Cyphr (Formerly Foresight)

ICYMI! I recently had the pleasure of joining Brad Burrow on his In a World podcast produced by Real Media LLC. We delved into a wide range of topics, from my college baseball career and previous work to my new role with Cyphr (Formerly Foresight) and my board work with KC CAN! Kansas City Children’s Assistance Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. We also discussed running Top Gun Kansas City and the origin of the KC Shout-Out Series. It was a great conversation, and I immensely enjoyed the in-person format.

WOMEN-OWNED/LED BUSINESS SHOUT-OUT: EDITION 94 Founded by the esteemed Dr. Kirsten Brown Persley, Persley Advisors is a strategic advising firm that partners with organizations to define and achieve transformative organizational goals by strategically leveraging the power of leadership to drive mission-aligned outcomes. They were founded on the mission of supporting organizational leaders in cultivating cultural competence by driving mission-aligned outcomes that foster dignity within themselves, their leadership, their organizations, and the world. They do this through their services:   -Customized Strategic Projects: Support with the creation and execution of events, programs, and initiatives that strategically align with leaders’ organizational mission, vision, and goals. - Leadership Coaching: Provides leadership coaching for leaders and aspiring leaders -Speaking and Training: Keynote talks and training for established and emerging leaders with customized support and strategies that accelerate realizing organizational goals. -Organizational Leadership Audits: These provide targeted organizational leadership audits to assess areas of success that can be amplified and leveraged, opportunities for improvement, and suggestions for innovation within the organization. Dr. Kirsten Brown Persley is also the author of Delivering Dignity:  A Guide to Cultivating Cultural Competence, and she was selected as an official speaker at SXSW 2024. I know Dr. Brown Persley will continue to work toward her vision of a world where leaders are empowered to recognize, cultivate, and leverage the superpowers of their talent and receive the strategic support they need to meet transformative mission-aligned goals. Please follow the link in the comments to learn more about Persley Advisors and consider how their services could benefit your organization or leadership journey.    Next Up: Fannie's African Cuisine, owned by Fannie Gibson

Check out this podcast with Nick Giuliani. We loved learning about his college baseball career, Top Gun, KC CAN! Kansas City Children’s Assistance Network, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and of course his incredible networking acumen. Check out the podcast!

I enjoyed being on Brad Burrow's "In a World" podcast by Real Media LLC. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you all will!

KC LEADER SHOUT-OUT: EDITION 114: Nicole Jacobs Silvey (she/her) is a coach, consultant, speaker, writer, and, above all, a connector. Driven to connect people to their purpose and passion so they can reach their potential, Nicole founded Connection Coach KC, focusing on executive coaching and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker and writer with expertise in DEI, leadership development, and women's empowerment. Connection Coach KC (CCKC) utilizes a listen-learn-lead approach that engages clients in crucial content, strategy, and action. Nicole meets clients where they are while challenging assumptions, identifying blind spots, and encouraging personal reflection and action. CCKC's antiracism work is rooted in the history of oppression with a focus on dismantling systemic Racism. Nicole's most celebrated DEI work is in not-for-profit board development. After over twenty years in the not-for-profit sector, she was inspired to develop a training series called the Board Diversity Initiative (BDI), a program of Support Kansas City. CCKC's strengths lie in content delivery, facilitation, and program design. Topics such as implicit bias, allyship, pipeline-building, and the history of oppression are areas of expertise for the firm and provide the foundation for the DEI strategy. A former leadership development coach for the Kauffman Scholars program, Nicole returned to Kauffman Scholars as a coach in their BIPOC coaching program. In this role, she worked with BIPOC young professionals to equip them with the skills to navigate complex work situations stemming from workplace inequities. Nicole is also the Co-Founder of the Sisters’ Circle GKC, a giving circle for Black women, and the Rise Tribe, a group of Black women who hosted a podcast addressing the unique complexities of life for people of color. In addition, she co-hosts The Roundtable, a dialogue series that convenes the community in crucial conversations. She has served on several boards and committees, including The Coterie Theatre, KC Rising's DEI Advisory Committee, KC Ballet's Education and Engagement Committee, the Executive Women's Leadership Council (Greater Kansas City Chamber), the C3KC Community Advisory Committee (Junior League), and the St. Peter's Catholic School Board of Directors. A servant leader at heart, Nicole is passionate about philanthropy and volunteerism. Nicole was selected to the 2018 Class of Rising Stars (The Independent Magazine) and named the 2018 Emerging Volunteer by Nonprofit Connect. She also graduated from KC Tomorrow and the AHEAD program (Central Exchange). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rockhurst University and her Not-for-Profit Fundraising Certificate from the UMKC Bloch School of Management. Nicole has a variety of interests but is most passionate about empowering women, access to quality education, and social justice issues. Next Up: Joshua I. Lewis 

Did you see the news Friday? Loanready is official available. We've been testing and working with city governments, ESO's and lenders behind the scenes for months collaborating on ways to empower and prepare small business owners to access the funding they deserve - from those engagements, LoanReady was born. Helping small businesses has always been part of our “Why” at Cyphr (Formerly Foresight) and we are excited about this release! Follow the link in the comments to learn more about the features, who ita designed for, and the impact it will have. Cyphr will also have huge news coming soon, so stay tuned……

It's here. 🌹 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsmCWgTF

Small business owners and small business owners only. Our love letter to you. 2.14.2025 🌹

WOMEN-OWNED/LED BUSINESS SHOUT-OUT: EDITION 93 Brown Suga, a unique venture founded by Ebony Paul, her sister Asia Lockett, and mother Reba Paul, stands out as one of Olathe's premier cookie spots, and possibly even Kansas City’s, due to its distinct family recipes and commitment to quality.    Before establishing a physical presence in Olathe, Brown Suga made its mark in 2020 through pop-ups and community events. At a time when we all needed a little sweetness in our lives, Brown Suga, led by Ebony's passion for baking and family ties, was there to spread joy amidst the chaos.    They value quality ingredients above all else and strive to be mindful of everything they put in their products.    What sets Brown Suga apart is its diverse range of cookies. From the classic Chocolate Chip to the indulgent Double Chocolate Chip, there's a flavor for every cookie lover. If you're feeling adventurous, try the unique Birthday Cake or the refreshing Lemon Crinkle.    They will also offer seasonal flavors, including the current Gooey Butter, Strawberries, and Champagne. Monster and Lemon Crinkle are the most popular flavors.   Exciting news! Brown Suga emerged victorious at the AltCap Your Biz competition, securing a significant prize to fuel its expansion plans. Soon, it will be hitting the streets with its very own food truck, bringing its delicious cookies to even more people.   The shop is located at 1066 W. Santa Fe Street, Olathe, KS 66061. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on Sundays.    Please follow the link in the comments to learn more about Brown Suga.    Next Up: Persley Advisors, owned by Dr. Kirsten Brown Persley

KC LEADER SHOUT-OUT: EDITION 113 Many people might know Brandon McAnderson from being The University of Kansas's fullback during their Orange Bowl victory. Still, I have been lucky to get to know him in the last couple of years and see a truly authentically generous human being. Brandon, a Lawrence native, fulfilled his lifelong dream by attending KU. His athletic prowess was recognized when he entered the university. The Big 12 coaches named him to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2007 as a running back and an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree in 2006 at fullback. He also served as a Captain for the Orange Bowl game and was a two-time member of the athletic director's honor roll in 2006 and 2007. After KU, he began his career in the insurance industry, working in customer service and claims for almost fifteen years. He currently serves as the Manager of National Accounts and Customer Service at United Rotary Brush Corporation, where he oversees a team of professionals and is responsible for maintaining relationships with key clients. Brandon's connection to KU doesn't end with his playing days. He is also a sideline reporter for KU Football Radio and hosts the Crimson & Blue pregame show, a role that keeps him closely involved with the university's sports community. Brandon joined KU Sports Radio in the fall of 2020. Brandon was a 2024 Rock Star for Band of Angels. He and his incredible wife, Alejandra Villalobos-McAnderson, were 2024 Most Wanted Honorees representing Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City of Kansas City. Together, they helped the 2024 class raise over 1.4 million for BBBSKC. Fun fact: Alex and Brandon are the first husband-and-wife duo featured in the leader shout-out series. He is a current member of Top Gun Kansas City. Brandon's commitment to his community is evident in his actions. As he started his career, he coached football at Shawnee Mission South and volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas, while at KU. These experiences demonstrate his dedication to supporting and uplifting his community. Brandon's authenticity, grounded nature, and humility make him a standout individual. His past actions and character assure us that he will continue to be a positive force in our community and a strong supporter of the University of Kansas community. To learn more about United Rotary Brush or Brandon’s work with KU Athletics, follow the links in the comments below. Next Up: Nicole Jacobs Silvey (she/her)