Common Sense with Ryan Baty

Today, most people know Joy Eakins as the businesswoman behind Cornerstone Data, the successful and fast-growing consulting firm based in Wichita. Her business acumen even landed her as the Wichita Chamber Chair in 2023, where she both challenged and encouraged our small business community.

That’s the Joy most people see, the business leader, but I’ve come to know a different side of Joy Eakins – a principled fighter – and her story is worth sharing. 

We talk about the challenges she’s overcome, her time on the Wichita School Board, and I ask her what our state needs in its next Governor and if she is going to run? I hope you enjoy the discussion with my friend, Joy Eakins.

In my view, the most important levels of government are found closest to home at the local level. Where services that impact our lives happen every day. City government, county government, and particularly, our local school boards have enormous influence on the health and prosperity of our community. And one of the most important figures working to help shape the largest school district in the entire state is Diane Albert, USD 259 Board of Education President. Wichita Public Schools is in a pivotal season where decisions are being made by 7 board members and the Superintendent. And they will undoubtedly have generational impact. In this episode, Diane and I talk about these decisions, these challenges, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation with my friend, Diane Albert.

I learned early in sports and business that a big part of personal growth requires you to guard your influences. You have to be very selective on who you allow to speak into your life, and for me in this season, I have one specific man I’ve invited into that space, Damon Young.

On a regular basis, I seek out Damon to get feedback and counsel on multiple issues, and I’ve continued to be inspired by his heart and his vision for our community. From his work in both the private and non-profit organizations, and now as CEO of Lead Wichita, Damon and I talk about all that he’s learned at each of these stops and what he sees as challenges and opportunities for our community.

From Immigrant, to Journalist, and now Mayor, Lily Wu's story is nothing short of remarkable. In November of 2023, the people of Wichita voted her into office to help shape the future of their city. For my seat on the Sedgwick County Commission, I've worked closely with Lily in trying to better align the interests of Wichita and Sedgwick County while also trying to bring solutions to some of our most significant community challenges. 
Over the last year, I've come to better understand what makes the Mayor tick, and what she hopes to accomplish in her time in public office. We talk about these things and more including the topics of reform and what that could potentially look like, and how we both deal with the highs and lows of local politics. I hope you enjoy my conversation with City of Wichita Mayor, Lily Wu.

In every campaign, the public sees the candidate and the issues—but behind the scenes, strategists shape the outcome. That person for me? Ben Davis. Known for his sharp mind, strong principles, and intense approach, Ben has worked on campaigns across the country, most recently leading the 'vote no' campaign for a school bond in Kansas’ largest school district. In this episode, we dive into his strategy, why he got involved, and his take on the future of the conservative movement and the Republican party. Tune in for a candid conversation with my friend, political strategist, and consultant, Ben Davis. 

It's not often that you find two political opponents having a civil dialogue amongst each other. In this episode, I invite Lacey Cruse, former Sedgwick County Commissioner, for open dialogue. 
We discuss the weight of making decisions as a publicly elected official, the impact that taking office had on our lives, and what goes on inside of our in heads taking on these roles.