What are you up to?

Just about a year ago, I posted my intent to step back from an organization I care a lot about and one that’s so important to Kansas City. I’m thrilled with the new leadership and the direction. I had faith in the board of directors and confident that it was a good time for me to move on.

My advising role with the foundation concluded at the end of last year. Since then, I get the question “what are you up to?” quite a bit as I’m out and about.

It’s an interesting question. I’m guessing the intent varies from true curiosity to gauging whether I still have any influence at the Kauffman Foundation .

The real answer to the question has been a recent point of reflection.

I sent the email to our interim-CEO letting her know my thinking several weeks before things became public. This was after a lot of consideration, conversation, and a final decision with my family over Spring Break. So, as I walked through DC during this year’s Spring Break, and many memories from my weird and winding career, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past 25 years and the “what are you up to?” question.

My days are complex. I’ve told many friends the real-life example of jumping off a two-hour zoom call discussing regional economic strategy to following my Beagle around with a ladle to get the necessary ingredients for our vet to figure out what’s going on with the pup. Yup. The full range in one afternoon.

The real answer is that I’ve done what I set out to do. I’ve become the Lead Dad as my college friend Paul Sullivan would say. That means I’m scheduling every appointment, taking the first call from the school, and generally keeping things running at home. But it also means that I’m trying to continue to give back to my community and stay intellectually and civically engaged. One friend said I’m doing what I’ve always done, just for free now.

On a more serious note, I’ve been able to support my family in a way that had to happen this year. After two years of struggle, my son was diagnosed with a rare and lifelong disease just before his junior year kicked off. It was scary and we needed a lot of medical help and advice. He’s doing much better and we’re even able to look at colleges outside of where we live, hence the DC area Spring Break/College Tours. My younger kiddo has also been managing several challenges. I’m able to support that journey, being present, and helping to get all the resources needed. We are moving forward.

It’s not a straight line for either kiddo, but there’s been a lot of progress to be proud of. At the same time, my parents are preparing for their next steps, and I’ve been able to attend the tours, visits, and work with my partner to understand the financials.

And, yes, we did figure out what was wrong with the Beagle – diabetes insipidus. She’ll be ok. We managed all of that as a family amid a house remodel. It’s been a year.

Outside of the family, I’m fortunate to continue to contribute as a civic volunteer to our region’s thinking as we work to build a stronger, larger, and more inclusive economy through KC Rising . I’m also grateful to continue my service on the advisory board of Accelerator for America

Looking ahead, I’ll continue to put family first. But I’m also doing more writing as we’ve settled into our new normal. I’m working on a couple of things I’ve wanted to put together for a long time. I’m also hoping to continue my civic leadership work in our region and help other cities think about how to maximize the relationships between philanthropy, corporations, and the public sector. It’s a passion of mine.

I’ve been fortunate to work and learn from a lot of people, organizations, and fantastic elected officials. It’s been an eclectic career that provides me with a unique set of skills, knowledge, and abilities. I hope to continue to share that experience and perspective with others as long as I can. For this year, I’ll continue to maximize my flexibility and take on only civic volunteer efforts. But who knows in the future? I’ll keep you updated.