Chevy Humphrey, the Hazel A. Hare president and CEO of Arizona Science Center, has held six different positions since starting her journey in 1998. Chevy has been in her current role for 14 years, and while she wears several hats, ultimately, she and her team aim to bring the most engaging and inspiring content and experiences to the Center.
What advice inspired you?
Hazel A. Hare was a constant mentor in my life for 21 years. She taught me that it was a leader’s role to make the difficult decisions before you are forced to. She cautioned me that it would be lonely at times, but that it was critical to always, always do the right thing. She also reminded me to keep my feet on the ground which was a lesson that my parents also instilled in me at an early age. But the best advice I ever received is to empower others, and that is what I strive to do each day.
What life lesson do you wish you knew sooner?
It doesn’t matter who came up with the idea, but more so how that idea is executed with focus, precision and passion. The second is that you can’t do it alone. The people you surround yourself with are tantamount to your personal success and to the success of whatever mission or objective you are collectively trying to achieve.
What’s your secret to success?
I believe that complacency equates to mediocrity, so the secret to my success, and the success of Arizona Science Center and our team, is to continually push the envelope. If you don’t feel uncomfortable from time to time, you’re not growing, so I always strive to look for that next level even if it makes me a bit uncomfortable at the time.
Visit AZScience.org.
Joan Dominique, 23, a resident of both Paradise Valley and New York City, is a fashion-design entrepreneur, CEO and creative director of Maison Joan Dominique. She created a luxury men’s designer label that makes digital-bespoke, custom-sized footwear and menswear. Her company recently presented at Paris Fashion Week with Oxford Fashion Studio for the Fall/Winter 2019 season.
What do you do for inspiration?
I choose to step outside of my comfort zone. I have discovered when you try new things, it is fascinating how creative you can become.
What’s your secret to success?
Never bite off more than you can chew. I have seen many fail because they take on too much too quickly and make business promises they are not able to keep. Your word is the most powerful asset you have if you put value to it.
What’s your advice on achieving goals?
Not everyone can see the vision that only you were provided. If you want what the 1 percent have, you must be willing to do what the 99 percent won’t.
What advice inspired you?
My parents are entrepreneurs and at a young age, they instilled the idea that everyone had to start from somewhere. No one began at the top, they had to work to get there. I would always be afraid to begin because I made myself feel inadequate. But, my parents, they’re go-getters, would only tell me: just do it. Once they pushed me to start, I have never stopped. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Explore MaisonJoanDominique.com.
Laura Greenwood, the co-founder of Arcadia Counseling Center; and Julie Karnes, her business partner, are licensed psychotherapists who work to empower their clients by mobilizing their strengths and enhancing their coping skills to help them live more fulfilling lives. Laura has 18 years of experience, and Julie has more than 15, providing counseling to adolescents, families, adults and couples.
What life lesson do you wish you knew sooner?
Laura: I wish I had known that success is not linear. It would ebb and flow and is up to me to define. I also wish I had the ability to distinguish self-doubt from reality.
Julie: It doesn’t matter what others think; it matters what you think. We have much more control over our perspective than we may think and feel at times, making difficult situations much easier.
How do you recharge your batteries?
Laura: I am a big proponent of self-care. I recharge through running and swimming, regular practice of my faith, quiet time alone, as well as connecting with family and friends.
Julie: I try to fit in moments of meditation, imagery and exercise wherever possible, which truly isn't much due to my schedule. However, I find even a bit can affect you exponentially.
What’s the most challenging job you’ve had?
Laura: Hands down the most challenging job I’ve ever had is being a mother. I’ve spent my career learning how to manage and compartmentalize my own emotions so that I can remain objective with clients. Yet, I’ve found this difficult to replicate with my own children.
What’s your advice on achieving goals?
Jule: Never give up. If you want it enough, you will make it happen.
Do you have anything to add?
Laura: I encourage people to be proactive in seeking professional help. You don’t have to be in crisis to begin. You will have created a safety net and resource for future life challenges.
Check out ArcadiaCounselingCenter.com.
