Guest Authors Stories

Louis Byrd, Goodwim Design

An entrepreneur’s confession: Being a stay-at-home dad is the manliest thing I’ve ever done

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. I am the man! Women stay at home and care for the children. Men are the breadwinners. Throughout history, that has been the societal norm. Women take care of home and men are the providers. From the hunter-gather period, until modern times —…

Pathways to inclusive prosperity: Racial and economic disparity impact all of Kansas City

Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from opening remarks by David Warm, executive director of the Mid-America Regional Council, at the 9th Annual Greater Kansas City Education and Workforce Summit, which assembled more than 150 education, workforce, civic and business leaders to explore expanding pathways to inclusive prosperity. The summit was hosted by Ewing Marion…

Victor Hwang, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Victor Hwang’s parting message to Kauffman, KC and beyond: ‘We make a powerful tribe’

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Victor Hwang is the outgoing vice president of entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Click here to read more about his planned departure from the leading ecosystem building organization. Today is my last day in the office, as I transition out of…

Corrigan 2 by Copaken Brooks

Before signing the lease: Examine your startup’s culture, protect against surprises

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Ryan Biery, SIOR, is senior vice president of brokerage at Copaken Brooks, a commercial real estate agency in Kansas City. That moment when they hand you the keys. That’s a good moment for your startup or small business. It’s a sense of excitement,…

Wrap up: Miss FUND Conference Kansas City? Don’t forget to craft your narrative

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Brandon Warrington is an attorney at Husch Blackwell in Omaha. This op-ed is sponsored by Husch Blackwell. Kansas City’s inaugural FUND Conference buzzed with startups and emerging companies, from social ventures still in the ideation phase to companies having just finished their Series…