Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? The first thing I would say is transparency. I never hold anything back unless I am requested to not speak on a matter that has not been strategically thought through. I am honest and expect honesty in return. It is important to stress … [More]
16 Top Leaders of 2024: Our List of Valley Leaders Who Are Making a Real Difference!
Each year, we select top leaders who have had great success over the preceding year. This year, we selected 19 leaders in varied established sectors within our business community. We asked hard-hitting questions of these leaders to get a sense of what they see for 2025. Each of them is truly entrenched in growing their companies and our economy, in developing policy, managing … [More]
2025 Interior Design Trends
The cultural effects of the last few years have been significant and have led to fresh perspectives on personal well-being and economic and environmental issues. By viewing design through a filter of cultural, social and economic shifts, we can identify trends that are temporary or evergreen, widespread or localized, and help navigate our clients to a solution that aligns with … [More]
Dave Brown, Valley Leadership
Lead the Way
Arizona continues to realize a strong economy and business growth (even leading the country in many strong sectors). This owes much to a collaborative business environment with agile and innovative leadership among business leaders. Increasingly, in fact, business sectors overlap and intertwine, requiring an ever-broader perspective from those at the helm of their … [More]
Dear Leaders: A Candid Note on Performative Empathy
And the value authentic commitment
In a recent Washington Post article, George F. Will wrote about the supposed downfall of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in corporate America. While I disagree with Will’s stance that ESG and DEI are bad for business, what struck me most was the lack of empathy in his message. It almost felt like he was celebrating this … [More]
Marino’s: Italian for Comfort
At Marino's, it’s all about the pasta. Well, it’s also all about the cheesy garlic bread, and the pizza, and the salads, and the … For a small restaurant, there’s a lot that it’s all about. Of course, it starts with the ambience — the comfortable welcome Marino’s offers guests as they walk through the courtyard patio and into the dining room. Open and airy, evoking al fresco … [More]
2025 BMW iX All-Electric SUV
Prolific power and instant torque: the iX is an electric trailblazer designed to deliver action-packed adventures and inspiring performance. The most aerodynamic SUV built by BMW, the iX slices out a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd. And with the battery module positioned for a low center of gravity, drivers are in for exceptional handling. This is a luxuriously crafted … [More]
Calendar Fun for a Serious Cause
Turning challenges into opportunities for growth
Local and special for this holiday season: Fast-casual chicken restaurant Birdcall has partnered with Stop Our Stigma to create a fun calendar featuring the Mesa Fire Department and Cooper the Chicken. “Given that Stop Our Stigma is a nonprofit committed to reducing the suicide rate among first responders in Arizona, they wanted to showcase the ‘human side’ of firefighters and … [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]
Surviving Organizational Change in a Turbulent World
Turning challenges into opportunities for growth
“Once a year, go someplace you have never been before.” —Dalai Lama If there is one thing that remains constant, it’s change! In today’s volatile global environment, businesses face the pressure to evolve and adapt quickly to survive. Political and economic fluctuations, technological advances, social change and environmental challenges create a turbulent landscape in which … [More]
The Future of Mixed-Use Communities in Phoenix
The 5 T’s are the new 5 C’s
For more than a century, Arizona’s economy has heavily relied on the 5 C’s: copper, climate, citrus, cattle and cotton. Even today, the 5 C’s serve as defining elements of Greater Phoenix’s cultural identity. But Arizona’s capital and its surrounding metropolitan area have experienced remarkable growth in recent years; as a metropolitan area, Phoenix is one of the fastest … [More]
Amazon’s Community Commitment: Bringing Holiday Joy to Phoenix Children’s
Toyland is holiday magic
Amazon’s impact reaches far beyond its massive logistics network, touching the lives of families and communities across the country. In Phoenix, Amazon's partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital exemplifies this commitment, bringing much-needed holiday cheer to families facing the challenge of hospital stays during the season. Each December, Phoenix Children’s Hospital … [More]
How Employers Are Harnessing AI’s Value while Reining in the Risks
Developing employee policies around its use is critical
Two years after the public debut of ChatGPT, the adoption of artificial intelligence by companies throughout North America continues apace. This increased use of AI in the corporate world has, in turn, spurred continuing conversations about AI’s utility and value in the workplace along with its potential risks. Littler recently conducted its “2024 AI C-Suite Survey Report,” … [More]
Employees’ Financial Future: A 401(k) Imperative
And their employers’ fiduciary responsibility
For many employers, managing a 401(k) plan has become another administrative task. Yet, as businesses seek to attract and retain top talent, the 401(k) plan holds untapped potential as a strategic tool for long-term workforce engagement and financial well-being. Unfortunately, employers are conducting fewer benchmarking audits of their retirement plans. Companies need these … [More]
AI Meets Physical Therapy: Intel and WebPT Drive The Future of Patient Care
At its annual Ascend Summit, WebPT announced it was teaming up with Intel® to transform in-clinic physical therapy with advanced AI solutions. The two companies worked together to bring Intel® RealSense™ PT Metrics to the market, arming rehab therapists with an intuitive AI copilot to help improve their efficacy and profitability. The technology includes AI-assisted, … [More]
3 Steps to Destroying Hard Drives
Businesses need to dispose of hard drives at some point. This requires business owners to prioritize compliance issues and data security upon destruction of devices. The days are gone when users can simply delete files from a computer or format a hard drive. Here are three ways businesses can destroy hard drives the correct way. Data-Wiping Software Before … [More]
The Future of Home Healthcare in Phoenix: Embracing Omnichannel Care
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and MD Home Health is staying ahead by embracing an omnichannel approach to care. Key factors motivated us to make this shift, ranging from the increasing demand for home-based healthcare due to a growing population of seniors aging in place to rising patient expectations. Patients are now healthcare consumers who seek more convenient, flexible … [More]
3 Tips for Keeping the Office Spic and Span
Maintaining a clean office is an important aspect of operations for all business owners. It creates a healthy environment for guests, clients and staff. While most cleaning crews focus on the major areas such as carpets, windows, bathrooms and countertops, many areas can go unnoticed. Ensuring these areas are not overlooked is critical in preventing the spread of infections; … [More]
