The People, Projects, and Purpose of Scottsdale Leadership
Release Date: 02/16/2026
The People, Projects, and Purpose of Scottsdale Leadership
Scottsdale Vibes
What does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we’re talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way. Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you’re involved in the community, you’ve felt its impact in one way or another. From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people...
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The Love Issue: Celebrating Scottsdale's 75 Years
Scottsdale Vibes
Welcome to the 250th episode of the scottsdale vibes podcast! And we have another milestone to celebrate, Scottsdale is turning 75 — and the city is celebrating in a big way. Today, we’re talking about the stories, milestones, and moments that shaped Scottsdale into the place we know and love In 2026, the City of Scottsdale will proudly celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking a milestone that honors the people, progress, and spirit that have defined our community since incorporation in 1951. It’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today, and look...
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Scottsdale Public Safety and the WMPO
Scottsdale Vibes
Each February, Scottsdale becomes the center of the golf world — and behind the scenes, an incredible team is keeping everyone safe. Today, we’re talking with leaders from Scottsdale Fire and Scottsdale Police about what it really takes to support the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most iconic events in Scottsdale — drawing massive crowds, international attention, and energy that’s unlike anything else all year. While The Thunderbirds host the tournament, the City of Scottsdale plays a critical role in making sure the entire week...
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Scottsdale's Roots Come Alive With Western Week
Scottsdale Vibes
Scottsdale’s Western roots come alive in a big way each year, and today we’re talking about the traditions that keep that spirit thriving. I’m joined by lifelong Scottsdale resident Raoul Zubia to talk all things Western Week and the iconic Parada del Sol Historic Parade. If you’ve ever lined Scottsdale Road for the Parada del Sol, wandered Old Town during Western Week, or felt that unmistakable Western pride in the air, today’s guest has likely played a role in bringing that experience to life. Raoul Zubia is a lifelong Scottsdale resident, Coronado High School graduate, retired...
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Fellow Podcaster Jose Acevedo of Finding Arizona
Scottsdale Vibes
This week on Scottsdale Vibes, I’m turning the mic on a fellow podcaster who’s spent nearly a decade telling Arizona’s stories. I’m joined by Jose Acevedo, founder of the award-winning Finding Arizona Podcast, to talk about curiosity, community, and why Scottsdale continues to inspire creators and entrepreneurs. And fun fact: I was just a guest on his podcast, so today we’re continuing the conversation and flipping the roles. If you love discovering the people, businesses, and stories that make Arizona special, chances are you’ve already heard of Finding Arizona. It’s an...
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Cars, Community, and Breaking Barriers with Rebecca Nguyen
Scottsdale Vibes
Today on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we’re talking cars, community, and breaking barriers with Rebecca Nguyen—founder of The Warehouse and a lifelong WRX enthusiast whose passion turned into a career. From a yellow Subaru in her teens to leading one of Arizona’s most unique automotive social hubs, her story is one of grit, vision, and redefining what a car collector looks like. I’m excited to welcome Rebecca Nguyen to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast. Rebecca’s journey into the automotive world started with a sonic-yellow Subaru WRX she inherited at sixteen—sparking a passion...
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IDG's Jennifer Reynolds and Scottsdale's National Restaurant Scene
Scottsdale Vibes
New Year, new Scottsdale Vibes Podcast. This week, we’re joined by Jennifer Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of Ideation Design Group. Jennifer brings 25 years of creativity, innovation, and big-picture perspective to how design influences culture, tourism, and the way cities like Scottsdale thrive on a global stage. I’m excited to welcome Jennifer Reynolds to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast. Ideation Design Group is a boutique architecture and interior design firm that has spent the past two decades creating standout restaurant and hospitality spaces across 48 states and around...
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Scottsdale's Wine Scene With The Secret Lives Of Sommelier
Scottsdale Vibes
The Secret Lives of Sommeliers is the podcast where Sommeliers Sage Toomey and her co-host Lucrezio talk about almost everything and anything. But most importantly the very up and coming Arizona wine community, including wine makers and wineries. The podcast is very funny, but why wouldn’t it be when there is wine involved? I thought it would be fun to have them on to talk about the vibe of the Scottsdale wine community and the podcast. So, let’s have a good time with Sage and Lucrezio. Calendar of Events Parks and Rec Rewind the 90’s Night Come kick it from 6 to...
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Exploring the Legacy, Evolution, and Future of Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Vibes
If you are wrapping up your holiday shopping in Scottsdale, chances are, you're doing it here. It’s a true Scottsdale icon—Fashion Square. From its start back in 1961 to now being ranked one of the top malls in the country, it’s become a destination for luxury shopping, dining, and community events. Joining me is Fashion Square’s Events and Communications Manager Lauren McGlinch and Sr. Marketing Manager Melanie Sutton to share how this desert landmark keeps growing and staying at the top of its game. Calendar of Events Experience the Joy of the Season with...
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Scottsdale Insights For December With Our Sponsors
Scottsdale Vibes
Today on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we’re joined by our real estate expert and trusted sponsor, Shawn Shackelton as well as sponsor Jeremy Mueller of Jeremy Mueller Insurance. They are here to wrap up 2025 and give some insight into the new year. As we wrap up 2025, Jeremy has had a front-row seat to everything that shaped the insurance market this year for Scottsdale homeowners and drivers. After a year of shifting interest rates, evolving buyer demand, and a Scottsdale market that kept all of us on our toes, Shawn’s here to break down the biggest wins of 2025, the...
info_outlineWhat does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we’re talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way.
Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you’re involved in the community, you’ve felt its impact in one way or another.
From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people better understand the city they live and work in and how they can play a role in shaping its future.
Today, I’m joined by Lee Ann Witt, the Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership.
I’m especially excited for this conversation because I’m a graduate of Class 39 and currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Class 39 representative — so this program is very close to my heart.
Lee Ann and I are going to talk about what Scottsdale Leadership really is, how it benefits the city, and why it continues to be such a transformational experience for so many people.
For more on Scottsdale Leadership
https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/
Scottsdale Events!
Founder’s Day Celebration
February 26th at 9:00am
Little Red School House in Scottsdale
This free event recognizes Scottsdale’s founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott, and his wife Helen as champions of education. This is the 116th anniversary of the opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse.
2026 Cactus League Spring Training
Players have already reported to their respective training facilities throughout the valley:
Games start Friday February 19th
Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com.
Weekly Events
Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.
Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.
You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.
https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/