to be most important in creating a positive company culture? Angela Gillespie Chief Executive Officer Gawley Companies Sector: Healthcare As a global chief operating officer of a multi-national company pre-COVID, my entire focus in physical workspace revolved around squeezing as many people into a … [More]
Feedback: May 2024
Q: For your type of business, what are the most important physical attributes of your workplace, and why? Chloe Conklin Manager of Community Programs Optum – Arizona Sector: Healthcare The physical space at our six, Valley-wide Optum Community Centers is intentionally designed for our 55+ community members to enjoy at no cost, heightening their physical activity and … [More]
Feedback – April 2024
Q: What have your employees told you are their most important healthcare benefits? Katherine Bastow, SPHR/SCP Vice President of People Operations REDW Advisors & CPAs Sector: Financial Services Though they do not always use the term itself, the overwhelming feedback we’ve received both in our recruiting and retention efforts is focused on whole-person health, both … [More]
Feedback: March 2024
Q: In terms of succession planning for leadership positions (top-level and/or mid-level) in your company, how are you developing a leadership pipeline within your company? Elizabeth Hale Chief Executive Officer eeCPA Sector: Financial It’s no secret that the accounting market is highly competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining quality senior talent. As the … [More]
Feedback: February 2024
Q: Trust has emerged as a cornerstone of business success, but social media can make maintaining it a challenge. What is an example of trust making a difference for your company, either internally or publicly? Andrea Aker CEO Aker Ink PR & Marketing Sector: Public Relations & Marketing Trust is imperative to client acquisition and retention in any professional … [More]
Feedback: January 2024
Q: What would make good collaboration for your organization with a for-profit business? Becky Bell Ballard Chief Executive Officer Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children Sector: Nonprofit Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children, a local nonprofit organization, seeks collaborations with businesses on all fronts. Our mission is to eliminate barriers to … [More]
