Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Jack Law
It took four years for the co-founder and owner of Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand to make money, but the groundbreaking bar still thrives today.
Kathryn Drury Wagner
Kathryn Drury Wagner is an award-winning writer and editor. As The Careerist columnist for Hawaii Business Magazine, she explores issues in the modern workplace. In the past, she was the executive editor at HONOLULU Magazine, and she is the author of two books, including Hawaii’s Strangest, Ickiest, Wildest Book Ever! which inspires young readers using science and history facts about the Islands.
Have a question about work, life and that place in the middle where it all gets tangled up? Ask me!
Articles
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Beth Whitehead
The executive VP and CEO of American Savings Bank says “inclusivity is truly welcoming all the diverse people and points of view.”
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Francine Naoko Beppu
The VP of Integrated Marketing at NMG Network says “it’s stressful to not share who you are when you’re at work.”
Hawai‘i’s Got Pride: Spotlight on Ha‘aheo Zablan
The GM at Kaimana Beach Hotel strives to create “a hub, a wonderful mix” for employees and diverse communities.
Fujikami Florist Has 104 Years of Experience Expressing Emotions Through Flowers
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Eileen Miura continues a proud family legacy at Hawai‘i’s oldest florist in Downtown Honolulu.
Tip Top Motel, Café & Bakery Preserves a No-frills, Family Atmosphere on Kaua‘i
SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Awards Hall of Fame: Fourth-generation owner Jonathan Ota maintains the spirit of the original Līhu‘e breakfast spot started in 1916.
20 for the Next 20: Kelly J. Ueoka, Pacxa
This “quiet but effective” president of a local technology company is devoted to developing Hawai‘i’s tech workforce.
20 for the Next 20: Kanakolu Noa, Kamehameha Schools and Kūkolu
The interim director of sustainable industries and nonprofit founder helps to strengthen traditional food systems and Indigenous entrepreneurship.
20 for the Next 20: Miki Moore-Hardisty, ProService Hawaii
This tech and engineering trailblazer returned home to head operations and technology as COO, while supporting 2,500 local businesses.
20 for the Next 20: Jen Lau, Finance Enterprises
As executive VP of the family business, she is working to “evolve our leadership styles,” with an eye on locating and cultivating local talent.
20 for the Next 20: Robin Kobayashi, Hawaiian Airlines
The senior VP of human resources oversees 7,000 employees across the globe, many of whom “build their life around this company.”
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: People’s Choice Award
Chosen by our local community via an online poll conducted by Hawaii Business Magazine.
Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards 2023: Startup Paradise Champions
Someone who consistently contributes to the success of Hawai‘i’s innovation community.
20 for the Next 20: Pedro Haro, American Lung Association in Hawaii
As executive director, he launched programs for asthma management and youth vaping prevention, and advocated for lung cancer screening.
20 for the Next 20: Christopher Abbott, Bank of Hawai‘i
The senior VP and affordable housing manager aims to help solve Hawai‘i’s affordable housing crisis.
Oceanit’s Newest Innovation: Tiny Bits of Gold in Skin Care Products
The local tech company is partnering with a South Korean firm to bring its nanogold process to market.
Hawai‘i Island Business Report 2022
Mining challenges for opportunities, the Hawai‘i Island business community continues to turn adversity into innovation.
Hawai‘i Supreme Court Diminishes the Power of Non-Compete Clauses
An employment attorney says the ruling, which follows a national trend, should persuade business owners and employers to review non-compete agreements.
Here’s How Generational Differences Play a Role in Family Business Succession
A new survey found that the retiring and upcoming leadership differ in terms of perspective, approach and attitude toward the succession process and commitment to that process.
Work-at-Home Tips for Parents
If you have small children, it’s much harder to work from home. It just is. But here are a few ideas from Hawaii Business Magazine’s “The Careerist” columnist Kathryn Drury Wagner, who has been there and done that for seven…
Enduring Success: SBA Hall of Fame 2020
Meet the newly inducted members of the Hawaiʻi Small Business Hall of Fame.
Preventing Burnout
We are continuing to publish stories researched and written before the COVID-19 crisis, such as this one. Burnout is super common among today’s workers. Here’s how we can protect ourselves. Q: Going to work used to be great, but…
How to Deal with Anger, Sadness or Fear at Work
Feel like you’re on a roller coaster emotionally? You’re not alone. Here’s how to keep it together while working during a pandemic.
5 Tips for Working From Home
Hawaii Business Magazine’s “Careerist” columnist also offers bonus tips for Hawai‘i’s working parents Amid the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans are joining the 5% of the workforce that’s already working from home. On the silver-lining side, it’s an opportunity for…
New Hope for Struggling Businesses
The federal Small Business Reorganization Act makes bankruptcy a more realistic option for small companies in Hawai‘i The Small Business Reorganization Act has made filing for Chapter 11 protection a lot easier for many businesses. The SBRA was passed by…
Help! My Boss Keeps Changing Our Goals
When the goals keep changing, it’s hard to know where to focus efforts. Here are some possible solutions. Q: My boss has shifting priorities. One week we’re chasing one goal; the next week, another goal entirely. Or she’ll give me…
20 for the Next 20: Lina Le, Y. Hata & Co. Ltd.
Lina Le Enterprise Director of Human Resources Y. Hata & Co. Ltd. Age 29 "My parents are boat people from Vietnam,” says Lina Le simply. After escaping that country following the war, her parents took three years to reach the…
20 for the Next 20: Kay Fukunaga, Hawaiian Airlines
Kay Fukunaga Director of Financial Analysis Hawaiian Airlines Age 36 Kay Fukunaga isn’t afraid to take it to the mat. Literally. As a teen on Maui, her older brother dared her to go out for the St. Anthony High School…
Dealing With Open Office Angst
Can’t work because your colleagues won’t shut up? This meditative mindset is better than murder. Q: I work in an open office with many kinds of personalities. When I need to dive deep into focused work my ideal environment is…
Hundreds of Millions of Dollars at Stake
A full count in the 2020 census is key to Hawai‘i getting its rightful share of federal funding, and the state is working to make that happen. Here’s how you and your company can help. The U.S. Census is much…
Getting On Board
You’ve been offered a seat on an executive board. Should you take it? Q: I’ve been asked to serve on an executive board for a local charity. I’m flattered but worried I don’t have time. What are some pros and…
The Partridge Family
Inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas,” we look at common office concerns that arise during the holidays.
Magic Conversations
How to set boundaries with a co-worker who is taking advantage of you. Q: I’m a 56-year-old woman who shares an office with a younger woman with keiki. We get along well, and I have tried to help her by…
Banish Bullying
Work-related bullying is shockingly common. Those at the top can stop it. Q: I’m COO and take workplace culture at our company seriously. How would I know if workplace bullying is happening? People seem unlikely to share details with me…
Aloha, On Call
With her latest venture, Kathleen Lin-Hurtubise says she aims to combine technology and industry know-how to create a better hospitality staffing service If you’ve ever stressed out while planning that perfect baby lū‘au or wedding, you know how challenging playing…
Dealing With The Office Blowhard
How to let some air out of that windbag. Q: My co-worker brags nonstop. He boasts about how long he can hold a plank at the gym. Who cares?! He has a new Toyota Corolla – how do I know?…
Can I Secretly Record a Conversation With My Supervisor?
Q: Can I record my boss without telling him? A: Voice-activated pens, spy-camera sunglasses, hiding behind the ficus … decisions, decisions. Hawai‘i is a one-party consent state, so yes, technically you could secretly record a conversation. Some companies, however, have…
Learn to Communicate Better With Your Boss
Q: I have this nagging feeling that my boss hates me. Could I be right? A: Hate is a strong emotion, and unless you’ve been slashing tires or sleeping with the boss’s spouse, it’s unlikely that it’s “hate.” But…
Should I Invite My Boss to My Wedding?
The bride-to-be wonders if she should invite her supervisor to the big event. Q: My fiancé and I are getting married this fall. Is it weird to invite my boss to the wedding? A: Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Unlike…
The Careerist: A Place at the Table
How to make a good impression - and be more effective - once you’ve earned a role on the management committee. Q: I’ve been promoted to manager at work and get to sit on the management committee. I’m hoping to…
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