Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Brian Kraemer
We’ve always been the type of people who live and think outside the norm. Creativity has been at the center of our lives from the start, and we’ve never been ones to simply follow a path because someone told us to. Our hearts are with God, and our greatest joy comes from serving Him and serving people. Read more>>
Erick Ramos
It’s strange. I remember in my younger years all I did was what I was told to do. Get certain jobs, enroll in certain schools, talk to certain people, etc. And honestly, all of it lead to nothing I use today. Read more>>
Kaleb McIntosh
I was sitting in prison this time last year making a plan , a plan on how I’m going to do better this time. I found I wasn’t good at much other than music and the streets I was off into… During my stay in incarceration I learned I have a passion for barbering ! Read more>>
Mikeya Weston
I’m definitely walking a path—one that’s guided by purpose and passion. In 2015, founded Inspire KC as a nonprofit to empower youth through mentorship and development programs. That mission was rooted in purpose, and over time, my passion expanded. While working with families I realized that in order to inspire the youth, our community must understand the importance of economic development. Read more>>
Clay Morgan
Pretty much. I did a lot of soul searching and therapy and found out more of who I am. I am happiest being creative and learning something new. If you meet me in person, there is a surface level persona. A best foot forward kind of thing. But, I am really curious about people. So, my interest in a stranger is genuine! Read more>>
Sierra Jenkins
My work-sona is so different from the real me it’s actually hilarious. I get very rambunctious when I tattoo. I like to give my clients a fun ride. It’s like my own little stand-up gig but to a captive audience haha! We laugh, we cry, we overshare. We are best friends when you’re in my chair. In real life I’m a total introverted home body. Read more>>
Parker Hamrick
The fear that’s held me back the most is the idea of not being enough. Not enough as a dad, not enough as a husband, not enough as a creative, and not being able to make enough money to support it all. That fear has made me second guess opportunities or overthink the work I put out. Read more>>
Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg
I’ve had so many defining moments in my life, but the one I’m writing and speaking about lately has to do with my diagnosis of eye cancer (ocular melanoma) in 2019. Having survived breast cancer years before, I thought I had paid at the office, and I didn’t even know eye cancer was a thing. Read more>>
Amanda Doering
I really enjoy a daily walk on my break in the neighborhood surrounding our school. Not only does it help clear my mind before heading back into the classroom, but I enjoy seeing one of the communities that we serve. Read more>>
Kevin Oldham
I’m a competitive martial artist and got sidelined for 18 months due to knee surgery. Recently got cleared and have taken up Muay Thai and Kickboxing. It’s given me a lot of joy, but it’s also very humbling at the age of 50, starting a new combat sport. Read more>>
Shawnneice Mitchell
Painting with some good music playing is when I truly lose myself in the best way. Hours can pass without me even noticing. It’s my favorite way to tune out the noise and feel totally grounded again. Read more>>
Emily Sterk
Oof… let’s unpack this one. I think the part of me that’s served its purpose is the part that had to constantly claw, fight, and prove I was worthy of other people’s time. Don’t get me wrong, being a *fighter* is a trait I’ll always hold close. But I’m learning I can redefine that identity. Read more>>
Megan Colwell
Ooof. Getting down to the tough questions right off the bat! I’ve paid my therapist good money to answer this one, so here goes: There was a time in my life where having a hard shell meant survival. It meant making myself as small as possible as to not burden anyone. Read more>>
Aubrey Dykeman
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is connection — with God, the people I love, the work I do, and the life I’m building. Read more>>
Abigayle Saint Vincent
I’m committed to creating a photography experience where people feel seen, confident, and truly celebrated for who they are. Too often, shoots feel stiff—forced smiles, cookie-cutter poses, and “say cheese” moments that don’t capture someone’s real self. I remember having the same photographer every year as a kid, and he’d always say a little word before taking a shot that made everyone genuinely smile. Read more>>
Mindi Getz
I am committed to being a mother. I am committed to investing in the relationship I have with my daughter. She is a gift that I was told would be impossible. She came to me in my “geriatric” years as far as western medicine is concerned, but I believe she came right on time. We homeschool and travel together. Read more>>
Forest Kinsey
By far, integrity. When a person is true-to-their word with a good moral compass and great work ethic, they can accomplish anything. I would always put my faith in a person I can trust over others with only innovative ideas or boundless energy. Read more>>
Sarah Schumacher
This is an easy answer: integrity. In the podcast I cohost, it feels like half of our discussions boil down to a statement like this: ‘it goes back to your values.’ The word ‘values’ is thrown around a lot in the context of a business mission statement or other stodgy exercise, but in reality, it’s deeply personal, and it comes down to integrity. Read more>>
Joshua Bolen
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I founded Fashion Honors Autism. What began as my own struggles and desire to create space for those who often feel unseen turned into a mission to empower youth with autism. Read more>>
Brittany Shelton
I stopped hiding my pain when I got sober. For years, I carried a deep shame about my childhood, upbringing, and experiences, masking it all behind an unfeeling, flat affect. I thought isolating was protecting me, but it was slowly destroying me. Sobriety changed that. Choosing healing, changed that. Read more>>
Sabrina Ross
I feel most at peace when I am in the zone of my artistic practice. Whether that is hand embroidery, beading, hand stitching or sewing at the machine – it is my favorite place to be. When I am lost between each stitch, with immense focus and a clear head, it is where I find the most peace. Read more>>
Kaylea Cantrell
Yes, I have definitely had seasons where I felt like I was tap dancing to work. One of the first moments was when I opened my very first practice just three months after graduation and saw my very first patient. I will never forget the mix of nerves and joy I felt stepping into that dream so quickly. Read more>>
Sam Kulikov
Public praise is a fickle thing. I’m not interested in modifying my efforts based on other people’s opinions. I will always do my best because it’s what life demands of me… because I’m blessed to have a chance to live this life. So many people don’t get the chances I do, so who am I to take this moment and squander it? Read more>>
Kevin Moore
I’ve learned that even Billboard plaques and placements with major artists can be incredibly fulfilling in the moment—but the satisfaction doesn’t last forever. As soon as the celebration fades, I’m already chasing the next milestone. That constant push to top my last win is what keeps my passion burning and my vision growing. Read more>>
Heather McCartyb
This is a tough one to answer. Owning my business was a dream come true but it’s also been a rollercoaster. There are ups that fill me with pride and downs that make me wonder what’s next. I think once you’re a dreamer, you’re always a dreamer. And when you have an entrepreneurial heart, you’re never fully content you’re always imagining the next adventure. Read more>>
Nikita Razo
If immortality were real, I’d build generational wealth. I’m talkin’ real, sustainable, pass-this-down-to-your-great-great-great-grandkids kind of wealth. And not just money, but freedom, with options and resources. I’d build things that last, brands that evolve with time, businesses that create long term impact, land that holds value, and education that actually empowers. I’d make sure nobody in my bloodline ever had to start from scratch again. Read more>>
Kate LaVigne
There’s nothing I would stop doing. My mom died when she was 54 years old and ever since then, I’ve made sure that I don’t spend time doing things that don’t bring me joy. Read more>>
Erica Medina
The core of who I am: my heart, my smile, my energy, my care, my hope, my compassion, my empathy, my passion, and my will to do good. I was surrounded by hardship at a young age, and that shaped me into someone determined to live in the opposite way, to bring light instead of darkness. Read more>>
Reece Haney
My faith. The Lord could take it all away in an instant. Just like Job (look up his story, talk about faith). There have been times where I felt like all was lost, but I knew better. Matthew 10:29-31 says, ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. Read more>>
Renauld Shelton
I’m chasing legacy, impact, and freedom. Through Material Opulence, I’m building something that will outlive me. It’s something that is ingrained in resilience, excellence, and Kansas City pride Through mentorship, community work, and storytelling, I’m giving others the belief that their dreams are possible. And through acting and entrepreneurship, I’m chasing the freedom to live fully on my own terms. Read more>>
Shelby Payne
Public version of me is not the real me. I’m cordial and surface level. Not everyone deserves access. Most people don’t take the time to learn someone so they miss out on who the person is at core. Good things take time. I have a rule for dating, it applies to platonic relationships too. Read more>>
Kurt Hamilton
I think chasing is always an interesting term because it means we have never fully achieved our goal. In business, we are always chasing something, whether it’s more sales, an improved mission, or in our case, a solution that hasn’t been fully developed yet. Fulfillment House was started in 2018 with the dream of helping adults with special needs have a place of employment. Read more>>
Marlene Lee
Investing in my future as a creator. I know this will pay off sooner than I think, but I know that it’ll take time to build the foundation I really want to build. If anyone can learn anything from me, it’s to stop being impulsive. To stop giving up when the results aren’t instant, or you get discouraged due to someone else’s opinions. Read more>>
Jim Julo
Money. I hate it. Truly mankinds most evil invention. I can’t think of anything that has inherently caused more fights or worries or insecurities than money. At this point, just burn it all down and start over. If we didn’t need it just to exist, I would give everything I made away if it meant it brought some kind of joy to someone. Read more>>
Samuel Villezcas
Show me your friends and I will show you your future.’ I truly believe this and holds a lot of truth. Although our choices, our decisions are always on us as individuals. I do believe positive or negative influence has a lot to do with how people are shaped growing up and the influences they have a re determining factor in people lives. Read more>>
Antonio Hatcher
My selfishness. Constantly putting other needs first and mine last for the goal of the greater good . Donating time and money whenever I can to make a impact. Read more>>
Malik Johnson
How I rock out out every time and kill every performance and never had to skip a song out of playlist Read more>>
Jamez Hunter
One important truth I believe, though not everyone agrees with me, is that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. A lot of people worship natural talent, as if being gifted automatically guarantees success. I’ve seen plenty of talented people get left behind because they relied too much on their gifts and not enough on their grind. Read more>>
Becky Bowe
One important truth that very few people agree with me on is that of the myth of “learning styles”. The whole idea that some kids are “visual learners,” others are “auditory learners,” and others are “kinesthetic learners” has been completely debunked by research, but it’s still taught in schools and repeated like gospel. Read more>>
Tavia Holt
I will really regret not making a solid foundation for my son’s future. I will regret not breaking generational curses and moving my family into a safer & better environment. I will also regret not taking every opportunity or risk to chase my dreams and goals. Read more>>
Michael Whitebear
Id regret not going for everything I have ever wanted in this life. I don’t want to look back in reflection when i’m old and withering just to say, I had every opportunity, I even had the ability to create my own opportunities, and I let it all got to waste due to fear, or the unknown. Read more>>
Michelle DePrima
In regard to life, Quality over Quantity. In rescue, we face life and death decisions far more often than the general pet owner. It’s never easy, but I am clear on the criteria to apply when making these decisions: Quality of Life is more important than Quantity. My belief is that some animals suffer longer than necessary because the owner is only thinking about themselves. Read more>>
Talena J Da Goddess
I love this one! Because in the new collaboration I was telling you about, I literally just bet My Tech Company’s content could create a ground breaking innovation for My IITNM Music admin Co. and let’s just say I definitely won that one! We are gearing up for The Beta stages of My new App soon. Merging Tech with Music Biz! Read more>>
Eric Phillips
I love this question. I think many people confuse happiness and joy. Happiness is based upon what is currently happening – if good things are happening, I am happy. If bad things are happening, I’m not happy. But practicing joy, we are able to find a feeling of gratitude and positivity in the moment no matter what. Read more>>
Marcela Munoz
This morning, waking up at 10:30 am and starting my work day from my bed. Read more>>
Kent Hartland
Today, like almost every time in our country’s history, people seem to think we are in a unique place with new challenges brought on by progress, or lack of progress, outside influence or inside corruption. Times have always been ripe for paranoid and suspicious people to pin blame for unrequested change on The Other. Read more>>
Susan Righter
Losing sight of our human nature. What I mean by that is that we are all getting swept up into the latest and greatest, particularly as it relates to technology. Technology is amazing and is a tool that we cannot live without. We are correct to embrace it, develop it and use it. Read more>>
