In his roles as CEO or president of more than 15 publicly traded, venture-backed and technology start-ups around the world and across the United States, Paul Thomas wasn’t interested in overseeing companies that were humming along smoothly. In fact, he was the guy the board of directors would call when they couldn’t decide whether to shut the company down or continue to invest in it. With tumultuous situations as the theme of his career, one might imagine he has stories to tell. Fortunately, he … [Read more...] about Serial CEO T. Paul Thomas Offers Leadership Lessons in New Book
Local News
Local Advocate Recognized for Supporting Young Lives
Sherie Gifford, program manager for Little Learners at High Country Early Intervention, has been named the Yavapai region recipient of the prestigious Champions for Young Children Award by First Things First. Gifford, a Prescott native, along with a dedicated staff and therapists, supports 30 children under age 6 facing challenges in movement, speech and behavior. A social worker since 1989, Gifford joined Little Learners as program manager in 2019. She says the award highlights the impact of … [Read more...] about Local Advocate Recognized for Supporting Young Lives
Emmy Award Winner Vicki Lawrence Brings ‘Mama’ to Sedona
Comedy legend Vicki Lawrence, known and loved for her Emmy-winning performances on The Carol Burnett Show and her iconic role as “Mama” in Mama’s Family, is bringing her new production, “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show,” to the Sedona Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, as a separate ticketed event during the Sedona International Film Festival. This evening will feature a mix of stand-up, musical comedy and comedic observations about life. Fans can expect Lawrence’s … [Read more...] about Emmy Award Winner Vicki Lawrence Brings ‘Mama’ to Sedona
Bring Your Vision into Focus for the New Year
Many of us consider the stroke of midnight into the new year to be some sort of magical reset button that comes with snow flurries and a kiss. I happen to be one of them. However, turning that magical moment into everyday life usually takes a little more than fairy dust, like a bold decision, courage, perseverance and a pathologically unshakeable belief that what you want is not only possible, it is inevitable, and it is already here. Clean Up That Lens It’s hard to have great vision when your … [Read more...] about Bring Your Vision into Focus for the New Year
Galleries Galore
As a well-known Americana Route 66 photographer, there is no doubt that Efren Lopez has had his share of attention in books, magazines, postcards and gift shops, but his affinity for showcasing other artists is what is in his viewfinder. Working with the Verde Valley Cultural Collective, of which he is a founding member, Lopez has opened the 369 Gallery in Camp Verde, where he will be showcasing local Verde Valley artists. Adjacent to the 369 Gallery is The Little Gallery, a restored retro … [Read more...] about Galleries Galore
Keeping Others on Their Toes
With a smile as vibrant as her energy, Michelle Elton, the owner of Camp Verde Dance and Fitness, is not only a ballet master but also an instructor who teaches a wide range of popular fitness and dance classes to people of all ages. “My whole life is dance,” said Elton. “It’s my life and my passion. I get the biggest enjoyment from teaching kids, teenagers and seniors. I teach them in the same manner I was raised.” Many little girls want to be ballerinas, but Elton’s wish came true. She … [Read more...] about Keeping Others on Their Toes
Building Connections, Creating Stability, Forging a Steady Path Forward
When it comes to running the Town of Camp Verde, Miranda Fisher doesn’t kid around. The dynamic 36-year-old stepped into the position of Camp Verde town manager just six months ago and has devised a tactical action plan to work from the inside out. “I’m taking a steady path forward focusing internally and getting our staff performing at the best capacity they can so we can have stabilization amongst the team. Every department is getting a deep dive action comprehensive efficiency plan for … [Read more...] about Building Connections, Creating Stability, Forging a Steady Path Forward
Keeping Your Spirit Young
When Ronda Beaman, Ph.D., learned about the science of neoteny – the phenomenon where an organism retains juvenile characteristics into adulthood – she was inspired to write the book, “You Only Live Young Twice” and create the TEDx Talk, “Die Young as Late as Possible,” suggesting that most of us age ourselves from the inside out. Dr. Beaman is the creative force behind much of PEAK Learning, an international research and consulting firm based in San Luis Obispo, California. She also is a … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Spirit Young
New Polara Clinic Provides Mental Health, Primary Care
Polara Health has opened its new Integrated Care Clinic on Gail Gardener Way in Prescott, designed to provide comprehensive services that address medical, mental and social needs. We provide life-changing power with the services that we provide,” said Marketing Director Deanna Eder. “Our commitment to the whole person means that we focus on restoring health, promoting resilience and preventing disease by addressing physical, behavioral, emotional and social aspects of well-being. Polara … [Read more...] about New Polara Clinic Provides Mental Health, Primary Care
Looking Ahead to a New Year with Healthier Pets
As they make New Year’s resolutions to improve their own health, many pet owners also are focusing on making sure their pets eat healthier foods in the year ahead. In a trend toward the humanization of pet foods, they are seeking high-quality, nutritious foods modeled after their own human dieteary preferences, such as holistic foods that provide fewer chemicals, additives and undesirable ingredients. This trend, with its focus on raw pet foods from the freezer and freeze-dried pet products … [Read more...] about Looking Ahead to a New Year with Healthier Pets
