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This week: Prestigious Event- Standing Room Only

The early morning breakfast for young professionals hosted by the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s GET council- was so successful – there was standing room only! The winning recipe for the breakfast? Well, they sure didn’t need a Betty Crocker because the event’s winning recipe was its powerful panel of speakers and their words of wisdom!

The networking event hosted by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s GET Knowledge Council invited four big name executives to speak about their expectations for young professionals in today’s business climate and share their personal journeys. (I’ve included some of their great advice towards the end of my column.) The advice can be priceless in today’s competitive job market, especially for the next generation of business and civic leaders.

“It always amazes me how inspired I become when I speak to young professionals who are eager to learn and eager to climb their respective ladders of success,” noted Brad Casper, the respected president and CEO of Henkel Corporation. “These interactions, particularly when they involve people outside my own company, help me remain grounded, empathetic and aware of the various challenges professionals are confronting across industries and across the Valley,” he said of the networking opportunity.

Brad is pictured above at the event which was held at the Home & Idea Design Center. He’s flanked by the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s Cindi Eberhardt and Rick Kidder.

“The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to developing the next generation of business and civic leaders,” said Rick who is president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber.

In addition to Brad Casper, the panel also included Thomas J. Sadvary, president and CEO of Scottsdale Healthcare, Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Rachel Sacco, president and CEO of the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pictured below at the podium is Ann Seiden, the chair of the GET and seated are Craig and Rachel who helped make this event a success. 

woman at podium

“I think the main take-away was that even in today’s uncertain market, there is no substation for following your passion as that will ensure your success and also your happiness,” noted Rachel after the event.

“There was talk about being realistic about paying your dues and not becoming a CEO overnight, the notion of company loyalty being important, back to basics on things like manners do matter, having the guts to say the rights things no matter what, leading and community involvement, trusting your own gut is as important as the facts when making decisions…,” she added.

young professionals

Pictured above are three of the young professionals at the breakfast: Kelly Tope, Jason St. Clair and Scott Harkey

Congratulations to the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and GET for a successful and worthwhile event. Here’s some of the advice from the four different CEO panelists:

•         Leave your comfort zone
•         Go with your gut
•         Absorb as much knowledge as you can
•         Keep an open mind
•         Don’t set rigid boundaries
•         Love what you do
•         Be mindful of how many times you transition companies – shows lack of loyalty
•         Develop your communication skills
•         Watch your manners
•         Have a sense of optimism
•         Work hard

 kathy-shayna-shocket

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based Reporter, Photographer and TV-Field Producer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it