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.

To kick off Season 5 of the Let’s Talk Business Phoenix Podcast, we are hosting the “Candidate Conversations" mini-series, featuring leading candidates in Arizona’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Through these conversations, candidates will 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.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix, discusses how Phoenix Sky Harbor is preparing for the future through major infrastructure investments, new technology, enhanced safety initiatives, and expanded air service. He also shares how the airport is balancing rapid regional growth with sustainability, workforce development, and an improved passenger experience. Tune in for an inside look at what’s next for Phoenix aviation and why it matters to the business community.

In this episode, Mark-Taylor CEO John Carlson shares his path to leadership and the principles he believes create enduring trust in a service business—especially listening first and building credibility before pushing change. He reflects on the leadership skills he’s built throughout his career, from earning credibility through internal progression to balancing analytical discipline with people-first cultural stewardship. The conversation digs into what “resident experience” means in measurable terms, and how operators can stay disciplined through Phoenix/Arizona’s multifamily volatility.

In this episode, Mary Foote, Director of Arizona’s Office of Economic Opportunity, shares her career path and a clear-eyed read on where Arizona’s economy stands heading into 2026. She breaks down the indicators that best reflect real business conditions—jobs, participation, wages, openings, and new business formation—and what employers are reporting most often, from hiring constraints to cost pressures and uncertainty. The conversation looks ahead to the next 12–18 months, including AI-driven shifts in skill needs, where talent gaps are most acute, and the priorities, partnerships, and practical changes that could strengthen Arizona’s business climate and workforce.

In this episode, ASU President Dr. Michael Crow reflects on how higher education—and Arizona itself—has changed over the past two decades, and what those shifts mean as the state’s economy accelerates. He shares how universities, employers, and civic leaders can work together to build talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing, health care, and a future shaped by AI and automation, while expanding access without sacrificing excellence. The conversation looks ahead to what success could look like for ASU and metro Phoenix over the next ten years—and the practical actions leaders can take now to strengthen Arizona’s long-term resilience and opportunity.

This episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix dives into Haydon Evenson’s early‑career perspective—exploring his background, job‑market outlook, and the real‑time experiences shaping today’s graduating seniors. He shares where he’s searching for roles, what matters most in an offer, and how Gen Z evaluates employers, from red flags to the future‑of‑work ideals they hope companies will embrace.

Ahead of the Valley hosting the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four for the first time, April 3rd-5th, we’re joined by Jay Parry, CEO of the Phoenix Final Four Local Organizing Committee, for an inside look at what it takes to bring this national sporting event to Phoenix. Jay shares how the event will elevate the city’s national profile, drive economic impact across key industries, and create opportunities for local businesses and the broader community. The conversation also explores the rapid growth of women’s sports and how Phoenix can leverage this moment to position itself as a long-term hub for major sporting events and leadership.