Business Concept Magazine

THE FANTASTIC 103rd SEASON: By Heide VanDoren Betz OPENING WEEKEND features OPERA BALL, RIGOLETTO, and the 50th Anniversary OPERA IN THE PARK Concert. The world premiere of THE MONKEY KING (猴王悟空) by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang. Music Director Eun Sun Kim conducts: Richard Wagner’s PARSIFAL in a new staging by director Matthew Ozawa, Giuseppe Verdi’s RIGOLETTO, Ludwig van BEETHOVEN AND MANUEL DE FALLA concert, Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s DEAD MAN WALKING, a 25th-anniversary presentation Chorus Director John Keene prepares the artists of the San Francisco Opera Chorus for the operas of the 2025–26 season and leads them in a CHORUS CONCERT at the Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theater on November 23. The Company’s resident artists, the Adler Fellows, will have their annual showcase with the San…

FROM FAME TO A DEEPER FULFILLMENT Babcock’s journey took a remarkable turn when she set a formidable challenge for herself. Instead of pursuing a master’s degree, she decided she would move from her hometown of Denton, Texas, to New York City and find a major publisher for a children’s book she had written, eager to see where that avenue would lead. This bold ambition paid off when her book, No Moon, No Milk! was bought and distributed by Random House, one of the three biggest publishers in the world. While the book earned acclaim from outlets like The New York Times, the whirlwind of attention that followed felt surprisingly isolating. “I was unprepared for the limo rides and book fairs,” she recalls. “Sitting behind a table and having a five-second…

“Many restaurants offer excellent service, but what sets us apart is the authenticity behind every interaction.” THE ART OF CULINARY CONSISTENCY For Executive Chef Brendy Monsada, maintaining Mastro’s signature culinary standards while embracing local influences represents both a challenge and an opportunity. “We uphold Mastro’s uncompromising culinary standards by following our core recipes and rigorous execution practices to ensure consistency across every plate,” Monsada explains. This dedication to precision doesn’t come at the expense of local flavor, however. The chef works closely with trusted Bay Area purveyors to source the finest seasonal ingredients, creating a harmonious balance between Mastro’s iconic legacy and regional authenticity. The approach reflects a deeper philosophy about what it means to be a destination restaurant in San Francisco. Rather than simply transplanting a successful concept, Mastro’s…

THE ROOTS OF RESILIENCE—A BRAZILIAN CHILDHOOD FORGED IN FIRE “I was always very competitive and loved sports,” she recalls. “Nutrition was part of our lives because in Brazil, eating from nature’s source was less expensive than processed food.” Her earliest memories revolve around the vibrant farmer’s markets of her homeland, where the abundance of fresh produce left an indelible mark. “Brazilian agriculture is very rich—it influenced me tremendously. It wasn’t a trend; it was just natural.” But her family’s influence went beyond nutrition. Growing up as the only girl among brothers, Karina learned early how to stand her ground. “My brothers taught me toughness, but I often felt like I had to fight harder to be heard. In our culture, especially at that time, expectations for girls were limiting.” Her…

This spirit of care goes beyond hospital walls and clinic rooms—it extends into homes, where healing often feels most natural. By delivering tailored support in familiar surroundings, providers foster a sense of security, stability, and connection. Relationships are built, trust is deepened, and patients are empowered to navigate their health journeys with confidence. As a child, Leo Reyes had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. After graduating from high school, Leo moved to Guam to be with his parents for a year before heading to college. With a strong desire to work in healthcare, Leo pursued a degree in Physical Therapy at De La Salle University, focused on his desire to enhance people’s quality of life. After graduation, Leo moved to the United States in 2008, planting new roots in…

FROM LANES TO LEGACY: THE ATHLETIC FOUNDATION Molinari’s voice carries the quiet intensity of someone who knows what it means to push past limits. “Swimming taught me that if you show up consistently—even when it’s uncomfortable—you can break through just about any barrier,” he reflects. This ethos crystallized during a defining moment at conference finals his junior year: a false start in the 100-fly prelims led to disqualification. By dawn the next day, he channeled the setback into a personal best in the 200-fly, securing crucial points for his team. “That day rewired my brain. One failure doesn’t dictate the next performance. You shake it off, refocus, and execute.” These athletic lessons became professional cornerstones. In modeling, his 5 a.m. call times feel like home turf; his ability to maintain…