Interest in diversity, equity and inclusion is arguably a universal in business these days. But there is no universal one-size-fits-all DEI program.Businesses may be tempted to apply to their own operations programs they’ve seen be effective in other organizations. But, as Joel (JP) Martin, Ph.D., emphasizes, “Each program is organic.” Speaking from her two decades’ experience … [More]
Dr. Joel (JP) Martin, Positively Powerful™ Triad West, Inc.
DEI. And an additional initial: B. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are in the forefront of business operations these days — whether it’s because consumers are evidencing concern for supporting it through their spending habits, or because younger generations are making it a point of their choice of where to work, or because business leadership has decided it’s the … [More]
Employers, Employees and the ‘Great Resignation’
“When you identify a statistical trend large enough to garner its own label like the ‘Great Resignation,’ it is likely that there is more than one contributing factor,” says Eric M. Bailey, president of Phoenix-based business consulting firm Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, pointing out that we are approximately two years into a global health crisis that has caused tremendous … [More]
An American Businessperson in a Global World
In the American business world, there is a generally accepted, and often unspoken, etiquette that most businesspeople follow: Be on time, dress professionally, use a firm handshake, make eye contact, show initiative, be respectful of one’s superiors and so on. Look around the world, however, and there are widely diverse protocols that can quickly lead to cultural barriers, … [More]
21 Top Leaders Who Are Making a Real Difference!
Each year, we interview some of the Valley’s top leaders to give our readership some insight into what they see in the coming year for business. This year, we asked some hard-hitting questions of 21 top leaders who are truly entrenched in building our economy, developing policy, managing people and growing business through innovations that have demonstrated a real positive … [More]
4 Skills Everyone Needs to Thrive in a Digital Future
There’s a lot of talk these days about disruption and the constant change we all seem to experience at faster and faster speeds. In the past decade, every industry worldwide has been impacted by the rise of technology, people and interactivity coming together to create an explosion of new products and services that did not even exist 10 years ago. Who could believe that one day … [More]
Is Every Company a Tech Company?
Technology is indisputably an economic driver as a sector. Is it also a driver of successful growth in other sectors? “The technology industry is critical to economic growth in any community today because it not only produces high-wage jobs, but also supports many other industries,” says Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies and … [More]
Eric Miller, PADT
Technology is so much a part of our lives that we take most of it for granted. We notice it only when there’s a quantum leap in innovation that disrupts our standard way of doing things, our processes at work and our habits at home. Arizona’s technology ecosystem, like that in many other states across the nation, is thriving due to the critical role it’s played in our … [More]
Electric Vehicles Are Hot for Arizona
There was a time when going to the mall meant shopping for clothes and home knick-knacks – offering a lot of choices thanks to there being a number of stores conveniently in one place. Now, it can mean shopping for one of an individual’s biggest purchases: a car. Electric vehicles are making this merchandizing move. Scottsdale Fashion Square boasts a collection of three … [More]
Mental Health & the Workplace
“Aside from a worker shortage, arguably the most significant issue facing employers is mental health,” says Peggy Chase, president and CEO of Terros Health. This reality has forced into the open a topic once too stigmatized to be spoken about. Arizona ranks 47th in the U.S. for access to mental health care, according to Sandra Zebrowski, M.D., corporate medical director of … [More]
Leadership & Achievement: Celebrating 2021 Women of Achievement
Women are in more prominent leadership roles than ever before, with the first woman in the White House as an elected officer — Vice President of the United States. The strengths they bring to the business world are proven in studies of businesses’ success in all segments of the economy. With such women in our community often eschewing the spotlight for themselves to, rather, … [More]
Linda S. Hunt, Dignity Health Southwest Division
Coordinated with its annual event that shines a spotlight on women who are using their positions of leadership — whether in for-profit or nonprofit organizations — to make a difference in our community, this edition of In Business Magazine celebrates the 2021 Women of Achievement. During my career in the Valley, I have witnessed how very open and welcoming the community is … [More]
Coming Back: How Marketing Will Build (Back) Business after COVID
The term “new normal” is bandied about quite a bit these days. And, indeed, the consensus seems to be that consumers’ relationship with companies they turn to for goods, services and information has evolved in new directions from what was understood and accepted as recently as January of last year.Some businesses, we know, have done exceedingly well over the past year with new … [More]
Lost in the Amazon
When I think about what’s wrong with today’s internet experience, I often remember the time I tried to plan a family vacation. I logged in with high hopes. In the old days, I might have turned to a travel agent, but today all the tools that were once the sole domain of the professional travel planner are available to me. I started using search engines, trying a variety … [More]
Greater Expectations: New Economic Opportunity in Arizona
There is tremendous opportunity in Greater Phoenix to grow business and continue diversifying our economic and employment base that will bring opportunity for our residents and move our innovation-centered economy forward. Supporting this assessment, Chris Camacho, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, says, “To meet the increasing demand, buildings continue to … [More]
Celebration of Success: ACA’s 10th Anniversary
In Business Magazine is pleased to be the official publisher of the Arizona Commerce Authority 10th Anniversary Celebration. We, along with countless other businesses in Arizona wish to congratulate Sandra Watson and the Arizona Commerce Authority on all the important accomplishments over the past 10 years. Please enjoy this special section. … [More]
Leading When Times Are Good
It’s almost second nature for business leaders to lean in and help their team weather a storm. The pandemic was a perfect example, as many companies were trying to figure out new and creative ways to make sales to keep from closing their doors. On the other hand, these trying times turned into a pot of gold for many companies that were able to pivot quickly. The stream of new … [More]
Fun Is Our Business: 10 Companies Tell What It Took to Survive in a Year That’s Been Anything but Fun!
Over the past year — more than a year! — we’ve learned how much we owe to the “essential workers” who ensure we have the goods and services to keep ourselves alive. With light beginning to shine at the end of a long and lonely tunnel, we can begin to feed our souls with another component that has had to take second seat: fun. Going to the movies, to the ballgame, to a fine … [More]
