Phoenix-based entrepreneur Robert Prochnow, founder of Zen Aegis, joins the Phoenix Business Brief Podcast to share how a four-year battle with cancer reshaped his approach to leadership, purpose, and business growth.

Prochnow explains why many small and mid-sized companies feel stuck despite working harder than ever, and how Zen Aegis partners directly with founders to own critical growth initiatives rather than simply offering advice.

The conversation explores practical uses of AI as a force multiplier, the value of fractional leadership for scaling without overhiring, and why true success is measured not only in revenue, but in restored clarity, confidence, and momentum for business owners and their teams.

In this episode of the Phoenix Business Brief Podcast, real estate professional Will Carter, owner of The Will Carter Team, discusses why personal circumstances and long-term goals matter more than headlines or short-term market conditions when deciding whether to buy a home.

Carter explains how homeownership remains a key driver of wealth creation and why younger generations should still view buying a home as a strategic goal, even amid concerns about affordability. The conversation also explores the potential unintended consequences of government efforts to restrict large institutional investors, such as BlackRock, from purchasing residential properties, including how such policies could reshape housing supply, pricing, and market dynamics.

Have you ever wondered what you would learn if you could sit quietly in the room with the people actually building Phoenix? In Episode Zero of Phoenix Business Brief, we explain why this show exists and what you can expect from every conversation that follows. This is not a motivational program and it is not about hype. It is a grounded look at what is really happening inside the Valley's economy, told through the voices of the people shaping it every day.

We describe how each episode will bring you concise, high signal discussions with local founders, executives, operators, and subject matter experts. We focus on real challenges, real decisions, and real lessons from businesses growing and adapting in the Phoenix market. The goal is simple: to help you understand how business actually works here beyond headlines and press releases.

We also set the tone for the format of the show. Episodes are designed to fit into your day, whether you are commuting, walking, or between meetings. You will hear clear takeaways, useful context, and practical insight that help you connect the dots across industries like real estate, startups, policy, and innovation.

Phoenix is changing quickly, and local business coverage does not always keep pace with that reality. This episode explains how Phoenix Business Brief aims to help close that gap and keep you connected to what matters in our business community. As you listen to Episode Zero, what would you most like to hear about from Phoenix leaders in future episodes, and will you share your thoughts with me?