Crosby Kemper III has served as the director of the KC Public Library and the director of the National Institute of Museum and Library Services with both the Trump and Biden administrations. Today, he’s on a mission to make sure children from all segments of our society are given the opportunity to learn to read.

From the 1880’s through today, seven generations of the Kempers have been at the forefront of Kansas City’s growth and development, and they’re certain to have a powerful impact on our city’s future. In today’s episode, Crosby takes us through the incredible impact his family has had on Kansas City, the vital services that libraries provide, and the importance of literacy in our community.

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Allan Swan is the President of Panasonic North America. In today’s episode, the Scotland native tells us how the tiny, unassuming De Soto, Kansas beat out over 100 other sites in 13 states to build Panasonic’s newest lithium battery plant. The $4 billion investment by Panasonic is the largest economic development project in Kansas history and it will employ up to 8,000 workers at all skill levels. In order to fill those positions, Panasonic is reaching out to local educational institutions to develop that work force. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of the continued evolution of the lithium battery and EV’s. Allan also talks about how he and his family have fallen for Kansas City since their move, and how the people here have made all the difference.

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Lindsey Patterson-Smith is Vice Chair of the American Royal. In today’s episode, she takes us on a ride through the 125 year old history of the American Royal and its future as one of Kansas City’s most iconic year-long celebrations. 

Lindsey also shares the impact her family has had on the KC area, from her father Neal’s co-founding of Cerner to the Patterson Family Foundation’s continued impact across rural Missouri and Kansas to assure the continued growth of agriculture. As her father always said, “Create value and good things will happen.”

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Paul Kempinski is the CEO of Children’s Mercy Kansas City. In today’s episode, Paul takes us through the hospital’s incredible history, from its founding in 1897 by two sisters with a focus on research and philanthropy to the legacy he leaves behind as he prepares for retirement. 

Paul’s tenure adds to the already incredible reputation of Children’s Mercy Hospital, one of the top children’s hospitals in the country that’s helping to drive Kansas City’s economic engine as the city’s 4th biggest private employer. Paul talks family, leadership, and the future, sharing why he believes there’s just something about Kansas City.

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Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado is the President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute. World renowned for his groundbreaking work in regenerative biology, Dr. Sanchez Alvarado is the leader in exploring the mysteries of life and the potential for organisms to regenerate damaged tissues. 

He’ll be the first to tell you none of his work, or that of his scientists and researchers would be possible without the incredible foresight and generosity of Jim and Virginia Stowers. They made sure the institute had a permanent home in Kansas City and that it will continue to attract the next generations of scientists.

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Matt Linski was born in Pennsylvania, migrated to Sedalia, Missouri and with inspiration from his father, set a path that saw him rise to president of Bank of America in this region.

Matt’s work in the community goes well beyond the office, from Big Brothers Big Sisters, to a scholarship at Missouri State in honor of his late father, and countless local philanthropic causes through Bank of America Kansas City. 

Matt shares his life story — how his father inspired his “humble in defeat” approach to life, his commitment to “walking the floor”, how his faith has guided him, and how much relationships mean in building a future. He also talks about becoming an official Kansas Citian and what a difference this city has made for his family.

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Madisen Ward is a Kansas City musician and songwriter. Hailing from Independence, Madisen was raised with a feeling that anything was possible, watching his mother Ruth playing shows at coffee shops and his uncle, actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., on the big screen.

Madisen started writing in high school, and after taking the stage with his mother a few times and writing some originals, the two formed “Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear”. The Americana/roots duo went from the kitchen to Letterman almost overnight, with live videos from their debut album, Skeleton Crew, catching on like wildfire.

Now, Madisen has taken off on his own and lets us inside his creative process as he continues the Ward legacy. Hear the mantras and motivations that have brought him here, what lies ahead, and how Kansas City encourages artists to lean into warmth and their own unique style.

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A family-owned company lasting five generations is almost unheard of. But here in Kansas City, U.S. Engineering has defied the odds.

Tyler Nottberg, the company’s CEO, tells the story of U.S. Engineering’s founding by Gustav Nottberg in 1893, its twists and turns through World Wars, and how the company has helped to shape the Kansas City we know today. Tyler takes us through their colorful family history from Germany to Strawberry Hill, weaving the journey together with the stories of the men and women who built the company and continue to contribute to its success.

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Pasquale Trozzolo is the founder of Kansas City’s Trozzolo Communications — and so, so much more. The entrepreneur turned champion racecar driver turned published poet & budding chef might just have the Dos Equis guy beat for “most interesting man in the world.”

Pasquale is the Chicago-born son of Italian immigrants who found his “coming of age” adventures in Kansas City, from working as a political strategist, to finding success in sales, to following in his uncle’s footsteps by starting his own venture.

Pasquale believes making business work is like making a good ragu: you need the right ingredients. He lives his life by sayings like, “crisis is fun," “always leave a fragrance not an odor," and, “the world is watching — and so is your family.” From encouraging others to give their dreams a shot to philanthropic endeavors, Pasquale Trozzolo is always finding new ways to better himself and the city he loves.

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Claudia Meyer is the first female Latina president of Cristo Rey Kansas City. 

At the age of fifteen, Claudia moved from her native Brazil to the United States and found herself in a new country, with a new culture, and a new lifestyle knowing just one word in the English language: NO! 

But she didn't let that stop her. She quickly learned to say YES to take complete advantage of the opportunities before her. Her story is an inspiration to not just the students, but to everyone who comes in contact with her positive and infectious personality. She lives her life by her motto, “we rise by lifting others,” affectionately known by those around her as “the Meyer Effect”. 

Don't miss this incredible conversation about all the ways the Kansas City community is embracing the Cristo Rey corporate work study model to break down barriers for young people across the metro.

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