Pam Kehaly is president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ). With a mission to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans, she is leading the 1,800-employee company to inspire health through inventive programs, services and health insurance products. Kehaly joined BCBSAZ in 2017 and was quickly recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the … [More]
Bahar Schippel
Born in Iran to Baha’i parents, Bahar Schippel witnessed the horrors of the Iranian revolution. The most difficult phase of Bahar’s life occurred in 1979 when the Ayatollah’s regime began a process of religious cleansing of non-Muslims, which included her family. Her parents lost their jobs and her family’s assets were frozen. Later, the revolutionary guards attempted to detain … [More]
Candace Hunter Wiest
Candace Hunter Wiest is the founder and CEO of West Valley National Bank. The bank opened its doors on December 23, 2006, and survived the Great Recession while many others in Arizona did not. The bank serves small businesses, professionals, physicians and dentists, with branches in Goodyear, Gila Bend, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Wiest’s career path has been unconventional. She … [More]
Avoid the Damage of Apologizing Wrong
Apologies are something we love to receive and hate to give. And, especially as a leader, they are tough. They require a great deal of humility, which challenges one’s pride and ego. They are an open admission of failure and wrongdoing, but when delivered with sincerity, they hold power with one’s team. Unfortunately, too many leaders give superficial apologies loaded with … [More]
Buyer Beware of Manipulative Landlords
The commercial real estate industry is in one of the hottest markets we have seen in years, with the state average GDP growth of 3.4 percent in 2018 and a 3.2-percent increase forecast for the rest of 2019. Vacancy rates for industrial and office spaces are dropping as employment gains drive up the demand. Healthy office vacancies for both landlord and tenant hover around … [More]
Attention to Detail Can Make or Break a Company
“Pay more attention to detail.” It’s something we’ve all said to an employee, co-worker or even spouse at some point. It can be a frustrating statement for both the speaker and the listener because it is often akin to saying, “Don’t make mistakes you can easily avoid.” And, many times, the mistake or omission was one easy to avoid, especially if it had been supported by a … [More]
HonorHealth’s Tradition of Impact
The word honor conjures up all kinds of thoughts about respect, ethics and pride. Whenever honor is brought into a conversation, the assumption is that a place of integrity and distinction is being described. This is exactly the case where Valley hospital group HonorHealth is concerned. Since 2013, HonorHealth has been serving the Valley. However, its legacy of helping the … [More]
How to Get a Meeting with the C-Suite
Hollywood has always known how to take a meeting. Tinseltown tête à têtes are how movies get made, box-office records are broken and stars are born. In the business world, fate-altering meetings don’t happen in directors’ or producers’ offices, they happen in the C-suite. For those, that is, who can break through. Thirty-three minutes and 13 seconds into the 2005 movie … [More]
Wireless Usage Increases, Latest Technologies Demand New Infrastructure
No one can deny the use of cellular and other mobile wireless technology has dramatically increased over the past decade. But while technological advances in handsets and applications may benefit businesses, in many ways they also present building owners with new challenges. Some of those hurdles are detailed in an upcoming report by wireless industry analyst Iain Gillott at … [More]
K.C. Kanaan: Making NEMT More than Just a Ride
When K.C. Kanaan’s parents lost their ability to drive, Kanaan began looking for solutions to help his aging parents maintain their independence. But after extensive searching, he discovered a lack of reliable transportation, assistance and companionship services that his parents required. “My siblings and I became their lifeline to the world. My parents relied on us for … [More]
Hit the Road, and Charge!
TIncreasing numbers of electric vehicles are on the road, and a not uncommon sight in parking lots now are stalls with electric charging stations. One of the earliest to mainstream electric cars as a prestige ride is Tesla, and its drivers have a lot of charging solutions. In addition to being able to use nearly all public charging stations — EVgo, ChargePoint, etc. — with … [More]
Connect First
Here’s what we’ve lost track of: organizations are run by people, and people run on emotions. Strong relationships are the bedrock of lasting success, meaning and joy at work. In this life-changing guide, Dr. Melanie Katzman shows readers an impactful approach to connect first as fellow humans, then as coworkers and colleagues, Dr. Katzman presents 52 actions readers can take … [More]
Cadillac XT6 for 2020
This new model SUV is equipped with Cadillac’s advanced 3.6-liter V6 with Variable Valve Timing and Active Fuel Management for optimum performance, speed and fuel economy. The all-new 9-speed automatic transmission is optimized for efficiency and incredible torque delivery. At 310 horsepower, this SUV feels responsive enough to please. The Premium Luxury edition is all about … [More]
Radical Candor
Featuring a new preface, afterword and radically candid performance review bonus chapter, the fully revised and updated edition of Radical Candor is packed with even more guidance to help readers improve their relationships at work. Kim Scott was a highly successful leader at Google before decamping to Apple, where she developed and taught a management class. Since the original … [More]
Feedback: October 2019
As a woman business owner or a top executive making decisions for your company, what would you identify as some of the greatest community organizations or assets that have empowered you or your business? CATHERINE ALONZO Chief Executive Officer Javelina Sector: Branding Any successful business is a true reflection of its community; we are all propped up by our … [More]
Strategizing Time
Time can be a very costly resource if used incorrectly. You know how it goes — the daily todo list gets bogged down by details, unexpected problems and time suckers that distract business from the bigger picture. Before the business owner realizes it, his eye has wandered away from more important activities that lead to profitability and growth. Another challenge is the … [More]
Suicide in the Workplace
The suicide rate in the United States has increased to more than 33 percent within 20 years. Trends have shown a surge in workplace suicide, with the most recent count recording more than 280 deaths. Suicide is not a-spur-of-the-moment decision but is likely the result of ongoing suffering or struggle that the victim feels to be undefeatable. The highest rates of suicide for … [More]
Union Aims for Market-Leading Companies
Union, a Class A office project at the junction of Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, is set to break ground on Phase One this month. But the Lincoln Property Company project signed its first tenant three months ago when WageWorks Inc. committed to a 150,000-square-foot lease. Union’s first Class A office building will total 232,000 square feet with an adjacent 1,120-space, … [More]
