Innovation. It’s a buzzword that’s so overused it’s tough to understand what it really means and how to capture its elusive spirit. We know we need more of it as businesses are increasingly challenged to produce an outcome that achieves seemingly irreconcilable goals, but we often receive conflicting advice on how to achieve it. When anyone tackles the topic of innovation, the … [More]
Cibo Pizzeria: An Urban Classic
Chic and urban may be the best way to describe Cibo (pronounced CHEE-boh), a Downtown Phoenix pizzeria, but it hardly embodies the appeal. That must be done by describing the food, which is truly authentic and creatively delicious. The old early-20th-century bungalow-style home has been transformed into a comfortable, urban hot spot with many rooms and a unique Old World charm … [More]
New 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
Entering the compact luxury SUV market is Porsche with the Macan Turbo. Built by Porsche to be a Porsche, this sports car (as it must be called) is an impressive champ on the road and an even more impressive sight to look at. With a 3.6-litre twin turbo V6 engine, this 400-horsepower vessel boasts 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and entertains top speeds above 160 — setting a new … [More]
Lead Us Not into Crisis
Crises are hard enough in any business. But there are a number of ways to turn a crisis into a catastrophe with very little effort. Unfortunately, some of the behaviors that increase the odds for failure are considered by many to be “leadership.” The following are some of those common leadership responses. Be overly optimistic. There is a vast body of literature out there that … [More]
Power Lunch: Relish the Moment
What has become a classic and a must for lunch (and dinner, for that matter) is Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician Resort. This golf-course-view, second-story casual spot serves up arguably one of the best burgers in town. With menu offerings that range from the classic American burger to the Kobe beef gourmet burger, Relish is aptly named. The pairings and the inventive … [More]
2015 Cadillac Escalade
The luxury SUV seems to be a thing of the future and not the past given what GM put into the new Cadillac Escalade — all newly redesigned and a step up from past editions, with real wood interior trim and the new generation mechanics that are making this ultra-premium sports utility vehicle a contender for Range Rover and Infinity. Tighter steering, more nimble ride and a mild … [More]
Small Companies Can Compete with the Giants
Before the Internet, small companies didn’t stand a chance against the Goliaths. That’s because no war can be won without intelligence and, before the digital era, collecting actionable data and information about one’s competitors, market and customers cost a lot more than most small businesses — the Davids — could afford. But today, the Davids are taking down the Goliaths. … [More]
Website Launch the Right Way
The recent high-profile misfiring of the launch of the U.S. government’s healthcare website may have captured the headlines, but most brands and corporations make similar mistakes when launching their own mission-critical mobile or Web apps. In the release of HealthCare.gov, hundreds of millions of dollars were spent, outages and slow response were the norm and major brand … [More]
‘Good’ for Business
BIEN — An acronym for “Building an International Economic Network” — is a first-of-its-kind website to link businesses representing various industries in Arizona to each other and across international boundaries in Mexico and Canada. Partners include ASBA, Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Mexico Commission and the Canada Arizona Business Council. … [More]
Peace and Tranquility Inspire Flower Child
Located in what has become one of the Valley’s culinary hot spots at the corner of 44th Street and Camelback Road, Flower Child is the latest concept by famed local restaurateur Sam Fox. The concept validates the theory that happy food and healthy food can come together in harmony — which they do at this peaceful, casual kitchen. Serving locally sourced foods, all natural … [More]
Lexus IS 350 C F Sport
With summer here, this all-new Lexus is the perfect toy. Power, luxury and topless are the words to describe this incredible machine from the carmaker whose focus is quality, style and speed. With a 3.5-liter, 60-inch V6 that nets 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, this vehicle is powerful in all ways. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which helps to … [More]
Get Me Some SOL
Simple, fresh and made with a modern interpretation is how to describe the exciting SOL Cocina. This vibrant Mexican eatery located in the Scottsdale Quarter is an energetic hub celebrating the Baja, Mexico, tradition with food, drink and even music. For lunch, enjoy this cultural hot spot that offers a great menu and terrific, speedy service in an atmosphere that denotes a … [More]
2015 Jaguar F-Type R Is Power
The fastest car ever developed from Jaguar, this 2015 F-Type is a road master with a roar that demonstrates the power of this sports car. The 5.0-liter, 550-horsepower, V-8 supercharged engine is at the core of this machine. With its astonishing torque of 502 lb-ft, it is no wonder that this supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve, V-8, aluminum-block-and-heads, … [More]
Courtyard Café at the Heard
Full of local culture and Southwest-inspired food, this quaint hideaway café is the perfect lunch spot for a quick meeting for business or lunch with old friends, or to meet a member of the family and just enjoy. Nestled in the main courtyard at the Heard Museum on Central Avenue, the Courtyard Café serves up fresh salads, sandwiches and entrées made with all Native … [More]
2015 GMC Yukon Denali
The all-new design is here. Luxury and improved performance and fuel economy were the impetus and this GM redesign seems to live up to the hype. The GMC Denali is equipped with an all-new V8 6.2-liter EcoTec3 engine delivering 420 horse power and 460 lb-ft of torque, with an advanced direct fuel injection for quieter and more improved efficiency. Fuel efficiencies … [More]
The Czech Republic: Adventure in the Heart of Europe
Castles, cathedrals and — perhaps surprisingly — wine cellars are among the attractions that make a visit to the Czech Republic special. History is part and parcel of the culture, from monuments maintained as treasures of the Middle Ages or functioning sites for today’s commerce to less-mellowed vestiges of the past 100 years’ political turmoil. In the country’s main cities of … [More]
The Clever Koi: Urban Asian
Opening in December of last year, The Clever Koi is quickly becoming the single most-talked-about restaurant in the Valley. Its unique style and unmatched concept only add to the incredible flavor and creative dishes. The brainchild of chef/owners Jared Porter and Joe Absolor and owners Joshua James and Nick Campisano, this modern take on Asian food is tempting palates with … [More]
Volvo’s All-New V60 T6 R-Design for 2015
All about safety is how many know Volvo. This new R-Design version of the V60 T6 is also all about performance and styling. The T6 carries an in-line 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo-charged engine that delivers 326 hp and 354 lb. ft. of torque. It is sporty and demonstrates a precision performance that is noticeably reliable and meets high expectations. Fuel-saving technology … [More]
