Let’s Talk Business Phoenix

New podcast episodes will be added to our website, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and Spotify on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesdays of each month. Each episode addresses important issues and subjects affecting businesses, our community, and Arizona today. Through relevant, timely topics, this podcast serves as the business community’s voice with the mission of championing business growth, identifying problems that restrict economic development, and convening community leaders to move Phoenix forward.

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.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Business Phoenix, we hear from John Garcia, Executive Director of Pathways Impact Fund, 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 align classroom learning with workforce needs.

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.

The next 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, the Artemis program, and life-saving technologies like the auxiliary power unit.