David Lawyer: Veteran Attorney and President at Inslee Best Doezie & Ryder

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to reflect not only on trailblazers who’ve changed the course of history, but also on the everyday power of strategic sisterhoods in the workplace. True empowerment comes when women move beyond surface-level support to build intentional alliances that share resources, elevate voices, and challenge systemic barriers. Whether it’s encouraging a colleague to speak up in meetings, celebrating each other’s wins, or having honest conversations about pay, these connections create ripple effects that foster equity, visibility, and collective advancement. After all, behind every successful woman is a community of other women who had her back.

Agile methodologies have emerged as a powerful catalyst for transformation within large organizations, especially in complex and rapidly evolving sectors like healthcare. Drawing from my experience at Sentara Health, this article explores how embracing agile practices can streamline operations, foster a culture of adaptability, and drive meaningful cost and efficiency gains. By shifting away from rigid project management frameworks toward iterative, cross-functional collaboration, we unlocked greater innovation and responsiveness across the organization. As the healthcare industry continues to face mounting pressures, the adoption and scaling of agile methodologies—supported by technology and a commitment to continuous learning—are proving essential for achieving long-term organizational agility and improved patient outcomes.

Have you ever dreamed of leaving behind the 9-to-5 grind to build something of your own—something that gives you the freedom to control your time, your income, and your legacy? From Employee to Entrepreneur: A Guide to Business Ownership is your step-by-step blueprint for making that leap. In this article, I share my personal journey from working in aviation and management to launching successful businesses, and I walk you through the mindset shifts, strategic planning, and tools—like AI and networking—that helped me get there. Whether you're just starting to explore entrepreneurship or ready to take action, this guide offers the insight, encouragement, and practical advice you need to turn your dream into reality.

In the ever-evolving Oil and Gas industry, leadership demands a unique blend of agility, resilience, and ethical responsibility. Navigating the turbulence of geopolitical pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and technological advancements requires leaders to make swift, well-informed decisions while upholding corporate integrity. Traditional hierarchical leadership models have given way to more adaptive, agile approaches that emphasize collaboration, innovation, and decentralized decision-making. The ability to balance speed with sound judgment, embrace uncertainty as a constant, and maintain an ethical compass is essential for long-term success. Ultimately, the industry's sustainability hinges on leaders who can harmonize profitability with responsibility, ensuring continued growth amid volatility.

My career in the US Navy fundamentally shaped my leadership style, teaching me the importance of adaptability, accountability, and clear communication in dynamic environments. As a Petty Officer Second Class Electronics Technician, I led teams stationed at critical satellite bases, where technical precision and the ability to remain calm under pressure were paramount. The Navy reinforced in me the necessity of strategic planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering resilience—skills directly transferable to the fast-paced technology sector. These experiences taught me that effective leadership involves not only managing resources but inspiring trust, fostering cohesion, and navigating challenging conversations with clarity and accountability. Reflecting on these lessons continues to guide my approach to leadership, driving me and my teams toward excellence in both corporate and technical arenas.

As businesses increasingly rely on IT systems to drive operations and growth, the risks associated with these systems—such as cyberattacks, system failures, and compliance challenges—become more significant. Mastering risk management in IT is essential for safeguarding operations, ensuring data security, and maintaining business continuity. This article explores key strategies for managing risks, including proactive risk identification, cybersecurity measures, and building system resilience through redundancy. Drawing on lessons from industries like manufacturing and supply chain management, it provides practical insights into how IT leaders can align risk management with business objectives and adapt to emerging risks in a digital-first future.

Strategic transactions—whether mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures—represent powerful opportunities to reshape industries and unlock value, but they come with inherent risks. Success hinges on strategic clarity, robust due diligence, precise valuation, effective negotiation, and meticulous risk management. Beyond the mechanics of deal-making, aligning cultural elements, managing integration challenges, and adapting to an ever-evolving business landscape are equally critical. With growing regulatory scrutiny, the rise of ESG considerations, and technology driving innovation, corporate leaders must navigate these complexities with foresight and adaptability to maximize value while safeguarding their organizations against potential pitfalls.

Accountability frameworks are essential for organizational success, providing a structured approach to align teams, ensure steady progress, and foster collaboration. Eric Himes emphasizes the importance of clear roles, regular check-ins, and open communication to keep everyone on track and motivated. By setting SMART goals, assigning responsibilities, and equipping teams with the right tools, leaders can build a culture of trust and high performance. Accountability isn’t about blame—it’s about creating a supportive system that drives results and inspires teamwork, ensuring long-term success for the entire organization.

Mentoring young entrepreneurs and aligning them with modern technology are pivotal strategies for fostering innovation and building thriving business ecosystems. Through mentorship, seasoned leaders transfer valuable knowledge, instill critical leadership skills, and boost the confidence of emerging CEOs, preparing them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Coupled with access to cutting-edge technologies like AI, big data, and digital transformation tools, young entrepreneurs are equipped to streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and scale their businesses efficiently. This synergy between mentorship and technology not only accelerates individual success but also cultivates resilient, collaborative ecosystems that drive economic growth, sustainability, and long-term innovation.

"I’m excited to share my executive biography, detailing my journey in value-based healthcare leadership, sales strategy, and market expansion. Over the past 18+ years, I have been dedicated to driving revenue growth, improving patient outcomes, and transforming senior healthcare models through innovation and strategic execution.

Mastering high-profile event planning requires a strategic blend of vision, coordination, and adaptability to ensure seamless execution. From defining clear objectives and allocating resources to managing logistics and stakeholder communication, every element must align with the event’s overarching goals. Successful planners anticipate challenges, foster strong vendor partnerships, and leverage technology to enhance attendee engagement. On-site management demands real-time problem-solving and precision, while post-event evaluation provides insights for continuous improvement. By integrating meticulous planning with creative execution, executives can orchestrate impactful events that elevate brand presence, foster connections, and drive organizational success.

Gone are the days when Fortune 500 giants depended on traditional consulting firms, spending millions on reports outdated upon arrival. Today, global leaders from automotive to insurance and energy are turning to AI-powered platforms like FifthRow, dramatically cutting strategy execution timelines from months to mere days—or even hours. Take the Fortune 500 automotive leader that needed rapid validation of new business models. Instead of waiting months for static consultant reports, FifthRow leveraged real-time data to deliver actionable insights ten times faster at a fraction of the cost, accelerating market entry and competitive advantage. Similarly, a major insurance firm transitioned from slow, consultant-led productivity assessments to FifthRow’s dynamic, AI-driven approach. The result? Two to three times productivity improvements and continuous, adaptive strategy execution that immediately responds to market shifts. For a prominent French energy company, the move from traditional consulting to FifthRow's AI-driven strategy led to rapid identification of lucrative market expansion opportunities. Rather than relying on dated insights, the company adapted strategies in real time, resulting in quicker, more profitable growth. These stories aren’t isolated—they signal a fundamental shift from static strategy decks to adaptive, real-time strategy execution powered by AI. Companies embracing this transition aren't merely saving money; they’re redefining agility, reclaiming valuable time, and positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation.

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, building a robust professional network is more than a career asset—it’s a critical driver of innovation, collaboration, and improved patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals must navigate siloed disciplines, demanding schedules, and limited access to resources, making purposeful networking essential for staying ahead. Cross-disciplinary connections, particularly with experts in fields like technology and data science, foster groundbreaking solutions to pressing challenges. Networking also propels career advancement, creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and leadership. By cultivating strategic, meaningful relationships, professionals can amplify their influence and drive transformative change across the healthcare sector.

AI-driven testing is revolutionizing Quality Assurance (QA) in the video game industry by addressing the inefficiencies of manual testing. Tester Replay introduces a strategic approach that leverages AI agents to learn from a single "golden path" gameplay recording, drastically reducing labor costs and enhancing test coverage. By automating test creation and execution, this approach delivers a 10x improvement in QA efficiency, a 100x expansion in test coverage, and a 1000x increase in infrastructure elasticity. AI-powered testing enables simultaneous validation across diverse hardware configurations, accelerates bug detection, and eliminates the need for costly, static QA labs. With the ability to scale on demand, Tester Replay transforms game testing into a more agile, cost-effective, and scalable process—ensuring faster release cycles and higher game stability.

In today's fast-paced logistics landscape, effective leadership and cohesive teamwork are essential for operational excellence. Strong leaders do more than manage—they inspire trust, facilitate clear communication, and foster a collaborative environment, enabling teams to navigate complex challenges seamlessly. By prioritizing cross-functional collaboration, continuous skill development through targeted training, and leveraging technology such as real-time data systems, logistics leaders empower their teams to make swift, informed decisions. Adopting these strategies not only optimizes immediate performance but builds resilient, adaptable teams positioned for sustained success in an ever-evolving industry.

The construction industry's rapid technological evolution demands a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. As Gary Mierkey highlights, the integration of Internet Protocols (IPs) in electrical systems, the proliferation of mobile apps, and the rise of open-source programming are reshaping industry standards. While these advancements enhance efficiency and accessibility, they also introduce new challenges, particularly in security and equipment management. To navigate this shift successfully, contractors and manufacturers must collaborate to document security parameters, refine training programs, and foster a culture of knowledge sharing. By embracing these changes proactively, professionals can ensure long-term operational success and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital landscape.