Neal Sharma
Sports are KC’s biggest new export, leaders say; make them synonymous with city’s brand
Kansas City’s sports ties should be as obvious and celebrated as Nashville’s musical identity, said Neal Sharma, describing the region’s potential to redefine itself based on recent headline-grabbing wins.
Best AI strategy for your business: Make it Midwest practical, says startup duo reunited after DEG exit
For many companies racing to adopt artificial intelligence, the biggest challenge isn’t the technology; It’s knowing where to begin, said Neal Sharma, whose new venture alongside Craig Sizemore aims to turn AI hype into real business value. “Everyone knows they need to do something,” said Sharma, executive chairman and co-founder of Kansas City-based STEPS Consulting….
World Cup will be KC’s biggest-ever event, top founder says (and local businesses can still get in the game)
When Neal Sharma co-founded DEG at the turn of the millennium, Kansas City felt like it had an inferiority complex, he said. Fast forward to 2024, and the city is teeming with extrinsic validation, he added. The exited founder-turned-civic leader hopes being a World Cup host city in 2026 pushes Kansas City to take a…
World Cup is coming to KC (and so are the asks): How leaders must boost the region before 2026
Kansas City is steadily growing and evolving, said Neal Sharma, making it more important than ever to engage at the community level to tackle challenges and secure opportunities facing the region. That’s especially true as Kansas City prepares for the 2026 World Cup, echoed fellow leaders who spoke Thursday at KC Rising’s Horizon 2023 event….
Horizon event set for in-person return, amplifying region’s growth while pushing for more equity
Kansas City is on the rise — and organizers of KC Rising’s annual Horizon event want curious citizens to come see such growth for themselves. “Horizon is a diverse gathering that isn’t tied to a single organization but owned by the region. … It is a celebration of all of us,” said Meryl Dillman, program manager,…
