Opinion Stories

Stephanie Smithmier, Morgan Hunter

Ready to hire? First ask: Does your startup really need another full-time employee?

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Stephanie Smithmier is an expert in talent recruitment, serving as the director of the administrative division at Morgan Hunter in Kansas City. I’m a toe-dipper. A pool, the lake, the ocean — I’m going to test the waters first, only willing to sacrifice…

Photo courtesy of Venture Legal

Pivoting to freelance: Create a brand that speaks for you when you’re not in the room

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Chris Brown is the founder of Venture Legal where he represents startups, freelancers, and small businesses. This column — originally published by Venture Legal and part of a limited series on freelance entrepreneurism — is intended to be general in detail and does…

Photo courtesy of Venture Legal

Pivoting to freelance: Getting started on your own takes step-by-step attention to detail

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Chris Brown is the founder of Venture Legal where he represents startups, freelancers, and small businesses. This column — originally published by Venture Legal and part of a limited series on freelance entrepreneurism — is intended to be general in detail and does…

Jeff Simon, Husch Blackwell

Business, civic leader: Chains of slavery were built for profit (then and now) — together we must dismantle them

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Jeff Simon is managing partner of Husch Blackwell’s Kansas City office. Simon is currently on the board of STARTLAND, the parent organization of Startland News, and previously served as president of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, chair of the Kansas City…

Rodney Sampson, Opportunity Hub

OHUB founder: Your silence is an investment; I’m calling out so-called allies

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Rodney Sampson is founder of Atlanta-based Opportunity Hub, as well as OHUB’s Kansas City minority accelerator, OHUB.KC, which operates through a partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. Opportunity Hub is a non-financial partner of Startland News. Hello tech, startup…