Let's Talk Business Phoenix

In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we introduce you to Dr. Steven Bloomberg, the new Chancellor for Maricopa Community Colleges. Dr. Bloomberg shares his priorities and vision, reflecting on how his experience as a first-generation college student shapes his leadership. He discusses Vision 2030, stronger K–12 and dual-enrollment pathways, workforce-aligned degrees, and deeper partnerships with schools and employers to expand opportunity and meet the region’s talent needs.

In the next episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, BOK Financials' Chief Investment Strategist and keynote speaker Steve Wyett joins us following the Chamber’s Economic Outlook 2027 event earlier this month. Steve explores the opportunities, risks, and economic forces likely to shape Arizona’s economy in 2027. He examines workforce shifts, technology and AI investment, global trade, inflation, interest rates, and the strategic choices facing business leaders in the upcoming year.

Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast continues its Candidate Conversations series ahead of the General Election, inviting candidates from both parties to participate. In this episode, 2026 Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidates Congressman Andy Biggs and his running mate, Sine Kerr, discuss their vision for Arizona, including economic competitiveness, workforce development, water and energy security, infrastructure, business growth, public safety, cross-border trade, bipartisan governance, and measures of success.

The next episode of Let's Talk Business Phoenix features John Gartin, Director of Learning & Organization Development and Instructor and Advisor for Practical AI at Northern Arizona University. Gartin discusses how businesses can thoughtfully adopt AI by focusing on real organizational challenges rather than chasing trends. The conversation explores common implementation mistakes, workforce concerns, employee upskilling, leadership responsibility, and the need for clear policies that balance innovation with privacy, security, and transparency. Gartin also highlights how Arizona businesses can partner with universities to advance AI research, strengthen workforce development, and prepare for the rapid evolution of AI in the years ahead. 

Want to go deeper on AI and the future of work? Explore Gartin’s Human Judgment Engineering insights on keeping human judgment and accountability at the center of AI-powered work.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we hear from John Garcia, Executive Director of Pathways Impact Fund at StriveTogether, on the importance of connecting education, workforce development, and economic opportunity to create more intentional pathways for Arizona students and workers. John shares insights from his work across Arizona and the country, highlighting how business leaders can move from simply consuming talent to helping co-create the systems that prepare people for meaningful careers. The discussion explores how Arizona’s rapid growth can translate into greater economic mobility, and what employers, educators, and community leaders can do to better

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Dillan Knudson, Arizona Market Director at Columbia Bank Commercial, shares how his professional journey and people-first leadership approach have shaped his work supporting Arizona businesses. The conversation explores Columbia Bank’s growing presence in Greater Phoenix, the evolving role of commercial banking, and how business owners can navigate financial challenges, expansion, succession, and new investment with the right strategic partners. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Amy Perry, President & CEO of Banner Health, shares her vision for leading Arizona’s largest healthcare provider amid rapid growth, rising costs, workforce challenges, and industry transformation. She discusses how Banner Health is leveraging innovation, from artificial intelligence and digital health tools to telemedicine, to improve patient outcomes and expand access to care across the state. Perry also explores the importance of partnerships with employers, education leaders, community organizations, and the Greater Phoenix Chamber in strengthening Arizona’s healthcare workforce and preparing for the future of healthcare. 

This episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix features Robert Anchondo, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of Electronic Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace. Anchondo shares how his Arizona roots helped shape a career advancing technologies used in aircraft, satellites, and space exploration. The conversation explores Honeywell’s major presence in Greater Phoenix and around the world, including its role in aviation safety, crewed space missions, NASA’s Artemis program, and life-saving technologies like the auxiliary power unit.  

As part of our Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Season 5 kickoff, we’re continuing our “Candidate Conversations" mini-series, featuring leading candidates in Arizona’s 2026 gubernatorial race. These conversations allow candidates to share their vision for the state's future and the leadership priorities they would bring to the governor’s office. Each episode explores key issues shaping Arizona’s economy, workforce, fiscal outlook, and quality of life, while also giving candidates the opportunity to discuss their background and governing approach. Through a consistent set of core questions, the series offers listeners an objective look at how each candidate views the opportunities and challenges facing Arizona. It is designed to inform the business community and the broader public ahead of the 2026 election.

As part of our Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Season 5 kickoff, we’re continuing our “Candidate Conversations" mini-series, featuring leading candidates in Arizona’s 2026 gubernatorial race. These conversations allow candidates to share their vision for the state's future and the leadership priorities they would bring to the governor’s office. Each episode explores key issues shaping Arizona’s economy, workforce, fiscal outlook, and quality of life, while also giving candidates the opportunity to discuss their background and governing approach. Through a consistent set of core questions, the series offers listeners an objective look at how each candidate views the opportunities and challenges facing Arizona. It is designed to inform the business community and the broader public ahead of the 2026 election.