Brad is an executive business and leadership coach, as well as a partner in PLX Corp, an executive management consulting firm based in the Kansas City region. He coaches CEO’s, Directors of Boards, and senior management leaders that want to strengthen their leadership and business skills.

Brad is a former CEO and a licensed attorney with a unique blend of public, non-profit, and corporate executive leadership experience. Areas of expertise include leadership, board governance, public affairs, government relations, business development, community relations and communications. He is a proven leader and well-versed in leading teams, growing organizations and building relationships.

Texas girl thrilled to be living in Kansas. Grew up living in North Texas aspiring to run my own freight forwarding company. International Business degree, Masters degree in Educational Leadership and finishing EdD in Higher Ed.

Jeff Pelaccio is a servant executive leader, podcast creator/host, accomplished speaker, culture/revenue builder, super connector, and strategist. Driven by the philosophy that the more people you know, the more you can help, Jeff adds value by connecting individuals and fostering collaborations that create magic. As the founder of Pelaccio & Partners, he assists companies with podcasting, provides fractional C-Suite executives to start-ups/high-growth companies, and guides business owners in planning exits. Jeff has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). Jeff is the creator/host of two podcasts: “The Corporate Couch – Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends” which has over 100 episodes and guests that have included Seth Godin (October 2024), Bob Burg (co-author of the “Go-Giver”), and former KC, MO mayor Sly James; “Executives On The Frontlines: Real Answers To Everyday Business Problems”

Jenna’s first leadership role was at age 3 when she became a big sister.  Her career includes 20+ years in the nonprofit industry, with more than a decade in executive leadership. Jenna currently works as a leadership coach and facilitator, helping companies build exceptional cultures, and supporting leaders as they develop the confidence to create fulfilling lives both in AND outside the workplace. Jenna holds a Master of Public Health specializing in health promotion and behavior change, is an ICF-certified professional coach (ACC), is certified in Integrative Enneagram (IEQ9) and is an Energy Leadership Index-Master Practitioner. Additionally, Jenna is a yoga instructor and finds joy integrating yoga philosophy with leadership development. She shares these and other practical (and often irreverent) lessons through her writing, transformational workshops and on her podcast, In With…The Podcast.

Growing up in a family masonry manufacturing business and holding sales positions throughout the Midwest with national footwear brands, I have brought my entrepreneurial spirit to Kansas City in the late ‘90s, opening a progression of retail shoe stores. Not implementing the strategies I now understand and teach, I closed my business in 2014. With an introduction to Missouri’s SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at UMKC, I participated in an Entrepreneurial Mindset program and have since worked with the MO SBDC at UMKC IC as a consultant and now the Regional Director. 

Josh Shorter is the COO of Integrated Components, Inc. a commercial, aerospace, and military parts subcontractor in Wichita, KS. He holds degrees from Wichita State University and the University of Dallas. Josh is active with many boards in his church, the regional and state chambers of commerce, and the City of Wichita, along with advising various political groups on a range of issues. Josh is passionate about the potential for great success in the manufacturing industry and other sectors in our state benefiting Kansans across all regions.

I am a wife, mother of three, business owner and much more.  Professionally,  I have spent the last 30 years strategically working my way up and laterally in the pharmaceutical industry.  Over 20 of those years have been as a leader of teams ranging from 8- 200+ team members.  Over the last few years, I have been called to help others through coaching and consulting.  As a result of that I have become an ICF Certified Professional coach and opened my own Coaching and Consulting Business called, Lasting coach and consulting.  I would describe myself as a lifetime learner and always looking for new ways to push and challenge myself.

Mandy Shoemaker was an educator for 20 years before co-founding Prairie Elder Care with her sister-in-law, Michala Gibson. As an elementary school principal, she focused on the wellbeing of her families’ children, and now at Prairie Elder Care, she has shifted her focus to ensuring the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their families. Mandy co-authored the book, Now is Found, a guide to redesigning dementia care. Prairie Elder Care is celebrating their 10th anniversary this summer. For the last two years, Mandy has focused on a start-up featuring a product called Connectivities. Connectivities are hands on activity kits that foster social connection for people ages 5-95. Mandy is passionate about supporting women business owners, new entrepreneurs, and building strong social connections.

Marc is a financial planning expert dedicated to helping families achieve generational financial continuity through strategic goal setting and monitoring. He is CFO and owner of Searcy Financial.  Living in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife Bridgette and their two children, Grant and Emily, Marc is deeply involved in his community. He actively mentors through the Kansas City Chapter of the Financial Planning Association and serves on various boards.

Marc has completed multiple half marathons and BikeMS events and enjoys hiking globally. His leadership and service roles include extensive contributions to the Overland Park South Rotary Club, Kansas City Centurions Leadership Program, and Kansas State University, where he has been recognized for his professional and philanthropic efforts.

29+ years in federal/local government service as well as non-profit and corporate/strategic communications, policy and community engagement experience.

Digital Learning Manager at Smithfield Foods