Vivek Sharma, founder and CEO of InStride, discusses how strategic enterprise education helps corporations achieve their business goals; why investing in your employees is critical, even during a pandemic; and the changing nature of education.

Todd Marks, CEO of Mindgrub, discusses the work that Mindgrub does to bridge the digital divide, how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this inequality, and why we need to have a government that prioritizes big goals and takes bold action.

Brett Simpson joins the podcast for the second episode in our series, “The Future of Work.”  Simpson is the managing director of Elevate Simply and a member of the Kansas City Business Journal Leadership Trust. He’ll discuss what alignment means, the fact that senior leadership teams likely aren’t in alignment around basics such as company purpose or priorities, and how chaotic times like the coronavirus pandemic highlight the need for alignment to ensure the future viability of companies.

Courtnay Bradley joins the podcast for the first episode in our Future of Work series, “Optimizing Your Workspace.” Bradley is the founder and chief purpose officer of Trilogie and a member of the Kansas City Business Journal Leadership Trust. She discusses how companies need to think about the future of their workspace (which is more than just furniture!).

Ed Barrientos joins the podcast for the third episode in our series, “Startup Nation.” Barrientos is the Chairman and CEO of Brazen Technologies and a member of the Washington Business Journal Leadership Trust. He discusses how less friction and pre-interviews with job candidates can help reduce the time and cost of hiring talent.

Eugene Sepulveda joins the podcast for the second episode in our series, “Start Up Nation”.  Sepulveda is the CEO of Entrepreneur Foundation and a member of the Austin Business Journal Leadership Trust.  He’ll discuss how Austin is attracting early-stage companies and the impact of startups on Austin’s storied culture.

Sherilyn Adams joins the podcast for the second episode in our series, “The Inequality Dilemma.” Adams is the Executive Director of Larkin Street Youth Services and a member of the San Francisco Business Times Leadership Trust.  She discusses the invisible crisis of youth homelessness, the reasons it happens, and what San Francisco and other cities can do to help.

Ryan Weber joins the podcast for the first episode in our series, “How We Get Around.” Weber is the President of the KC Tech Council and a member of the Kansas City Business Journal Leadership Trust. He discusses his work in positioning Kansas City as a hub for tech innovation by cheerleading the introduction of a hyperloop system.

Shannon Swift joins the podcast for the first episode in our Startup Nation series.  Swift is the founder and CEO of Swift HR Solutions and a member of the Puget Sound Leadership Trust.  She shares her experience in recruiting talent to the greater Seattle area and discusses what makes Seattle an attractive place for startups and early-stage growth companies.