You start by opening your mind to different circumstances, different inputs, different ways forward, different people around you, and different feedback based on your newfound mindset. Soon enough you’ll find yourself more open and curious, with a newfound ability to feel empathy, see problems in a new light, see new opportunities, pay attention to unforeseen … [More]
Innovative Bars Are Revolutionizing Dining Experiences
Trending: immersive, experiential dining
In an era when dining out is as much about the experience as the food, innovative bars are stepping up to deliver unforgettable moments. Consumers have a lasting shift toward an experiential mindset and, while they may not be spending less, they are becoming more intentional about their spending. In fact, according to recent research, 72% of diners want more experiential dining … [More]
How to Align Business Success with Sustainable Development Goals
Prioritizing sustainability in the investment and lending industry leads to long-term success
SDGs, or Sustainable Development Goals, are universal guidelines established by the UN that call on organizations to participate in a collaborative effort to address social, economic and environmental issues. Prioritizing SDGs creates socially responsible businesses and enables leaders to identify growth opportunities. When implementing SDGs, business leaders should choose … [More]
The Future Workforce: Revolutionizing Skill Development with AI
Forecasting needs and potential skill gaps
The fast pace of AI/ML evolution and other domains has created a new revolution across industries, which has never been seen before. The shift is not only showing up in how we work, but it is also forcing employees and companies to ask deep, profound questions. As the future of work becomes increasingly uncertain, individuals are confronted with a pivotal quandary: "Will the … [More]
Businesses: Combat Human Trafficking while Protecting User Privacy
Every company everywhere is at risk
Businesses today are grappling with a complex challenge: how to effectively combat human trafficking and exploitation on their platforms and in their supply chains while still respecting user privacy. It's a delicate balancing act, but one that more and more companies are taking on as they recognize the critical role they can play in this fight. Recent high-profile cases, … [More]
As the Next Seismic Social Media Shift Looms …
Here’s how to have a thriving digital presence
I remember the day millions of users — myself included — packed our former “Digital Town Square” bags and moved onto Threads. This exodus was largely spurred by X (formerly Twitter) changing hands to its present owner, Elon Musk, whose leadership meant much different, and at times volatile, content on the platform. (“Fewer People Using Elon Musk’s X as It Struggles to Keep … [More]
Building Successful Employee Training Programs
Four key components to establishing an effective training program
In a world that runs on change and innovation, companies must continuously adapt to meet the evolving needs of their communities. A local multifamily real estate development and management company, P.B. Bell, saw a need early on to provide its employees with a comprehensive continuing education program to keep up with the changing landscape of its industry. The company … [More]
Catering Company Succeeds with Environmental Consciousness
Atlasta Catering reframes hospitality to sustainable zero-waste
More than 30 years in the hospitality business in Arizona means Steve Short has seen and experienced a lot, including the global pandemic, micro recessions and the deep recession that began in 2008. Understanding that every business challenge creates its own opportunity, third-generation chef Short found an unlikely passion and pursuit in 2008 — sustainability. “In 2008, I … [More]
Protecting Whistleblowers Following SEC Rules Is Good for Business
To ensure corporate integrity and longevity, business leaders must use quality employee agreements in line with SEC guidelines on restrictive contracts
In recent months, the Securities Exchange Commission has dramatically expanded the enforcement of Rule 21F-17(a), which prohibits companies from impeding employees, contractors and clients from contacting the SEC and other government agencies about a possible securities law violation. The rule, included within the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations for the SEC Whistleblower … [More]
Corporate Volunteerism Elevates Workplace Culture
Align initiatives with company’s core values
Goodwill never goes out of fashion. Many employers and employees want to support those less fortunate but may not see how to find the time or opportunity to do so. As employers, prioritizing corporate volunteerism initiatives is something that can make an indelibly positive impact on workplace culture, including employee morale, engagement and social … [More]
Women Are Changing Jobs Left and Right to Access IVF Coverage
Family-building matters as an employee benefit
Businesses are talking about it. People are changing jobs, and even taking on second jobs, in order to access family-building coverage. Talent is looking for employers that offer benefits like IVF (invitro fertilization), egg freezing, adoption and surrogacy, and they are willing to change jobs to find it. The Costs of Offering Fertility Benefits to Workers One in six … [More]
Deaf Employees: Headaches or Eagle-Eyed Excellence?
The big issues are deeper than legal rights and workplace accommodation
While the first thought of employers on finding out their new employee or interview candidate is Deaf is usually one of alarm and apprehension, the reality is that many Deaf employees have unique talents to contribute. Our visual-spatial skills are markedly more acute than those of hearing people. Oliver Sachs describes this in his book Seeing Voices as being an extended range … [More]
Private Sector Addresses Arizona’s Homelessness Crisis: Arizona Housing Fund
A successful community is one where the population has access to housing at all socio-economic levels
Bank of America executive Howard Epstein established the Arizona Housing Fund in 2019 to provide a simple way for corporations, foundations and individuals to fund more permanent, supportive, and affordable housing. After decades of serving on nonprofit boards working to address the growing issue of homelessness, it was clear government could not do it alone. It would take an … [More]
How to Stop Corporate Naysaying and Make Progress on Causes That Matter
As a spirit of activism stirs in business leaders, so does a range of anxieties and objections. If you’re thinking like an activist, your eyes are on what needs to happen to create change. But this isn’t easy — and one of the reasons is that you’re in an organization where doing this hasn’t been the operational paradigm. Taking on a big societal issue can bring up real and … [More]
Silent Witness: Safer Communities, Safer Workplaces
Combatting vandalism and so much more
Silent Witness has been successfully solving crimes throughout the Valley since 1979. In addition to helping solve heinous felonies like murder, robberies and hit-and-runs, Silent Witness regularly assists in preventing and solving crimes that affect Arizona businesses through its corporate partnership program. One recent example of this is Silent Witness teaming up with … [More]
Empowered Success: The Female Influence in Courtesy Auto’s Finance Department
An open letter from the all-female Courtesy Automotive Group finance director ‘Dream Team’
Automotive dealerships are dominated by nearly 80% men, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics from 2022, and yet the finance “Dream Team” at Phoenix-based Courtesy Automotive Group is a diverse team of five disparate females. We direct finance department operations across dealerships for a $1 billion dealership group. We believe our success has as much to do with being … [More]
Moving from ‘Fine’ to ‘Well’ at Work
The roadmap to creating a practical wellness plan for the office
Work-life balance. It has been talked what feels like to death in recent years, especially as employees moved from in-person to virtual during the pandemic and are now back in-person full- or part-time. However, the risk factors that come into play when a healthy work-life balance is not maintained are shocking: unhealthy stress levels for prolonged periods of time. The … [More]
Balancing Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace
Tap into the strength of not thinking alike
In the modern workplace, cognitive diversity is highly valued. This refers to the differing styles, viewpoints and skillsets among individuals. Teams that are cognitively diverse can increase innovation, creativity and overall performance within the group. However, there still may be challenges when it comes to communicating effectively, managing conflict and overcoming … [More]
