Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? Leadership is a privilege, but I think it is also a calling. I take this very seriously because I know that an effective leader can have a profound impact on so many lives. I love the adage, “The speed of the leader determines the rate of the … [More]
James Goodnow
Chief Executive Officer Fennemore
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? At Fennemore, leadership is a team sport. The firm’s structure is built around collaboration, and I’ve always believed the best results come when smart, driven teams work toward a shared goal. A great example of this philosophy is our C-Suite … [More]
Christine Mackay
President and Chief Executive Officer Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? I work to lead with direction, perseverance and partnership. You build strong organizations when the team has a clear focus and the room to run. I set high expectations, but I lead by example and work alongside the team. I will never ask … [More]
Sheryl Palmer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Morrison
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? For me, it always comes down to people first and building strong relationships with others. While I bring my own personal experiences and knowledge to the table as a leader, it’s even more important to surround myself with team members from a … [More]
Steve Purves
President and Chief Executive Officer Valleywise Health
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? Unity of purpose is critical, marching in lock step is critical, and having a passion for serving others is what should drive us as a team. Our employees and the community will notice this — and it will be positive. The reinvention of … [More]
Brandon Rafi
Founder Rafi Law Group
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My approach to leadership has always been about service. I believe real leadership means putting people first and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. When I founded Rafi Law Group, my goal was to build a place … [More]
Denise Resnik
Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer First Place AZ
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style recognizes the value of constellations among stars and is fueled by building both. Stellar leaders are drawn to big ideas and even bigger visions — and I work to empower people who believe in each other and in what we're … [More]
Paul Rivers
Chief Innovation Officer Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? My leadership style starts with genuine care — care for the mission, care for the work and, most importantly, care for the people who make it all happen. When that foundation is real, everything else becomes possible. From there, leadership … [More]
Anthony Sharett
President Pathward Financial, Inc.
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? Fortunately, colleagues at Pathward have supported my leadership style, which, I hope, is a combination of being empowering and inclusive. Pathward has evolved from a series of separate businesses and channels into a connected enterprise over … [More]
Rick Smith
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Axon
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? When you’ve been part of something since the very beginning, you carry a deep sense of responsibility — not just to the company but to the mission that started it all. At Axon, that mission is protecting life. I spend most of my time focused … [More]
Mark Stebbings
Chief Executive Officer National Bank of Arizona
Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers? As a leader, I focus on establishing a clear strategic direction and aligning my team around our shared goals. I believe that when everyone understands not only what we are working toward but also why it matters, we can achieve remarkable … [More]
16 Top Leaders 2025: Our list of Valley leaders who are making a real difference!
At the close of each year, we spotlight top leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact over the past year. This time, we’re profiling 16 leaders across key sectors of our business community. We asked them direct, forward-looking questions to understand what they see ahead for 2026. Each is deeply engaged in growing their organization and our regional economy — shaping … [More]
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire an Accountant?
Editor’s note: The following is a verbatim excerpt from ASBA’s “Forge Ahead: Building an Accounting System for Your Business.” Hiring Help Versus Doing It Yourself: The Small Business Dilemma When it comes to your small business, it’s personal—and for good reason. You brought your small business to where it is today, from concept to execution. So, when it comes to things … [More]
Tax Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, marking one of the most comprehensive tax reforms in recent history. While the legislation encompasses a broad array of fiscal policies, its implications for small and mid-sized businesses are particularly significant. For entrepreneurs and business owners navigating today’s economic landscape, the … [More]
Affordable Healthcare Option for Small Businesses
Health insurance is one of the biggest financial challenges facing small businesses today. Premiums continue to rise, options are limited, and many plans simply aren’t designed with entrepreneurs, independent contractors or sole proprietors in mind. Recognizing this growing concern, the Arizona Small Business Association has partnered with CapCare to introduce a new ASBA member … [More]
2025 Holiday Freight Shipping
Challenges Every Shipper Faces This Peak Season
The 2025 peak season will be particularly complex due to rising holiday shipping volumes, mounting expenses and evolving tariff pressures. These factors create a fragile shipping environment where minor disruptions can cause significant delays and costs. With compressed timelines and heightened delivery expectations, effective management is crucial to maintaining margins and … [More]
The Insider’s Edge
Why the Smartest Business Plan Is the One You Keep
So, you’ve got the big idea. It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and gets you out of bed in the morning. Your first instinct is probably to crack open your laptop and start drafting that official, polished business plan for the bank, potential partners and investors. With 25-plus years of business experience, I’m here to ask you to slow down, just for a minute. The … [More]
Community Asset
Food assistance has been a top news story of late. Something about this holiday season always brings that topic forward, but this year it was compelled by additional forces. Refreshments, of course, are an asset to any gathering — from weekly sales meeting to corporate retreat to after-hours party … to a family dinner. Food banks are a community asset. They uplift the … [More]
