Inspired by the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, In Business Magazine has identified seven game-changing projects and events that add to the dynamic vitality of Greater Phoenix and contribute to the continued growth of this fifth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Seven Wonders: Mayo’s Discovery Oasis In late 2021, Mayo Clinic announced it would develop a … [More]
February Guest Editor: Jerry Colangelo, JDM Partners
The Wonder of Phoenix
Phoenix is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and it boasts numerous game-changers in its history. These range from the concept of food banks and the Make-A-Wish Foundation to the most popular tournament on the PGA tour — what’s now known as the Waste Management Phoenix Open — to the uniquely welcoming business environment driven by an unusual … [More]
Why ‘Influence’ Is the 2023 Word of the Year for the Business Sector
Influence is what allows us to find the opportunity hidden in the uncertainty
As 2023 drew to a close, everyone was releasing their word of the year. The Associated Press chose “AI.” Oxford chose “rizz” (short for “charisma”). Merriam-Webster chose “authentic.” Now, I’ve put my own twist on the annual tradition: I’ve zeroed in on a word that captures the zeitgeist of today’s business world — and not just for 2023, but for the foreseeable … [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]
The New and Necessary Competencies for Executive Leadership
Navigating complexity and competition
Given trends in C-suite retirement, burnout and attrition (and presented with changing markets in talent, technology and supply chain), executive succession planning is the most relevant it has ever been. The pace of disruption across industries is unrelenting and continuous adaptation is paramount. Our environment demands executive leaders who can deftly navigate complexity … [More]
Companies Focused on AI are Missing the Real Business Threat
What business leaders should add to their crisis playbook
In 2023, savvy executives added AI tools to automate time-consuming tasks and speed up customer service, but no one is talking about the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes on businesses. Celebrities were the first victims, and experts predict 2024 elections will be flooded with phony images, videos and audio clips. Fraud follows the money and businesses will be … [More]
Collaborative Leadership: The CMO, HR and Chief DE&I Officer Triad
Values alignment has a statistically high impact on an organization
In the quest for meaningful progress in corporate diversity, equity and inclusion, it becomes increasingly clear that isolated efforts fall short. Companies need collaborative leadership to make their DE&I strategy successful, especially from three key players: the CMO, HR and the Chief DE&I Officer. Together, these roles form a triad capable of weaving DE&I into … [More]
Build a Successful Veteran Transition Onboarding Program
Veterans bring a great deal of talent to the company – if the transition goes well
Over the course of my industry career, I’ve become accustomed to hearing a large number of companies brag about the number of military veterans they’ve hired. As a 26-year Navy veteran who later rose to the position of CEO of a defense company, I love to hear this. But I always ask a follow-up question: How many of those veterans are still working for the company five years … [More]
Cultivating a Sense of Purpose in Your Business for Sustainable Success
Key components for integrating it into the workplace culture
“Hopeful people set meaningful goals they believe they can accomplish and identify ways to achieve them.” —Xiye Bastida, youth climate activist In today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering a sense of purpose within their organizational culture. A strong sense of purpose not only enhances employee … [More]
Building a Legacy: CHASSE’s Unique Approach to Corporate Citizenship
Holistically intertwining corporate responsibility with individual empowerment
In the world of construction, where structures rise and steel meets concrete, CHASSE Building Team, led by visionary Barry Chasse, has been quietly rewriting the narrative of corporate responsibility since its inception in 2007. “Built different, on purpose” isn’t just a slogan for CHASSE; it’s a guiding philosophy that has transformed a small team into a powerhouse of positive … [More]
Who Really Controls Your LLC?
Nuances of three types of LLC management
Nineteenth-century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli wrote, “All power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise.” Here, we define three types of LLC management: the controlling member, the manager-managed company and the member-managed company. The ‘Controlling Member’ of an LLC Whether a member “controls” a limited liability company usually depends not … [More]
From Founders to Sellers: Start Early to Plan the Why and When for Exiting a Business
It is common for business owners to consider selling their company, whether now or at some point in the distant future. For most business owners and founders, this process is a black box, without even a clear starting point. As a private equity firm that’s been investing in founder-owned businesses for nearly 20 years, we’re shedding some light on how business owners can … [More]
Levi Conlow: Leading the E-Bike Industry
Lectric eBikes’ success driven by founders’ customer-centric approach
The Lectric eBikes XP 3.0 is the most popular e-bike in America. Based in Phoenix, the company has sold more than 400,000 e-bikes in less than five years, and sells the most popular cargo e-bike and the most popular adult electric trike. Lectric eBikes CEO Levi Conlow co-founded the company with his childhood friend and mechanical engineer, Robby Deziel, in 2019. At the time, … [More]
Nonprofits Move at the Speed of Trust
The bedrock of trust-building is truth
Integrity, authenticity, accountability and trust — these are the hallmarks of any strong relationship, including the relationships between nonprofit organizations and the donors who invest in them. Start with the Right Question Trust starts with a simple question, says Ron Schiller, founding partner of Aspen Leadership Group and author of Belief and Confidence. “Ask your … [More]
Will Wonders Never Cease?
Reach International Outfitters offers a “bucket list” adventure that showcases wonders and attractions throughout Arizona (and adventures in a growing selection of other states): the Arizona Adventure Bucket List. Comprising an array of cities that showcase the state’s captivating attractions, the Adventure Bucket List is a deck of 50 cards, each featuring a unique … [More]
All-New 2024 Porsche Macan EV
Porsche has long been a mainstay in the automotive industry. From the introduction of the Porsche 911 in 1964 to the modern era, the brand is constantly perfecting what it means to be a sports car. And now, the popular Porsche Macan SUV is proving that again by going electric. Porsche has announced the arrival of the Porsche Macan EV, and it has arrived for the 2024 model … [More]
Le Âme: Its Soul Is Comfort
Le Âme (pronounced LAY uhMAY, contrary to all rules of French grammar) exudes an open-arms welcome. In fact, everything about the interior design invites guests to relax and get comfortable, starting with its spaciousness — a characteristic built into every amenity of The Global Ambassador hotel. Real estate is valuable, especially at this prime Phoenix corner of 44th … [More]
Year-End Scorecard of B2B Marketing Effectiveness
Research results on finding, winning and growing key customer accounts
“The rapid disruption of marketing technologies and strategies over the last few quarters have impacted every conversation about lead generation and a robust sales funnel. The digitization of enterprises that followed the pandemic has completely changed the way that companies and markets work. “This digital focus has been forcing us to adopt newer tools and tactics for an … [More]
