Guest Authors Stories
Affinity Worldwide CEO hopes $1M gift to Kansas City Startup Foundation spurs more community giving
Editor’s note: Michael Wrenn previously was the owner of Startland News and its parent organization, the Center for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (CEED). I’m a big believer in counting blessings and doing my small part to give back. My wife, Becky Cole, CFO of Affinity Worldwide, is of the same mindset. We’ve enjoyed success over the…
Denise Kruse: So your startup has a strategy — now what?
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Strategy. Strategic plan. Go-to-market. Blueprint. Tactics. Startup innovators probably have heard an exhaustive list of synonyms and buzzwords. I’ve seen them all as a business leader for more than 30 years, helping companies define their strategy or execute on it. And there’s good reason…
In swan song, departing innovation official Kate Garman reflects on tenure with KCMO
Editor’s note: Kate Garman is the KCMO innovation analyst but will be departing this week for a new opportunity in Seattle. She wrote the following piece reflecting on her time with the city. I’ve had a desk at Kansas City Hall now for three years. Starting as an intern, and later joining the staff as…
Callie England opens up on why she stepped down from Rawxies
Editor’s note: The following piece by Callie England sheds light on why she stepped down as CEO of the vegan snack company Rawxies. It contains explicit language. The other day I found myself frozen in panic; what the fuck just happened!? And when I say “just happened” I’m referring to the past six years: From the moment…
Innovation coach Diana Kander: Failure is an option
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Yes, you could fail, and it would be embarrassing. People would talk about it. People you know. But let’s be honest, they’re only trying to reassure themselves about the risk-averse choices they’ve made. Yes, you could fail, and it could get you fired. I’m…
