There are countless ways to approach negotiations when looking to close a deal. Some people take a blind approach while others rely on strategy. The most consistently successful negotiators who have the highest closing ratios use a strategic approach, which prioritizes intentional communication and avenues for reaching an audience. The blind approach speaks for itself —it is … [More]
Delta Dental of Arizona Launches First-Ever Retail Product
Over the past several years, Delta Dental of Arizona has been in the midst of a transformation from a single-line insurance company to a multi-line health and wellness organization providing affordable dental as well as vision benefits to individuals, families and businesses throughout the state while advocating for medical-dental integration and proactively working to increase … [More]
Comtech Commits to Chandler
Global technology leader Comtech Telecommunications Corp. recently relocated its headquarters from Melville, N.Y., to Chandler, Ariz., as part of its continuing effort to optimize its corporate infrastructure and enhance Comtech’s culture of innovation. The City of Chandler is already home to several of Comtech’s largest customers and provides easy access to a leading … [More]
The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarized World
Outrage is everywhere — on the left and on the right — and many companies have found themselves in the crosshairs. GoFundMe was pressured to cut off funding to protesting truckers in Ottawa. Disney's CEO was dragged down for mishandling both sides of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. Facebook and other tech companies have been accused of manipulating elections in many countries … [More]
The Employee Advantage: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive
A strategic roadmap that will transform a company into an employee-first powerhouse, unlocking a competitive edge for enduring success. In an ever-shifting work landscape, leaders can no longer ignore their most overlooked stakeholders — their employees. In The Employee Advantage, behavioral economist Stephan Meier explains why organizations must value their employees as much … [More]
ESOPs Are on the Rise. Are They Right for Your Business?
Benefits accrue to the owner, the company and the local economy
It’s likely that most Phoenix business owners have encountered a company that offers an employee stock ownership program (ESOP) in the past few years. In Phoenix, some of the most successful companies are exploring whether an ESOP is right for their business, and word of mouth is a powerful tool in the business community. When something works, others want to try it. Because of … [More]
The Skills-Powered Organization: The Journey to the Next-Generation Enterprise
How to design and activate the skills-based enterprise that is pivotal for navigating the “next” of work. As the world navigates the rapid and disruptive effects of AI, climate change and geopolitical conflicts, the world of work, too, needs to change. Jobs are giving way to skills as the currency of work to ensure a more agile, resilient and flexible enterprise that cannot … [More]
Using Famous Artwork: Perils in the Public Domain
A dangerous path awaits Arizona businesses looking to profit from famous art now in the public domain
Earlier this year, Steamboat Willie, the original version of Mickey Mouse from 1928, officially lost its copyright protection held by Disney and moved into the “public domain.” Only one day later, Variety reported that Steven LaMorte is set to direct an untitled horror-comedy about “a sadistic mouse” that “torment[s] a group of unsuspecting ferry passengers.” Likewise, the 1926 … [More]
The Missing Middle: An Innovative Approach for Affordable Housing
“Attainable” housing is the most in-demand housing type, yet it rarely grabs headlines — or gets built. According to the commercial real estate research firms Yardi Matrix and CoStar, more than 90% of the rental units being built in the Phoenix area are financially feasible for only the roughly top 20% income bracket, while about 5% of rental units being built are … [More]
Strategies for Businesses and Their Healthcare
What businesses should know about making healthcare affordable
“With more and more Arizonans looking to their employers to help them manage their health, employers feel the mounting pressure — because the landscape is changing,” observes Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. In fact, she reports nearly half our state’s population is covered by employer-sponsored health insurance — more than 3 million … [More]
The Power of Feedback and Communication in Fostering a High-Performing Culture
A strong combination to avoid misinterpretations that lead to mistakes
Effective communication is the No. 1 ingredient to build and sustain an effective workplace culture. However, according to our recent survey, just 26% of knowledge workers strongly agree their leaders are good at it. So, what does it take for leaders to be successful at effective communication? It starts with recognizing that communication is about much more than just … [More]
Volvo’s New EX90 Fully Electric SUV
Meet the new fully electric EX90, a premium seven-seat SUV that defines a new era for safety. The Volvo EX90 can cover up to 308 miles on a single charge with no tailpipe emissions and features future bi-directional charging capabilities. Responsibly sourced premium interior inspired by the Scandinavian living room, the EX90 cabin showcases a modern, luxurious and … [More]
Michael Erath Scales Up with Next Level Growth
Flexibility enables a tailored approach to client needs
My career started when I joined my family’s manufacturing business, Erath Veneer, eventually working my way up to president and CEO. I led the company’s revenue growth from $8 million to $45 million and expanded our workforce from around 75 to more than 200. I later started a new venture in the hardwood industry, which I took from a startup to $7 million in just five … [More]
Align Merchandise with Brand Vision
Alchemy Merch helps brands, businesses and creators produce retail-quality merchandise, focusing on apparel accessories. We go beyond promotional products into fully customized products that better represent the vision of the brand. Our goal is to make clients’ creative journey as painless as possible, so they can focus their time and energy on the rest of their business. … [More]
Pam Kehaly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Healthcare – Is It ‘Just Business’?
Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of healthcare is an extra challenge for businesses as they try to provide valuable healthcare benefits to their employees. In a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, affordability has become a top concern for employers as they strive to balance rising costs with the needs of their workforce. With nearly half of Arizonans relying on … [More]
A Short Guide to Navigating a Business Breakup
Set ground rules in advance to mitigate potential issues
Business co-ownership can end for many reasons — disputes, divorce, death, liability, sickness, retirement or even criminal activity. These breakups can be complex and emotional, not unlike the dissolution of a marriage. But proactively planning for “the end,” even one that may never come, is a best practice. Recognizing the Need for a Business Divorce Today Most people do … [More]
Identifying Up-and-Coming Board and Committee Talent
How can nonprofits attract the best-of-the-best?
CEOs sitting on nonprofit boards who are tasked with recruiting new members might, at first, wonder, “Where will I find these leaders — especially since the best are already on other boards?” There are plenty of places to find exceptional, untapped talent for boards, say Leezie Kim, chair for Arizona Community Foundation’s board of directors, and Anne Marbarger, CEO of … [More]
Yellowbell Reimagines Southwestern
The emphasis here is on local, starting with the name of the hotel: “Camby” was coined to celebrate the hotel’s location on Camelback Road. Those who are used to equating Phoenix flora with the iconic saguaro, take note: The yellow bell shrub, while not native to our region, is ubiquitous in landscape all around town – a local standout of our culture and … [More]
