September 2022 Issue of In Business Magazine

SEPT.2022 Legal Views on How COVID Continues to Infect Business Next-Level TeamShortagesSolutionsBuildingtoStaffingThis Month’s Guest Editor Mary Jane Rynd President and CEO Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust THIS ISSUE Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits $7.95 INBUSINESSPHX.COM Workplace & AdvocacyEmployee

SRP’s Business Demand Response (BDR) program pays participants to reduce energy use temporarily in response to peak conditions on the grid! By participating, your company can earn payments without sacrificing operational reliability, which helps strengthen the grid and increase sustainability efforts. This could mean anything from rescheduling required maintenance to shutting off nonessential equipment when called upon and could result in significant earnings. Our exclusive BDR provider, Enel X (formerly EnerNOC), works with customers to develop custom energy reduction strategies designed to minimize disruption in your facilities and maximize your program earnings. To learn more about the program and all of the benefits, in addition to monetary payments, contact Eric Chang at eric.chang@enel.com or visit srp.net/BDR YOUR COMPANY’S ENERGY USAGE COULD ACTUALLY EARN YOU MONEY. 331502

623-594-5238 coxbusinessaz.com Get to know the BUSINESS SIDE OF COX. Cox Business has built a robust Arizona infrastructure with 23,000 miles of 99.99+% reliable Hybrid Fiber/Coax connecting to a fully redundant national backbone. Cisco-certified technicians on the ground and continuous monitoring from our Regional Operations Center resolve problems before they impact your enterprise. It’s a network designed to exceed business continuity requirements and service designed to exceed expectations. That’s how we do business. Internet. Data. Phone.

56 Nonprofit Mentoring young professionals in the workplace can increase trust and reduce turnover.

FEATURE

DEPARTMENTS 9 Guest

renter interest. 14 Startups “Terkel –

46 Legal Susan Trujillo and Eric Johnson examines, from the legal standpoint, how COVID continues to infect business.

In

20 Healthcare “Life Sciences Component Growing at Park Central” and “The Benefits of Adopting an Integrated Model of Care” 22 Technology “AI for Good: Threat Awareness for Schools” and “Take Advantage of the Current Cryptocurrency Market”

Philanthropy,” “Baskin-Robbins

Standouts

Katie

58 Power Lunch Anoche Cantina Breathes New Life into Mill Ave.

11 Briefs “Suntec’s Philanthropy Benefits

10 Feedback Mesha

and “Brightside Studios –

43 Books New releases give fresh insights on business thinking.

18 From the Top Leading through chaos, Darren Rawson takes the pandemic as opportunity to grow AZP Multifamily.

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM4 59 Alliance of NonprofitsArizona 48 Positive AmplifiedChange,byIntel This month spotlighting Intel, Tyler Butler’s series explores the myriad ways businesses give back and the positive ways their programs impact community.our 50 Leading from Abundance – The Power of Positivity Bruce Weber’s series examines developing and sustaining organizationalcapacity. demands with limited dollars. Grantmakers understood more deeply Nonprofits and Grantmakers Unite for Greater Good PARTNER SECTION GUEST COLUMNIST In 2021, only 2% of all U.S. venture capital investment went to all-female startups, the lowest rate since 2013. When looking at women of color in the U.S., the number drops even further to 0.9% of all funding, according to Bloomberg and Statista, respectively. COVER STORY 24 Achieving Success & Giving Back: Honoring Our 2022 Women of Achievement In Business Magazine honors the women business owners, managers and leaders who, with an abundance of talent and commitment, have achieved great success in and for our Greater Phoenix business community.

Marketing

Co-Working Space for Creatives” SEPTEMBER 2022

Justin Rainey describes what to look out for and steps for businesses to protect themselves.

Post-pandemic

15 CRE “Safety Culture Critical in Onboarding in the Construction Industry,” “More Office/Warehouse in Chandler,” “Infill Industrial in SW Phoenix,” “More Rooftops Coming to SE Phoenix,” “SingleFamily Build-for-Rent Community Underway Near Taiwan Semiconductor Facility” and “New Headquarters Welcomes Employees Back with a Bowling Alley”

Feature articles in Spanish and English on Economia / Economy

57 Assets 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUV Plus: Meditation can be an antidote to a toxic workplace hustle culture.

52 Look Both Ways Before Hiring Jill Johnson explores internal, external and other solutions to staffing shortages. Next-Level Team Building to Enhance Company Culture Dufort shares ideas to help combat potential decline in company culture due to the rise of remote work. Editor Mary Jane Rynd, President and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, introduces the “Women of Achievement” issue. Davis, Kate Hickman, Eileen Rogers and Bahar Schippel respond to Business Magazine’s burning business question of the month. Community and Stories,” “Local Recognized for Targets for for Numbers office demand spans broad range of Where the Question Is the Solution” More than a

66 Roundtable Don Alix discusses employee advocacy in the workplace. 42 Reduce the Risk of Business Email Compromise

Expansion” and “Workers Looking

More Money or New Job This Year” 13 By the

Employees,” “Dailies Top

Phoenix

54

44 En Negocios

–

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare of Arizona, Inc. B2B EI211205447.0 12/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-1202769-A Learn more at uhc.com The health and well-being of your employees matters. UnitedHealthcare is here to help you guide them toward brighter days ahead. From finding new ways of controlling costs to connecting them with medical care and mental health support, it’s good to have a health plan that’s on their side and in your corner. Together, we’ll find new possibilities

RaeAnne Marsh became editorial director of Phoenix-based InMedia Company in 2010 and helped launch Valley-wide business resource In Business Magazine. Her journalism career began more than 20 years ago, when she left California and 12 years of teaching to transplant in Phoenix’s vibrant entrepreneurial environment, and includes incorporating her own business, Grammar & Glitz, Inc., through which she has taken writing and editing gigs with business and media clients nationwide. Holding the magazine to strong editorial standards, she says, “New businesses are founded, out-of-staters bring new strengths, established businesses evolve and expand — all of which contributes to the dynamic vitality that I see as the mission of In Business Magazine to be the voice of and vehicle to nurture, in each monthly edition. It is my challenge to ensure each edition is packed with relevant information on a broad spectrum of issues, aimed at a readership that runs the gamut from entrepreneurial startup to major corporation.”

Joanna C. de’Shay Guest Columnist – DEI Joanna C. de’Shay is executive director of Diversity Leadership Alliance, the premiere education training organization in Arizona dedicated to eradicating racism, bias and prejudice. DLA’s goal is to create an inclusive community where each person is equally respected and empowered.

Bruce Weber Guest Columnist – Capacity Bruce Weber sees In Business Magazine as a valuable forum for topics relevant to our business and nonprofit community. “I am deeply interested in organizational capacity and what makes organizations successful and impactful in the work they do. In my work in the community for more than 16 years, I have worked with all sizes of organizations and leaders in helping their businesses grow and expand their impact. My previous careers with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard involved working with business integration partners to design strategies to engage new markets. In today’s complex world, I enjoy exploring the possibilities and opportunities that change can bring.”

A long time corporate social responsibility practitioner, Tyler Butler is known for her expertise in creating, launching and developing successful social impact programs. Her commitment to rallying people together to make a positive difference has created sustainable signature programs empowering people to give back in a myriad of ways globally. Butler operates under the ethos of “each one teach one,” and so her contributions to In Business Magazine provide her with an outlet to share the best of what companies are doing to aid humanity. Butler looks to shed light on good corporate citizens and share stories about the magic they are creating through their generous outreach efforts.

“I believe today is a moment for leading big change. Business ownership is a critical means to build community and individual wealth. I hope my work will demonstrate to the Latino community that the entrepreneur ecosystem in Arizona has their back.”

Don Henninger Guest Columnist – Metro As a 35-year newspaper veteran in Arizona, Don Henninger has always made journalism his passion as well as his career. Facts matter — especially in this day and age — and information is the foundation that enables citizens to be positive participants in their communities at all levels. Henninger has been fortunate to serve as a community leader and continues in that role today as director of the Scottsdale Coalition of Today & Tomorrow, which convenes leaders to work on issues in that city, and as a member of several nonprofit boards in the Valley.

Edgar R. Olivo Editor, En Negocios As editor of the Spanish section of In Business Magazine, Edgar R. Olivo shares weekly content for Spanish-preferred small-business owners in Phoenix. As a first-generation Latinx and native-Arizonan, Olivo’s upbringing was filled with similar challenges that Latino communities in Arizona face when they engage with the economy. An entrepreneur and nonprofit executive, he is leading the charge to help strengthen a diverse, inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Arizona. His work is nationally recognized for establishing programs that help advance equitable economic recovery, and increase generational wealth for Latinx/Hispanic small business owners in Arizona.

6 INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT. 2022 Vol. 13, No. 9 In Business Magazine is published 12 times per year by InMedia Company. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to InMedia Company, 45 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. To subscribe to In Business Magazine, please send check or money order for one-year subscription of $24.95 to InMedia Company, 45 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 or visit inbusinessphx.com. We appreciate your editorial submissions, news and photos for review by our editorial staff. You may send to editor@inbusinessmag.com or mail to the address above. All letters sent to In Business Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use in any publication, website or brochure. InMedia accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other artwork. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. InMedia Company, LLC reserves the right to refuse certain advertising and is not liable for advertisers’ claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of InMedia. InMedia Company considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. Each business opportunity and/ or investment inherently contains certain risks, and it is suggested that the prospective investors consult their attorney and/or financial professional. ©2022 InMedia Company, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission by any means without written permission by the publisher. President & CEO Rick McCartney Editorial Director RaeAnne Marsh Financial Manager Tom Beyer Office Manager Allie Schimmel Accounting Manager Todd Juhl Corporate Office InMedia Company 45 W. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85003 T: (480) www.inmediacompany.cominfo@inmediacompany.com588-9505 More: Visit your one-stop resource for everything business at inbusinessphx.com. For a full monthly calendar of business-related events, please visit our website. Inform Us: Send press releases and your editorial ideas toeditor@inbusinessphx.comPublisher Rick McCartney Editor RaeAnne Marsh En Negocios Editor Edgar Rafael Olivo Web Editor Jake Kless Graphic Design Benjamin Little CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Don Alix Grant Benson Tyler Butler Dr. VannaCarsonKatieClayCampionCreaserDufortFinkleTimGallenMikeHunterErinJamesDaveJenkins ADVERTISING Operations Louise Ferrari Business Development Louise Ferrari Cami Shore Events Amy Corben Eric Johnson Jill J. BruceJasonSusanBerthaBrianDianaJustinTravisJohnsonLairdRaineySabauSathianathanTapiaBrichlerTrujilloTurnquistWeber VOL. 13, NO. 9OUR CONTENT CREATORS Sept. 2022Words RaeAnne Marsh Editor, In Business Magazine

Guest columns are feature articles presented as a special, limited series as well as regular, ongoing series in In Business Magazine.

De’Shay is an avid servant leader who was born in Accra, Ghana, on the western coast of Africa to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother. An immigrant herself, she believes in being a part of the solution to disrupt systems and is on a mission to create bridges and partnerships by educating companies, nonprofits and educational organizations on the vital need for diverse voices and fresh perspectives.

Tyler Butler Guest Columnist – Social Impact

Glendale Chamber of Commerce

North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

phoenixmetrochamber.com Scottsdale

Our Partner Organizations are vested business organizations focused on building and improving business in the Valley or throughout Arizona. As Partners, each will receive three insert publications each year to showcase all that they are doing for business and businesspeople within our community. We encourage you to join these and other organizations to better your business opportunities.

The members of these and other Associate Partner Organizations receive a subscription to In Business at info@inbusinessphx.com Foothills Chamber of Commerce

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The Black Chamber of Arizona phoenixblackchamber.com Chamber of Commerce

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Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce

In Business Magazine is a collaboration of many business organizations and entities throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area and Arizona. Our mission is to inform and energize business in this community by communicating content that will build business and enrich the economic picture for all of us vested in commerce.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Doug Bruhnke, Founder & President Global Chamber® (480) www.globalchamber.org595-5000

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northphoenixchamber.com

Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce

Colin Diaz, President & CEO Tempe Chamber of Commerce (480) www.tempechamber.org967-7891

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Ahwatukee

Mesa Chamber of Commerce mesachamber.org

surpriseregionalchamber.com WESTMARC westmarc.org Sept. 2022 National Average Account Stearns Bank Account Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender Learn More, WhyStearnsBank.comVisit/Phoenixnot choose more? Our already-above-average interest rates just got even better. So, you can earn even more. It’s your choice. Checking | Market Savings | CDs

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Jess ChiefRoman,Executive Officer Arizona Small Business Association Central Office (602) 306-4000 www.asba.com

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Guest columnist Bruce Weber examines a key ingredient of growth and success in his feature article “Leading from Abundance – The Power of Positivity.”

Every year, InMedia Company dedicates the September edition of In Business Magazine to celebrate women who are making a difference in our community. This year, the focus is women who demonstrate great business success and give back. I am honored to be this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree and to lead this issue of In Business Magazine celebrating some of the Valley’s most talented leaders. Last March, when its cover story was “How Nonprofits Build Our Economy,” I also had the wonderful opportunity to be Guest Editor of that issue. It is truly humbling to be named among the 15 women recognized for leadership and achievements that advance our region and state. There are so many women who are making a difference daily across all sectors — business, public and nonprofit. Arizona has “grown up” valuing women; our ideas, and our collective ability to press forward and progress. The Valley has a long history of women who have led and are leading in important ways. Virginia Galvin Piper, herself, fell in love with Maricopa County and decided this was the place she wanted to invest in. There is an openness here — an environment where women support women. Think of the recent merger of two significant community organizations, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum — both led by accomplished women who will now be even more transformational together. We must continue to foster and celebrate creative approaches like this that will ultimately build strength and resilience in Arizona.

Mary Jane Rynd President and CEO • Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Sincerely,

ofcourtesyPhoto

Each year, we celebrate the successes of 15 women who exemplify what it means to achieve and become a success. This year, we have selected women who achieve, have become successful and give back. Our past Women of Achievement choose, from more than 95 nomination, women who excel and who can demonstrate that what they have accomplished has allowed them to pass along their successes one way or another. This year, it was a tough choice as so many women in this community see the importance of giving back — and in so many ways. Our Lifetime Achievement Honoree, MJ Rynd, has truly led not just this issue, but many of the women selected. Her hard work, leadership and impact on the nonprofit community is empowering businesspeople of all types. We want to thank her and the other 14 Women of Achievement for their commitment to business success, community and philanthropy. We look forward to celebrating them all at our inspiring annual event on Friday, October 7, 2022. —Rick McCartney, Publisher

Switching gears from strengths to weaknesses … Justin Rainey offers a warning look in feature article “Reduce the Risk of Business Email Compromise” at online payment fraud by which businesses could find their funds transferred out of their accounts. A strong culture where people are more connected to each other is one way to mitigate that danger, and Katie Dufort explores options toward that goal in her feature “Next-Level Team Building to Enhance Company Culture.”

9INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022 CONNECT WITH US: Story Ideas/PR: inbusinessphx.comeditor@ Business Connections:Events/ inbusinessphx.combusinessevents@ Marketing/Exposure: www.inbusinessphx.comVisitinbusinessphx.comadvertise@usonlineat Let us know what you think of this issue of In Business Magazine. Email our publisher at feedback@inbusinessphx.com DON’T MISS OUT! Get a year of In Business Magazine Subscribe now at inbusinessphx.com LegalViews HowCOVIDContinues InfectBusiness ShortagesStaffingBuilding Mary PiperRyndArizonaNonprofits Advocacy EN NEGOCIOS Manténgase informado sobre temas empresariales en español a través de En Negocios, artículos para los lectores de habla hispana en el área metropolitana de Phoenix. Visite information.ennegociosinbusinessphx.com/metropolitanreadersforEntopicsStayinformación.ennegociosinbusinessphx.com/paramásinformedonbusinessinSpanishthroughNegocios,articlesSpanish-speakinginthePhoenixarea.Visitformore

In Business Magazine continues to develop a broad view on business-relevant information to help strengthen our Valley’s business community, including recognizing nonprofits as the important business endeavors they are. With this month’s tremendous range of topics, I hope you enjoy this September edition of In Business Magazine

This edition’s cover story shares the stories of this year’s exceptional Women of Achievement – women who represent a broad cross-section of business and community organizations. This year’s event will honor these women and attendees will get to hear a few of them tell their stories of achievement from center stage. I hope you will join us.

Achievement All Around

Mary Jane Rynd joined Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust in 2001 as its first CFO, then executive vice president; she was named the Trust’s president and CEO in 2018. A CPA (Ret.), she was a partner with KPMG and also Rynd, Carneal & Ewing. A member of Greater Phoenix Leadership serving on the Arts and Culture Task Force, she is also on the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation board. She holds a B.A. in accounting from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. pipertrust.org

Of course, staffing shortages also impact those issues, and there is much attention now on that being a problem for many businesses. Jill Johnson looks at internal, external and other solutions to staffing shortages in feature article, “Look Both Ways Before Hiring.”

Impact of Women Giving Back

Planning: Today’s leaders face significant challenges. Constantly shifting circumstances affect their organizations and their employees. Quick decision-making requires preparation for a broad range of possibilities. As a result, planning skills are vital.

Regardless of the industry, organization or point in time, the characteristics that most successful leaders embody tend to remain the same. Here are just a few:

The past few years has taught us that flexibility and nimbleness are more important than ever as we respond to the many twists, turns and unknowns ahead.

Eileen Rogers is a leadership coach and advisor. She is a recognized Arizona community leader and accomplished entrepreneur who is passionate about supporting and growing more daring and courageous leaders. Rogers leads yearlong Women’s Leadership Development Forums and facilitates Dr. Brené Brown’s courage-building course, Dare to Lead™, as part of this mission. onecreativeview.com

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM10 Sign up for the monthly In Business Magazine eNewsletter at www.inbusinessphx.com. Look for survey questions and other research on our business community. For all past Feedbacks go online variousandinbusinessphx.comtoseewhatValleyexecutivesthinkonbusinesstopics. QUESTION:FEEDBACK Let us know what you want to know from the Valley’s top business editor@inbusinessphx.comleaders. 2017 Woman of Achievement KATE HICKMAN Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Alliance Bank of Arizona 2020 Woman of Achievement EILEEN ROGERS Owner One Creative View, LLC 2019 Woman of Achievement BAHAR SCHIPPEL Partner Snell & Wilmer 2018 Woman of Achievement MESHA DAVIS Chief Executive Officer Arizona Foundation for Women As a former Women of Achievement honoree, you’ve been recognized for outstanding leadership. Different times seem to call for different strengths, so what do you feel are the most important leadership qualities for the times we are in now? EDITOR’S NOTE Feedback this month extends to four voices. For the full responses, see this article on.inbusinessphx.com

Given today’s climate on multiple issues (e.g., global health, political and DEI), leaders must be resilient; visionary times 10; and willing to accept, embrace and implement strategic change. Unexpected pandemics change the landscape of our lives and workplace. Most critically impacted is our spiritual, mental and physical well-being. The latter can make or break an organization even if one is compromised, creating barriers for an effective leader. Leaders must remain resilient and find ways to cope. Our actions are magnified during adversities and all eyes focus on how we react. Those counting on us tend to feed off our energy and mimic our actions. Our responsibility is to realize that accepting, embracing and implementing change is vital to success. Remaining static and expecting the same or improved results is often not feasible and doesn’t necessarily equate to success. Those who adapt, survive. Those who remain stagnant, fail or become non-existent.

SPEAKING OUT

Today’s leaders need curiosity, calm and resiliency to lead in a powerful way. Curiosity is the skill that allows you to lean deeper into discomfort, which is where you can identify exactly what the right problem or challenge to solve is. If you don’t dig deep enough into uncomfortable territory, you are likely very good at solving the wrong problem, fast. What your direct reports come to you with is most often not the core issue. Asking more (and sometimes tougher) questions while remaining calm, creates a space where people feel heard and acknowledged. Creating accountability becomes an easy next stage in the conversation. Clear, kind and accountable.

Bahar Schippel is a partner with the Phoenix, Arizona-based law firm Snell & Wilmer. Bahar specializes in many legal service including tax planning for joint ventures and real estate transactions, including 1031 exchanges, drafting LLC and partnership agreements, structuring tax-efficient debt workouts, and more. swlaw.com

Mesha Davis is the CEO of the Arizona Women’s Foundation , where she fights for the safety, health and economic empowerment of women in Arizona. azfw.org

Additionally, as companies navigate through staffing challenges, it has become crucial for leaders to bring compassion and empathy to the workplace, specifically making sure that teams aren’t overloaded, overwhelmed or overworked, and helping shoulder the workload.

Relational Connections: Relationships are everything. In employee-employer relationships, employees tend to prioritize the relational, wanting to be valued for who they are, while employers often prioritize the transactional, valuing individuals for what they do. To help bridge this gap, leaders should emphasize the relational by making time to connect, expressing personal vulnerability, respecting all opinions and promoting self-care.

It’s an interesting time to be a business leader. As companies face a growing paradigm shift that calls for us to not only adapt how we do business but how we lead and how we serve, it becomes increasingly critical to ensure those who are paving the way forward have the qualities to persevere in changing times.

Kate Hickman is senior vice president of commercial banking for Alliance Bank of Arizona . With nearly two decades at Western Alliance Bank and multiple honors from the business community, Hickman works with nonprofit, political and business clients throughout Arizona. westernalliancebancorporation.com/alliance-bank-of-arizona

Getting past the hesitation and awkwardness by Dr. Tricia Groff One of my clients, a business owner, reached out to me and said, “How do I tell this person that they need to keep their personal stressors from impacting everyone at work without sounding like a jerk?” The situations may change, from telling employees they are underperforming to telling them their attitude is alienating everyone around them to telling them they are being fired.

QUICK AND TO THE POINT

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“For us, it’s all about ‘how do I help that tradesman be a hero in his home and his community?’” says Derek Wright, Suntec president and CEO. “That’s why we call it our ‘Heroes in Hardhats Campaign.’ For us, the more successful I can help them be in their home, the more successful we will be in the workplace.

15 Valley Women Honored, Celebrating Giving Back to Our Community through Event Oct. 7

DAILIES TOP STORIES ‘In Business Dailies’ Most Views Last 30 Days Here

“Like many regions in the Southwest, Greater Phoenix is addressing environmental issues from water and drought to urban heat,” says Chris Camacho, president and CEO of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, following this dismal observation with the confident assessment, “However, proactive policies have given Greater Phoenix an advantageous position over cities like Reno, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.”

Sustaining Profits: The Environment and Its Challenges Are Driving Business Success by RaeAnne Marsh From an overabundance of sun to an underabundance of water, the natural environment has become the elephant in the room for the business community. But many see it as big opportunity.

Suntec Concrete leads the industry as an attractor company for talent. Suntec projects have won multiple industry awards and the company has been recognized as Best Places to Work, Landmark Leaders and Most Admired Companies. are the stories with the most views over the past 30 days (prior to press time) that were Business Dailies hit email inboxes twice each weekday — at 9:30 a.m. and updated at 4:30 p.m. Sign up today at www.inbusinessphx.com/dailies-signup

Economy 2022

“For years, we have encouraged them to be involved in their children’s education, specifically serving underprivileged communities and schools, and they do that in nominating teachers that are doing a phenomenal job for their children. We want to interview those teachers, and the principals of those schools, find out what the needs are and do our part to fulfill the needs inside the classroom.”

Then, Suntec employees make the deliveries to the classroom. For each, the Suntec employee who nominated the teacher is invited to come to the school that day and is honored as one of Suntec’s “Heroes in Hard Hats,” which shines a positive light on the employee in front of his or her child and the school.

—RaeAnne Marsh Suntec Concrete suntecconcrete.com

& Trends | Cover Story | August

“Imagine the power of a child seeing their parent in the classroom recognizing their teacher for the education they’re getting from that teacher, and the power and the vision of the potential of [what that gift can do] not only inside of the school but inside of their own home,” Wright says, noting the ripples from those stories go far beyond the classroom. “Employees tell me it was such a great experience to be able to be in the school and make a difference.”

features in our In Business Dailies. The In

August 16 2022

Achievements | inbusinessphx.com

HR & Management | Feature | August 2022 Tough Talks – How to Have Difficult Conversations with Employees

Suntec adds a special touch to this philanthropic/appreciation effort by putting its employees also in the spotlight.

Suntec Concrete and its employees have been doing their part since 2008 to help vital members of the community: teachers. Again this year, Suntec, the largest commercial concrete contractor in the Southwest, delivered care packages to nearly 100 teachers across Arizona, Utah and Colorado as part of its Teacher Appreciation program.

Suntec employees contribute to this program by nominating deserving teachers and writing a brief narrative on how that teacher has positively impacted their child’s life. An internal committee then evaluates the nominations for these teachers. Once selected, the teachers will have their wish list of needed items filled.

One of the teachers honored this year was Ms. Hallas, a first-grade teacher at Westpointe Elementary School in Surprise.

11INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022

Suntec’s Philanthropy Benefits Community – and Employees

In Business Magazine will launch new weekly network TV show at event inbusinessPHX.com In Business Magazine is, once again, bringing together top local women of achievement to share their stories and inspire Valley business leaders at the annual Women of Achievement event on Friday, October 7, 2022, in an inspiring in-person luncheon event. Fifteen Valley Women of Achievement are being celebrated for their achievements and service to our community.

The top motivators Phoenix workers noted for wanting to jump ship were more pay (55% of Phoenix workers want more money); greater opportunities for advancement (35%); feeling burnout with current role (28%); 9 in 10 Phoenix workers (89%) feeling confident about their skill set and marketability; and Phoenix workers seeking fully remote jobs first (52%), but are open to hybrid roles (45%).

Baskin-Robbins has spent more than 75 years building equity, trust and familiarity amongst customers, providing each guest a satisfactory, personalized experience. The brand has remained true to its core values while strategically updating its menu items, rolling out new marketing initiatives and improving operational efficiency to contribute to its ongoing success and popularity.

Baskin-RobbinsofcourtesyPhoto

Sawyer Aviation — a full-service aviation company with operations out of Scottsdale and Van Nuys airports that has experienced 490% revenue growth since 2019 and placed No. 1,336 on the Inc. 5000 list. sawyeraviation.com evolvedMD — a leader in behavioral health integration in modern primary care, joins the 2022 Inc. 5000 list at No. 1,522, ranked by percentage revenue growth over four years through 2021, and in the top 100 in Health Services. evolvedmd.com PXG – Parsons Xtreme Golf — a research and development company dedicated to creating the world’s finest golf clubs and apparel, is No. 2,308 on the annual Inc. 5000 list and has grown its footprint to have global influence. pxg.com Muscular Moving Men & Storage — ranks No. 3,447 on its second appearance on the Inc. 5000 Annual List, a threeyear revenue growth of 151%. muscularmovingmen.com

QUICK AND TO THE POINT

Vincit USA — a custom software development and design agency on the list a second year in a row, showed a 47.8% growth rate since the beginning of the year and earned a spot at No. 4,067. vincit.com

Baskin-Robbins Targets Phoenix for Expansion

Recognized

LOOKING GOOD

Baskin-Robbins has remained an American staple for decades and has been recognized as the country’s most popular dining chain across the industry. To maintain its top spot in the quick service restaurants (QSR) segment, the brand recently went through a full rebrand that included new, reimagined flavors, logos, packaging, uniforms, merch and marketing that accompanied its “Seize the Yay” tagline. Now, with more than 7,800 locations across the globe, Baskin-Robbins is targeting Phoenix for further expansion, due to the influx of residents and the rising demand for ice cream and frozen treats.

ACHIEVEMENTS Local Inc. 5000 Honorees

Larry H. Miller Dealerships Holds ‘Food Fuels Learning’ Campaign

Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys helped 1000 disadvantaged school-aged children in Metro Phoenix get a good start on their school year with its giveaway this past July of backpacks filled with school supplies. lernerandrowe.com

Lerner & Rowe’s School Backpack Giveaway Helps Disadvantaged Children

According to our research, the top reasons for launching a job search vary across groups and cities. Phoenix ranked higher than the national average on workers feeling confident about their skill set, which shows just how confident Phoenix workers are on their marketability. While money is a top motivator for making a career move, some professionals prioritize other things, like career advancement opportunities and remote work flexibility, which Phoenix employers must consider when implementing recruiting and retention strategies. This includes providing fair and competitive wages, investing in employees, offering career development and training, and fostering a culture of flexibility.

—Travis Laird, senior regional director for global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half (www.roberthalf.com)

Achievements

Larry H. Miller Dealerships, continuing to give back to their local communities even after being acquired by Asbury Automotive Group, held their second-annual, month-long “Food Fuels Learning” campaign last month to support the afterschool and weekend food programs at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona in Tucson. lhmauto.com

The recently released 2022 Inc. 5000 included several businesses in our community. Among those named in this most prestigious annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America are: 72SOLD — at No. 260 overall, recognized as the Inc. 5000 No. 1 fastest-growing real estate firm in Arizona, and among the top 10 fastest-growing real estate firms in America. 72sold.com

Local Standouts for and Philanthropy

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PHILANTHROPY

As the ice cream industry continues to see an upward tick, Baskin-Robbins is leveraging its experience and influence on the industry to offer prospective franchisees throughout Phoenix the chance to capitalize on this trend. Baskin-Robbins has franchise opportunities available across the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Since being acquired by Inspire Brands in 2020, the brand has leveraged the multi-brand platform’s robust operational support and other resources and knowledge needed to thrive within each target market. Being a member of the Inspire Brands family, Baskin-Robbins can now offer attractive investments and exclusive development opportunities to prospective franchisees. A wide variety of real estate options, ranging from traditional freestanding restaurants to end-cap shops and other non-traditional locations, helps give Baskin-Robbins’ operators an edge amongst competitors. —Grant Benson, SVP of franchise development at Inspire Brands, parent company of Baskin-Robbins (www.baskinrobbinsfranchising.com)

Twenty-nine percent of Phoenix workers plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2022, according to a recent Robert Half survey.

Workers Looking for More Money or New Job This Year

Labor data shows hiring remains strong in Phoenix. With 11.3 million job openings in May, workers are leveraging the robust job market and continued talent shortage to their advantage. Workers continue quitting in search for better pay, better career opportunities and remote work options. Our recent survey of more than 2,400 U.S. workers shows 4 in 10 (41%) workers are considering a job change in the second half of 2022. In Phoenix, that number was a bit lower, at 29%.

Same city, close to downtown or central business district 45%

Source: CommercialCafé (www.commercialcafe.com/blog/2022-office-survey/)

Different city, in the suburbs 17%

Are you considering a new location for commercial office space?

Extended periods of lockdown and isolation have made many workers eager to escape the confines of an artificially lit office, sealed-off from the outside environment. Perhaps that’s why roughly 12% of survey participants highlighted the need for more natural light and generous outdoor areas as one of the main preferences they had developed following the pandemic.

marketinsightsprofessionalsvariousMaybetweentermspopularityanalyzeatspacetheirdriving42Floors)CommercialSearch(PropertyShark,websitesPoint2,andaboutthemotivatorsbehindcurrentofficesearches,lookedGoogleTrendsdatatochangesintheofkeysearchfortheofficesectorMarch2018to2022,andcontactedrealestatetogettheironemergingtrends.

Downsizing and need a smaller office 24%

What has prompted your current office search?

In CommercialCafé’s 2022 office space report, most businesses actively searching for a new workspace were aiming for either a full return to the office (43%) or a hybrid system that requires employees to spend most of their time in the office (31%). However, even among those actively searching for listings, 27% claim to be looking for a space that can accommodate staff that will be mostly working from home. commercialcafe.com

Looking to be sole occupier of a building 23% Considering a larger office space 16% Browsing for an upgrade in quality 14%

Getting a better price per square foot 23%

Different city, downtown or central business district 10%

13INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022

The last couple of years have been transformational for the commercial real estate sector, particularly for the office market. Despite the uncertainty that marked the first half of 2020, fears around the demise of the office have been put to rest by the surge in workspace searches that surpassed even pre-pandemic levels. But while companies’ interest in renting office space has increased, so did the range of preferences landlords have to meet, as tenants demand more bang for their buck, increased safety measures and more natural light and outdoor areas for their office space.

Same city, in the suburbs 29%

For the study, researchers surveyed 1,242 visitors to CommercialCafé and sister company

Location and Needs

As we found in our 2022 CommercialCafé office survey, “How Increased Renter Interest is Reshaping the Post-Pandemic Workspace,” despite the obvious disruption caused by the lockdowns to the commercial real estate sector, the numbers invite a much more encouraging outlook for the coming future.

For instance, following the mid-March drop in popularity in 2020, searches for “office space for rent” increased steadily throughout the remainder of that year. Even accounting for seasonal drops in November and December, the term followed a largely positive course, recording a net growth in popularity when compared to the period leading up to the onset of COVID-19.

Full return to office 43% Hybrid, a few days per week in the office 20% Mostly in the office, with a few days per week from home 18% Mostly in the office, with a few days per month from home 13% Hybrid, a few days per month in the office 7%

OfficeParametersPost-PandemicofDemand

As expected, COVID-19 safety measures (along with general sanitation practices) ranked high with roughly 19% of respondents. Meanwhile, 7% of people would like a subletting option to be included in their lease agreement to allow for maximum flexibility in the event of changes to their workforce or the company’s preferred work schedule in the future.

What work schedule would your office space accommodate?

Diana Sabau has years of intense research on the U.S. commercial real estate market at Yardi Matrix and writes several Yardi blogs, covering CRE investment, job market trends and tech. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, GlobeSt, The Real Deal, NAIOP, MSN and CommercialCaféBisnow.is a leading commercial real estate information services provider offering a suite of products and services tailored to the national and local needs of the commercial investments industry. Listings available on CommercialCafé include all commercial real estate property categories from office space for rent and co-working to industrial and warehouse space to commercialcafe.comretail.

METRICS & MEASUREMENTS

METHODOLOGY

Same city 76%

Increased renter interest spans in-office and hybrid, central business district and suburbs by Diana Sabau

Changing Preferences in Office

Similarly, in the case of searches for “office space for sale,” we can see that this term had a significant surge in popularity in the first two months of 2020, compared to peaks recorded throughout the previous two years. Then, between March 2020 and September 2021, searches zigzagged consistent with the trend prior to the pandemic, before eventually taking off and settling on a higher plateau during the closing months of 2021 and first quarter of 2022. While nearly a quarter said their search had been prompted by a need to downsize their office footprint, roughly 16% of those who completed the survey said they were looking for a larger office space. Once again, the data gives credence to the argument that remote working hasn’t made offices obsolete, as news of big companies either investing in prime real estate, renewing, or expanding their leases has continued to pour in.

Interestingly, 23% of respondents indicated that they’d like to be the sole occupiers of a building. At the same time, coworking offices have also reemerged as a great alternative for businesses aiming to be nimble and ready to scale as needed.

Brightside Studios’ weekly classes offer a creative outlet for something more structured or a unique night out with friends, while the café is designed to be a place to recharge, study, network or meet with a client. And local musicians rock the house with free shows each weekend. Passionate about giving back to the community in many different ways, the Kuenns will have Brightside Studios host a large fundraiser every year. The International Myeloma Foundation will be the beneficiary of the business’s inaugural fundraiser, which will be held at Brightside Studios on October 8th. brightsidestudios.com/event/creatives-against-cancer

Brightside Studios – More than a Co-Working Space for Creatives

The Kuenns vividly remember what inspired them, back in 2016, to found Brightside Studios, when Vanessa was pregnant with their first child, Noah, and Brad painted a mural for the nursery. Says Brad, “We gave painting a try and the rest is history!”Challenges have ranged from big — like COVID-19 and Brad’s Multiple Myeloma cancer diagnosis — to small — like the Phoenix summer and paint spills. Addressing them, Brad says, “Our philosophy has always been to ‘fail fast’; to try new things and, if it doesn’t work, adjust quickly and keep moving forward.”

(bottom)StudiosBrightside(top),TerkelofcourtesyPhotos

—RaeAnne Marsh Terkel terkel.io

Terkel – Where the Question Is the Marketing Solution

Brightside Studios opened its doors to “the creatives of Arizona” on February 22, 2022, offering a large creative space for traditional artists of all types along with live music, an art store and delicious coffee for the public. “At Brightside, artists of all types and skill levels can enjoy our open-concept studio, catered to most artistic needs. It’s a bustling atmosphere of color and charm — filled with inspirational music and the fresh smell of coffee,” says Brad Kuenn, co-owner with his wife, Vanessa. He likens the concept to a massive “art gym” where membership allows access to the entire studio and free use of equipment and supplies. “The large, naturally-lit studio is developed to be a fun, safe and productive workspace for the many creative hearts in Phoenix.”

The couple also credits success to advice from Brad’s father, Arnie Kuenn, himself a successful entrepreneur, who told them, “You’ll be amazed at just how far genuine respect and kindness will take you.” Putting that into practice, the Kuenns believe, “Treating your team with respect, and being kind to those around you (especially in the service industry) can directly impact your success in a leadership role.”

—RaeAnne Marsh Brightside Studios brightsidestudios.com

“We created Terkel to solve the biggest challenge facing our marketing agency: building visibility online,” says founder Brett Farmiloe. “Our agency tried everything to promote our smallbusiness clients. Ultimately, we found that sharing our client’s expertise and experiences was the best way to build authority and visibility online. This approach not only delivered results for clients but was also profitable for our agency.” Farmiloe’s agency started working on this solution in October 2020, and spun Terkel out as a separate company in January 2022. “After ten years of running the agency,” he says, “we decided to sell the agency to focus and fund Terkel full time, and to give agencies an alternative to platforms like Help a Reporter Out.”

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Terkel is a dual-sided marketplace with experts and publishers. “Any marketplace has a ‘hard side’ to scale and also has to find a strategy to get through the ‘cold start’ problem,” Farmiloe explains, likening it to “the chicken or the egg” scenario. “If you don’t have enough experts, publishers won’t ask questions. If you don’t have enough questions from publishers, experts don’t come back.”

Terkel is a question-and-answer site that turns any professional question into an article featuring expert insights.

ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS

“Terkel is more than a marketing tool. It’s a platform that presents an opportunity to reimagine access to earned media, and expand the publishing capabilities of brands,” Farmiloe says. “We’re working to give voice to small businesses and benefit our stakeholders, including publishers, agencies and journalists.”

• fundraising.myeloma.org/creatives-against-cancer

To get through those challenges, Terkel borrowed a page from Cameo and focused on “less famous, super willing” users on the hard side of its marketplace, and also employed that strategy within the particular industry vertical of human resources.

More than 7,500 leaders and professionals from organizations like Google, Harvard, VISA, Southwest Airlines, Airbnb, the NFL and more answer questions on Terkel to build their brand and share their expertise. Meanwhile, more than 300 brands, among them Calendly, GoDaddy, Zapier, Amazon, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, use Terkel to create content for their blogs.

More Office/Warehouse in Chandler Phoenix-based DPMG Galveston, LLC has started construction on its Chandler Corporate Industrial Center II project in Chandler, situated at the southwest corner of McClintock Drive and Galveston Street in Chandler. The building will contain 86,286 square feet of office/warehouse space available to a single tenant or divisible to suites ranging from 3,371 to 8,042 square feet, and is planned for completion in first quarter of 2023. Chandler Corporate Industrial Center II is being constructed by LGE. Greg Hopley and Dillon Hopley of Colliers in Arizona serve as exclusive leasing agents for the property. corporate.colliers.com

Implementing initiatives to empower employees through education, exposure and dialogue progressively enhances their understanding of the value they bring to the company. Across the entire organization, it is important employees recognize unique aspects of the company standards and how they can make an impact in their role and, ultimately, foster company culture.

CriticalCultureSafety

PROPERTY, GROWTH AND LOCATION

—Clay Creaser, vice president in the Phoenix office of JE Dunn Construction (www.jedunn.com), one of the largest commercial contractors in the nation, where he oversees the delivery of construction projects throughout the Southwest

All industries are vulnerable to this gap — and that is no less true in construction, as it continues to be an active industry in the Phoenix market. In this particularly mobile industry where a company’s employees are spread across multiple job sites, creating a consistent culture is crucial to developing a work environment where expectations are unwavering and continually elevating.

15INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022

IndustryConstructioninOnboardinginthe

Because safety practices are embedded in everyday construction job-site activities, team members may lose sight of their individual ability to impact and expand the workplace safety culture. Safety is driven by operational excellence, which requires a commitment and focus at all levels of the organization. Further, while internal buy-in is essential, a true safety culture is built through the inclusivity of industry partners. Prioritizing a partnership with trades that share the same passion for safety provides strong support for an organization’s initiatives throughout the project and supports a seamless collaboration between all parties. To be successful in driving a safety culture, companies must function as a network both internally and externally to convey key messages and lessons learned on a local, regional and national level. This is when true culture is created. With the current influx in hiring, a major gap in many industries is becoming the onboarding of new employees, both entry level and experienced. Without an intentional onboarding program focused on the core values of a firm, new team members easily miss key messages and behaviors surrounding the company’s workplace environment.

More Rooftops Coming to SE Phoenix Tri Pointe Homes®, a recognized leader serving the Phoenix market for more than 30 years under the name Maracay®, has broken ground on Sentinel at Oro Ridge, a 52-home neighborhood located within the expansive Oro Ridge planned community in Queen Creek, Arizona. Available in Spanish, Farmhouse and Desert exterior styles, Sentinel at Oro Ridge homes will range from approximately 2,665 to 3,124 square feet with 4 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths and 3-bay garages. Grand opening is slated for this fall. tripointehomes.com

Infill Industrial in SW Phoenix VanTrust Real Estate, LLC, the NAIOP Arizona 2021 Industrial Owner/Developer of the Year, broke ground on its latest speculative industrial development, VT 202, located on 12.1 acres along 59th Avenue in the high-demand Southwest Phoenix submarket. With completion expected in February, the two buildings of this infill project are designed for flexibility in tenant requirements and can accommodate users seeking 38,000 to 181,000 square feet. The project is designed by Butler Design Group, with Wespac Construction serving as general contractor. Leasing is being handled by Colliers International in Arizona. vantrustrealestate.com

Establishing a culture supported by best practices within a company is oftentimes difficult and develops slowly over time unless clearly defined and demonstrated within an organization; it is subjective. Company culture is successful when people are leading by example and utilizing their voices, but an issue arises when no one believes they are theForexample.example, establishing a safety culture is critical within the construction industry. And developing that culture requires tactics that extend beyond the utilization of universal safety videos and trainings; it happens when the men and women onsite engage in honest discussions. Building an environment that promotes open dialogue from the onset and does not avoid difficult conversations helps to generate strong internal communication and effective project safety management.

bottom)to(topHomesPointeTriLLC,Estate,RealVanTrustColliers,ofcourtesyPhotos

Without an intentional onboarding program focused on the core values of a firm, new team members easily miss key messages and behaviors surrounding the company’s workplace environment.

GET REAL

“Our greatest feat, though, is the bowling alley,” says Mark Zimmerman, Arcadia Management Group’s national director of construction management. “We used carefully selected materials and worked with acoustics specialists to ensure that this amenity had zero sound implications for the tenants above or below us. Being able to problem solve to make the bowling alley vision a reality was a high point for our construction team, and reflects the commitment we make to all of our Arcadia projects.”

PROPERTY, GROWTH AND LOCATION

Village at Bronco Trail will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units for lease in a gated community that includes a mix of lifestyle amenities. Each home includes private landscaped backyards with doggy-door access, a smart-technology home package, open floor plans with spacious living areas and closets with ample storage.

The Empire Group of Companies closed last month on a 40-acre parcel located in North Phoenix near the site of the $12 billion Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company facility that is projected to open in 2024, where it plans to build a community of 354 single-family build-for-rent homes.

“This is an ideal site, located directly across the I-17 near TSMC where they are projected to generate more than 3,000 jobs over the next two years,” explains Richard Felker, founding partner of Empire Group. “This community will help provide much-needed housing for employees at the TSMC Semiconductor plant and others moving to this rapidly growing area.”

Since its founding in Phoenix in 1986, AMG has become a national entity managing more than 60 million square

As a nod to the ownership’s Arcadia roots, the new Arcadia Management Group headquarters reception and copy areas feature wood harvested from a tree that had been scheduled for removal within the Arcadia neighborhood. arcadiamgmt.com

New Headquarters Welcomes Employees Back with a Bowling Alley

The Empire Group is currently under construction on six build-for-rent projects in cities throughout Maricopa County, including Goodyear, Phoenix, Peoria, Avondale, Tolleson and Queen Creek. The developer has another five build-for-rent communities throughout Greater Phoenix that it is scheduled to break ground on by the end of the year. —Mike Hunter Empire Group Companies builtbyempire.com Land Advisors Organization landadvisors.com

After an all-too-familiar pandemic delay, Phoenix-based property management leader Arcadia Management Group has relocated and expanded its downtown Phoenix headquarters within the same building, where it also serves as property manager — the 3550 N. Central office tower. The new 18,500-square-foot space welcomes employees back with amenities for work and play, including a unique attraction for a fourth-floor office tenant: a bowling alley. Among its features is a human-centric lighting system that mimics the progression of daylight. Starting with soft tones in the morning and gradually increasing in brightness and color temperature throughout the day, this system avoids the fatigue associated with static lighting systems found in “ordinary” offices.

Residents will also enjoy community walking paths, a clubhouse that includes a lounge, kitchen and fitness center, a resort-style pool and jacuzzi, barbecue and firepit areas along with a community dog park and dog wash station, a mix of covered, uncovered and garage parking.

Brett Rinehart, Ryan Semro, and Ben Heglie of Land Advisors Organization represented the Empire Group in the purchase of the 40-acre parcel.

Single-Family Build-for-Rent Community Underway Near Taiwan Semiconductor Facility

Village at Bronco Trail will be situated at 29th Avenue and Sonoran Desert Drive, just east of the I-17. The Scottsdalebased developer purchased the land for $14.37 million and is scheduled to break ground and start construction by late 2022.

feet of U.S. office, industrial and retail space, and providing tenant and capital improvements through its in-house construction management division. This division directed the company’s new headquarters. It was also responsible for the 2020 transformation of a portion of unused roof and indoor office space at the tower, transforming these areas into a fifth-story outdoor patio and luxury indoor hospitality suite for building employees.

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM16 (bottom)GroupManagementArcadia(top),CompaniesGroupEmpireofcourtesyPhotosDON’T MISS OUT! Get a year of In Business Magazine Subscribe now inbusinessphx.comat MAGAZINE Legal Views on How COVID Continues to Infect Business Next-LevelTeamShortagesBuildingSolutionstoStaffingThis Month’s EditorMary Jane RyndPresident and CEOVirginia G. Piper Charitable THIS ISSUE Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits INBUSINESSPHX.COM Workplace & AdvocacyEmployee

The 3550 building has space available for lease ranging from 2,000 to 12,225 square feet and offering stunning views. Leasing brokers are Scott Boardman and Dave Carder of Cushman & Wakefield. —Mike Hunter Arcadia Management Group arcadiamgmt.com

At Colliers International in Arizona, we are committed to teamwork, service, expertise, and fun. Our people live these core values, providing the trustworthy foundation of client service. Colliers’ dedication to supporting our family, both at work and home, catapults our team to unparalleled levels of performance. Each team member’s commitment to client relationships takes them beyond business achievement to create a passion for shaping the future. Partner with the innovative professionals at Colliers who dream big and see what could be. Visit colliers.com/arizona to learn more. We don’t just see workplace.another We see culture.award-winningan Accelerating success.

AZP’S ‘FASCINATING AND OPPORTUNISTIC’ PLAN

When Rawson became president of AZP Multifamily in January 2020, it didn’t take long for an unprecedented form of volatility to rear its head.

AZP Multifamily myazp.com

“Initially, I thought I’d only be dealing with the volatility related to growth,” Rawson says. “Of course, a few months in, COVID changed that.” Despite the pandemic, which manifested a special brand of uncertainty, Rawson remained focused on AZP’s growth goals.

BECOMING A $500M COMPANY

“I try to be open, curious, engaging and direct,” he says. “I add the most value by encouraging everyone to be innovative and find new ways to do business.”

“If we don’t grow, we’re at risk. But if we grow, we can be something relevant in a space that’s looking for something different and specific to their unique needs,” he says. “We have a massive opportunity to be the best multifamily-focused service provider, giving customers options specific to their properties that they don’t have with the big guys.”

“For me, we’re a $500 million company in five years,” Rawson says. “At that level, we can’t be pushed out of the market; we have to be reckoned with.”

Of course, companies don’t just go from $67 million to $500 million in sales without a few challenges and changes. The most critical piece required reshaping company operations and culture. To accomplish that requires the right people. “The only way to execute on any type of organizational change is with the right people,” Rawson says, adding that about half his management team is new since he joined AZP.

“We’re in a fascinating and opportunistic time for our business,” he says, noting that, due to the company’s size, growth really was the only option to remain competitive in an industry increasingly dominated by a duopoly of big-box stores.

MINDING

LEADINGLISTENINGBY

As the industry has consolidated, HD Supply (owned by Home Depot) and Lowe’s have leveraged their size to dictate terms and conditions with customers and suppliers, Rawson says. That created an opportunity for AZP to carve out an identity as a viable third-party option.

Another big challenge was breaking out of the mold of a smaller company and instilling confidence throughout the organization that they deserved to play on a higher level.

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM18 AT ACompany:GLANCE

Darren Rawson is a leader who thrives on disruption.

To wit, Rawson once guided a team transitioning a company through bankruptcy and spearheaded another business launching in 18 countries over 18 months. He even once relocated to Moscow to lead a Russian oil/gas supply startup.

Rawson once moved to Moscow for several years to lead an oil/gas supply startup. After generating only $200,000 in revenue over the first two months, he learned the importance of listening to his Russian colleagues and understanding their culture. By the end of three years, the company brought in $42inmillionsales.

“The business development efforts will be the big driver to $500 million,” he says. “We may not get every big customer, but we will get enough to change our revenue and allow us to really shine.”

The key is to build a belief system around achieving big goals. As a result, Rawson created a dedicated business development team and began emboldening his sales associates to bring AZP’s message to bigger companies and potential clients.

THE CONFIDENCE TO DO HARD THINGS AND SUCCEED

Darren Rawson Leads through Chaos

AZP Multifamily President: Darren Rawson Headquarters: Phoenix Employees: 331 Who They Are: AZP Multifamily provides the maintenance and repair products to keep America’s apartments safe and up to date. They supply property managers and maintenance teams with the products, support and services for maintenance and repair. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, there are more than 24.2 million occupied apartment units in the U.S., and nearly 80% of the country’s entire apartment stock was built prior to 2000.

Although he’s made a career out of pursuing unpredictable situations, Rawson is quick to note he doesn’t try to cause any. “Rather,” he says, “I try to identify and create opportunities from it.”

Those options include not only well-stocked warehouses but an emphasis on differentiated and local services that meet customers’ unique needs rather than a cookie-cutter, big-box approach. Additionally, AZP offers value-add services and construction solutions that help property owners keep apartments up to date and generating revenue. AZP’s biggest competitive differentiator, though, is its multifamily focus and expertise.

More than two years into Rawson’s time at the helm, AZP is making progress on that goal. At the end of 2019, AZP generated $67 million in revenue. By the end of 2021, that number grew to $109 million. During the same period, AZP grew to 13 locations across the country and made two acquisitions as it pushes to reach an ambitious goal of generating half a billion dollars in revenue.

“Until you make the decision to pursue something you haven’t before, it may not seem like a possibility,” Rawson says. “But oftentimes, it’s about looking at the world a different way and having the confidence to do hard things and succeed.”

LISTEN FIRST. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Rawson’s experience navigating volatility informs his leadership style in several ways. For one, he listens first, then asks questions.

“For better or worse, I’ve often sought it out,” says Rawson, president of Phoenix-based AZP Multifamily, a leading maintenance and parts supplier to the multifamily industry. “You could say I’m a bit of a volatility junkie.”

And takes opportunity during the pandemic to grow AZP Multifamily by Tim Gallen THEIR

BUSINESS

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By definition, integrated care brings together multiple people — physicians, specialists, clinicians, pharmacists and others — who collaborate in the best interest of patients. At its core, it’s about treating the “whole” person, knowing that the mind and the body are inextricably linked. It’s also about addressing the issue at hand while uncovering the true source of a patient’s pain or discomfort.

Thankfully, there is a promising elixir to these health issues. It’s called integrated health care. And while it is not new, the concept is misunderstood or, in some cases, not embraced by healthcare providers and companies.

Businesses stand to benefit from adopting an integrated model of care, too. After all, companies that foster a culture of well-being are sending a message to their workforce: We care about you. This can become a competitive advantage for retaining and recruiting employees in a fiercely competitive labor market.

Health and wellness have become the buzzwords in the workplace.

While integrated care makes healthcare more accessible for patients, it also improves their health outcomes by treating the mind and body as one instead of in silos. Communities also reap the rewards of integrated care through Federally Qualified (community) Health Centers that ensure care for underserved and vulnerable populations regardless of their ability to pay.

Productivity also is a consideration. Employees who are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally are more effective, engaged and satisfied in their jobs. And they undoubtedly will be more committed to contributing to their companies’ missions and bottom lines.

Think about the newly diagnosed diabetic who is overwhelmed by the complexity of this new diagnosis triggering a mental health episode, or the individual whose depression or anxiety contributes to a chronic physical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

Employees are making their health and well-being a key area of focus, with 62% of respondents in a recent Paychex survey strongly agreeing or agreeing that employee well-being support and benefits are a top priority when applying for or considering a job.

Life Sciences Component

Growing at Park Central

“We are seeing central and downtown Phoenix emerge as one of the true life sciences hubs in the western United States,” says Sharon Harper, chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies. “This new life sciences hub will create synergies with the many healthcarerelated entities already at Park Central and nearby, and will be a tremendous opportunity for innovative companies to find an ideal location.” —Mike Hunter Park Central parkcentralphoenix.com

The project’s development team has created an exciting conceptual design for an 80,000-squarefoot life sciences facility in the project’s Burgbacher Building, the largest of the original buildings on site. The hub can be divisible into separate life sciences laboratories ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 square feet. The new facility will have the capacity to accommodate 40 lab modules and 28 support lab modules. The efficient rectangle shape of the building will allow lab users maximum flexibility and the building boasts 6,000-amp service. High 16foot ceilings, ability for advanced air conditioning systems, and exhaust penetrations will enhance the experience for today’s life science companies.

Plaza Companies and Tucson’s Holualoa Companies have teamed up to redevelop Park Central into a vibrant destination, which once was the city’s first official large-scale shopping mall. The companies have transitioned the expansive space from a retail center to an almost 500,000-squarefoot bustling community hub ideal for playing, working, congregating and celebrating the arts.

As a family medicine physician and chief medical officer of Terros Health, my goal is to help patients on a path to total well-being. For them and their employers, integrated care is a proven model for achieving this goal.

In its 2021 study, Gallup reports that 75% of medical costs accrued are due to preventable conditions. There is also the cost of turnover and lost productivity — $322 billion globally due to employee burnout.

—Dr. Vanna Campion, chief medical officer at Terros Health (www.terroshealth.org), a healthcare company focused on the whole person, providing primary care and specializing in mental health and substance use treatment for more than 50 years

The Benefits of Adopting an Integrated Model of Care

Stan Shafer, chief operating officer of Holualoa Companies, believes the new life sciences hub will continue the extensive momentum experienced at Park Central the past few years.

The takeaway: When the well-being of a company’s workforce suffers, so does its bottom line. But well-being isn’t limited to employees’ physical health. Mental and emotional wellbeing are priorities for companies and their team members, too. A survey conducted earlier this year by HR.com found that 57% of respondents ranked mental health in their organizations’ top five list of HR priorities. COVID-19 undoubtedly was a contributing factor, with a sharp rise in the number of Americans reporting depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as a result of isolation, financial strain and the stress of losing a job during the past nearly three years.

As we explored in last April’s In Business Magazine cover story, “Our Bioscience Economy,” a life sciences boom is underway in Phoenix, making healthcare and bioscience among the fastestgrowing industries in the Greater Phoenix marketplace — and Park Central is at the heart of it, with plans for a new life sciences hub on site.

And a Gallup poll extolled the benefits of employee well-being: “When your employees’ well-being is thriving, your organization directly benefits,” Gallup proclaimed, in the form of fewer sick days, higher performance and lower rates of burnout and turnover.

Finally, there is the cost. In its 2021 study, Gallup reports that 75% of medical costs accrued are due to preventable conditions. There is also the cost of turnover and lost productivity — $322 billion globally due to employee burnout. By integrating physical and mental health services, companies can realize cost savings for employees with acute or chronic conditions.

WELL WELL WELL YOUR BENEFIT IN BUSINESS

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM20 (left)CentralParkofcourtesyPhoto

Companies are taking note, too. Earlier this year, Harvard Business Review predicted that wellness would become the newest metric used to understand employees.

678790-20LIFEAZBLUE.COMCAN CHANGE PRETTY QUICKLY. LET US HANDLE THE OTHER STUFF, SO YOU DON’T MISS WHAT MATTERS MOST.

BUILD A WEB3 PRODUCT

—Jason Turnquist, co-founder and CEO of Fyresite (www.fyresite.com)

For those looking to do more than just invest, now is the time to build a Web3 product. Leadership should consider how their business can solve a problem by building a product for NFTs, gaming, decentralized finance, real estate, video, music or another industry they may be familiar with.

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM22

Some examples of this include Adidas, which bought rights to Bored Ape Yacht Club; Nike, which bought rights to RTFKT; and Shopify, which purchased a few Doodles and has done interactive events with them at SXSW and NFT NYC.

Tragically, the number of school shootings is not diminishing. Parents and administrators are searching for solutions to increase the security of theirIterateschools.wants to help. Having developed computer vision AI applications for our commercial clients, we are now bringing affordable “Threat Awareness AI” to schools. We obtained several hundred hours of videos of armed robberies and brandished weapons, from which we trained the AI to recognize shotguns, rifles, pistols and knives. We also trained the AI with direct recordings of several weapons types at various backgrounds, distances and angles, including video footage of people carrying non-weapons in order to train against false positives. This AI is now deployed in several commercial environments.

Businesses can start by buying cryptocurrencies in small increments every few weeks. They should be treated like a long-term investment account, with a plan of holding for at least three to five years. One way to pick the right investment is to focus on coins that developers have built software around. As developers launch more startups on these chains, more users will be driven to use their token as it’s needed to interact with the system, thus increasing their volume, price and utility, and making them better investments than random alternative coins.

ADD CRYPTO/NFT TO THE BALANCE SHEET

Iterate’s Interplay low-code platform constantly watches all incoming video feeds and can return weapons alerts with mid-90 percentage accuracy in less than 30 milliseconds.

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TECH NOTES INNOVATIONS FOR BUSINESS

For those wanting to get into the crypto market, this is the best time to DCA (Dollar Cost Average) their way in. Many businesses, ours included, carry cash in a savings account that earns almost no interest; therefore, that money isn’t helping them earn more. Crypto is a great tool to increase capital for a business simply by making regular investments into it; it can be considered as diversifying the company’s investment portfolio.

AI for Good: Threat Awareness for Schools

Another route is to buy blue-chip NFTs — which are generally considered to be a good long-term investment — from successful and trusted projects. What determines a successful and trustworthy project? Venture capitalist or corporate backing on crypto projects typically indicates that they will continue building and increasing the value of the investment over time.

Take Advantage of the Current Cryptocurrency Market

The technology involves several steps. First, digital cameras are placed in optimal positions to cover any entrance and common points. These video feeds are piped to an on-premises edge server (in order to avoid network latency and any potential bandwidth interruption). On the server, we run Iterate’s Interplay low-code platform, which constantly watches all incoming video feeds and can return weapons alerts with mid-90 percentage accuracy in less than 30 milliseconds. Once a weapon is spotted, an alert is generated along with the location and confidence level (e.g., “Rifle seen in main lobby! 92%”), which can be passed instantly via Twilio or other messaging services to first responders, school officials and corresponding emergency apps. This threat awareness system is customizable to fit the customer’s needs. We have also made this technology cost effective and affordable to public organizations, leveraging our expertise gained from the commercial sector.

This Threat Awareness is already deployed in school settings. While no single solution is 100% watertight, it is our sincere belief that this threat awareness can become leverage for other security layers by providing an unblinking smart set of eyes throughout school campuses.

As Web3 grows over the next decade, this is prime time to embark on a Web3 product or startup that offers a solution of a new way to engage in this space. In addition, VC funding in crypto is very high right now and if a project shows traction, raising capital won’t be as difficult as Web2 startups.

—Brian Sathianathan, CTO and co-founder, and Dave Jenkins, VP of technology curation, at Iterate.ai (www.iterate.ai)

Those who’ve been paying attention know that the last few months have been turbulent for cryptocurrency. The industry has seen a lot of shake-ups because the market is being driven by macroeconomic factors that extend far beyond just crypto, reaching into stocks, assets, equities and even real estate. Since December 2021, the crypto market has been trending downward, correlating with the S&P500 and Nasdaq. Most investors are weary because inflation numbers are coming back higher than expected, and many centralized finance exchanges are in turmoil after the May collapse of Luna Coin and Luna’s algorithmic stable coin, US Terra. This collapse sent shock waves through the entire crypto market, causing a massive selloff. At this point, some of the most prominent cryptocurrencies are now down 60–95% from their all-time highs. While this may seem like grim news, the reality is this: Crypto isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the current state is to the advantage of business owners with dollars to invest. So how should one proceed? There’s a famous Warren Buffett quote that comes to mind: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” For businesses that have the ability, now is a good time to embrace that mentality and influence their business through crypto in two major ways.

At Fyresite, we’re currently building a Shopify plug-in for token-gating called 0xAuth with our NFT partner Galaktic Gang. The plug-in allows exclusive access to products or discounts that only NFT holders can take advantage of.

Editor’s note: For a more detailed description of this technology, see this article online at www.inbusinessphx.com.]

Lastassia “Lady La” Eidson Founder of Mahalo Made, Member since 2013 Insured by NCUA Data rates may apply. Connect with a OneAZ business banker at OneAZcu.com/Business. Seamlessly transition between your desktop and smartphone to access your business accounts wherever you are, whenever you want. With the new OneAZ Mobile Banking app, you get access to enhanced features, including: Next Level Banking for your business is here. ManagementAccount SchedulingPayment Business Credit Card Controls MerchantServices ManagementCash Serving over 10,000 Arizona businesses.

by RaeAnne Marsh

Join us for the 2022 Women of Achievement In-Person Luncheon & Event on October 7, 2022, at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Tickets at www.inbusinessevents.com

Introduction

A Year HonoringAccomplishmentsofOur2022WomenofAchievement

Many hard-fought gains for women in the business world were suspended, if not actually lost, through the COVID-19 pandemic. But we recognize the strengths women bring to the business world, which are proven in studies of businesses’ success in all segments of the economy. We have many strong and talented women in our community who may eschew the spotlight for themselves to shine it instead on their team or their cause, and we at In Business Magazine are pleased to turn that spotlight on them as we celebrate the success of women in business in our community.

26 INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT. 2022

This issue presents our 2022 Women of Achievement — 14 women who have each proven her involvement in our business community and her connection to doing good for our community while demonstrating leadership in achieving success in business. Bringing their diverse backgrounds and strengths, they help bind and support the greater community, attesting to the collective achievement of women in business.

To honor and celebrate these women, we present on the following pages profiles of our honorees, in which they share their stories in their own words so that we can get to know them. And they will share the spotlight at our Women of Achievement luncheon event on Oct. 7, when we will come together to celebrate them. We also honor Mary Jane Rynd, this month’s Guest Editor, as this year’s recipient of the Linda M. Herold Lifetime Achievement Award.

Please meet our 2022 Women of Achievement. —RaeAnne Marsh, Editor, In Business Magazine

What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Divisiveness that has led to lying, name calling, shaming and other poor behavior

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Aspen Institute Seminar for mid-America foundation CEOs What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

ABOUT ME

Mary Jane (MJ)

I have learned that the first step is getting the best education you can. Arming yourself with the finest education opens the right doors to opportunity and prepares you to do your work competently and to achieve increasing levels of responsibility (usually accompanied by increasing levels of compensation). Having confidence in your technical or professional skills means you don’t have to cut corners to get ahead and allows you to conduct yourself with integrity and high standards. That, in turn, encourages colleagues to perform their best and to believe their team can not only get it done but can also get it done right.

Many young people and women would benefit from mentoring, and my hope is that more and more people will volunteer to do so. There are wonderful nonprofit organizations that match and follow up. I benefitted from being a Big Sister as much as my Little Sister did — we all have things to learn from each other and I certainly learned from Alisha, even when she was quite young.

The quality of primary, secondary and higher education needs to be improved and applied more equitably. People are working to make this a reality, and we all need to make our voices heard.

Focus What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

Dedication

There is much work to be done and it will result in benefits that ripple from individuals to their families and to the entire community.

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There are several things we can and should do. First, ensure that all young people and women have access to a fine education beginning with pre-school. Research shows that people who receive quality pre-school education are more productive in school, work and society; have higher levels of education and earnings, less involvement in delinquency and crime, and even fewer chronic health problems.

PresidentRyndandCEOVirginiaG.PiperCharitable

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Tenacity What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

During my long career as a CPA in public accounting, I served on many boards, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, AWEE, Arizona Society of CPAs, Valley Leadership, and others. The greatest privilege of my professional life has been working at Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust for almost 22 years, helping to steward the assets and fulfill the dreams of a woman who was a role model for me and for many others.

Lifetime Achievement

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

I’ve been told I inspire others by treating every person with care and kindness, with a spark in my eye conveying interest in them and what they are working on.

IN FEW WORDS

Coupling a can-do attitude with high standards and a warm smile reflecting genuine care for others creates a team that performs well, enjoys their work, and is proud of themselves and their colleagues.

Trust

There are several reasons that recognizing achievement is important. First, recognition inspires the recipient to keep working on things they care about, providing that little extra boost we all need every once in a while. Recognition can also demonstrate to other people that their own work can make a difference. Importantly, recognition may inspire other people to imagine, build and/or support ways for a business to contribute to society in addition to becoming a successful business enterprise. Recognition events also provide an opportunity for community members to come together to celebrate and enjoy their accomplishments.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Dedication

What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

Honoree

Honoring achievement shines a light on the good work that is being done by people who often don’t seek recognition. When we recognize people for their achievements, no matter how small, it makes them feel valued. The recognition validates their dedication and energizes them to do even more. This is, ultimately, beneficial for the business community because members of the business community at large see themselves in the individual who was recognized and that motivates them to get involved. When the business community is inspired to do more, the community as a whole benefits and this floats all boats.

Southwest Region Government Affairs Director Cox Communications

Patience

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA? As individuals, the best way to make a difference for young people and especially women is to focus on our commonalities and not our differences. When we find common ground and get to know each other, we are far more effective in solving problems and finding solutions that benefit everyone.

In my personal life, I enjoy working with students through Read Better Be Better, teaching them to develop a love for reading. I also love planning “Dorm Dwellers” Christmas parties for newly enlisted airmen at Luke Airforce Base, celebrating them for serving our country. I believe it’s important for me, and other leaders, to show up for those who may not have others to show up for them. While honoring large achievements is important — to me, exceeding expectations and inspiring others to do the same leads to daily recognition of a job well done. That is more impactful personally and professionally.

IN FEW WORDS

Rachel Aja

Networking What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

WICT Rising Leaders Program What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

The greatest issue facing Arizona today is divisiveness in everything we do. I am a native Arizonan with a passion for our state. My professional experience spans from local governments to presidential campaigns and cattle to cable. As a board member for Read Better Be Better and a member of the Fighter Country Foundation Blue Blazer Squadron, I strive to give back to my community in a meaningful way.

I also think that making a difference in the lives of young people requires those of us who are more established to meet those who are coming up where they are. Those who are younger want success and it may be measured differently. Our values may not be their values, and that’s okay. We need to listen, nurture and guide — often in ways that may seem nontraditional. Particularly in large organizations, helping younger people to find their voice while showing them how multiple perspectives can work together to achieve even better results will help them achieve greatness. In today’s world compromise is often viewed as a negative. However, when we work to find solutions that benefit everyone, everyone is invested in the success of that solution. This leads to a stronger state and business community, which ultimately creates a thriving business environment, bringing new companies and jobs to the area.

Identifying trusted mentor(s), internalizing their feedback and then acting on it is a crucial skill. Good mentors are solution oriented. They look at all the angles, apply their experience and judgment, and then help identify pathways for the mentee to achieve personal and professional goals. They are compassionate and, as these mentor/mentee relationships grow, mentors can become fierce advocates propelling the mentee. But building these relationships requires more than a monthly coffee meeting and it’s often a two-way street. Mentors and mentees who come to care personally about each other’s success are often the most successful pairings. Building meaningful relationships with mentors and others in your daily life is essential to success. I have realized success in my career because of the people who’ve mentored me and the people who’ve given me advice. More importantly, my professional growth is due to the people who have given me a chance to succeed. I have found that meeting and listening to people from a variety of backgrounds and careers provides the opportunity to productively shape our belief systems and decisionmaking capability. Awareness and respect of different points of view creates worldly perspective and is the key to long-term success in any profession.

28 INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT. 2022

ABOUT ME A humble and consistent commitment to seek out different opinions, uplift my community, and encourage others to be their authentic selves.

IN FEW WORDS

In 1987, Patricia Duarte began her career in community and economic development after receiving a finance degree from Arizona State University. She has been an advocate for affordable housing and has represented Arizona on two national boards to help address housing and consumer protections — Federal Reserve Board, Community Advisory Committee and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Community Advisory Board. She is now focused on building a homeownership ecosystem to narrow the wealth gap among poor and ethnic minority groups. She previously served as president and CEO at Trellis for 16 years. Patricia and Jesse, her husband, have three children — Alonzo, Mireya and Ricardo.

Writing What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Confidence What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Arizona is facing an affordable housing crisis; we need affordable and safe places for all income levels.

ExecutiveDuarteVicePresidentChicanosPorLaCausa,Inc.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Perspective is one of the most important elements to understanding the challenges others face. Perspective provides a personal point of view that is lost when we objectify or miscategorize others, especially those who may be different from us. For example, recently there has been a lot of attention paid to immigrants amassing at our borders. Often, they are referred to in impersonal terms such as “illegals” or “aliens” or “migrants.” The reality is, they are children or parents, brothers or sisters, many of whom are simply looking to escape poverty or violence. When we shove them into categories, they lose their humanity and it’s far easier to dismiss them or, worse, to characterize them as less than us. They want to contribute, to be a part of a community, to provide a healthy environment for their families. In essence, we all share the same values. They are no different from us. We must never fall prey to the temptation to categorize or stereotype others but, rather, recognize the dignity of all people. We must walk in their shoes and see through their eyes. It’s about perspective.

To honor someone’s achievement, we bring light to an important problem or problems that need to be solved as well as the steps it takes to solve them. This demonstrates that when someone identifies a problem and works hard, they can bring about change. Their success inspires others to do likewise and be a force for change.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Honest What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Patricia Garcia

First of all, passion is contagious. When you are passionate about what you do, it’s not just a job but is rather an opportunity that enables you to use your unique talents and skills to benefit others and toward the accomplishment of certain goals. Like many others, I have had those moments, especially early in my career, when going to work required me to learn, research and understand new systems. However, once I recognized that my purpose is to help others — in my case, to help families obtain a home — I couldn’t help but become passionate about what I did. I wasn’t performing a set of tasks to receive a paycheck; my job was to help people acquire a safe, affordable home where families could succeed. I pictured families feeling proud and safe gathered around their kitchen table creating new happy memories.

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? I am fortunate to be part of a national network that provides regular courses in community development, governance, and affordable housing. I take advantage of community development training often. What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

By honoring achievement and recognizing someone’s accomplishments, several important steps occur. First, achievements or accomplishments are typically in response to certain challenges that the community is experiencing. To honor someone’s success, we must first identify an important issue that needs to be solved. For example, the difficulty many low-income families have trying to acquire a safe, affordable home. Next, we clarify the various obstacles a family might face that make this so difficult. Following this, we create a solution or solutions on how to address these issues. Lastly, we take action and execute these steps to bring about these solutions. While this plan sounds practical and straightforward, the reality is, it takes a champion, someone who is willing to move forward against the tide committing time and resources, often at great personal expense to ensure their plan comes to fruition.

ABOUT ME My passion for fair and equitable housing opportunities inspires others.

Honoree

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WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Dare to Lead What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Honoring achievement is to regard or treat someone with admiration and respect for something they have succeeded in doing, especially after much effort. Rarely do people achieve their dreams and goals overnight — it is important to remember it takes effort and determination. I founded Duffy Group because I needed a job but I also wanted to work from home as my husband and I were trying to start a family. There was no detailed strategic plan or a financial cushion to fund the household. I had to find someone who would take a chance on me and my non-traditional approach to executive search — working in billable time rather than a percentage of the candidate’s salary. I had to adapt to new technology — the internet did not exist when I started my business. I had to navigate changes in the economy and catastrophic events such as 9/11 and the pandemic. Honoring achievement is important for our business community to build our network, seek out mentors, or tap a friendly shoulder who understands your journey.

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Honoree

Duffy Group, Inc.

Kindness What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Networking What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Education is the foundation of our economy and future.

I’m teased about being “vertically challenged.” But I have learned the size of a person does not determine the belief in themselves or the confidence to pursue their dreams. Confidence is a belief in your ability to succeed — a belief that creates action. Without a healthy level of confidence, you’ll never venture out of your comfort zone. I had the confidence to start my company, but I was not sure about my ability to grow my venture. I hired someone who I thought was smarter than me and could do a better job. Ultimately, I let this person take my voice and confidence; I am often anxious anticipating the future and preparing for it. I struggle with execution, and feel uncomfortable with uncertainty or risk. I understand the demands of my job and I lead in a kinder, gentler way. Today, I stand tall. I am comfortable making decisions and am happily moving forward with my own vision, passion and self-confidence.

ABOUT ME

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

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Kathleen Duffy

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

The best way to make a difference for young people in Arizona is to be present and listen. I am working with a young entrepreneur who is a wife, mother and homeschool teacher. We had our first meeting recently and the kids (ages 5 and 1) were in the room; she does not have a support system to watch her kids. It was chaos and I came close to suggesting we reschedule until her husband came home, but I realized she was determined to launch her business and never compromise the other duties in her life. She did not need my help with a business plan or revenue forecast. Instead, she needed me to support her dream of having it all — family and career.

IN FEW WORDS

President and CEO

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Kathleen Duffy is president and CEO of Duffy Group, Inc., one of the most respected recruiting firms in the country. In addition to leading her now-global company and building an engaged team of recruitment leaders, Duffy gives back generously to the community. She lends her expertise to business and HR-related groups on smart hiring and retention practices; serves as a mentor for social entrepreneurs; and advocates for women through her role on 50/50 Women on Boards, a global initiative to increase the number of women in company leadership positions and by corporate boards. She works tirelessly for myriad philanthropic causes.

I operate from a place of trust, seeing and believing the best in others, oftentimes before they do.

Curiosity What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

Some of us may need to be courageous enough to hand over the reins, become the person who, instead of scoring the highest, is the one with the most “assists” — i.e., pass the ball!

Inquiry What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

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Our business community is impacted by achievement in a lot of ways, too. For example, being recognized for corporate giving, employee wellness, or positive and equitable work environments creates the potential for all the individuals in the organization to share in the achievement in a way that is relevant for them, their family and community.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

We may also want to consider that Achievement doesn’t always look like awards or accolades in every culture or lived experience. Sometimes it looks like a “small” accomplishment or a small win. The collection of those small wins is what makes an impact on our community. When more members of a community collectively have small wins, it creates big achievements.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Honoring achievement is important, and what is even more important to me at this stage in my life is being able to activate that achievement for the betterment of the community, not just for self. This honor brings awareness for the entire team of staff and volunteers at YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, not just for me. It’s about sharing the achievement and translating it into action

Listening What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

The lesson is that I need to trust my own authenticity, my lived experience, my intersections with my world; to trust what I hear my heart say yet listen without judgment to other perspectives. In other words, know who you are, be your full self. Embrace yourself and others where you and they are at.

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

I’m fortunate to have a deep relationship with a group of friends and family who are my village, my fan club. They are also the folks who will hold the mirror for me and help me see when I’m not being true. They have my back when I’m taking risks, they hold my hand and my heart when needed. This allows me to stay connected to what I know to be true: Debbie leads with her heart to empower, embrace and celebrate self and others.

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Debbie Esparza

The single most important thing is the lesson I’ve needed to learn over and over throughout all my careers. Several times I have looked outside myself for validation or opportunity, and when it didn’t come, it created doubt and that thing we call imposter syndrome. Each time, it took years to build back my confidence only to find myself in a similar situation.

We can do a lot to make a difference for young people and women in Arizona, but these suggestions are not really for them. I’m proposing it should be with them. Those who sit in power and privilege need to make space for the strong, dynamic emerging leaders who are ready! They are women and people of color. We all must actively work to remove barriers in the systems that have historically kept women out and earning lower wages. It is up to all of us to create access in every part of our organizations and community. Sometimes, that means giving up the chair we currently sit in.

Another thing to do now is listen to their voices. Young people see the world differently from how we did at that age. Through listening and understanding, we (together) may see systems, policies and structures that need changing. Then, it is all about using those voices, votes and positive action to create the change we collectively wish to see.

Honoring achievement is a very worthy endeavor, yet the achievement is rarely accomplished by only one person — it takes a village!

I have diverse leadership perspectives with careers in banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia and 25 years in nonprofit executive leadership. I’m thrilled to bring all that experience to YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix. By centering my work on the advancement of marginalized communities and empowerment of women and girls, my viewpoint has always been focused through a lens of race and gender. I’m involved in the business community as part of the Glendale Chamber DEI committee, KNOW Women, Latina Giving Circle, the LGBTQ Center for Philanthropy at ACF, Arizona Coyotes Latino Advisory Council, and the inaugural Bell Bank Nonprofit Executive Round Table.

ABOUT ME I try to come into spaces as my authentic self, full of love and joy. This encourages others to share the lead co-create.and

Honoree

Leading with Equity – The Kellogg School for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University 2021 What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Joy What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

(she, her) CEOYWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

IN FEW WORDS

The impact of any of the elements of a healthy community and how they relate to women and people of color

Listen What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

There are so many moments that define and shape you in your career. Pay attention to those moments and always learn from them. Take every opportunity to see the positive side of your experiences and don’t be afraid to share the good and the bad with your peers.

IN FEW WORDS

I strive to embody our company’s culture every day by leading by example and living our core values: innovation, trust, collaboration, ownership and engagement.

Achievement looks different to everyone. It could be one small action that contributes to the big picture of a project or, alternatively, a huge contribution that you never thought could be done (like creating a new company or starting a food pantry). Honoring achievement is important to me because the growth and successes of others is worth celebrating. By celebrating others, you take moments of success and share stories that will inspire and motivate others to reach for their dreams. It doesn’t matter how big or small an achievement is.

What I really believe in is that fear isn’t real until you make it real and let it hold you back. Don’t let fear take hold of you and prevent you from pursuing excellence.

For those whom I lead and mentor, this is the one message I want them to know: You can accomplish more than you think you can. I have learned that when I choose to believe in my own power, I can achieve my goals. Usually, when success is elusive, it’s because you have chosen to not believe in your own power. So, always believe in the power of yourself. Please be kind. Be kind to yourself and your peers. Kindness, support and constructive direction go so much farther than most people think. Not only will you surprise yourself, but you will also positively influence those around you. Keep learning and believe in your power.

Jackie Halleen

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

Tenacity

Always lead with integrity, kindness, and empathy. Know what you’re good at and develop yourself to be the best. Be the subject expert at whatever you choose. Practice what you know and grow in what you don’t yet know. Only you can hold yourself back. Don’t limit yourself. GO FOR IT!!!

Culture Index What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

ABOUT ME

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Jackie Halleen, president of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, serves as The Excel Center’s executive director, where she oversees The Excel Center’s operations and leadership team. Since 2001, Halleen has served as an Enterpriseleader whose dedication to empowering people has fueled Goodwill’s incredible growth and impact. Halleen champions The Excel Center, believing it can change the lives of adults in Arizona to earn their diplomas and increase their earnings to provide for their families. Halleen serves on the board at Foundation for the Blind and previously served five years on the board of the American Heart Association.

Nimble What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

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What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Poverty, the single greatest issue facing Arizona, takes many forms — in education, unemployment, and homelessness — and cannot be ended without fighting them all.

The incessant rise of social media has changed how people interact today. Because of this, many people have forgotten the art of “live” communication. Let’s face it, it’s hard to be confrontational today. Many of today’s topics are tough to address and talk through. Our younger generations are struggling because they rely on Zoom, Instagram and other similar platforms. While these platforms are great communication tools, employers are looking for candidates with excellent soft skills. This means that young people entering the workforce may need to focus on their interpersonal skills over hard skills. Soft skills can mean the difference between getting “a job” and getting “the best job.” My advice for young women today: Pay attention to body language, tone, what’s appropriate to discuss and, most importantly, don’t be afraid to have hard discussions with honesty and integrity.

Honoree

When we don’t honor the achievements of others, we miss out on the opportunity to foster a community deserving of success. Many people in our communities achieve great things that are deserving of success — their stories need to be heard and celebrated.

President, Goodwill of Monocacy Valley Executive Director, Ages/The Excel Center Arizona

The achievements and stories of those around you are as important as your own. Take every opportunity to recognize successes, talents, and experiences. Honor the achievements of your peers and you will create a snowball effect that truly makes a difference in the community.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

President, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Millennials make up 35% of the workforce, and Generation Z’s oldest members are now 27 and an increasingly large part of our teams. Above all, Gen Z and millennials want an employer who cares about their well-being. We all do! We just didn’t demand it in the same way they do. We need to do a better job of teaching them how leadership and work contribute to their need for purpose, inclusion and impact. We must support and challenge young women on their journey as our mentors did for us. We need to show them how to work within and outside of institutions to make impactful change. We need to help them grow. We need to let them teach us and help us grow. Most of all, we need to work together to make Arizona and our world the way we want it to be.

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I also believe it’s important to recognize women’s unique ways of leading. It helps young women see that there is a path for them in business and in the world. We need more women’s leadership. According to Korn Ferry, women now hold 25% of the five critical C-suite positions. That’s an increase from 23% in 2018. Still, women hold a majority of only one of those spots, CHRO; and only 6% of CEO spots are held by women, the same percentage as 2018.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Each of us makes a difference every single day when we pursue our passions to help others. It’s rewarding, it’s good for our health, and it’s good for our community. And it’s also exhausting when we get knocked down. We need the support of our loved ones to keep going. That’s why building connections and community are so important.

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Work ethic

Finding common ground ABOUT ME I’m driven to make the world a better, more empathetic place for all people.

Honoree

What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Contagious What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

Business Partner Blueprint — a training course on how to develop wider business partnerships

Whether you’re focused on raising kids to be great adults, or mentoring young people, or training your company’s leaders, or advocating for changes in public policy, or fighting disease, or calling your best friend after a hard day — all these efforts when we are focused outside of ourselves matter. You matter and I’m proud to share this community with you.

CEO and President KEO Marketing Inc.

IN FEW WORDS

Recognizing female leaders who are in positions of influence and who can serve as role models for younger women is important for the career advancement of future generations of women. It also reinforces broader advancements in issues such as pay equity, changing workplace policies in ways that benefit both men and women, and attracting and maintaining a more diverse workforce.

Sheila Kloefkorn

Patience What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

Being named a 2022 Woman of Achievement is such an honor because of the women of tremendous achievements who received this award before me. These women are my idols, partners and my continued daily inspiration to make a difference in our community. Together we have and continue to make Arizona a better place to live, raise families and build businesses.

Working for equality and empathy are my passions. I strongly believe in bringing together diverse groups of people with differing perspectives. It makes life magical. Helping others learn how to show and build empathy creates momentum. That passion and momentum creates the best and most rewarding environments in which to live and grow. We all feel better when we are helping others. We grow when we work to understand people with whom we don’t typically agree.

Sheila Kloefkorn is CEO and president of KEO Marketing, a full-service B2B marketing agency. Kloefkorn and KEO Marketing substantially grow Fortune 1000 companies and mid-market businesses. She is a trusted fractional CMO supported by a talented agency team that specializes in marketing strategy, messaging, digital infrastructure, execution and analytics. She was named one of the “Top 10 Business Leaders of the Year” and “Top 25 Dynamic Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal, one of 15 Arizonans to Watch by the Arizona Republic, and a Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Leader.

Young women in Arizona are our future and I’m very excited about our future because of them. They are idealists. They are fearless. They are anxious. They are talented. They are fearful — just like we were.

Honoree

Hard work

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Jordan Rich Rose started Rose Law Group PC leasing space for just herself in another lawyer’s storage room and has, in 23 years, grown the firm to be the largest woman-owned law firm in Arizona history. Rose Law Group is also the first full-service law firm on the metaverse for metaverse-based businesses and the first law firm in the world to employ blockchain developers, coders and 3D architects to work with lawyers to take a Web3 project from legal due diligence through to design and construction. Rose practices in the areas of business consulting, government relations, municipal issues, land use, zoning, sports law, Web3, administrative law and lobbying.

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? I am going through the Harvard Business School program with YPO right now and hope to graduate within the next decade! What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

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Water ABOUT ME

Jordan Rose

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Be true to yourself. Don’t allow someone else to define your path or dictate your definition of success or a fulfilling life. I had a life-changing experience as a new attorney. A female partner took me into her office telling me that if I looked like I look (similar to how I look now minus wrinkles!) no one would hire me as an attorney. She explained I needed to lose my sense of fashion and organize my crazy hair. I tried for a week until my dad, who, living in Ohio and talking to me by phone, said I seemed “off.” I told him how I was attempting to conform and he called nonsense. I backtracked the conformity and decided just to work harder than anyone else. It’s worked out. If you be yourself always, you will always do the right thing.

Energetic What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Find time to read more about businesses that are starting up around the world. What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

IN FEW WORDS

Let’s stop talking about gender differences and focus on excellence. If you work hard, regardless of your gender, you will succeed. If you are good at the hard work you do, others will want you to do that work for them, again, regardless of your gender. Stop expending any energy on gender differences and focus on becoming the best person of any gender that you can be. That will save a lot of time worrying about these things and allow more time for excellence. My parents never told me that a woman could not do the same thing a man can do. In fact, it never occurred to me that success as a woman in my age group should be unique. I hope that all young women can just presume they will be as successful as they want to be and not wonder if being a female will impact that in any way.

I love solving people’s problems and I am very clear that is my purpose in life.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

I find inspiration in those who are doing great things around our community. Hearing the stories and visions of our local leaders provides the jolt we often need to think outside the box and do more. Understanding our community from different points of view is crucial to making it better. Reading about how others are spending their time allows us to gain insight into the things that are important to people we may not interact with on a daily basis. It allows us to step outside our immediately accessible environment, and sometimes that will lead to ideas that literally can change the world. The bottom line is that good things happen when achievement is illuminated!

President and Founder Rose Law Group PC

President, Thrive Real Estate President, Thrive Development

Creating a culture that embraces participation, learning and asking questions and that feels rewarding can make a lasting impact on young leaders — showing them that it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming and scary, but that they should just take the first step and keep moving forward. Diversifying the workplace with young adults, women, culture and industry veterans encourages everyone to dream big and work hard.

Honoring achievement is important to me because it motivates others to be better every day. As someone who enjoys mentoring others, I find great pride in sharing my time and knowledge with others. From my own experience, I know the value of having someone to look up to and encouraging an attitude of aspiration. Through many years of hard work and dedication to personal and team development, I have had the honor of changing corporate culture, which resulted in high-performing and satisfied teams. Understanding how people like to receive recognition and showing it that way makes the recognition much more valuable.

Kim Ryder

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Culture Index, two-day training on personality analytics

What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Honoree

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Kim Ryder is an enterprise leader who manages various top-producing teams, cultivates client relationships across the country and specializes in strategic visioning and planning. She serves as western division retail chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Ryder has started several business lines in her career, most notably launching Thrive Real Estate & Development groups.

Reflecting to a career memory, as a young professional woman in the construction and facilities industry, I was tasked with leading an all-male team of technicians. It was intimidating to be a leader in a male-dominated industry, and the growth that I experienced from this discomfort has been astounding. After attending my first out-of-town conference, my boss asked me, “How did it feel to be one of the only female attendees there? Did you actually find it valuable to attend the seminars?”

Grit What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Empathy What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

There is a significant positive impact on our business community by simply taking the time to recognize achievements and accomplishments, and giving credit when due. Doing so builds an individual’s confidence, overall team morale, and helps them see that they can be more, do better and make an impact on their own community. As someone who worked her way up from an entry-level job to now being the president of a real estate and development company, I hope that I can be an inspiration to those who want to advance not only their careers but also their lives.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

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WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

We can make a difference for young people and women in Arizona by continuing to push the limits and break the “glass ceiling.” As a woman, it is critical to “hold the door open” for young women who will follow in your foot steps by recognizing milestones, providing opportunities for growth, and pushing them outside their comfort zone — and, further, by reminding them that it doesn’t happen by chance or overnight but that it takes a lot of drive, personal development, advocating for yourself and networking to achieve a reputable career. I plan to continue to provide rich mentorship opportunities and encourage the people around me to be better every day. I place a high importance on providing my team with opportunities to develop themselves, learn new things, participate, share ideas, and lead meetings or conversations.

Intuition What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? The workforce shortage across all industries and all communities is alarming and having a compounding effect that will cause years of consequences.

ABOUT ME I am admired for a fearless approach to life, a thirst for adventure and my determination.relentless

Prior to those questions, I did not consciously feel “out of place” as a female in a male-dominated industry. As I look back all these years later, I recognize that there was an unconscious level of discomfort that may have negatively impacted my confidence based on my leader’s comments. However, I continued to dedicate myself, build a reputation as a leader, and work harder than most. When peers began asking for my advice, input and guidance, it opened my eyes and made it evident that I had earned my seat at the “boys” table. This was a very important lesson in my early career that allowed me to recognize the unconscious bias from others and to let go of my own limiting beliefs. I wonder if my approach would have been different if those thoughts of doubt had not been placed in my head. It’s also a strong reminder that words matter.

IN FEW WORDS

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Marsha Petrie Sue

Example: I met a young woman in Colorado at an event and found out she was moving to Arizona. She contacted me when she arrived, we went to lunch, determined her interests and goals, and she now belongs to and volunteers for Arizona groups of interest. I’ve stepped up and volunteered to speak to groups of young people who have wanted to hear my “story.” In addition, learning what is topical for conversation with the younger set.

Previously an executive vice president with Westinghouse Financial Services (business turnaround). Received my MBA (magna cum laude). In addition, I am a certified administrator of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Behavioral Assessment.

Communication What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

My mission in life is to give back more than I’ve received and connect my head and heart with my mouth. I work on that statement every day through my public speaking, coaching, mentoring, and volunteering with many Arizona organizations.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Drought ABOUT ME

IN FEW WORDS

I have received several conservation awards, the DAR Community Service Award and an award from the Foundation for Women Warriors.

Be more flexible by setting aside judgment and opinion. Keep an open mind and ask more questions. This is a skill and a capability of being willing to change. Being more flexible helps to not get stuck in a rut. Mark Twain said, “The only difference between a rut and a grave is the length and the depth.” Without flexibility, we are bound for a rut!

Statistics tell us that 22% of the American population is Gen Y and they are very tech-savvy.

Example: I wanted to remarry when I was transferred to Arizona in 1990. I had dated every weirdo because I had a “list” of what they needed to be. No flexibility. I threw the list away and decided to be more flexible. Joining a matchmaker brought me to meet Al Sue. I am a city girl. He is an outdoorsman. He drove a truck. I had never ridden in a truck. I had never camped. He camped. I did not own a pair of jeans. He did. So, we made a deal. Be more flexible. Fast forward 30 years: He now goes to the theater and opera with me, and I have applied to be one of the five Arizona Game and Fish Department commissioners. Flexibility has brought me great happiness!

Honoree

In working with the Arizona Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, offering free mentorship and coaching to the recipients, sharing best practices while determining what they want. Inviting young people to events to suit their interests and meeting them there.

What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

I think honoring achievement also highlights the effect women have on our business community and the important role they continue to play. Letting people hear that their hard work has paid off, and that they are being recognized for it, is wonderful. We all have an emotional bank account. Honoring Achievement is a real deposit for each of the recipients. This award helps all participants and attendees feel “rich” and better about themselves and our community.

Attitude

What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Mentorships, volunteering and, especially, reaching out to young people during projects or events. For example: Working with Arizona Game and Fish conservation projects attracts up to 50 people, many of whom are younger. Engaging them in conversation, asking about themselves and their interests, career aspirations, and such. Focusing on them, not on what we want to discuss.

Discuss diversity, life balance, sustainability, and being a global citizen. And smile!

Balance What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

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Honoring achievement shows me that there are many people reaching out in our community to make it more robust, vibrant and inclusive. It makes me want to do more. When my dear friend, Linda Herold, received the Lifetime Achievement Honor, I saw how it lifted her and how proud she was of the endless hours she has spent bringing people together, including me, in our community. It made me happy to see her filled with esteem and overflowing with graciousness. Then, when another very dear friend, Kelly Zitlow, was in the spotlight as I am now, and I saw how thrilled she was, I felt happy for her. How wonderful that these amazing women and so many more are recognized for their achievements.

I am also a conservationist volunteer (making Arizona an attractive location for new business) with five Arizona “critter” groups — Antelope, Deer, Bighorn Sheep and Elk — and volunteer with the Arizona Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

The Authenticity Code: The Art and Science of Success and Why You Can’t Fake It to Make It

CEOCommunicating Results, Inc.

Founder of Communicating Results, Inc.; professional speaker; executive coach; best-selling author of The Reactor Factor, Toxic People, and The CEO of YOU

COVID shone a spotlight on all the cracks in our system and how women are all too often the ones expected to fill them … for free. It has driven a record number of women out of the workforce as they are forced to choose between work and caring for members of their families.

Leanna Taylor

While opportunities for women have expanded since then (and yet we still have a long way to go to achieve equity), the scarcity mindset in society can be very persistent and damaging. For me, it took leaving the corporate world and carving out my own path toward leadership to truly understand how constraining it is thinking there are limited seats at the table. This overdue realization has turned me into an unapologetic champion of all women and girls.

IN FEW WORDS

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

We need to elect leaders who understand the many challenges women face in trying to balance work with raising children and, increasingly, caring for their aging parents, often all at the same time — leaders who are committed to making investments in paid parental and family leave, subsidized childcare and affordable care for the elderly and infirm.

Passionate What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Work-life balance

Honoring achievement is important for the inspiration it can provide to others around innovation, thought leadership and creating meaningful change. But, just as importantly, it’s critical to honor achievement in all its diverse forms. Not simply for the material gains someone has made or the positions they have obtained. What obstacles have they overcome? What differences have they set in motion? What sacrifices have they made? How did they move through the world when times were hard? And how did they lift others up?

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Practicing freudenfreude, finding joy in others’ successes, is not just freeing, but a sure way to achieve your own joy. Find your female mentors, build your trusted circle, scream from the rafters when other women win, and compliment freely. When you can, give back through mentorship of your own and set off the positive chain reaction in a younger generation.

Because it’s true what they say: A rising tide indeed lifts all boats.

Communities, of which businesses are a part, are strongest when we recognize achievements in all its varied and beautiful forms.

What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

When I was coming up in the corporate world, and especially during my decade-plus in sports, there were very few leadership roles available to women. That scarcity mentality created unnecessary and harmful competition in workplaces.

Honoree

After nearly 15 years of working in professional sports, Leanna Taylor entered the nonprofit space as CEO of The Arizona Pet Project in 2013. Over the past nine years, the organization has grown in its mission and impact and is recognized nationally as a thought leader in programs that bridge the gaps between human services and animal welfare. Additionally, Taylor serves on the boards and for several Valley nonprofits, focused on a variety of issues that include criminal justice reform and empowering women, and she volunteers for organizations working on protecting LGBTQ rights and the arts.

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

In business, if we aren’t intentional, we can view achievement with a narrow and myopic lens, missing the incredible contributions made from some of the quietest people or in nontraditional ways. When I think of achievement, I don’t automatically think about my peers in the business world. The people who come to mind first are our clients who have faced some of the most impossible situations a person can imagine, and do it with resilience and grace, and whose main concerns are not for themselves first.

The single best thing I’ve ever done is hire an executive coach. What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

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For those still in the workforce, the data is clear on the immediate impacts simply lowering costs of childcare would have on the 40% of women who are solo breadwinners in lifting their families out of Investmentspoverty.inwomen and families are good for business, too, particularly at a time during which there are record lows in unemployment and companies are challenged to fill open positions and compete for talent. It’s time to support those who are doing the unpaid but badly needed care work.

Writing What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Water ABOUT ME I’m told I inspire others by fearlessly addressing and working toward the resolution of systemic inequities that impact our community and empathy for all.

CEOTheArizona Pet Project WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

Regional President for Phoenix and Northern Arizona PNC Bank

Facilitator

ABOUT

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

IN FEW WORDS

I believe it is important to recognize when someone is excelling in their field. Positive feedback makes people feel appreciated and valued as professionals, and it reinvigorates us even on our toughest days. It’s no different for business leaders. Whether formal or informal, recognition can inspire excellence. The opportunity to recognize others, and to be recognized, makes us all want to improve how we lead and do business. As leaders, it’s important to lift each other up and recognize when someone is doing great things. Although our industries may vary, business leaders all have similar goals of growing successful teams and positively impacting our local communities and economy. We are fortunate when we have opportunities to come together and celebrate each other. I know I’m inspired by my fellow Women of Achievement awardees, all of whom are incredible leaders and so important to our local business community.

Organization What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

I recently completed PNC’s Minority Business Advocate program. Advocates become knowledgeable of the unique challenges facing minority businesses, and learn about solutions to empower, educate and accelerate entrepreneurial growth and success. What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Workforce development and talent recruitment continues to be a challenge for all industries. ME I strive to be inclusive and open-minded in building relationships, to gather ideas from the broader team and empower them to make decisions.

In a rapidly changing world, leaders are finding that skills such as collaboration, creative and critical thinking, and communication are increasingly vital to an employee’s long-term success. At PNC, we know that embracing and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion is about being a better company, a better employer, a better neighbor and a better investment. By providing opportunities like paid internships, businesses can grow their own workforce and give opportunities that some populations may not have historically had access to. In Arizona, we are fortunate to have high-quality postsecondary institutions filled with enthusiastic students of all backgrounds. Here at PNC Bank, we also invest in the community to support safe havens and opportunities to learn through organizations like The Boys & Girls Clubs, Valley of the Sun United Way and Junior Achievement. In the workplace, mentoring, both formal and informal, is important — giving leadership opportunities where and when possible.

Cathleen Walker is regional president for Phoenix/Northern Arizona and head of Corporate Banking for Arizona and New Mexico for PNC Bank. Walker, a 30-year PNC veteran, was an EVP and managing director in the PNC Debt Capital Markets group prior to moving to Arizona. Walker currently serves on the boards of directors for Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Commerce Authority and Southwest Human Development, is a co-chair of the VSUW MC2026 Cabinet, and is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership and Golden Seeds. Walker holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.A. in economics from Pennsylvania State University.

Life, including our work life, is a marathon, not a sprint. When we are young, we may idealize a straight line of advancement or achievement. We have big goals for ourselves and can’t wait to reach them. But there are many twists and turns along the way — rarely a straight line to these goals. However, even if you are not reaching those life or work goals as quickly as you’d like, that’s OK. There are always development and learning opportunities along the way that make us better in the long run. Stay the course, and don’t give up. Embrace the twists and turns and always work to put your best self forward, no matter what. Look for opportunities to develop skills you may not have and be willing to put yourself out there to gain them — you don’t always need to be the expert, just be willing to learn. It’s how you’ll grow into the person you were always meant to be.

Authenticity

Honoree

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Cathleen Walker

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The single most important thing I have learned throughout my career is perseverance. Being a professional for the last 20 years, owning multiple businesses and starting a nonprofit required one common trait, and that was perseverance. I was able to tap into it in everything I dared to try to achieve — starting with being a single mother of three young children while working full time as well as going to school online full time. I did this for 6 years. There were times that I had to wake up by 5am, dress my babies, drive them to a in home caregiver, work for 8 hours 10 miles away from them, pick them up, feed them, bathe and spend time a little time with all of them before putting them to bed so I can study at night. I had visual reminders of what I wanted our life to be and that was my daily push. In my experience as an entrepreneur, I learned that I had to hear a lot of “noes” before I got my first “yes,” that first supporter. When I got that first yes, I remember sitting in my car, crying and thanking God that someone finally believed in me and in my service. I proved to myself that getting through all those noes was worth it.

Co-FounderWashingtonXavierandExecutiveDirectorProjectRootsAZ

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

One outstanding organization that is youth-lead is African American Reconstruction (AAR). This organization was founded by Black high school and college students in Arizona, with a mission to spark a modern Reconstruction Era dedicated to the advancement of the African American community. This is just one of many examples of the type of amazing caliber of young leaders we have in our state.

Persistence/Perseverance

What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Servant leadership What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

Honoree

IN FEW WORDS

Farmers are such an important part of the community as it is they, oftentimes, who feed those who don’t have access to fresh local produce and protein. Not only do we grow and distribute our own fruits and vegetables, but we also aggregate and distribute fruits and vegetables from our neighboring farmers who grow alongside us. With the help of these farmers, we have distributed well over 500,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to the community through food bank distribution and school distribution and by distributing soups from our mobile kitchen. These farmers are oftentimes socially disadvantaged and have worked hard for years for an opportunity to offer their produce to the community and receive financial support for doing so from partners like Pinnacle Prevention, City of Phoenix and Arizona Food Bank Network, to name a few.

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

Dionne Washington is a local Arizona native with a background in business administration, event planning and fundraising. She is a single mother of three outstanding teenagers who attend Sunnyslope High School. When her children were small, Washington decided to complete her degrees and earned an undergraduate degree in business management and her master’s degree in business administration at Grand Canyon University. Passionate about feeding and serving the community, Washington is responsible for all community relationships, grants and fundraising as well as serving a local food purchaser on behalf of Project Roots in AZ, and recently accepted a position with the Arizona Food Bank network as the Friends of the Farm manager.

Mindfulness certification back in 2019 What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Dionne’s passion and excitement to help others is inspiring.

Dionne

Hunger ABOUT ME

Time management and learning how to say no What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

It is one thing to honor efforts, as effort is the beginning of execution. When you honor actually achieving that effort, you are acknowledging that someone and their team made the time, energy and sacrifice to achieve a goal. I believe that Project Roots’ achievements in the past two and a half years have impacted the community, including the businesses that are in it. We have fed, educated and supported our community and its businesses — particularly the farmers in the State of Arizona.

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WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

When I was a young and hungry professional, I had to show up early and leave late just to get the respect of my male peers and supervisors. I worked hard to show my leaders that I could be a servant leader, and do it to the best of my ability. That I could execute the tasks that were asked of me and bring in other team members to help me execute. Oftentimes, that still wasn’t enough to be recognized or promoted in the workplace. I would say to those who have an opportunity to uplift young women and young people in general, please do it. They are so full of amazing and life-changing ideas that will impact our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

I often say the following related to leadership: Positive leadership comes in many shapes, sizes and voices. It is not about title, rank or status. It is about responsibility, an ethical value system and inclusiveness. It is understanding that, without others, there is no leadership. It is about listening, not just hearing. It is about establishing a direction, but knowing there are numerous paths to reach the goal. Finally, leadership is knowing yourself — constantly striving to improve, to change, to be aware of the subtleties of a situation, and to gain from each experience.

To make a difference for young people and women in Arizona, a leader must recognize individual talents and diversity of backgrounds. A leader must be willing to take a chance on those with promise and not fall back on formal qualifications that stifle new ideas. The concept of “too” should be avoided if possible — too short, too tall, too experienced, too inexperienced. What about individuals in interviews — too nervous, too talkative, too aloof?

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

Perseverance

Honoring achievement is an excellent opportunity to highlight individuals and organizations reaching goals and encouraging others to achieve their own. The ability to focus and persevere with the task regardless of the surroundings is significant. Business environments can change from tranquil to chaotic in a short timeframe. Those who can lead the group through chaos, and bring calm and consistency to the organization while advancing to meet goals, will achieve.

The lack of sufficient funding for K-20 education

As the first woman in many of the professional positions I have held, I succeeded while coaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders, many of whom have been women.

Learning to play golf (just kidding) What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

APEX Leadership Insights

Personally, seeing the funny side of each day — being able to laugh at oneself or laugh with others, is good for the soul. And working in a field and place where you love what you do makes a significant difference in how you approach each day.

Once reaching the goal, celebrating the team achievement should be done quickly, and this can be accomplished in various ways. Expressions of gratitude can simply be an email to the entire group shortly after a successful event, a project executed, or a milestone reached. This message should include those behind the scenes who provide technical support and operational services. Of course, food is always a great way to celebrate, and it doesn’t have to be elaborate.

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally?

So, honoring achievement impacts the individual group, organization and community at large. Recognition of achievement illustrates the diversity of leadership and contributions made by many in a broad range of professions.

How does one assess the person and their qualities? Once hired, take the time to mentor and coach the person. Initially, spend more rather than less time combining information about the task at hand and communicating the organization and specific unit culture. Encourage other professional development opportunities, whether internal to the organization or external, at a professional conference or leadership training. When necessary for individuals, coach them from the notion of “I” to “team.”

Senior Vice President and Secretary of the University, President and CEO of the Alumni Association Arizona State University

Focused What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

ABOUT ME

Honoree

40 INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT. 2022

IN FEW WORDS

Christine Wilkinson

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

Several important “things” to inspire others stand out to me: understanding that a lot is going on in everyone’s life and we are only one small part of that life; regularly giving people new opportunities, whether it is a single task or delegating an entirely new program to design and implement. The concept of a team overrides anything one person can do on their own. Be ready to assist in accomplishing the goal and helping others do the same regardless of the task.

Additionally, with the exponential growth and technology integration in the workplace, all employees will need to learn and adapt to ever-changing digital surroundings. Simultaneously, we will have to concentrate on the impact to human interaction in achieving goals and how we can assist through further training, workshops and appropriate equipment to meet individual needs. Lastly, we cannot communicate enough, and a constant flow of communication, even over-communication, is more critical than ever. Dr. Christine K. Wilkinson is the senior vice president and secretary of the University, ASU Alumni Association president and CEO, and managing director of the Trustees of ASU. Among other executive roles, she has been the VP for student affairs and was the university’s interim athletic director three times. She is a tenured professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today?

Collaborative What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success?

Honoring achievement is important because it highlights the good work that people in our business community are doing and, hopefully, inspires others to contribute as well.

Perseverance What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Protecting our natural resources and combatting global warming

41INBUSINESSPHX.COM SEPT. 2022

Honoree

I have been with Fennemore Craig for 26 years, and currently serve on the firm’s management committee. Throughout my career, I have always mentored younger attorney and used my legal skills to help others through community service and pro bono work. I have served on the boards of the Arizona Humane Society, PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers), the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Childsplay, among others. With each organization, I have been privileged to serve as the board chair and/or president. My greatest success is raising three amazing children with my husband, Mike, who are now spreading their wings in college.

Young people in Arizona have faced unique challenges that many of us did not face in our childhoods. Our country is more divided than it has been in years, and they have grown up with political discord and vitriolic language becoming the norm. On top of that, they have spent the last two and a half years navigating COVID-19, and, while they will be a nimble generation, they also missed out on a lot of important social growth and in-person learning.

Susan Wissink

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE HONORING ACHIEVEMENT IS IMPORTANT?

WHAT INSIGHTS HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR CAREER THAT WOULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

WHAT CAN WE DO — NOW — TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE/ WOMEN IN ARIZONA?

If I had a magic wand, I would change the political rhetoric, remove the hate, and move our state toward a place where people of all races, genders, nationalities, religions and sexual orientation can thrive. We should teach our children empathy, help them navigate social and educational issues that they missed during COVID, and help them to be future leaders.

The business community is well positioned to help in this way, and our business leaders should seek opportunities to teach classes at local high schools or universities or volunteer for organizations that help children. Each person can make a difference in the life of a young child, and we need to do it now!

IN FEW WORDS

ABOUT ME

I’d say that it’s all about my actions and not just my words — I’m a natural leader and mentor and, as a mother of three, I enjoy nurturing people and helping others.

Networking What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today?

DirectorFennemore Craig

I believe that all professionals, especially women, should recognize that creativity is part of success. I often mentor younger women at my firm as they navigate work and family, and let them know that it is possible to do both but isn’t always easy. When my children were young, I found client development events that included children so that my clients could bring their young children, too. I chose nonprofit work, such as the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Childsplay, that appealed to my children and not just me so that I could include them in activities. The traditional path to professional success often doesn’t work for everyone, so being creative about defining their own success will lead to a happier balance.

Recognizing the good that a community champion has done highlights for our entire community all the different ways to help others. Whether it be breaking glass ceilings, starting a nonprofit to help the less fortunate, consistently motivating others to be successful, or just rolling up their sleeves to build a garden for the homeless, members of our business community make a difference every single day. Most of these leaders do this work because they truly want to help others, not because they seek an award. Yet these awards allow our business community to celebrate their work and applaud each other for jobs well done. Being a recipient of a Woman of Achievement Award is humbling because of the inspirational success of the other award recipients. Their achievement makes me want to go out and do more for our community!

What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success?

What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Faculty member for Arizona professionalism course for new members (which served as a great refresher for me)

• Use of personal accounts — Criminal actors will impersonate company leaders, vendors or clients who are using their personal accounts (email, mobile phone, social media) rather than their standard company accounts.

• Combined with fear and urgency, the prospect of being rewarded may prompt employees to skip typical procedures. These rewards can be tangible or intangible, such as being recognized for solving a problem or completing a highly important task for executive leadership.

OUR SUBJECT IN-DEPTH

• Single form of communication — Many BEC attempts will indicate that the sender is in a meeting or traveling and can’t be reached by phone or other means, and demand all communication occur via a specific communication channel such as email, text or social media.

Notably, these urgent requests also include a change to the receiving account or setting up a new account (which ultimately routes to the criminal actor). The employee receiving the communication may believe the request is legitimate and executes the fund transfer, resulting in a financial loss for the company.

Communication and behavior:

managementresponsiblesecurityinformationandprivacyprogram.Heisalsoforadvisingandpartneringwithleadershiptoguidetheofemergingandactualcybersecurity,physicalinformationsecurity,dataprivacy,thirdpartyanddatagovernancerisks.umb.com

• Urgency — Actors using BEC write communications requesting quick action on data changes and fund transfers or set accelerated deadlines. The faster timelines can result in missed validation steps or the employee acting outside of protocol.•Relying on employees’ response to authority — These actors depend on employees being conditioned to quickly comply with requests from executive leadership or important clients and vendors.

The good news is that there are actions businesses can take to minimize and mitigate their risk.

• The request comes at a busy time — Many fraudulent requests will come at the end of the workday or work week, putting pressure on employees to complete the request before the end of business (or end of month/quarter/fiscal year).

• Spoofed communications — It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect spelling and domains on payment requests received via email. This includes carefully checking the address of the sender (email, phone number, etc.) to see if letters, numbers or the domain name are incorrect.

Before launching a BEC scam, criminal actors may research the company, employees and senior management to gather as much information as possible to help them craft a convincing request. They may even check travel schedules, read other business emails and review social media profiles.

Criminal actors most often identify themselves as a highlevel executive (CFO, CEO, CTO, etc.), lawyer, vendor, customer or other type of representative. In the communication, they will claim to be handling confidential or time-sensitive matters and request initiation of an urgent wire transfer.

• Organizations should

UNDERSTAND THE RISK

Reduce the Risk of Business Email Compromise

• Organizations

HOW TO IDENTIFY BEC RED FLAGS AND REDUCE RISK

• Organizations

• Generic terms and odd grammar — Non-personalized greetings in an email, such as “Dear” or “Sir” or “Customer,” are red flags. Other red flags in emails are odd grammar such as “kindly,” missing punctuation or spelling errors.

Verify, verify, verify before transferring funds by Justin Rainey

Business email compromise (BEC) scams are a type of online payment fraud that targets businesses and can result in significant financial loss. BEC involves gaining unauthorized access to a legitimate email, text message or social media account or an attempt to spoof or fake a legitimate account.

Between 2016 and 2021, Americans lost approximately $9 billion to BEC fraud. ensure leadership and understandemployeesthe threat of BEC and its consequences.financial educate employees on what to watch for, like idiosyncrasies and errors communication.in should build workflows that ensure leadershipcasesbypassed,protocolsauthenticationareneverevenintheofurgencyorpressure. should emphasize measuresandimportancetheofaccuracyverificationoverspeed.

Focus on timing:

The purpose is to enable the criminal actor to send a message from an executive or business leader, vendor or client to convince an employee to transfer funds. Once these funds are transferred to the criminal actor, it’s difficult — if not impossible — to recover the loss. Between 2016 and 2021, Americans lost approximately $9 billion to BEC fraud. It takes only minutes for a financially crippling mistake — and it can happen to anyone. Whether it’s a new hire, a 20year veteran, payables manager or CEO, the resulting impact is the same if a misstep occurs.

• Communications from executives — BEC fraudsters will impersonate a real individual, most often a leader or executive at the company a person works for.

HOW A COMPANY IS TARGETED FOR BEC

KEY TAKEAWAYS • Organizations should

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The most important preventive measures to protect against BEC are vigilance and awareness. Below are several BEC red flags to look for in any communications regarding fund transfers or transactions.

BEC TIMELINE There is a predictable sequence of events that criminal actors follow in executing a business email compromise scam.

Communication features:

Justin Rainey serves as chief information security officer and chief privacy officer at UMB Financial Corporation. In this role, he is responsible for establishing the strategy and implementation of an effective, integrated and proactive

Employees should be encouraged to resist good natured conditioning to help and temper their eagerness to prioritize requests from leadership.

The tricky part about BEC is that it isn’t primarily achieved through malware or hacking — it uses social engineering. These criminal actors create believable scenarios that can trick an employee into transferring funds. Social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or taking action to support fraudulent activity.

For anyone who feels like success is for others, that only certain people get to have their dreams fulfilled, Eric Thomas’s You Owe You is their wake-up call. His urgent message to stop waiting for inspiration to strike and take control of one’s life is a message he wishes someone had given him when he was a teenager — lost, homeless, failing in school, and dealing with the challenges of being a young Black man in America. Thomas’s secrets of success have already helped hundreds of thousands on their journey, but this is his first guide to show how to start today, right now. Readers are shown that these critical first steps include deeply understanding themselves and the world around them, finding their why, accepting that they may have to give up something good for something great, and constantly stretching toward their potential. No matter where we are on our journey toward greatness, we owe it to ourselves to become fully, authentically ourself. And Eric Thomas’s You Owe You can help get us there.

HOW TO HELP PREVENT BEC

Negotiation expert Kwame Christian’s motto is, “The best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.” If we want a more equitable workplace, and a more equitable world, we have to talk to each other about race. But, for so many of us, that’s easier said than done. Many people avoid conversations about race because of fear — fear of discomfort, damaging important relationships, being misunderstood, “cancelled,” ostracized. How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race equips the reader with the skills needed to make these crucial conversations easier and more productive. This book is for anyone who has ever struggled to turn that passion into persuasion or been too afraid to speak up at work (or outside of it).  How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond Kwame Christian $26.95 BenBella Books Available 9/13/2022 256 pages

It is in our nature to trust and want to help. Cybercriminals use psychology and human nature to entice victims to bypass important security controls.

Joachim De Vos $40 Lannoo Publishers Available 9/15/2022 320 pages

You Owe You

In general, criminal actors deceive employees by presenting themselves as someone who can and should be trusted, and then take advantage of emotions to encourage actions outside of standard protocol.

Why Innovation Fails Exploring the do’s and don’ts of sustainable corporate innovation, this book explains the most frequently made mistakes and highlights the most common pitfalls in the innovation process. To remain successful, organizations must be able to respond effectively to the fast pace of change or even stay one step ahead of it. To make this possible, it is crucial to look at the future in the right way. This means embracing uncertainty, seizing opportunities and recognizing threats in good time. Through the author’s insightful and knowledgeable text, readers will gain greater insight into the technological evolutions of the next 10 years and discover how this insight can be turned into a concrete approach that will build future-proof and successfully innovating companies and organizations.

Eric Thomas, Ph.D. $27 Rodale Books Available 9/13/2022 288 pages

Thoroughly vet payment change requests: A request for payment accompanied by a change in receiving account should always be closelyEmployeesexamined.should contact executives, vendors or clients using an alternate communication channel to verify the request and the new account information. This contact must be made using a trusted phone number already on file for a known contact at the organization, not the phone number provided in the email, text or social media message, to verify the individual is authorized to make the request.

2. Grooming: Employees are sent phishing communications — notably those in the financial or accounts payable department.

Pause to verify: When asked to verify a wire transfer, employees should delay the transaction until additional verifications can be performed, and require dual approval for any wire transfer request that meets certain highrisk criteria. High risk criteria for fund transactions could include a dollar amount over a specific threshold, a change in bank accounts for a known client or vendor, wire transfers to countries outside normal patterns, wires for new clients or vendors, wire instructions coming from an unknown person/email allegedly representing a known client/vendor, and all wires requested by senior leadership within own organization.

How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race

PREPARE FOR BEC AT YOUR BUSINESS

Why Innovation Fails: And How to Succeed in Seven Steps

3. Sharing information: The victim is convinced he or she is processing a legitimate transaction and agrees to the criminal’s request.

Create an environment of trust: Many BEC scams are a result of criminal actors posing as senior leaders within organizations. Employees should feel comfortable pausing to validate a senior leader’s funds transfer request via phone or in person without worry.

1. Targeting: Criminals target a business by using information available online to build a profile of the company and its executives.

4. Transferring funds: Funds are sent to a bank account controlled by the criminal actor(s).

Keep it simple: Businesses should limit the number of employees within that business who have the authority to approve and/or conduct wire transfers.

The FBI considers BEC to be the most financially damaging scams in the U.S. Employers should take action in their business to ensure leadership and employees understand the threat of this scam, and how to identify BEC red flags and reduce risk. It’s important that employers speak with their employees to ensure they understand the financial stakes and continue to watch trends in business fraud.

You Owe You: Ignite Your Power, Your Purpose, and Your Why

It is in our nature to trust and want to help. Cybercriminals use psychology and human nature to entice victims to bypass important security controls.

BETTERING YOUR BUSINESS

BEC IS A SOCIAL ENGINEERING SCAM

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1. Conozca su mercado objetivo. Investigue sobre los departamentos del gobierno federal a los que planea vender. Si comprende sus necesidades, puede crear una estrategia personalizada para satisfacer sus necesidades. Comience

El presidente Biden anunció un objetivo nuevo y audaz el verano pasado para aumentar la proporción de contratos destinados a pequeñas empresas desfavorecidas en un 50% para 2025. Este es un objetivo sin precedentes, proyectado para agregar $100,000 millones a las pequeñas empresas en los Estados Unidos durante los próximos cinco años. Ahora es el momento de que las pequeñas empresas preparen sus negocios para encontrar oportunidades con el gobierno federal.

Las pequeñas empresas deben considerar prepararse para las oportunidades que se avecinan realizando primero algunas actividades clave. Aquí hay seis actividades que el dueño de una pequeña empresa debe hacer para estar listo para venderle al gobierno federal.

5 pasos para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a hacer negocios con el gobierno federal by Edgar R. Olivo

Se prevé que este objetivo sin precedentes agregará $100 mil millones a las pequeñas empresas en los Estados Unidos durante los próximos cinco años. Ahora es el momento de que las pequeñas empresas se preparen para encontrar oportunidades con el gobierno federal. Según la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas, el gobierno de los Estados Unidos es el mayor comprador individual de bienes y servicios del mundo. Esto comienza a ser más evidente cuando se piensa en el gobierno federal como una organización que necesita más de 4,2 millones de empleados federales para funcionar sin problemas. El gobierno necesita suministros como cualquier otra organización, como bolígrafos, papel, computadoras y software, papel higiénico, mantenimiento de edificios y materiales de limpieza.

Edgar R. Olivo es un educador He’sforeconómicobilingüe,empresarialasesorycolaboradordevariosmediosdecomunicación.Esapasionadoporlaeducaciónycomunidad.EstácertificadoenfinanzasyanálisisdedatosyposeeuntítuloennegociosdelaUniversidadEstataldeArizona.EdgarR.Olivoisabilingualbusinesseducator,economicadvisorandcontributorseveralmediaoutlets.anonprofitexecutivewhoispassionateabouteducation.HeiscertifiedinfinanceanddataanalyticsandholdsabusinessdegreefromArizonaStateUniversity.

El presidente Biden anunció una nueva meta audaz el verano pasado para aumentar la proporción de contratos destinados a pequeñas empresas desfavorecidas en un 50% para 2025.

En Negocios ECONOMIA / ECONOMY

Small businesses should consider preparing for the opportunities ahead by doing a few key activities first. Here are six activities a small business owner must do to be ready to sell to the federal government.

45INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022

3. Mejorar las constantemente.habilidades

Incluso el gobierno se encuentra en un estado constante de evolución, por lo que mantenerse al día con las tendencias y habilidades de su industria se convertirá en su mayor ventaja. Obtenga las licencias y certificados necesarios para aumentar su valor en el mercado y esté siempre atento a las oportunidades de aprendizaje.

3. Sharpen your skills constantly. Even the government is in a constant state of evolution, so staying up to date with your industry trends and skills will become your greatest advantage. Earn the necessary licenses and certificates to increase your value in the market and always be on the lookout for learning opportunities.

4. Busque sus códigos NAICS/CAGE/ NCAGE. Su Código NAICS, o el Código del Sistema de Clasificación de la Industria de América del Norte, será utilizado por los funcionarios contratantes para conocer la naturaleza y la industria de su negocio. Hay un sitio web de autoservicio donde puede seleccionar entre los Códigos NAICS en la lista que mejor describe su oferta comercial. Si su negocio está ubicado dentro del país y sus territorios, se le asignará un Código CAGE. Necesitará un código NCAGE si su empresa está construida fuera de los EE. UU. y sus territorios. Puede obtener esto después de completar su registro en SAM.gov.

Convertirse en un contratista federal para venderle al gobierno puede parecer complicado y, afortunadamente, la mayor parte se puede completar en línea. Un contrato del gobierno de EE. UU. puede generar ventas constantes para una pequeña empresa durante varios años. Es una estrategia que vale la pena seguir para hacer crecer su negocio. President Biden announced a bold new goal last summer to increase the share of contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses by 50% by 2025. This unprecedented target is projected to add $100 billion to small businesses in the United States over the next five years. Now is the time for small businesses to prepare to find opportunities with the federalAccordinggovernment.totheSmall Business Administration, the United States government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world. This starts to become more apparent as you think about the federal government as an organization that has more than 4.2 million federal employees needed to run it smoothly. The government needs supplies like any other organization, such as pens, paper, computers and software, toilet paper, building maintenance and cleaning materials.

2. Find technical assistance providers in your area. Small businesses can get free help to prepare for contracting opportunities, especially in high-growth industries like construction and technology. To find assistance, the Small Business Administration provides a list of local Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) with mentors that can help with document preparation to help you win more federal contracts.

5 Steps to Help Small Businesses Do Business with the Federal Government by Edgar R. Olivo

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

Becoming a federal contractor to sell to the government can seem complicated and, luckily, most of it can be completed online. A U.S. government contract can generate steady sales for a small business for several years. It is worthwhile strategy to pursue to grow your business.

5. Registre su negocio en SAM.gov. Registrar su negocio en el sitio web del Sistema para la Administración de Adjudicaciones significa que ahora está calificado para presentar ofertas y ganar contratos federales. Para tener un perfil de proveedor completo en SAM.gov, deberá tener su número de identificación de empleador (EIN), un identificador único de entidad proporcionado por SAM.gov y su información bancaria y financiera.

President Biden announced a bold new goal last summer to increase the share of contracts going to disadvantaged small businesses by 50% by 2025. This is an unprecedented goal, projected to add $100 billion to small businesses in the United States for the next five years. Now is the time for small businesses to prepare their businesses for opportunities with the federal government. buscando oportunidades de contratos en sitios de proveedores gubernamentales como USASpending.gov o SAM.gov.

5. Register your business at SAM.gov. Registering your business at the System for Award Management website means you are now qualified to bid and win federal contracts. To have a completed vendor profile in SAM. gov, you will need to have your Employer Identification Number (EIN), a Unique Entity Identifier provided by SAM.gov, and your banking and financial information.

2. Encuentre proveedores de asistencia técnica en su área. Las pequeñas empresas pueden obtener ayuda gratuita para prepararse para las oportunidades de contratación, especialmente en industrias de alto crecimiento como la construcción y la tecnología. Para encontrar ayuda, la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas proporciona una lista de Centros de Asistencia Técnica de Adquisiciones (PTAC por sus siglas en inglés) locales con mentores que pueden ayudarlo con la preparación de documentos para ayudarlo a ganar más contratos federales.

1. Know your target market. Do research about what departments within the federal government you plan to sell to. If you understand their needs, then you can create a tailored strategy to meet their needs. Start by searching for contract opportunities on government vendor sites like USASpending.gov or SAM.gov.

4. Find your NAICS/CAGE/NCAGE Codes. Your NAICS Code, or North American Industry Classification System Code, will be used by contracting officers to know the nature and industry of your business. There is a self-service website where you can select among the NAICS Codes in the list that best describes your business offering. If your business is located within the country and its territories, you will be assigned a CAGE Code. You will need an NCAGE Code if your company is built outside the U.S. and its territories. You can get this after you complete your SAM.gov registration.

Businesses should continue to evaluate how they responded to COVID-19, the lessons they’ve learned over the past few years, and what they would want to do in the event of a resurgence or future similar event.

COVID Continues to Infect Business

THE REMOTE OR HYBRID WORKFORCE By choice or necessity, businesses are now confronted with the decision on whether and/or how to adopt a remote or hybrid workforce. The answer will vary based upon the nature of the employer’s business, workforce and other unique circumstances. Potential benefits of a remote or hybrid workforce may include increased productivity, cost savings (for both employer and employee), more manageable work/life balance for employees, a wider (and deeper) talent pool, and greater employee contentment and engagement. Drawbacks may include difficulty in retaining a highly mobile workforce, diminished employee supervision, mentorship or loyalty, decreased collaboration and team building, and scheduling or logisticalAnotherdifficulties.areathat cannot be overlooked involves the potential legal ramifications of a remote or hybrid workforce. For instance, a remote workforce may expose an employer to greater risk of cyber threats and impose difficulties in protecting sensitive company data. Another concern involves workers’ compensation claims. Just because employees are working from home does not mean those employees do not have valid workers’ compensation claims for injuries suffered at home while working. Employers would be wise to develop policies and guidelines dictating the conditions and work environment that must be present for a home office. Wage and hour concerns may also be amplified for a remote workforce and measures should be implemented to accurately track time spent working by non-exempt employees at home. Employers who choose to hire employees in multiple states must take into account not only state-specific wage and hour laws but also potentially unique laws related to things such as hiring and termination, discrimination, employee training, drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and unemployment compensation. Certain states, such as Arizona, prevent employers from exacting any type of fee or gratuity from an employee as a condition of employment. As such, employees may be entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses related to employees working from home. If an employer chooses to maintain a remote or hybrid workforce, at a minimum the employer should create or modify various policies, practices, employee handbooks and/ or employment agreements to address the aforementioned concerns that arise out of whatever employment configuration an employer chooses to adopt.

Practical and impacts on business operations by Susan Trujillo and Eric Johnson

regulatory

LAW MATTERS TO BUSINESS

Exigencies of workplace and workforce needs and relationships persist even as restrictions ease from the height of the pandemic. Susan Trujillo speaks to healthcare and COVID safety, with guidance for employers and regulatory response, and Eric Johnson discusses legal ramifications of and regulatory considerations on remote and hybrid work — including Arizona-specific insights.

Eric Johnson is a partner at Quarles & Brady and chair of the Phoenix Labor & PracticeEmploymentGroup.quarles.com Susan Brichler Trujillo is a partner at Quarles & Brady and chair of the Phoenix Health & Life Sciences Practicequarles.comGroup.

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Employers who choose to hire employees in multiple states must take into account not only state-specific wage and hour laws but also potentially unique laws related to HR issues.

WORKPLACE HEALTHCARE AND COVID SAFETY

Businesses should have adaptable plans ready for resurgences that incorporate rapid operational changes that may be needed to protect employees and customers. Healthcare providers should also be cognizant of risks to their licensure or accreditation, as closures may expose regulated clients to complaints from state and federal regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies. Many healthcare clients had to shut down their facilities because their entire staff was infected or exposed to a colleague or patient who later tested positive. We are aware of at least one state that recently initiated regulatory action against the healthcare provider who experienced such closures, claiming it put patients at risk by limiting their access to prescriptions.Thereisnosubstitute for thoughtful preparation.

Though many felt or hoped that COVID-19 was in the rear-view mirror, the incredibly infectious nature of the BA.5 variant has reminded us all that it is still with us. The Arizona Department of Health Services’ positivity rate in Maricopa bottomed out this year at around 3% in March and early April and was at 32% at the end of July. When broken down by age groups, the highest positivity rate over the last six months was 37% in the 20- to 44-year-old bracket — the bracket that comprises a significant portion for our workforce. This data does not reflect at-home tests with positive results, so based on the available testing data and estimates based on at-home testing, BA.5 is still transmitting and not showing signs of slowing down. COVID-19 is still very much with us, though luckily this current variant does not seem to result in the serious illnesses caused by prior variants. Considering the infectious nature of the current variants and the speed at which the virus is evolving to evade vaccines and natural immunity from prior infections, businesses should not let their guard down in terms of COVID preparedness.

Albuquerque | Boise | Dallas | Denver | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Los Cabos | Orange County Phoenix | Portland | Reno | Salt Lake City | San Diego | Seattle | Tucson | Washington, D.C. Two double-shot macchiatos before 10, then it’s decaf all the way. Chai tea, soy latte, or regular joe, we make it our priority to understand what makes you, you. In doing so, we address your legal needs with a uniquely tailored approach. Find out more at swlaw.com

• Established in 1988, the Intel Foundation has provided more than $731 million into local communities across the United States and around the world.

Intel Corporation intel.com [There is so much more to Intel’s investment in our community, which includes efforts to close the gender gap. Read the full story online at www.inbusinessphx.com.]

IntelofcourtesyPhotos

• Since 1995, Intel employees and retirees have contributed nearly 18 million volunteer hours, resulting in $122 million in matching grants.

• Arizona Intel employees have volunteered more than 550,000 hours to support Arizona schools and nonprofits in just the last five years.

AVP of Corporate Social Impact at Weedmaps, Tyler Butler is a corporate responsibility practitioner, social impact professional and contributor for several media outlets. She is a social impact executive who is passionate about sustainability. She is certified in ESG and corporate citizenship and holds degrees from ASU and Boston linkedin.com/in/tylerbutlerCollege.

The Intel Involved Matching Grant Program, funded by the Intel Foundation, extends the impact of volunteerism by donating cash to qualified nonprofits and schools where Intel employees and retirees volunteer at least 20 hours of service in a year. As Liz Shipley, Intel Arizona public affairs director, shares, “It is an Intel Value to be an inclusive, great place to work, and an asset to our communities worldwide. We are always looking to partner with our neighbors and local business owners to build meaningful relationships so that we can continuously learn, develop and improve.”

Intel has set itself apart through the life-changing power of technology and learning, which its corporate social responsibility efforts are committed to. Through support of long-running events such as the International Science and Engineering Fair, computer clubhouses to expand after-school education, and the Intel Teach program, which trains teachers on how to integrate technology into the classroom and prepare students for the digital world, Intel is impacting positive change from several different angles.

• In 2020, Intel and the Intel organizations.Arizona-based$5.7providedFoundationmorethanmilliontosupport

Intel recognizes that a thriving community fosters success in many forms. Consequently, it has created community outreach efforts that are integral to the company’s overall success. Established in 1988, The Intel Foundation was formed to drive these larger societal commitments. The mission is simple: Give back to the community. Through both the foundation and structured corporate citizen programs, Intel is impacting change in a variety of ways.

Recognizing its position as a leader within the semiconductor industry, Intel understands that implementing efforts to positively impact communities is essential to the future of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) innovation. “With over 40 years of history in Arizona, Intel is honored to use our role in the state’s technology sphere to amplify the voices, lived experiences and professional expertise of Arizonans statewide who will help propel our industry towards a more diverse and inclusive future,” shares Jennifer Sanchez, community affairs manager at Intel Arizona.

Whether investing in education and promoting broad economic development initiatives, or working hand-in-hand with neighbors, Intel has long been committed to applying technology and the talents of its employees to broaden access to opportunity and be an asset to communities.

• Over the last five years, Intel’s program has granted $43 million in matching grants to local schools and nonprofits. Through support of long-running events such as the International Science and Engineering Fair, computer clubhouses to expand after-school education, and the Intel Teach program, which trains teachers on how to integrate technology into the classroom and prepare students for the digital world, Intel is impacting positive change from several different angles.

The semiconductor leader promotes technology and community to go full STEAM ahead by Tyler Butler Since 1968, Intel’s technology has been at the heart of computing breakthroughs. As an industry leader creating world-changing technology, enabling global progress and enriching lives, Intel stands at the brink of many technological innovations — technology that not only shapes our future but also shapes humanity. Whether artificial intelligence, 5G network transformation or the rise of the intelligent edge, Intel and its silicon and software solutions are at the core of driving many of the world’s most transformative inflections. And Arizona has been a vital component to Intel’s ability to create the worldchanging technology that we have all come to depend upon. Today, 40 years after Intel launched operations in this state, Arizona is Intel’s first mega-factory network and home to its newest, leading-edge manufacturing facility, Fab 42. Even with its booming success, Intel is about much more than technology. It seeks to create a more responsible, inclusive and sustainable future enabled by its employees, its technology and its collective actions. Looking through a lens of inclusive factors, Intel is focused on the future. Intel searches for methods to ensure this sustainable vision reaches its potential as the company plans new buildings and develop new technologies.

INTEL’S NUMBERSGIVING

Intel’s global corporate volunteer program — Intel Involved — matches volunteers with worthwhile opportunities for community service. Intel employees generously donate their technology expertise, other skills and time to address environmental challenges, improve education and help meet other community needs. Through volunteerism, Intel is able to reach a wide audience across diverse communities and contribute to meaningful projects.

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Social Impact BUSINESS GIVES BACK

• Over the last decade, Intel employees have volunteered more than 10 million hours in the community.

Positive Change, Amplified by Intel

Through the combination of the foundation’s strategic grants and the company’s skilled volunteers Intel is able to support valuable change-making programs globally. Frank Narducci, superintendent of Chandler Unified School District, says, “For every Intel Foundation grant we receive, whether it is $10,000 or $100,000, we get that same level of partnership and guidance. Our work with them just keeps expanding and growing because, with the Intel Foundation, it’s never one and done.” Through these strategic giving efforts, the Intel Foundation has created a legacy of impact with a firm belief in building a more equitable society.

In today’s volatile, uncertain world, organizations are often faced with seemingly insurmountable hurdles as they navigate the future. Days are often filled with challenge that can almost seem unbearable as the never-ending dynamics that shape our world continue to linger on. The human spirit may be challenged in ways unimaginable, and the strategies previously employed no longer work. It’s time for a change and a newOptimismapproach.and opportunity both begin with the same letter and that’s only part of the similarity. The word “optimism” actually derives from the Latin word “optima,” meaning the best outcome or belief in the greatest good. From this author’s perspective, the greatest good is something not only strived for but longed for in almost every organization! Very few people wake each day thinking, “I want to have the worst take place in my organization and will do whatever it takes to facilitate.”

Leading from abundance and positivity does not happen overnight! It takes an intentional shift by the leaders of an organization to look at things from an opportunistic perspective from the beginning. With communication and trust that those in the organization will work together collaboratively, leaders assume the positive outcome rather than the negative. It will not be easy at first, but over time (and it will be quicker than one might think), an organization will build the team that produces the best results with the greatest impact.

“With all the negativity in the world, what a great opportunity one has to be a positive leader and influencer. When one decides to become a positive leader, it not only makes themselves better, but makes everyone around them better — and that’s a great place to start!”

Nurture a key ingredient of growth and success by Bruce Weber

Understanding and communicating everyone’s strengths and assets provides a baseline for productive work, planning and individual engagement, and forms the basis of working from abundance.

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Leading ofTheAbundancefrom–PowerPositivity

—Jon Gordon

Bruce Weber is founder and bringsat Weberpresident/CEOGroup.Webermorethan20yearsofexperiencetothefor-profitandnonprofitcommunity,workingwithstartup,growthandmatureorganizations.Hisfocusisinstrengtheningorganizationsthroughstrategicplanning,organizationaldevelopment,leadershipandboarddevelopment.HeisaBoardSourceCertifiedGovernancetrainerandafoundingpartneroftheNonprofitLifecyclesInstitute.webergroupaz.com

Capacity FOR-PROFIT & NONPROFIT GROWTH

On the contrary, good leaders are looking for ways to exploit the talent within and thus increase the impact of the firm. How do leaders transition and embrace a positive approach to leadership? As Jon Gordon, author of the Power of Positive Leadership, speaker, consultant and coach, writes, “Positive, optimistic leadership makes a significant difference in leaders and their teams. It all starts with vision.” Gordon describes an organization’s vision as its North Star and stresses that the vision must be shared with and embraced by everyone. To Gordon, the most important job for a leader is to drive a positive and energetic culture that is rooted in that vision. Driving positive culture is a key ingredient in ensuring future growth and success. Leaders need to begin by identifying the key elements that drive impact related to the company’s vision. Then, they can carefully examine the purpose of the work and mission and who within the team can provide the greatest impact while maximizing skills and talent. A positive culture is an inclusive one that enables everyone to build upon and work toward a common goal of driving success. This begins by looking at the individual talents of each contributor and how they all collectively can drive the work forward. There are several helpful tools, like Gallop Strengthfinders, that can assist in the assessment and evaluation of how individuals can work and communicate together to advance the work and organizational purpose. Understanding and communicating everyone’s strengths and assets provides a baseline for productive work, planning and individual engagement, and forms the basis of working from abundance. Once we begin to view the organization and the team through this lens, we build the will and grit needed to persevere. It becomes easier for the leadership to also focus on the positive gains that can be realized by using those newfound skills in a thoughtful and impactful way. A leader himself or herself becomes more positive as they can truly begin to see challenges as opportunities that can be tackled by assembling the team in a way that maximizes everyone’s potential.

Precision. Strength. Artistry. Performing for our clients at the highest level through a nimble and adaptable approach. Experience the WILLMENG.COMDifference.|AZROC B-01 082904 | AZ ROC A 323741 something’s different.

Businesses will need to evaluate how they are using the software and technology they currently deploy to see how they can maximize their value. The return on the investment should be very carefully evaluated to identify any efficiencies achieved or productivity enhancements.

Jill J. Johnson, MBA, president and founder of Johnson Consulting Services, is a management consultant, accomplished speaker, awardwinning author and Business Hall of Fame inductee. She helps clients make critical business decisions and develop plans for turnarounds or growth. Her consulting work has impacted more than $4 billion-worth of decisions. She has a proven track record of dealing with complex business issues and getting results. jcs-usa.com

PRIORITIZE THOSE WHO INTERFACE WITH THE CUSTOMER

Leveraging external relationships with outsourced resources can help businesses flex their staffing and can be a valuable way to get the work done. Three options are gig workers, staffing agencies and trusted outside vendors.

Trusted outside vendors can provide key services and do bookkeeping, administrative work, sales support, social media, website management, et cetera. Long-term vendors have deep insight about a business’s history, team and culture. They know the business’s preferred communication methods and how it likes to work. Outside vendors are an exceptionally valuable safety valve when a business cannot find the right permanentBusinessestalent.should try to avoid managing too many different outside resources. They should focus on the most critical work the outside resources can provide and engage in shortduration tests to see if there’s chemistry and if those resources provide value.

Internal, external and other

It’s no secret that the staffing shortages facing most businesses today are extremely challenging. It is also highly unlikely that these challenges are going to resolve in the near term. So, the problem facing businesses now is what they should do when they just cannot find the talent they need. It is time to rethink all staffing options. The key is to make the most of their existing staff and to augment them with outside resources and technology.

OUTSOURCE WHEN NECESSARY

Businesses need to identify staff who interact with their customers along the entire range of their customer journey. Their success in meeting customer needs, satisfaction and prospect demands determine whether the business can satisfy and keep them. If the staff have the bandwidth to provide exceptional service, they can keep the business’s customers and expand its prospect pool. Today’s consumers are looking for faster information. Many prefer to get information via video or audio. Businesses need to adjust to how those consumers want to consume information. It’s important, then, to streamline the team’s workload by creating tools and resources to quickly get them the answers they want and need. Ensuring the team has the tools and resources they need to be more efficient and clarifying what can help them deliver a better customer experience helps remove the roadblocks to their success.

The foundation of business success is based upon revenue and the stability of revenue streams. Customer loyalty and retention depends on their satisfaction. Prospects rely on their ability to access the information they need to make informed decisions and gain a comfort level with their options.

by Jill

CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGY Technology and automation use is exploding as companies are seeking opportunities to invest in devices and software to provide options to leverage the staff they already have and enhance their productivity. Autonomous devices include robots, drones, vehicles, floor cleaners and more. These devices can sense the environment around them and operate without human involvement. Other devices such as exoskeletons are able to support a worker’s body and provide augmented biological capabilities such as safely lifting heavy objects. While robotics as a field is advancing, they are not truly autonomous of human interaction. They still need people involved in the process to use them. This includes programming, monitoring them and changing batteries as they perform their service. At best this is now “co-botics”; people will never be fully eliminated from the equation and they will work in tandem. As these options expand, businesses can take advantage of them, too, even small businesses.

AND … PRODUCTIVITY ROI OF TECHNOLOGY

The gig economy is here to stay. Leveraging external relationships with outsourced resources can help businesses flex their staffing and can be a valuable way to get the work done. While not as optimal as building one’s own team, the pressure relief one experiences when critical work is being completed can provide the breathing room needed to determine if this role really needs a full-time hire or if can be permanently outsourced.

Johnson PEOPLE ARE KEY

For small projects, online resources like Fiverr and Upwork provide worldwide access to gig workers with specific skills that are needed for short duration work. Most of these online sites have filters allowing businesses to clarify what service they need, information ahead of time on the potential cost, control over where the talent comes from and what languages they speak.

Businesses should get their team any training needed to be able to effectively work with advanced workforceBusinessestechnologies.mightneedadifferentskillsetintheirtoworkwiththetechnology,andthismayexpandthatworkforcetopullfromabroaderpoolofpotentialtalent.

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Organizations with a history of sales success often rely on operational delivery to keep them going when they are short staffed. Yet it is their customer-facing staff who are the most valuable to sustaining enterprise revenue.

There is growing interest in how data and analytics can be used to manage staff productivity and service delivery. Most technology devices are already collecting data. When combined in the future with artificial intelligence, the possibilities for data analytics appear to be endless. When the data is combined with AI interpretation, this can provide valuable insight to help streamline a business’s processes and maximize staff efficiency.

Staffing agencies can bring talent to an organization for a project that is going to take a bit longer. While it will be more expensive, businesses should keep in mind they are not paying any benefits and will not get hit with an unemployment claim when they no longer need that particular talent. Agencies vet the staff they provide to an organization and will help their clients find the right talent needed for the project.

Look Both Ways Before Hiring solutions to staffing shortages J.

Balance is essential in all aspects of life, including workplace management. It is important for business leaders to allow employees to step up from time to time to develop their leadership skills and confidence, as well as to increase employee satisfaction. For example, if Betty is typically bossy in the office, it would be important to make sure meek Sam takes the reins during a collaborative activity for a change. It is best to also allow administrators to lead, while upper managers take a backseat. Leaders will find that offering employees the chance to shine goes a long way in boosting workplace satisfaction and retention rates. Fun not friction. Friendly competition never hurts anyone, so next-level team building should do just that — allow teams to connect on another level. While healthy workplace competition is a catalyst to increase engagement, communication and performance, too much competition can backfire. A reported 43% of employees will leave the company if they feel pressured to perform at all times. It’s important to keep the activity fun and light.

More equal interaction between team members leads to improved problem-solving and decision-making as well as the development and expansion of each team member’s existing skill sets. Leaders should separate people into unlikely groups, so they interact and get to know others they have not been given a chance to. Let lower positions lead and management follow.

A former sales training executive, I founded Scottsdalebased Puzzle Rides, a mobile escape room-style scavenger hunt on golf carts. Throughout the pandemic, and even more so now that remote work has taken over, my company provided teambuilding outings for up to 80 individuals. Teamwork is used in conjunction with route components to complete a series of adventure puzzles where teams have a finite amount of time to get to their destination. This is next-level team building.

PEOPLE ARE KEY

There are, however, countless opportunities to enhance workplace morale and teamwork, and workers are more appreciative of an organization’s efforts the more inventive the activity. Along with mobile scavenger hunts, other creative next-level team-building events to think about include a murder mystery dinner, an in-house Shark Tank competition, building something for a cause, dog park showdowns and team retreats.

In planning team-building activities, businesses can guarantee an improved experience by following the below suggestions.

Even the rise of remote work need not lead to a decline in corporate culture by Katie Dufort

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In a recent business poll by the research company i4cp, more than 71% of respondents stated that their organizations either already emphasize or aim to emphasize corporate culture in their day-to-day practices. Longtime proponents of a positive corporate culture have argued that it can enhance long-term prospects, but it is equally true that a negative one is linked to diminishing performance. The Great Resignation, for instance, has often been attributed to a toxic culture. In the rapidly changing workforce, businesses need to first understand and control culture if they want to increase performance. It would be an understatement to say that businesses had to get inventive with team building during the pandemic. There were so many restrictions that made it difficult to connect, such as a limited number of people in the office, muted microphones during Zoom calls, and a lot of masks. However, businesses are discovering that the rise of remote work does not necessarily need to lead to a decline in corporate culture.

Next-Level Team Building to Enhance Company Culture

Think outside the box, literally. Get the team outdoors. Business owners should avoid the mistake of having their team gather in the office or on Zoom for a virtual happy hour. There are numerous advantages to taking a break from the structured work environment to get some fresh air. Not only will staff have the opportunity to experience a change of environment, but being outside lowers stress, restores mental energy, and improves focus and creativity. The International Journal of Environmental Health Research discovered that spending just 20 minutes outside is sufficient to boost wellbeing, thus promoting inspiration, productivity, and overall workplace happiness.

Katie Dufort is the founder of Puzzle Rides, a mobile escape room-style scavenger hunt on golf carts that takes riders through Old Town Scottsdale and Historic Downtown Prescott. Teamwork and elements of the route are used to solve a series of adventure puzzles where teams have a limited amount of time to reach their finalpuzzlerides.com destination. The Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly and significantly altered the workplace. Adjusting to new norms may appear easy in theory, but is more challenging in practice for companies, particularly when it comes to corporate culture.

Mix and mingle groups. Unfortunately, many workers find that offices can be cliquey, and some new bestie duos are sure to have formed during the pandemic, further fostering a less inclusive “inner circle.” However, employers’ efforts to encourage broader social connections in the workplace and assist employees in developing strong relationships with one another contribute to a more successful workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly and significantly altered the workplace. Adjusting to new norms may appear easy in theory, but is more challenging in practice for companies, particularly when it comes to corporate culture. Leaders must consider which cultural changes they want to maintain and which they need to roll back as organizations adapt to operating post-pandemic.

The Benefits of Workplace Mentorship

These generations are more likely to value relationships at work than any others and thrive off support. Here are the facts:

More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies currently offer mentorship programs. These programs empower employees to learn new things, build leadership skills and connect with their fellow workers. For many mentees, just knowing that someone believes in them can help them reach their true potential.

VSUW LAUNCHES NEW

REMEMBER TO BE INCLUSIVE WHEN CREATING A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

There are also benefits for employees on the mentor side.

• Millennial and Gen Z workers who have a mentor are up to 23% more likely to report being satisfied with their current job. (CNBC/SurveyMonkey)

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Those who are selected by leadership to become a mentor feel more valued by the company. The new sense of responsibility also increases confidence, which will positively impact their attitude about work. The uptick in self-esteem on both sides of the menteementor relationship leads to increased happiness in the workplace. In fact, 9 in 10 workers who have a mentor say they are happy with their current employer. Workers are significantly more likely to consider quitting if they do not have a mentor they can trust.

Employees are looking for workplaces that value and focus on diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEAI). Surveys show that 80% of job seekers are looking for companies that make DEAI a priority. While there is a lot of data that proves the impact of mentoring, there is a lack of information about benefits for those in historically underrepresented groups, including BIPOC and those that identify as IntroducingLGBTQIA+.DEAI-focused mentoring programs can help increase access to career development, which will lead to better representation in the workplace down the road.

According to the newly released Career Optimism Index survey from University of Phoenix, 55% of the 500 surveyed employers say they’re seeing a higher turnover in 2022 than in previous years. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to stay at a company for a longer period of time.

MILLENNIAL AND GEN Z WORKERS WANT TO BE MENTORED

MENTORSHIP HAS ALSO BEEN SHOWN TO HELP LOWER TURNOVER This is essential as employers continue to struggle with the Great Resignation and Great Reset that started in 2020.

BLACKDEVELOPMENTWORKFORCEPROGRAMFORANDLATINAYOUNGWOMEN Pathways to Economic Opportunity pairs young women, ages 16 to 24, with Black and Latina professional women in their field of interest. Through the program, young women gain technical skills, soft skills and impossibleoftenLatinatonetworksprofessionalthatleadprosperouscareerpathways.Blackandyoungwomendon’thaveaccesstotheseopportunities,makingitnearlytobeonequalfootingwhenenteringtheworkforce.vsuw.org/pathways

MENTORSHIP IS A GREAT WAY TO INVEST IN AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN EMPLOYEES

• Seventy-three percent of Gen Z are motivated to do a better job when they feel their supervisor truly cares about them. (SHRM)

IF YOU ARE GOING TO CREATE A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, YOU HAVE TO GO ALL IN One of the most important rules about offering a mentorship program is commitment. It is a two-way street. Both sides have to be invested in the relationship or the outcome could be negative.

Mentoring has a big impact on teenagers and young adults, as well. According to a survey by Mentoring.org, young adults who have a mentor are 130% more likely to hold a leadership role later in life. The survey also highlights that mentoring has a positive impact on our community. Young adults who had a mentor are more likely to serve as volunteers. mentoring.org/mentoring-impact/

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

Bertha Tapia is a community development and engagement director at Valley of the Sun United Way. VSUW envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy; has a safe place to live; and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. VSUW will work with community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement a five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026 toward its bold goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and educationhomelessness,andworkforcedevelopment.vsuw.orgvsuw.org/mightychange

A great and cost-effective way to hit these marks is to offer mentorship programs.

• Sixty-eight percent of millennials who stay at their organization for five or more years have a mentor. (Deloitte)

The Career Optimism Index shows a serious disconnect between many employers and their employees. The survey says 91% of employers believe their employees have someone at the workplace who advocates for them. When the survey asked employees, only 63% agreed with that statement.

How mentoring young professionals can increase trust and reduce turnover by Bertha Tapia Labor shortages continue to weigh down our local and national economy. Right now, millions of U.S. companies have more job openings than workers to fill them. Workers in the younger generation are being more selective when it comes to finding a job. They are looking for companies with great employee culture, diversity and growth opportunities.

Incorporating breathwork meditation sessions into a corporate wellness program is a great way to improve mental wellness across the company and break free from the toxic hustle culture. Create Meditation tailors customized, one-on-one meditation sessions for entrepreneurs and business leaders and group sessions for entire companies. Sessions combine breathwork, personalized music and different mindfulness practices to help release stress, connect the mind and body, and rewire the brain with new personal beliefs. The sessions have helped stressed professionals feel more at peace, more present, more grateful for where they are and what they have, and provide clarity on their life goals and visions.

WE VALUE WHAT WE OWN

2022 GMC Hummer EV SUV

Meditate to Mitigate Stress & Burnout

Create Meditation believes that nurturing employee wellness starts at the top. According to Naz Beheshti’s book Pause, Breathe, Choose, employees with supportive superiors say they are 30% more likely to stay with their company and are 67% more engaged.

—Carson Finkle, founder of Create Meditation (createmeditation.com)

As expected in an SUV with off-road capabilities, it all starts with a towering ground clearance made possible by specially engineered 35-inch Goodyear® Wrangler Territory tires for an optimal balance of on- and off-road performance. Elements of the Hummer EV SUV are engineered to overcome tough offpavement obstacles.

Offering the latest version of Super Cruise†, HUMMER EV with driver-assistance technology for hands-free driving and Automatic Lane Change† works on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads, and growing. All HUMMER EV vehicles include a three-year subscription.

2022 GMC HUMMER EV SUV MSRP: $84,650 0-60: 3.5 sec Charging: 800V DC Mile Range: 250 mi

UltraVision — with up to 18 camera views on pickup and 17 on SUV, including standard HD Surround Vision — includes waterproof underbody forward-and-rear-facing cameras for real-time views of the terrain to help the driver pick the best line along the trail. A washer function and replaceable lens protectors help ensure clearer visibility. Using multiple cameras to display a digital overhead image of the area around HUMMER EV, HD Surround Vision enables off-road maneuverability and navigation in tight spaces when traveling at low speeds.

HUMMER EV design elements are infused with signature cues, from distinctive front lighting to a low-turret roof profile to an upright windshield and unique taillamps. The industryleading Infinity Roof and available Transparent Sky Panels create an immersive open-air experience. Removing the four panels and the front I-Bar and lowering the power Rear Drop Glass lets the world in. —Mike Hunter GMC www.gmc.com

GMC Hummer EV SUV combines many of the features of the pickup with the versatility of an SUV. The EV has two motors (three motors on the EV3x edition) with an estimated 250-mile range with up to 625 horsepower and up to 7,400 pound-feet of torque.

57INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022THE EV ADVANTAGE: The advantages of driving an EV are endless. Access to the HOV lane; zero tailpipe emissions; state and local tax incentives; and quiet, quick acceleration are some of the countless benefits that can come with owning an EV. DON’T MISS OUT! Get a year of In Business Magazine Subscribe now at inbusinessphx.com BUSINESS Legal Views on How COVID Continues to Infect Business SEPTEMBERINBUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT TeamNext-LevelBuildingSolutionstoStaffingShortages This Month’s Guest Editor Mary Jane Rynd President and CEO Virginia G. Piper Charitable THIS ISSUE Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits INBUSINESSPHX.COM Workplace & AdvocacyEmployee GMCofcourtesyPhotos

That is why Create Meditation believes in the Champagne Tower Analogy, encouraging business leaders to prioritize their own self-care first — because their self-care isn’t a selfish act but is improving their own well-being so they can show up as the best version of themselves for their employees and those closest to them. As the top glass in the champagne tower, they are choosing to “fill up their cup first,” so their energy can flow down to their employees and, eventually, the customers, which can greatly affect the bottom line.

Anoche Cantina Breathes New Life into Mill Ave.

Anoche Cantina 640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe (480) anochecantina.com500-5104

Anoche’s inventive bill of fare covers a wide variety of flavors, ranging from familiar to avant-garde. Shareables start out the menu with appetizers like Dirty Queso (melty skillet queso, pico de gallo, chorizo), and Crudité & Tajin (carrot, cucumber, jicama, lime, tajin-spiced black bean dip), while the Classico and Loco options shine in the Center of Attention section, which invites guests to select a protein base like Classico Al Pastor or Loco Korean-Style Beef to be served as a choice of tacos, burrito, bowl or salad. Where the culinary team’s creativity shines the brightest is in the Taquitos Loco section, which features flavors like pizza rolls and buffalo chicken, reimagined as craveable taquitos. Margaritas are the focal point of the drink menu, also as Classico and Loco categories, like the Classico Spicy (jalapenoinfused tequila, lime, triple sec, agave, jalapeno slices) and I Don’t Wanna Grow Up (sour candy-infused tequila, lime, triple sec, simple syrup, pop rocks rim) from the Loco menu. The star of the show, the Build Your Own Margarita bar, allows guests to customize their cocktails, starting with a base of blanco or reposado tequila, mezcal or vodka, then a selection from toppings like dried fruit or sour candies, rim options like tajin or pop rocks, and mix offerings like house or fruity. At the foundation of Mill Ave.’s resurgence, Anoche is intent on bring an elevated experience to the community, with carefully crafted eats and one-of-a-kind nightlife to breathe new life into the area.

Flavors range from familiar to avant-garde by Erin James

MEALS THAT MATTER

“We’ve had our eye on Tempe for a while, and when the opportunity arose for us to take prime real estate on Mill Ave., we jumped at the chance,” says Elaina M. Morris, AHG CEO and president. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring what we call the ‘AHG Difference’ to the Valley and join such a thrivingAnoche,community.”meaning“last night” in Spanish, is a modern cantina with an innovative food and beverage program separated into “Loco” and “Classico” categories, along with Arizona’s most Instagram-able, interactive, build-your-own margarita bar. The restaurant consists of 5,000 square feet of indoor/ outdoor dining, with an expansive patio adorned with booths to allow patrons to enjoy the best of Arizona weather. By day, guests savor fresh, Latin-inspired dishes and sip craft cocktails in a sexy atmosphere, and then, after the sun sets, revel in an elevated nightlife experience, backed by top-of-the-line sound, lighting and VIP bottle service.

Bellevue, Washington-based Ascend Hospitality Group looked to partner with a local expert operator to execute its vision for Anoche and found that in Thomas Lawson, formerly of Riot Hospitality Group.

Highly anticipated restaurant and nightlife concept Anoche Cantina is a perfect example of “right place, right time.” The first Arizona concept for Washington state-based Ascend Hospitality Group, Anoche opened on August 18 in the heart of Tempe’s Mill Ave., when the neighborhood was needing it most.

(bottom)PhotographyShoot‘n’Captureleft),farand(topGroupHospitalityAscendofcourtesyPhotos

Slow-roasted pork, tomatillo salsa, cilantro slaw, pickled onions, served with salsa verde$18  Erin James is marketing and media manager for Ascend Hospitality Group (www.ascendhg.com), a Black- and togroupindependentfemale-led,restaurantbasedinBellevue,Washington.Therestaurantgroupisacollectionofconceptsrangingfromfinediningfastcasual,andproudlyemploysmorethan600peopleinWashington,Oregon,UtahandArizona.Committedtoelevatingthecommunitiesitserves,AHGinvestswhollyinbothitsteammembersanditsguests.

For AHG — a Black-and female-led, independent restaurant group based in Bellevue, Washington, with other locations in Washington, Oregon, and Utah — Anoche is not only its first concept in Arizona, but its first to be co-created by the company’s director of marketing and brand design, Shelby Elmore.

TAQUITOSCARNITAS

2022SEPT.INBUSINESSPHX.COM58 CARNITAS BANH MI Carnitas, pickled onions, cilantro straw, jalapeno$15 POLLO TINGA TACO Shredded chicken, sliced jalapeno, cilantropico,straw,cotija$14

CONTENTS

Nonprofits and Grantmakers

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Three years ago, I delivered a keynote message to hundreds of nonprofit professionals at our annual ENGAGE Nonprofit Conference in Phoenix about the importance of nonprofits having a “seat at the table” on issues impacting Arizona. In fact, we decided together that it isn’t enough to have a seat at the table. We dreamed of building a new table where everyone has equal voice in creating solutions to serve and include all Arizonans. That very day, we started to envision with excitement what that could look like and what it might mean for our sector and those we served. Then in 2020, our world changed, creating extreme hardships for nonprofits and the people who rely on us for critical services and resources. It changed the way we interacted with the world and created feelings of isolation and even hopelessness. At the same time, this crisis created huge opportunities for change. I heard grantmakers and corporate partners stepping up to the plate asking me, “What do nonprofits need most right now?” I witnessed grantmakers and nonprofits forming distribution networks to get critical supplies to organizations and communities in need. Grant applications were simplified. More and more grants were unrestricted. In a time of uncertainty and heartache, it was a remarkable example of what is possible when we come together, break out of normal patterns, and focus on needed outcomes. It was in this beautiful mess that something magical started to happen. The Alliance and Arizona Grantmakers Forum board members began courageous conversations about how to permanently break down the walls between the nonprofit and grantmaking sectors. We dreamed about what Arizona might look like if the relationships between grantmakers and nonprofits became transformational, rather than simply transactional. We committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in new and deeper ways. We hosted retreats and invited our members to step into each other’s shoes. Nonprofit leaders learned what it feels like to be a grantmaker struggling to meet demands with limited dollars. Grantmakers understood more deeply what it’s like to fill out applications late into the night, hoping at least one will turn into a yes. We realized just how much we have in common.

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits is an action-oriented group of partners across Arizona — both nonprofits and those in the community who support them — dedicated to uniting, strengthening and advancing Arizona’s nonprofit sector. The Alliance envisions an Arizona where all nonprofits are valued, empowered and thriving.

Unite for Greater Good UNITING, STRENGTHENING, AND ADVANCING ARIZONA’S NONPROFIT SECTOR. FALL ARIZONANONPROFITS.ORG2022

Then, on August 1, we took a bold, almost unprecedented step Kristen Merrifield, CAE, CNAP

2 Combining CohesionAdditionalOrganizationsNonprofitProvidesStrengthand 4 Speaking with One Voice: Merger Brings Together Nonprofits and Grantmakers to Advocate for Policy Solutions 5 New Director of Rural Programs Focuses on Numerous Goals 1

ALLIANCEhome.OF ARIZONA NONPROFITS

2

Arizona continues to see more organizations finding this to be true, including the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum, who just announced their merger on August 1. Many other organizations are finding themselves in new types of partnership, too.

The nonprofit sector is not immune to mergers and acquisitions. And, more often than not, the nonprofit sector is seeing this occur when organizations envision a stronger, cohesive voice and improved outcomes by bringing existing organizations together.

Education Forward Arizona is one of those recent success stories. Public opinion polls have indicated for several years that education is the top priority for the citizens of Arizona, and yet Arizonans haven’t always agreed on how to achieve the quality education system they say they

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Combining CohesionAdditionalOrganizationsNonprofitProvidesStrengthand by Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits toward actually building that new table. We MERGED, so that nonprofits and grantmakers can work together to solve complex community problems — not only as grantor and grantee, but as equal partners, sitting alongside each other at our expanding table. But our work has just begun. As Henry David Thoreau said, “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.” It is the passion within us all that will continue to drive us forward. Over the next year, a new name and a new strategic plan is coming. We will be exploring what our membership models, member benefits, programs and advocacy agenda should look like. This new organization will depend on the strength of our relationships, the expansiveness of our vision, and the depth of our willingness to work together. We invite you to come along with us as we create the Arizona we all want and are proud to call

In its first year, Education Forward Arizona has been successful in advocating for education policies that advance education equity, as well as growing its programs serving primarily low-income and first-generation students to help them reach and complete a postsecondary education.

3 want. Despite the collective urgency for meaningful education improvement, Arizonans have tolerated an education system that has underperformed — one that has denied educational, and thus economic, opportunity to many of our citizens. That has, in turn, hampered our state’s growth and has tarnished our reputation.

During that period, three entities — Achieve60AZ, College Success Arizona and Expect More Arizona — came together to outline how to bring the best parts of each of their organizations together in ways that could lead to greater impact and efficiency. Putting their own brands aside, they created a new, more robust organization. By pooling their resources and combining teams, funders and Boards, Education Forward Arizona emerged in August of 2021 to address collective community aspirations to:

• Create a cohesive case for education and how it benefits all Arizonans,

• Align knowledge and interests to create more effective approaches and increase accountability, and

Education Forward Arizona is a nonprofit organization created to change the way people think about and support education as the key driver to improving the economy and quality of life in Arizona. The organization’s work includes providing scholarships and innovative programs to students and advocating for policies and funding that move the Achieve60AZ postsecondary attainment goal and other Arizona Education Progress Meter goals forward. Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org.

WWW.ARIZONANONPROFITS.ORG

Frustrated with the pace of change and with an often fractured and inadequate response to education improvement, community leaders came together for 15 months — during the pandemic — to outline the strategic direction of a more robust education advocacy organization. That community planning process was supported by Arizona Community Foundation, Helios Education Foundation and Pharos Foundation.

• Build public and political will for dramatic education

“The launch of Education Forward Arizona was a turning point for education in our state,” said Vince Roig, chair of Education Forward Arizona’s board of directors. “Education and the economy are inextricably linked. To get where we want to go, we need every student to thrive. As a state, we must prioritize supporting our underserved students.”

Highlights from Education Forward Arizona’s first year along with a look ahead to what’s next for the organization can be found at EducationForwardArizona.org.

Underimprovement.theleadership of President and CEO Rich Nickel, this new organization aims to change the way people think about and support education as the key to improving the economy and the quality of life in Arizona.

With support from more than 50 partners from across the state from the education, business, philanthropic, community and nonprofit communities, Education Forward Arizona’s launch demonstrated how the organization sees its mission being achieved — with all sectors and stakeholders working together to build the public and political will needed to support educational improvements.

ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA NONPROFITS

by Laurie Liles

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum’s merger unlocks unlimited possibilities for nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to explore solutions to some of our state’s most pressing challenges. That kind of problem solving calls for the creativity, scrappiness and innovation nonprofits and philanthropy are known for. And it often requires cross-sector collaboration and partnerships with policymakers — the magic that happens when like-minded leaders align around public policy and systemsMemberschange.ofthe Alliance and Arizona Grantmakers Forum boards of directors recognized early in our merger talks that nonprofits and grantmakers can be a force for positive change when we team up to advocate for the people we serve.

Problem solvers by nature, our sector’s leaders have real-world experience grappling with challenges in their communities.

4 Speaking with One Voice: Merger Brings Together Nonprofits and Grantmakers to Advocate for Policy Solutions

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There’s so much good we can do when we join forces. As change agents — and advocates — we’re stronger together. We can’t wait to get started.

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of Arizona Nonprofits 333 E Osborn Rd #245 Phoenix, AZ 85012 Phone: (602) www.ArizonaNonprofi279-2966ts.org ARIZONA NONPROFITSALLIANCE OFBOARDOFDIRECTORS BOARD CHAIR Torrie Taj, Child Crisis Arizona CO-VICE CHAIR Yvonne Moss. Make a Wish Foundation of America CO-VICE CHAIR Wendy Erica Werden Tucson Electric Power/Unisource Energy CO-TREASURER Mario Aniles, Aniles & CO-TREASURERCompany

But before our merger, neither organization had a team member specifically dedicated to leading public Alliance

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Penny Clary, Family

Allee Taylor, Consultant Annie

Mesha Davis, Arizona Foundation for Women

Maria Echeveste, Bank of America Kate Jensen, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona Jared Langkilde, HonorHealth Foundation

Patti Stoner, HR Strategies AZ  Glenn Wike, Arizona Community Foundation Eric Wolverton, Habitat for Humanity Northern Arizona Liz Barker Alvarez, First Things First John Amoroso, The David & Lura Lovell Foundation

5

Ellsworth, Flinn SECRETARYFoundation Kate Thoene, New Life Center BOARD MEMBERS

Margaret Hepburnm Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona Terry Hines, The Hopi Foundation Marcus Johnson, Vitalyst Health Foundation  Andrea Moreno, Salt River Project policy and advocacy. Joining forces enables our new organization to make collective impact advocacy — advocacy on behalf of the entire nonprofit and philanthropic sector — a central strategic focus. That’s never been more vital, as nonprofits continue to face unprecedented challenges, from workforce shortages to ever-increasing demand for their services. That’s why I’m honored to serve in the newly created role of chief public policy officer in the merged organization, where I’ll focus on advocacy on behalf of the entire sector while continuing to lead and support our grantmaking members as vice president of Arizona Grantmakers Forum. Alliance CEO Kristen Merrifield and I are excited to realize the vision we began casting more than two years ago. Even back then — when our merger was a twinkle in our eyes — we were dreaming big about what our members could accomplish when they speak with oneWe’revoice.eager to strengthen relationships with policymakers and partner with them to address Arizona’s challenges. Behind the scenes, we’re asking our nonprofit and philanthropic members to identify the top issues where we can make a difference and brainstorm potential solutions.

Jeri Royce, Esperanca

Myriah Mhoon, New Life Center Monica Nuvamsa, The Hopi Foundation

They come to the table equipped with pragmatic, time-tested approaches that can be scaled for greater impact.

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Public policy has long been a priority for both the Alliance and Arizona Grantmakers Forum, and we’ve partnered successfully to pass legislation that strengthens the sector. We’ve worked together in recent years to pass federal and state laws that incentivize charitable giving. And we’ve aligned around policies that contribute to a sound economy and promote economic well-being and quality of life for everyone in our state.

New Director of Rural Programs Focuses on Numerous Goals

Jennifer Purcell Senior Vice President & Director of Development, AAzN

NONPROFITSARIZONASTAFFKristenMerrifield

Our current grant has capacity for 16 VISTA Members and one VISTA Leader.

Hernandez-Williams is a co-host with the director of Marketing and Events on the Illuminate AZ Nonprofit Podcast. She helps coordinate guests, develop questions and build exposure throughout Arizona. This is another opportunity to raise the voices of nonprofits and consultants for nonprofits throughout Arizona. This is done in partnership with the entire marketingGrowingdepartment.thecapacity of rural nonprofits is a priority of this role. Ensuring rural nonprofits have a main point of contact, know they can receive assistance from the Alliance, and increasing attendance in trainings are key pillars that this position is aiming to establish.

Natasha Lopez-Rodriguez Director of Community Engagement, AAzNP

Angela Palmer Director of Events & Marketing, AAzNP

CEO Colleen Holman Executive Assistant to the CEO Laurie Liles Chief Public Policy Officer, AAzNP; Vice President, Arizona Grantmakers Forum Erin Owen Director of Member Engagement & Education, Arizona Grantmakers Forum

Angelica Hernandez-Williams is our new director of Rural Programs. She has a background in nonprofit management and workforce training specializing in rural communities. She has a passion for elevating the heart of nonprofits in the many rural communities throughout Arizona. Here is a highlight of the areas she will working on in her role. Since 2010, the Alliance has held an AmeriCorps VISTA grant. HernandezWilliams will become the new program director and continue to help servant leaders reduce poverty in rural Arizona.

ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA NONPROFITS

Corina Yeh-Hilliard Events & Marketing Manager, AAzNP Maria Mejia Digital Marketing & Communications Manager, AAzNP

Angelica Hernandez-Williams Director of Rural Programs, AAzNP

With a grant award from Coors Light Líderes, Hernandez-Williams is partnering with our director of Community Engagement to build a Latino group focused on increasing leadership diversity within the nonprofit sector. Arizona United Latinos Nonprofit Council (AZUL) is kicking off in October.

Kate Norman VISTA Leader, AAzNP

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Lisa Hodge Finance & Operations Manager, AAzNP Lilly Gonzalez Communications & Operations Manager, Arizona Grantmakers Forum

Jennifer Blair, Director of Membership, AAzNP

ALLIANCE OF

Robyn Reyff, Membership Manager, AAzNP

65INBUSINESSPHX.COMSEPT.2022In each issue of In Business Magazine, we list both companies and indivuduals for quick reference. See the stories for links to more. Bold listings are advertisers supporting this issue of In Business Magazine

72SOLD, Ages/The12Excel Center Arizona, 32 Alliance Bank of Arizona, 10 Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, 59 Anoche Cantina, 58 Arcadia Management Group, 16 Arizona Commerce Authority, 68 Arizona Community Foundation, 55 Arizona Foundation for Women, 10 Arizona Grantmakers Forum, 63 ArizonaPartnership,Manufacturing68 Arizona Pet Project, The, 37 Arizona State University, 40 AZP Multifamily, 18 Baskin-Robbins, 12 BlueBlueCrossShield of Arizona, 21 Brightside Studios, 14 Chicanos Por La Causa, 29 Colliers, 17 CommercialCafé, 13 Communicating Results, Inc., 36 Cox Business, 3 Cox Communications, 28 Create Meditation, 57 DPMG Galveston, 15 Duffy Group, Inc., 30 Empire Group Companies, 16 evolvedMD, 12 Fennemore Craig, 41 Fyresite, 22 GMC, Goodwill57 of Central and Northern Arizona, 32 Goodwill of Monocracy Valley, 32 Holualoa Companies, 20 Insperity, 66 Intel, Iterate.ai,48 22 JE Dunn Construction, 15 Jive, 8 Johnson Consulting Services, 52 KEO Marketing Inc., 33 Kinessage, 19 Kiterocket, 67 Land Advisors Organization, 16 Larry H. Miller Dealerships, 12 Lerner & Rowe, 12 Lovitt & Touché, 53 Muscular Moving Men & Storage, 12 One Creative View, 10 OneAZ Credit Union, 23 Plaza Companies, 20 PNC Bank, 38 Project Roots AZ, 39 ProTech Detailing, 19 Puzzle Rides, 54 PXG, 12, 49 Quarles & Brady, 46 Robert Half, 12 Rose Law Group PC, 34 Sawyer Aviation, 12 Snell & Wilmer, 10, 47 SRP, Stearns2 Bank, 8 Suntec Concrete, 11 Terkel, 14 Terros Health, 20 Thrive Development, 35 Thrive Real Estate, 35 Tri Pointe Homes, 15 UMB Financial Corporation, 42 UnitedHealthcare, 5 Valley of the Sun United Way, 56 Van Trust Real Estate, 15 Vincit USA, 12 Virginia G. CharitablePiperTrust, 7, 9, 27 Weber Group, 50 Weedmaps, 48 Willmeng, 51 Yardi Matrix, 13 YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, 31 Aja, Rachel, 28 Alix, Don, 66 Benson, Grant, 12 Butler, Tyler, 48 Campion, Vanna, 20 Christian, Kwame, 43 Creaser, Clay, 15 Davis, Mesha, 10 De Vos, Joachim, 43 Duarte, Patricia Garcia, 29 Duffy, Kathleen, 30 Dufort, Katie, 54 Esparza, Debbie, 31 Farmiloe, Brett, 14 Felker, Richard, 16 Finkle, Carson, 57 Halleen, Jackie, 32 Harper, Sharon, Hernandez-Williams,20 Angelica, 64 Hickman, Kate, 10 James, Erin, 58 Johnson, Eric, 46 Johnson, Jill J., 52 Kloefkorn, Sheila, 33 Kuenn, Brad, 14 Kuenn, Vanessa, 14 Laird, Travis, 12 Merrifield, Kristen, 59 Rainey, Justin, 42 Rawson, Darren, 18 Rogers, Eileen, 10 Rose, Jordan, 34 Ryder, Kim, 35 Rynd, Mary Jane, 9, 27 Sabau, Diana, 13 Sanchez, Jennifer, 48 Sathianathan, Brian, 22 Schippel, Bahar, 10 Shafer, Stan, 20 Sue, Marsha Petrie, 36 Tapia, Bertha, 56 Taylor, Leanna, 37 Thomas, Eric, 43 Trujillo, Susan Brichler, 46 Turnquist, Jason, 22 Walker, Cathleen, 38 Washington, Dionne Xavier, 39 Weber, Bruce, 50 Wilkinson, Christine, 40 Wissink, Susan, 41 Wright, Derek, 11 Zimmerman, Mark, 16 /inbusinessphx

@inbusinessphxCHECKUS OUT

Employee advocacy has become the norm in the workplace: Seventy-six percent of employees would take action to encourage organizational changes, with 58% using internal methods and 40% going outside the company.

SET AN EXAMPLE  Savvy companies realize that actions speak volumes, so they set an example by demonstrating company values at all levels of the organization through daily interactions, programs and activities, providing evidence that efforts to support employee advocacy are alive and well. While there are various ways to walk the talk, a key employee advocacy area that is in the spotlight and important to many companies is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Companies that conduct ongoing DEI training in the workplace to raise awareness and institute behavioral change; ensure a diverse hiring panel and slate of candidates during recruiting efforts; and offer formal DEI mentoring programs to help ensure an inclusive culture with equal advantages are demonstrating their actions. Companies that proactively live their values and beliefs are perceived as more genuine and transparent, which translates to a great culture that benefits employee advocacy. When companies embrace actions that signal their commitment to societal issues and moral obligations, they are better positioned to experience employee advocacy that has positive consequences.

When companies weave their mission and values into their DNA, affecting all aspects of the business — including recruiting, hiring, onboarding and training — it reinforces the company’s messaging, which has an impact on potential candidates and builds stronger relationships with existing employees. As companies refine their mission and values to reflect a societal impact that is embodied throughout the company, it can have positive consequences on employee advocacy as workers spread the word about the company in their daily interactions with customers or through social media.

BYA CANDID FORUM

The pandemic, job seeker’s market, labor shortage and economic factors combined to form a perfect storm of historic proportions in the workplace, giving employees more control over their careers and ushering in a new era and level of employee engagement termed “employee advocacy.” According the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, workplace advocacy has become the norm as 76% of respondents stated they would take action to encourage organizational changes, while 58% would use internal methods and 40% would go outside the company.

StatesolutionssuitecomprehensiveofscalableHRavailableinthemarketplace.HejoinedInsperityin2011.AlixgraduatedfromArizonaUniversityearningadegreeinmarketing.insperity.com

REVIEW MISSION AND CORE VALUES

While global efforts to make the world a better place from a culture and climate perspective continue to make noteworthy strides, they have also paved the way for entrance into corporate America, as employees, consumers, investors and communities hold companies to higher standards and expect accountability in business operations. Although each group can have a significant influence on organizations, workers seem to hold the most sway due to a convergence of current events.

Leaders should review the company’s mission and core values to ensure they appropriately reflect the company’s vision and principles, along with serving a greater purpose in the world. When companies tie their existence to solving problems and making a difference, rather than operating solely for corporate gain, it positions them at a higher level of social awareness and moral obligation. This philosophy supports a growing trend to provide more value to employees, customers and communities over profits, which is taking a greater hold as millennials and Gen Z have more influence in the workplace.

Employee advocacy has become a significant factor for companies as they compete in the race for talent and appeal to workers with strong mission and values systems. Below are three areas for businesses to consider for employee advocacy.

BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE  Employees want to be associated with companies that are making a difference in the community, and, with the state of the labor market, they now have the luxury of selecting potential employers based on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. CSR programs not only appeal to employee advocacy, but also add credibility to the organization and its mission and values. While there are a variety of avenues to take regarding CSR, companies should identify the key areas that resonate with their business, employees and clients with endeavors such as disaster and preparedness planning, volunteer opportunities and conservation efforts.

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Businesses Can Focus on Employee Advocacy

Don Alix is a district manager with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources offering the most

Today’s employees want to be associated with companies that are making a difference in the community by Don Alix

The Arizona.Pioneeredfuture.in

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